Daily Inspiration: Meet Cade Ortego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cade Ortego

Hi Cade, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started singing when I was 6 years old in musical theater, and I continued to do musical theater till my junior year of high school! This is where I discovered my love for performing. I got to play roles like Flounder in the Little Mermaid, Donkey in Shrek, Aladdin in Aladdin, and many more shows! In middle school, I picked up the drums and guitar. It was during this time that I started writing songs. In High school, I began to actually like the songs I was writing, so I started recording them. In my junior and senior year of high school I started releasing music under my name “Cade Ortego”, and I was also playing tons of gigs in my hometown in Mississippi. Once arriving to College, I wanted to accomplish a bigger sound, and I have always wanted a band but have never been able to find the right musicians for me. At the end of my freshman year at MTSU, I found my band. We are called Cade Ortego & The Mood Swings, and we are a Soul/Funk band with a horn section. This year, we will be releasing some singles and an EP under our band name. We also play a ton of shows in the Murfreesboro and Nashville area!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t necessarily say smooth, but it has been fun. I love music, and I am reminded by that every time I step onto a stage, go to a band practice, and write a song. Being a musician/artist is a bumpy road, but that is what I signed up for, so I’m grateful!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a songwriter and artist. I’m the lead singer for my band Cade Ortego & The Mood Swings. I can’t say for sure, but I think I am known for catchy songs and good stage presence. I think one thing that sets my band apart is the songs. We are very proud of them and feel that we are accomplishing a sound that is unique. We also put on a great live show, and I think other people can hopefully attest to that! Lastly, we have a very mature sound, considering that we are all young college students. Anytime we play a show in Nashville, we always surprise people when they realize we are all practically kids.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Hmm, I have so many favorite podcasts. I love No Stupid Questions. It is a very thought provoking podcast that focuses on sociology and psychology. I also listen to Coffee Break Spanish because I have a Spanish minor for my degree.

My favorite app is the Notes app. I have so many friken notes for random things, and it keeps me sane. If I don’t write everything down, my brain starts getting crowded and overwhelmed!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cadeortego.com
• Instagram: Cadeandthemoodswings
• Facebook: Cadeortego
• Other: Tik tok: Cadeandthemoodswings