WADE OLSON, a big part of the Secret to Craig's Success', as the drummer with

the Craig Chaquico ACOUSTIC HIGHWAY recording and touring band!

This time around we’re getting the down low on Mr. Wade Olson, drummer extraordinaire. Here’s a little background on him!

“I was born in Minneapolis, MN & grew up in Grand Forks, ND; my skin got pretty tough enduring those minus 20 degree winters (laughs). My dad was a chiropractor & somehow we ended up there for his profession. I first picked up a pair of drumsticks at age 10 & I knew right away that this was something I was gonna do for a long time. It came pretty easily to me in the beginning, my father practiced tap dancing as a kid & from what I understand he was quite good at it. I'm sure that is where I became rhythmically inclined because nobody else in my family really has any sense of it as far as I know. I played all through my schooling years in as many of the different types of bands offered-Symphony, Jazz, Marching, & Percussion Ensembles on top of continued lessons. Oh and of course my favorite “the local rock band!” My friends & I had a blast giving the neighbors headaches.”

1.) How long have you been in the business and what was your first pro gig?

I have been in the biz professionally for about 12 ½ years. My first pro gig was with Craig Chaquico, I had been in a few original projects prior & did some opening slots for signed acts but actually getting the first 'break" was with Craig.

2.) What was the first concert you ever went to & was that experience instrumental in getting you to chose the music industry as a profession?

I honestly can't recall the first concert I ever went to. However, what really influenced me believe it or not was attending college basketball games with my dad growing up. I never watched the game; I was always watching the band that played during timeouts & intermissions. My eyes were always glued to the drummer. Those guys really hit the drums!

3.) What is the most exciting/memorable concert performance that you’ve ever played & what made it so?

The most memorable performance I had the opportunity to be involved with was down in Cabo San Lucas in 1992. I was working in a rock project with Craig called Big Bad Wolf & we were invited by Sammy Hagar to be a part of a live show that was gonna be broadcast all over the country at the club Cabo Wabo. It was awesome! Playing to about 1,000 crazy fans in the audience & knowing you are being heard across the country at that moment to possibly millions-not bad for one of my first gigs with Craig. That one is still going to be hard to top.

4.) If you weren’t in the music biz, what other profession would you undertake?

This one is a difficult question. I feel very fortunate to be able to have a passion & to use it professionally. So many people have passions of their own but aren't able to use them at the levels that they wish they could because of situations or circumstances that don't allow it to happen. Other people go through life trying to find that passion or love & just never get there. I love music & if I weren't playing drums professionally I think I would do something else involving music but not on the playing side. It would be very difficult to leave music all together

5.) If you were required to change places with another musical artist alive today who would you chose and why?

I admire & respect a lot of artists. There are so many talented individuals out there right now. I have artists & bands that I listen to for inspiration that changes weekly if not daily sometimes for me. As far as changing places with somebody, I guess I'll pinpoint this to where I'm at on a career level; two names stand out for me at this time-Kenny Aronoff & Mike Portnoy. These two guys work harder than any other drummers I can think of. Recording with multiple artists & then touring in between with their own recording projects. Getting to a point where you have that kind of reputation is very, very hard work & it's something to strive for.

6.) Do you have any hobbies or interests?

Football! Football! Football! I've been way into since I started rooting for the Minnesota Vikings with my dad when I was young. I remember him screamin' at 'em when they screwed up & now here I am doing the same (laughs) I also like to balance my life with other things. Getting out into nature when time permits is a must whether it be hiking, biking, getting out to the ocean, or taking a drive up to the Sierras for part of a day. Driving is something I've always enjoyed as well. Getting in the car & like I said taking a drive out to the ocean or up to Lake Tahoe can be therapy in itself. I am very fortunate to live in a place where I have all of those options available. I love California.

7.) What one principal or belief has been the most empowering to you over the years when you've run up against challenges and roadblocks?

Perseverance, stick to the plan no matter what! My goal was to play drums professionally & even when I invested major amounts of time with musical projects that didn't pan out, I STILL stay focused, then Craig saw me playing in one of my other projects; I was in about four projects at that time. I think about that once in a while. If I had not been in the project that he saw I might not be playing professionally right now with him talking about all the great places I've played & looking forward to many more great gigs to come. I have a talent & I don't take that for granted. I look forward to using my talent for many years to come.

More info and photos to come!