New up-and coming young musician Chad Price took the time to answer a few of our questions, and here’s what he had to say. From what we hear, he’s the next Jason Mraz.

Young Adult: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Chad Price: I realized that a lot later than I think most musicians or artists realize it. I tried a lot of things first before it dawned on me that music was actually where I needed to go. I realized I wanted to play and make music when I was about nineteen years old and in my first year of University. That decision came as a shock to most people who knew me because I didn’t often display my musical side, but I think they get it now…which is nice.

YA: Was your family supportive?
CP: Very much so. I’m lucky to have a family that allows me and encourages me to pursue the things that I want to pursue regardless of societal expectations and all that. They saw that this was something I was passionate about and I think that’s all they really needed to see in order for them to embrace my musical goals. Actually my two older brothers bought into it so much that they began to play and record music with me. We’re already a fairly musical family anyways so that made it easier for them to support me too I’m sure. 

YA: What do you find most challenging?
CP: As an independent and new artist, most things are challenging. That’s just how it’s going to be. However, the biggest challenge for me has been the battle of maintaining momentum. I’ve been lucky enough and have worked hard enough to be able to put out a quality product in my debut album “In This Dream” and receive a certain degree of attention and fanfare. However it’s a constant battle to take the opportunities that I receive and turn that into sustained exposure or momentum. That’s why new and independent artists have to work twice as hard. I’m constantly trying to give fans new content while at the same time not overexpose myself. I’m definitely learning what it takes to succeed in this sometimes harsh business and only with a small team around me.

YA: Who or what has been your inspiration?
CP: I have plenty of musical inspirations, but most notably for me would have to be John Mayer. I’ve always been a guitar player but his music compelled me to start writing my own material, be a better guitarist, and become an actual musician. There are other ones too like Norah Jones, Feist, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band, D’Angelo, Dallas Green and Incubus just to name some off the top of my head.
There are also many authors who have inspired me to do what I do. People like Henry David Thoreau, T.S. Eliot, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and some of the works of classic Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates as well. 
Aside from other artists and authors though, I was inspired by something greater than me to not be afraid to live the life that I want to live even if it isn’t necessarily what people would expect. Life really is too short to spend your time worrying, stressing, or wishing you did things differently. I was and still am inspired to not take this life so seriously and therefore enjoy things a little more.

YA: Who are some of your favorite bands?
CP: Well as I just mentioned John Mayer is up there for me…as is Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, The Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, Mumford & Sons, Incubus, Allen Stone, Tingsek, Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones and so many more. That list is almost endless. Right now I’m really feeling Allen Stone though. He’s been my favourite artist of this year I think.

YA: What are five of your favorite things about being on the road?
CP: 1. The Food. I love trying new food and restaurants and touring gives me the opportunity to do that and indulge a little more than I probably should.
2. Making and connecting with new fans.
3. Hanging out with my band
4. Getting the chance to share the stage and learn from so many other great artists
5. Seeing more of the country..or countries 

YA: Is your song “Another Day” about someone specific?
CP: Not at all. It’s more about an idea or a way of life than it is about a person. Another Day is a song that is about being completely fine with being lost in life….well not fine with it, but being able to learn from it and trusting lifes ways of making things happen. I use to think that I needed to have my entire life planned out by the time I was 18. When things didn’t seem to go as planned I had a mini freak out, but out of that madness came some clarity and I realized a better strategy is to accept the things, good or bad, that come your way in life and to enjoy the unexpected instead of forcing and predetermining your life. Another Day is about that…trusting life, being friends with life, being patient with life, and not worrying about every little thing. Enjoy the dance!

YA: What message are you trying to share?
CP: I want people to live the best life that they can and to do good for the world. In order to do that, people have to “wake up” in a sense. I see far too many people that go through the motions…who are somehow confined by the things they do. I say do what makes you happy. My album is called “In This Dream” for a reason. It comes from a quote from author Henry David Thoreau that states “Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake”. To me this means we live our best life when we pursue what we’re passionate about and what we love. It also means we need to be “awake” in order to be able to turn our lives into what we dream of them one day becoming. I choose to be awake and aware in this life or else I’m doomed to lead a miserable one. My album is my little attempt to get people to make changes and live an examined, meaningful, thoughtful, and worthwhile life that in turn makes the world a better place to live. If not that, hopefully my music at least brings a smile to your face and makes your days a little more enjoyable.

YA: What do you have coming up?
CP: Right now we’re focusing on having my single “Another Day” pick up traction on U.S. radio. It is being played often right now and the plays continue to grow.Please request it at your local radio stations! I’ll be making plenty of station visits in the coming months as well as performing live with my band and other great artists hopefully in a town near you supporting my album “In This Dream”. I’m also starting to write and record my second album that will be out sometime next year.

YA: What would you tell someone pursuing the same career?
CP: I’d tell them to only pursue this career if it’s something you’re truly passionate about and willing to put in a lot of work for. I didn’t get into music for money or fame and neither should any true musician or artist. If that’s what you want, find something else. It’s a tough business with plenty of barriers. Only do this if it’s what you live for. If that’s the case, then go for it…and be kind, patient, and diligent along the way. Also learn to not take praise or criticism all too seriously. Work hard and learn as you go. Do this for you and only you. 

YA: What’s your favorite book, or what book are you currently reading?
CP: My favourite book of all time would have to be To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and I’m currently not reading anything! If you have any good suggestions please throw them my way 🙂