When American Idol alum Wade Cota was approached to help turn the life and struggles of a late firefighter named Scott into music, the project quickly became much more than just another songwriting session.
Written on Scott’s own guitar – entrusted to Wade by Scott’s widow – the resulting track, “Last Alarm,” serves as a raw, heartfelt tribute to first responders and the unseen battles they face every day.
In this interview, Wade opens up about connecting with Scott’s loved ones, finding his voice outside of reality television, and what he hopes listeners take away from the song.
Wade, you co-wrote a song inspired by Scott’s life. How did you approach turning such a personal and emotional story into music?
Music has always been a very emotional thing to me. I don’t just write songs out of thin air. There’s a subject always. The subject of Scott, his life, and his struggles hit me right in the heart. I don’t wanna say it was an easy song to write, because it was not, but there was just something about it that flowed through me. You can always tell a man by the company he keeps, and I have spoken to his family and his friends, and that is what really inspired me.
Scott’s widow entrusted you with his guitar after his passing, and you developed the song on that very instrument. What did that connection mean to you, Wade?
I’ve always had a good relationship with any guitar that I have used, so this one was no different. A guitar feels in your hands like a good woman should. It’s just perfect. Scott’s guitar, if anything, just gave me that little extra push needed to do right by him.
Scott hoped that sharing his story might make a difference in someone’s life. What do you both hope viewers take away from “Last Alarm”?
I hope people learn a lot. Before coming into this project, I had no idea of the actual struggles that firefighters faced. I don’t think a lot of people understand what’s actually happening in the world. I hope people take away what I have taken away: a true understanding and appreciation of firefighters, and the sacrifices that they make to keep us safe.
Wade, how did your experience on American Idol shape the way you approach songwriting and performing a song with such emotional weight?
Honestly, none of that came from American Idol. They don’t teach you how to write a song on a show like that. As much as I am grateful for the experience I had on the show, it did not translate into my writing abilities. Songwriting has always been very important to me because music growing up, and even now, has always been one of the only emotional releases that I feel comfortable with.
Wade, what was one moment during the making of “Last Alarm” that surprised you, or that you’ll carry with you long after the video’s release?
I don’t think there was just one moment that surprised me. The entire thing surprised me, from Patrick Gramm reaching out to being able to create something bigger than myself. I guess if I had to say one thing, it would just go back to these heroes – the selfless, beautiful people that risk it all every single day. That will stick with me forever.
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