Wade Fehr has been writing songs and playing music for years. But the full-time City of Prince Albert firefighter says his latest music is extra meaningful.
In December of 2017, Fehr started working on an album of original songs titled ‘My Way Back Home’. That work will come to a head tonight, as Fehr holds an album release party at the Mann Art Gallery.
“This album was all about family,” he said.
“I’m married with four kids, so there’s a song for each of the kids, a song for my wife, a song I wrote for my dad and for one of my aunts who passed away — every song has a special meaning and came from a special place.”
The music itself is mostly country folk blues, with a little bit of southern rock included. Fehr found those styles worked best with the stories he was trying to tell.
“I’ve been playing music and writing songs for 20 years now, and out of all of them, these have been the most meaningful, the most heartfelt. It was really important to me to have them recorded and more than just songs in my head I play for people at the odd show. It’s something people can take home and my family members can have and listen to whenever they like.”
To help cover his costs, Fehr presold about 30 copies. He also posted a Youtube video that has been viewed over 1,000 times.
“it’s been really great to get support from friends, family and the community,” Fehr said.
“When you go through a creative process and put yourself out there, you never know what kind of feedback you’re going to get. It feels really good when people are excited to see what you can come up with and are there to support it.”
The whole process of writing, recording and performing the songs has been emotional for Fehr.
“Even recording it. There are a lot of songs that, every time I sing them, I get a little choked up. Even going over it ten times in the studio, each time, it doesn’t take anything away from it.”
Fehr’s album launch isn’t his only upcoming local performance. He’s also been named to the Chesterfest lineup this summer.
Chesterfest is a music festival being featuring 100 couches, and some big-name acts from across the province, including The Dead South and Bombargo.
“That was very exciting. I put my name in there not sure what was going to happen,” he said.
“There is a lot of great talent. I’m excited to see the other acts as well. Those big acts will draw in a large crowd you wouldn’t usually have an opportunity to play for.”
Fehr’s show at the Mann Art Gallery is slated for a 7:30 p.m. start. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $20, and are available at the door. The show is all ages, and kids 12 and under are free. There will be a cash bar.
