TCC student Gary Wade Adams started singing and studying music at 6 and was influenced by his parents because his mother sings and his father plays guitar.

   “I always had a passion for music,” he said. “My parents are my biggest fans; my mom loves all my music.”

   Adams formed a band, which carries his name, in August 2002. His band’s new contemporary country music CD, due in early 2003, contains 11 original songs.

   Now, at 27, Adams writes about his life, heartbreak and overcoming obstacles.

   At 21 Adams almost gave up on himself, but a song on the radio lifted his spirits so much, he felt as though it saved his life.

   “At that moment, I knew that God was reaching me through music, and I wanted to do something positive with it and help others,” he said.

   Through his music, Adams believes he can reach people who think they are alone in this world.

   “We all share the same pain,” he said.

   The title track of the new CD, Deep Within, is about a man who loved, lost and needs time to believe in love again.

   “The story ends with the man giving love a last chance and finding he had it deep within,” he said.

   KYXS in Weatherford and KNON in Dallas, local radio stations, have played Adams’ music

   “Just thinking several people are listening to music I created—there is no feeling like it,” he said.

   Adams has performed in local taverns and clubs as well as on the NBC-5 morning news show.

   “I love performing in front of an audience, to see the crowd screaming and yelling; it is a total adrenaline rush,” he said.

   Adams is currently working full time for a security firm and attending classes as a graphic communications major on NE Campus.

   “Music will always be my love and passion, but there are no guarantees that music will pay my bills, so I need a back-up plan,” he said.

   Adams and co-writer Brian Lively will produce the CD under Wadeentertainment, Adams’ label.

   Lively, lead guitar for the band, formed BLive productions in 1998 after a long and varied music career that started before high school.

   Adams is responsible for every aspect of his band and the new CD.

   He taught himself how to operate the audio and other equipment involved in producing a CD.

   “I have to be hands-on in the studio so I know what my song is going to sound like,” he said.

   Adams also arranges his own music and acts as band manager.

   Alex Martinez, a TCC student who plays bass and keyboards, credits Adams with the band.

   “It is his baby, and I am happy to be along for the ride,” he said.

   Martinez started his music career in the sixth grade, playing the saxophone. He then taught himself piano, guitar and bass guitar by listening to and playing the music.

   “I inherited my music ear from my father. If he heard it, he could play it,” he said.

   Martinez started taking music lessons in high school and plays in the band with his little brother Josue, 17. The youngest member of the band, Josue plays drums.

   “He learned by ear also; he is talented.” Martinez said of Josue. “We have always been supported in anything we do by our parents.”

   Martinez is pursuing an associate degree on the NE Campus.

   The last band member, Travis Arnold, plays rhythm guitar for the band and has been playing since 13.

   Adams said, “There is nothing like music. It tells a story, and people relate to it.”