Rising R&B artist Adam Wilson has returned with his brand-new EP, Awake, a six-track collection of smooth, soulful R&B that captures the essence of what the genre is all about – strong, emotive vocals and stunning storytelling. Having already made an impression with previous projects Dear So & So and Dreams, the Chicago-born, LA-based artist looks set to continue his ascent in the R&B scene with this new release.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Adam about the latest music, challenges, surviving a pandemic and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I was born and raised in a small town about 45 minutes outside of Chicago. After graduating college, I moved to New York City for a year. I then moved out to Los Angeles, which is where I am currently based.
I would describe the style of music that I gravitate towards creating most as a blend of R&B, hip-hop and pop. My production tends to have hip-hop drum patterns. My vocals fall into an R&B feel. And my lyrics and chord structures are typically pop inspired. However, I am always seeking ways to continue adding new elements to my artistry.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I started on classical violin at age 4, picking up other instruments on the way, and was singing, as my mom would say, from the moment I was born. I performed in all kinds of different productions. Music seems to have always played a large part in who I am. In 8th grade, I started making rap remixes to some of my favorite songs. Looking back now, they were lacking in quality, but those first years showed me how much I enjoyed creating my own music. Having fun with it ended up leading to me gaining some attention in my local town, in which I was posting covers of songs on YouTube and social media.
Around my senior year of high school, I started releasing original music on SoundCloud, and one of the first songs I put out gained much more traction than I ever imagined. This was the recognition I didn’t know that I needed, but it reassured me that this is something that can reach others, I can be good at, passionate about and something that I wanted to work towards and put my energy into. Key people that played a role in me becoming the artist I am today are both of my parents. My father is a natural born musician, singer and performer, and he’s taught me so much about music and performing. My mother is an artist and has nurtured the passion she saw in me from a young age with encouragement and insight. In addition, other artists that I have met along the way have inspired and pushed me to be better. My girlfriend and my friends have been nothing but supportive and those who have not been supportive have only made me want it more.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
I have released 3 projects. My first project, Dear So & So (EP), was released in 2017. My second project, Dreams (self-produced album), was released in 2018. My latest project, Awake (self-produced EP), was released this past month (September 2021).
Dear So & So came rather naturally to me; it was playful, yet heartfelt and the songs were easy to listen to and catchy. Come Dreams I then decided I wanted to produce an album entirely by myself. This was a passion project because I made it as a way of venting and putting my dreams and how I felt into musical format. This was a learning lesson for me because it made me realize that my music is not only for me – it’s for the world. So, for Awake I changed my approach. I wanted to take the elements of easy digestibility from Dear So & So but the passion, self-production and intimacy from Dreams and make something that was entirely me, but that people could feel and relate to more; I am proud in feeling that I accomplished that goal.
As far as style goes, with Dreams I felt like I was finding my rhythm, so to speak, in discovering my sound. With Awake my goal was to truly hone my skills and my sound to create something authentically me. Awake was written as I left home and moved away to NYC and then to Los Angeles. It’s a journey of self-discovery, love and loss, and I think it is a true representation of who and where I am as an artist.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
After moving away from home to NYC, being all alone in the city made me have to take a hard look at myself and ask myself if this was really what I wanted and who it was that I wanted to become. I think, as an artist, it is important to have times where things don’t necessarily go your way because it builds character and humbles you. If everything were easy and I could be the top artist in the world right now with the snap of a finger, it wouldn’t be worth it. The struggle is part of the journey, and I can confidently say now that I am happy with who I am, where I am and where I am going. To any artist out there struggling, I would like them to know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark it gets.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Fountains” by Drake (with Tems). A vibe! J
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Vinyl has an unmatched sound, but I mostly listen to music on streaming platforms. Always love getting that first MP3 sent to my phone for a potential opportunity to collaborate though as well.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
For my music, I’m on all streaming platforms under the name “Adam Wilson”. I’m also on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook. My website is adamwilsoncre8s.com – I keep this up to date with what’s the latest in the land of creativity.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for interviewing me! I think that I would just like to send love to anyone who comes across this interview, as well as to all the people who helped me get to where I am today. I don’t ever want to be the person who sees success and forgets where I came from; my music and all that comes with it is as mush for me as it is for all of those who support me and love me for me. Much love <3
