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Terry Blade

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For the Finnish soccer player, see Terry Ablade.
Terry Blade
Terry Blade during 2022 recording session in Washington, DC.
Terry Blade during 2022 recording session in Washington, DC.
Background information
BornWashington, DC
OriginSchaumburg, Illinois
GenresSinger-songwriter, Blues[1]
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, lyricist
Instrument
  • Vocals
Years active2020–present
Websiteterryblademusic.com

Terry Blade is an American singer-songwriter based in the Chicago metropolitan area and the Blues Category Winner of the 2023 American Songwriter Song Contest.[2][3]

Early life

[edit]

Blade was born and raised in Washington, DC.[4] His family heritage is rooted in the American South; his grandparents were from the region, and his grandfather specifically hailed from Colerain, North Carolina.[5][6] His great-grandfather was a sharecropper, and his grandfather was taken out of school at a young age to work.[5]

By age 12, Blade had regularly experienced homophobia.[5] He has stated that growing up Black, gay, and gender non-conforming was "rough" and "one of the most painful experiences" he "didn't think [he] would survive".[5]

Blade relocated to Chicago, Illinois.[4] He later began keeping a private journal, and in 2020, began turning his journal entries into songs.[7]

Career

[edit]

On April 3, 2020, Blade debuted his acoustic demo "The Unloveable". The release earned a singer-songwriter nomination at the 11th Hollywood Music in Media Awards.[8] "The Unloveable" appeared as the opening track on Blade's six-track EP demo, Misery, which was released on May 8, 2020.[9]

Also in 2020, Blade released his a cappella single "The 'Karen' Blues", which musician Adeem the Artist described as "witty and biting".[10]

On February 5, 2021, Blade released his debut studio album, American Descendant of Slavery, the Album.[11] The album incorporated public domain audio recordings of formerly enslaved African-Americans and won a Summit Creative Award for audio.[4][12] The Archives of African American Music and Culture also included the album in its selection of February 2021 Black Music Releases of Note.[13] On April 2, 2021, musician Adeem the Artist highlighted "MTF" as one of their favorite songs from the album, noting that it reminded them of CeCe McDonald because "it details the story of a trans sex worker who is trying desperately to finance gender confirmation surgery and after defending herself from the violence of a client, ends up in a prison for men."[14]

On January 14, 2022, Blade released his second studio album, Neo Queer.[6] On January 24, 2022, Frankie Francis featured Blade on his Amazing Afternoons broadcast on Amazing Radio UK.[15]

On January 6, 2023, Blade released his blues single "Won't Be Around".[3] The song earned a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination and entered the Country Up & Coming Chart on New Music Weekly after receiving national radio airplay.[16][17] The song's video premiered at the Tribeca Festival.[18] It earned a nomination at the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards[19] and was shortlisted for a Cresta Award.[20] The video also won the awards for Best Music Video at the Bare Bones International Film Festival,[21] Moondance International Film Festival,[22] Prague Independent Film Festival,[23] and the Vienna Independent Film Festival.[24]

On February 3, 2023, Blade released his third studio album, Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper. [25] The album earned a nomination for Album of the Year: Folk/Americana at the 2023 Josie Music Awards.[26] Richard Marcus of Country Queer wrote, "Listening to the ten tracks, you’ll hear elements of every type of roots music incorporated within. Blues, gospel, and country are all part of Blade’s experience, and they provide the glue that binds the sometimes disparate themes he expresses over the course of the album."[27]

On April 10, 2024, American Songwriter Magazine announced Blade as the Blues First Place Winner of the 2023 American Songwriter Song Contest for his song "Won't Be Around".[2] On June 24, 2024, he was featured on the Glastonbury Festival 2024 Festival Pass broadcast on Amazing Radio UK.[28] On September 24, 2024, he won his second and third Summit Creative Award for the "Won't Be Around" music video.[12]

On January 3, 2025, Blade released his blues single "Tell 'Em".[29] Dave Franklin of The Big Takeover wrote, "Tell ‘Em' walks a sure-footed line between established traditions and future potential, between familiarity and freshness, and between comfort zones and adventure."[29]

On February 28, 2025, Blade released his fourth studio album, Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues.[30] The album was published by Paris-based music company Groover, and selected by Médiathèque départementale de Isère in Isere, France, to be included in its digital collection.[31] The album incorporated archival recordings from interviews with Chicago Blues figures such as Theresa Needham and Lefty Dizz.[30][32] Mike Mineo of Obscure Sound wrote, "Blade crafts a consumingly atmospheric blues sound on his latest album Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues, intertwining the past and present with its infusions of archived interviews, original songwriting, and tributes to past greats."[30]

On May 21, 2025, Blade was featured on the Download Festival Festival Pass broadcast on Amazing Radio UK.[33]

Personal life

[edit]

Blade resides in the Chicago metropolitan area.[3] He is queer.[6][34]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Ref.
American Descendant of Slavery, the Album [11]
Neo Queer [6]
Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper [27]
Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues [30]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details Ref.
Misery [9]

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Album Ref.
"The Unloveable" 2020 Misery [9]
"The Karen Blues" Non-album single [10]
"Black Hurts" 2021 American Descendant of Slavery, the Album [11]
"For You" 2022 Non-album single [15]
"Won't Be Around" 2023 Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper [3]
"Tell 'Em" 2025 Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues [29]

Videography

[edit]

Music Videos

[edit]
Year Title Director Ref.
2020 Mr. Robertson Terry Blade [35]
2023 Won't Be Around Terry Blade [18]
2024 All Ways - An Ode To Black Women Terry Blade [36]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2020 Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Music: Singer-Songwriter The Unloveable Nominated [8]
Luis Buñuel Memorial Awards Music Video: Outstanding Achievement Award Mr. Robertson Won [35]
Music Video: Pigeon D'or Award Nominated [37]
2021 Summit International

Awards

Summit Creative Award: Audio (Bronze Award) American Descendant of Slavery, the Album Won [12]
2023 American Songwriter 2023 Song Contest: Blues Won't Be Around Won [38]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Music Video (Independent) Won't Be Around Nominated [39]
Hollywood Independent Music Awards Americana/Roots Won't Be Around Nominated [16]
Josie Music Awards Album of the Year: Folk/Americana Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper Nominated [26]
Unsigned Only Music Awards Vocal Performance Won't Be Around Won [40]
2024 Bare Bones International Film Festival Best Music Video USA Won't Be Around Won [21]
California Music Video Awards Best Cinematography Won't Be Around Won [41]
Best Fashion and Makeup Won
Social Justice and Hope Award Won
Best Male Solo Artist Nominated
Lyrics and Verse Nominated
Best Inspirational Nominated
Cresta International Advertising Awards Film Craft: Use of Music Won't Be Around Shortlisted [20]
Josie Music Awards Songwriter Achievement Karma Nominated [42]
Midwest Film Festival Best of the Midwest Awards: Best Original Music Won't Be Around Won [43]
Moondance International Film Festival Music Video Won't Be Around Won [22]
Prague Independent Film Festival Best Music Video Won't Be Around Won [23]
Regina International Film Festival and Awards Best Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [44]
Summit Awards Summit Creative Award: Video under $5,000 (Gold Award) Won't Be Around Won [12]
Summit Creative Award: Direction/Editing (Silver Award) Won
Tribeca Festival Shorts: Music Video Won't Be Around Nominated [18]
Vienna Independent Film Festival Best Music Video Won't Be Around Won [24]
2025 Short Sweet Film Fest Music Video (Honorable Mention) Won't Be Around Won [45]
California Music Video Awards Social Justice and Hope Award All Ways – An Ode To Black Women Won [46]
The ShiftCam Best Cinematography Award Nominated
Best Love Song Nominated
Best R&B Nominated
Josie Music Awards Social Impact Video of the Year All Ways - An Ode To Black Women Nominated [47]

Film festival official selections and screenings

[edit]
Year Film Festival Country Category Work Result Ref.
2020 World Music & Independent Film Festival  US R&B The Widow Selected [48]
2024 Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [49]
Cyprus International Film Festival  Greece Music Video All Ways - An Ode to Black Women Selected [36]
Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [50]
Leeds International Film Festival  UK Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [51]
Northeastern Film Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [52]
Orlando Film Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [53]
Sidewalk Film Festival  US Music Video Wasn't Mine Selected [54]
Thin Line Fest  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [55]
Wales International Film Festival  UK Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [56]
2025 Boomtown Film and Music Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [57]
Brussels Independent Film Festival  Belgium Experimental Film Won't Be Around Selected [58]
Jaipur International Film Festival  India Music/Song/Album Won't Be Around Selected [59][60]
Magnolia Film Festival  US Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [61]
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival  US Best Music Video Won't Be Around Selected [62]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Callwood, Brett (2025-05-30). "New Music Critique: Terry Blade". Music Connection Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  2. ^ a b Whalen, Shane (2024-04-10). "American Songwriter 2023 Song Contest Winners Announced". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  3. ^ a b c d The Boot Staff (2023-02-09). "The Boot's Weekly Picks: Willie Jones, Mya Byrne + More". The Boot. Archived from the original on 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
  4. ^ a b c "8 questions a Terry Blade". Blender Bookmagazine. 2021-02-01. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  5. ^ a b c d Frazier, Preston (2024-03-10). "Terry Blade on 'Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper': Something Else! Interview". Something Else!. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  6. ^ a b c d Treacy, Christopher (2023-01-05). "Q&A With Terry Blade • Country Queer". Country Queer. Archived from the original on 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
  7. ^ FVMusicBlog (2021-02-05). "Music Interview: Terry Blade - 'American Descendant of Slavery' Release". FVMusicBlog. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  8. ^ a b "2020 MUSIC GENRE NOMINEES". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Archived from the original on 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  9. ^ a b c Cullen, Rebecca (May 9, 2020). "Terry Blade – Misery (Mastered For Headphones)". Stereo Stickman. Archived from the original on 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  10. ^ a b Bingham, Adeem (2020-12-18). "Buried Treasure, December 18 • Country Queer". Country Queer. Archived from the original on 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  11. ^ a b c Cullen, Rebecca (2021-03-05). "Terry Blade – American Descendant Of Slavery, The Album". Stereo Stickman. Archived from the original on 2023-01-09. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  12. ^ a b c d "Past SCA Awards Listings – Summit Awards". Summit Awards. Archived from the original on 2023-11-24. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
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  17. ^ McCoy, Buck (2024-05-03). "Sammy Hagar: Living the Dream". yumpu.com. New Music Weekly. p. 33. Archived from the original on 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2024-07-25 – via Yumpu.
  18. ^ a b c "Shorts: Course Correction | 2024 Tribeca Festival". Tribeca Festival. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
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  20. ^ a b "Cresta Awards 2024 Winners". Cresta International Advertising Awards. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  21. ^ a b "Winners & Nominees". 26th Annual Bare Bones International Film & Musical Festival. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  22. ^ a b "2024 Moondance Winners Announced". Moondance International Film Festival. 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  23. ^ a b "PIFF 2024 Winners | PIFF 2025". www.prague-film-festival.com. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  24. ^ a b "VIFF 2024 Winners | VIFF 2025". www.vienna-film-festival.com. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  25. ^ Liebig, Lorie (2023-05-01). "Most Wanted Music: 2023's Country, Americana, Bluegrass and Folk Album Releases". The Boot. Archived from the original on 2023-01-03. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  26. ^ a b "2023 NOMINEES". Josie Music Awards. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  27. ^ a b Marcus, Richard (2023-01-24). "Album Review: Terry Blade Schools Us On His 'Ethos...'". Country Queer. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  28. ^ https://amazingradio.us/shows/festi-friday/archive/30311
  29. ^ a b c "Terry Blade - Tell 'Em (self-released)". The Big Takeover. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  30. ^ a b c d Mineo, Mike (2025-02-13). "New Album: Terry Blade - 'Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues'". Obscure Sound. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  31. ^ Blade, Terry (2025), Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues, IDOL / Groover Spark, retrieved 2025-05-09
  32. ^ Fairbrother, Edwin (2025-03-21). "Terry Blade's 'Chicago Kinfolk': Remembering Old Blues Heroes". SoundScout Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  33. ^ https://amazingradio.com/shows/festi-friday/archive/32583
  34. ^ Treacy, Christopher (2023-01-04). "CQ ROUNDUP WITH KEEP FOR CHEAP, TERRY BLADE AND EVER MORE NEST". Country Queer. Archived from the original on 2023-01-05. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  35. ^ a b info@liaff.com (2020-08-24). "Monthly Selection – JULY 2020". Luis Bunuel Memorial Awards. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  36. ^ a b "MD All Ways – An Ode To Black Women – Terry Blade, USA, 2024, 3'38" – CYIFF". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  37. ^ info@liaff.com (2023-01-23). "2nd PIGEON D'OR AWARDS NOMINEE". Luis Bunuel Memorial Awards. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  38. ^ Whalen, Shane (2024-04-10). "American Songwriter 2023 Song Contest Winners Announced". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  39. ^ "2023 HMMA Nominations". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Archived from the original on 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  40. ^ https://www.unsignedonly.com/previouswinners
  41. ^ TasteTV (2024-01-11). "7th Annual California Music Video Awards Announce Nominees for Year's Best Music Videos". TasteTV. Archived from the original on 2024-01-12. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  42. ^ "Wayback Machine". www.josiemusicawards.com. Archived from the original on 2024-07-28. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
  43. ^ "Best of the Midwest Awards 2024". Midwest Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  44. ^ "2024 Nominees". web.archive.org. 2024-07-26. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  45. ^ "2025 Short. Sweet. Film Fest. Award Winners – Short. Sweet. Film Fest". shortsweetfilmfest.com. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  46. ^ TasteTV (2025-01-23). "8th Annual California Music Video Awards Announce Winners and Honorees". TasteTV. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  47. ^ "2025 Official Nominees". THE JOSIE MUSIC AWARDS. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  48. ^ "12th annual submission | wmiff2017". wmiff2017. Archived from the original on 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  49. ^ https://www.projectchicago.com/saturday-nov-9th--2024
  50. ^ "JULY 24 Program 41". LA Shorts. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  51. ^ "Leeds Music Video Competition". www.leedsfilm.com. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  52. ^ "2024 Films". Northeast Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  53. ^ "Schedule". Offvirtual. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  54. ^ "Shorts: Music Videos". Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  55. ^ "Event Details". www.thinline.us. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  56. ^ "Wales International Film Festival 2017". walesfilmfestival.com. Archived from the original on 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  57. ^ "BooMTV Music Videos – Boomtown Film Society". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  58. ^ "Streaming Experimental, 26 Jan - 16 Feb | Brussels Independent Film Festival". Brussels Independent. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  59. ^ "Jaipur International Film Festival-JIFF". www.jiffindia.org. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  60. ^ https://www.jiffindia.org/images/JIFF2025_19Jan_Screening_Schedule_Day3.pdf
  61. ^ "Festival – The Magnolia Film Festival". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  62. ^ "PJIFF Programming Schedule". Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
[edit]
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