Music Hub
Music Hub
Advertisement


Terry Blade is an American singer-songwriter residing in Chicago.[1] He was the blues category winner of the 2023 American Songwriter Song Contest.[2] Blade has received two nominations for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards; in 2020, he was nominated at the 11th Hollywood Music in Media Awards for his track "The Unloveable," and in 2023, he garnered another nomination at the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards for both his song and self-directed music video, "Won't Be Around."[3][4]

His self-directed and produced music videos have premiered at several renowned festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, LA Shorts Fest, New Media Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival, Vienna Independent Film Festival, Prague Independent Film Festival, and the Berlin Short Film Festival where he won the 2024 award for Best Music Video.[5][6][7][8][9][10] [11]

Early life[]

Blade was born and raised in Washington, DC.[12] He has described his upbringing as challenging, noting that being black and gay presented "one of the most painful experiences."[13] Blade has acknowledged his mother and grandparents as significant influences on his music, pointing to his family's history as black sharecroppers in North Carolina and other regions of the Southern United States.[13][14]

Career[]

2020: Debut[]

On April 3, 2020, Blade released his acoustic demo "The Unloveable," which gained national radio airplay on UCB 1 in the UK.[15] This release also earned him a singer-songwriter nomination at the 11th Hollywood Music in Media Awards.[3] The song later appeared as the opening track on his six-track EP demo, Misery, released on May 8, 2020.[16] The EP's tracks received airplay on several stations, including UCB 1, WKNY, BBC Radio WM, and RTRFM.[15][17][18]

In November 2020, Blade released his single "The 'Karen' Blues," which attracted the attention of musician Adeem the Artist, who praised it as "a witty and biting original song."[19]

2021–2022: American Descendant of Slavery, the Album and Neo Queer[]

On February 5, 2021, Blade released his debut studio album, American Descendant of Slavery, the Album.[20] This album featured public domain audio recordings of formerly enslaved African-Americans and won a Summit Creative Award for Audio at the 2021 Summit Awards.[21][22] Tracks from the album received airplay across Amazing Radio and various NPR member stations.[23][24][25][26][27][28]

On March 1, 2021, the Archives of African American Music and Culture featured American Descendant of Slavery, the Album in its Black Grooves publication, highlighting noteworthy Black music releases from February 2021.[29] The Archives categorized the album as an R&B and soul release.[29] A month later, Adeem the Artist spotlighted the album’s track "Mtf," noting that it narrates the experiences of a trans sex worker striving to fund gender confirmation surgery. The character, after defending herself from a client's violence, ends up incarcerated in a men's prison.[30] Adeem further remarked, "It reminds me of CeCe McDonald—though I’m not certain it’s about her—and it's a profoundly moving song."[30]

On January 14, 2022, Blade released his second studio album, Neo Queer.[31] Christopher Treacy of Country Queer commented that the album showcased a more neo-soul delivery style.[32] The album included tracks like "The Silent Treatment" and "All Ways," which garnered national radio airplay on Amazing Radio.[33][34] On January 24, 2022, Blade appeared on Amazing Afternoons, hosted by Frankie Francis on Amazing Radio.[35] Two months later, he released his soul single "For You."[36]

2023–2024: Won't Be Around and Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper[]

Blade produced and directed the music video for "Won't Be Around," which premiered as an official selection at numerous film festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, LA Shorts Fest, New Media Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival, Vienna Independent Film Festival, Prague Independent Film Festival, and the Berlin Short Film Festival, where it was awarded the 2024 Best Music Video accolade.[5][6][7][8][9][10] [11]

On January 6, 2023, Blade released his blues single "Won't Be Around".[37]The single achieved national radio airplay and was featured on New Music Weekly's Country Up & Coming Chart.[38] It secured first place in the blues category of the 2023 American Songwriter Song Contest.[2] The single also received nominations at the inaugural Hollywood Independent Music Awards and the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards.[39][40]

A month after its release, "Won't Be Around" was included in Blade's third studio album, Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper.[41] The album received a nomination for Album of the Year: Best Folk/Americana Album at the 2023 Josie Music Awards.[42] Additionally, the music video for "Wasn't Mine," another track from the album, was officially selected for the Sidewalk Film Festival.[8]

2024–Present[]

On June 24, 2024, Blade was featured in the Glastonbury Festival 2024 broadcast on Amazing Radio.[43] Two days later, he announced his invitation to join The Recording Academy.[44] Subsequently, Blade received a nomination for Songwriter Achievement at the 2024 Josie Music Awards.[45][46]

Personal life[]

Blade identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.[47][48] He resides in Chicago.[1]

Discography[]

Studio albums[]

Title Year Ref.
American Descendant of Slavery, the Album 2021 [20]
Neo Queer 2022 [31]
Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper 2023 [41]

Extended plays[]

Title Year Ref.
Misery 2020 [16]

Singles[]

Title Year Ref.
"The Unloveable" 2020 [49]
"The Karen Blues" [19]
"Same Gender Loving"
"Black Hurts" 2021 [50]
"For You" 2022 [51]
"Won't Be Around" 2023 [37]

Videography[]

Music videos[]

Title Year Ref.
"The Last Macbeth" 2020 [52]
"Mr. Robertson" 2022 [53]
"Won't Be Around" 2023 [5]
"Wasn't Mine" 2024 [8]

Awards and nominations[]

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2020 Cult Critic Movie Awards Best Music Video The Last Macbeth Won [52]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Music: Singer-Songwriter The Unloveable Nominated [3]
Luis Buñuel Memorial Awards Music Video: Outstanding Achievement Award Mr. Robertson Won [54]
Music Video: Pigeon D'or Award Mr. Robertson Nominated [55]
Virgin Spring Cinefest Music Video (Gold Award) Mr. Robertson Won [53]
2021 Summit Awards Summit Creative Award – Audio – Other (Bronze Award) ADOS, the Album Won [22]
2023 American Songwriter Blues (2023 Song Contest): Category Winner Won't Be Around Won [2]
Hollywood Independent Music Awards Americana/Roots Won't Be Around Nominated [39]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Music Video (Independent) Won't Be Around Nominated [4]
Josie Music Awards Album of the Year: Folk/Americana Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper Nominated [42]
2024 Bare Bones International Film Festival Best Music Video USA Won't Be Around Won [56]
Berlin Short Film Festival Best Music Video Won't Be Around Won [11]
Calcutta International Cult Films Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Won [57]
California Music Video Awards Best Cinematography in a Music Video Won't Be Around Won [58]
Best Fashion and Makeup Won't Be Around Won
Social Justice and Hope Award Won't Be Around Won
Best Male Solo Artist Won't Be Around Nominated
Lyrics and Verse Won't Be Around Nominated
Best Inspirational Won't Be Around Nominated
Castle Rock Film Festival Best Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [59]
Cyprus International Film Festival Music and Dance Films All Ways Nominated [60]
LA Shorts Fest Best Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [61]
Midwest Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [62]
New Media Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [63]
Northeast Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [64]
Prague Independent Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [10]
Regina International Film Festival and Awards Best Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [65]
Sidewalk Film Festival Shorts: Music Video Wasn't Mine Nominated [8]
Tagore International Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Won [66]
Thin Line Fest Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [67]
Tribeca Festival Best Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [68]
Vienna Independent Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Won [69]
Song Won't Be Around Nominated [9]
Virgin Spring Cinefest Music Video Won't Be Around Won [70]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Meet Terry Blade : The artist who makes music out of necessity (en-US).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Whalen, Shane (2024-04-10). American Songwriter 2023 Song Contest Winners Announced (en-US).
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 2020 MUSIC GENRE NOMINEES (en-US).
  4. 4.0 4.1 2023 HMMA Nominations (en-US).
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Grobar, Matt (2024-04-23). Tribeca Festival Sets Short Film Lineup For 2024 (en-US).
  6. 6.0 6.1 LA Shorts International Film Festival (en).
  7. 7.0 7.1 Johnston, Susan (2024-04-01). Won't Be Around (en-US).
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank: Shorts: Music Videos.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Archived copy.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 PIFF 2024 Official Selection | PIFF 2024.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Festival 2024 | Berlin Short Film Festival (en).
  12. 8 questions a Terry Blade (en) (2021-02-01).
  13. 13.0 13.1 Frazier, Preston (2024-03-10). Terry Blade on 'Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper': Something Else! Interview (en-US).
  14. Meet the 2023 Song Contest Category Winners - American Songwriter (2024-07-03).
  15. 15.0 15.1 Songstats. Unloveable - Demo | Radio Analytics (en).
  16. 16.0 16.1 Cullen, Rebecca (May 9, 2020). Terry Blade – Misery (Mastered For Headphones) (en-GB).
  17. Soundcharts.
  18. Soundcharts.
  19. 19.0 19.1 Bingham, Adeem (2020-12-18). Buried Treasure, December 18 • Country Queer (en-US).
  20. 20.0 20.1 Cullen, Rebecca (2021-03-05). Terry Blade – American Descendant Of Slavery, The Album (en-GB).
  21. TERRY BLADE – AMERICAN DESCENDANT OF SLAVERY | RGM (2021-03-17).
  22. 22.0 22.1 Past SCA Awards Listings – Summit Awards.
  23. "Black Hurts by Terry Blade | Airplay Details" Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  24. "Mr. Robertson by Terry Blade | Airplay Details" SoundCharts. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  25. "Amazing Radio US". web.archive.org. 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  26. Songstats. "Opening: What He Mean by That? | Radio Analytics" Songstats. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  27. Songstats. "Interlude: Boys Wore Dresses | Radio Analytics" Songstats. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  28. "I Want It Back | Radio Analytics" Songstats. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  29. 29.0 29.1 February 2021 Black Music Releases of Note | BLACK GROOVES (2021-04-20).
  30. 30.0 30.1 Bingham, Adeem (2021-04-02). Buried Treasure, April 2 • Country Queer (en-US).
  31. 31.0 31.1 A&T Playlists: January 2022 Releases – Adobe & Teardrops (en-US) (2022-01-28).
  32. Treacy, Christopher (2023-01-05). Q&A With Terry Blade • Country Queer (en-US).
  33. Soundcharts.
  34. Soundcharts.
  35. Amazing Afternoons | Monday January 24, 2022 | Radio Shows (en) (2022-01-24).
  36. Terry Blade - For You (en) (2022-03-05).
  37. 37.0 37.1 The Boot Staff (2023-02-09). The Boot's Weekly Picks: Willie Jones, Mya Byrne + More (en).
  38. McCoy, Buck (May 3, 2024). "Inside Country Radio". New Music Weekly: pp. 33. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/fullscreen/68696067/sammy-hagar-living-the-dream.
  39. 39.0 39.1 2023 WINNERS | Hollywood Independent Music Awards (en-US).
  40. Neglia, Matt (2023-11-16). The 2023 Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) Winners (en-US).
  41. 41.0 41.1 Liebig, Lorie (2023-05-01). Most Wanted Music: 2023's Country, Americana, Bluegrass and Folk Album Releases (en).
  42. 42.0 42.1 2023 NOMINEES (en).
  43. Festival Pass | Monday June 24, 2024 | Radio Shows (2024-06-24).
  44. Blade, Terry [@t.blademusic] (2024-06-26). "I am joining the Recording Academy to make an impact in my local music community! #iamtheacademy" – via Instagram.
  45. 2024 Official Nominees (en).
  46. https://www.josiemusicawards.com/uploads/4/1/0/3/41030395/songwriter_achievement_nominee_list_2024.docx
  47. Treacy, Christopher (2023-01-05). Q&A With Terry Blade • Country Queer (en-US).
  48. Treacy, Christopher (2023-01-04). CQ ROUNDUP WITH KEEP FOR CHEAP, TERRY BLADE AND EVER MORE NEST.
  49. Archived copy.
  50. Archived copy.
  51. Amazing Radio US (en).
  52. 52.0 52.1 MONTHLY RESULT: JUNE 2020 (en-US) (July 27, 2020).
  53. 53.0 53.1 Cinefest (2020-09-04). Monthly Selection: JULY 2020 – Cinefest (en-US).
  54. Monthly Selection – JULY 2020 - Luis Bunuel Memorial Awards (2024-04-20).
  55. 2nd PIGEON D'OR AWARDS NOMINEE - Luis Bunuel Memorial Awards (2024-05-20).
  56. Nominees-Part 1.
  57. Calcutta International Cult Film Festival. Wayback Machine. 2024-09-09. Retrieved. 2024-09-09.
  58. TasteTV (2024-01-11). 7th Annual California Music Video Awards Announce Nominees for Year's Best Music Videos (en-US).
  59. @castlerockfilmfestival (2024-03-31). "Here are just some of the great films we will be showing at the Castle Rock Film Festival" – via Instagram.
  60. MD All Ways – An Ode To Black Women – Terry Blade, USA, 2024, 3’38” – CYIFF (en-GB).
  61. LA Shorts International Film Festival (en).
  62. Emerging Filmmaker Night - The Line-Up (en).
  63. Johnston, Susan (2024-04-01). Won't Be Around (en-US).
  64. 2024 Film Lineup (en).
  65. 2024 Nominees.
  66. Tagore International Film Festival (2024-08-30).
  67. Event Details.
  68. Grobar, Matt (2024-04-23). Tribeca Festival Sets Short Film Lineup For 2024 (en-US).
  69. Schneider, Daria (2024-09-12). Big winners at VIFF 2024: Awards for outstanding indie films (de).
  70. Virgin Spring Cinefest (2024-09-01).

External links[]

Advertisement