Adam Wilson is an LA-Based, Chicago native singer/songwriter/producer whose music exudes a sense of emotional depth & vulnerability that is vivid, raw, & inventive. Utilizing styles of R&B, Pop, & Hip-Hop as home-base, Adam Wilson is not shy in experimenting with different genres & sounds. Melodically, he is unconventional yet precise with strongly delivered, soaring vocals. His writing style blends pop-culture with poetry to create a digestible yet artistic result. As a producer, he is insistently striving to evolve his sound & create worlds that take listeners elsewhere.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Adam about the music, the memories, dream collabs and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
I just released the first single “Metamorphosis” off my album coming in Fall 2022. This track is about coming into oneself. I really found my sound and honed in on what makes me unique as an artist. I worked with another producer for this track, and for the whole album, and I think that collaboration really allowed my creativity to flourish, and challenge my ideas and ultimately pick the best ones.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
Traditionally, I have gravitated towards a much more R&B sound, but this track and project is much more in the Pop realm. It’s so important for me to continuously evolve as an artist, and I think the only way to do that is to push yourself to explore new sounds and ideas, and I really did that with this project (Spoiler: Track 5 on the album is a Rock track). Overall, I just wanted to one-up myself on this project. As long as my music continues to grow and I am happy/excited with what I made, I feel accomplished.
What motivates you to create music?
Music has always played such a large role in my life. I’ve always been emersed in it somehow. It has turned into a passion, a habit, and a routine. There is something about the process of making music that is challenging yet so rewarding. It’s like solving a puzzle, trying to find the right pieces to go in certain places, and how each piece contributes to the whole. There is no better feeling than listening to the final product of a song or project you worked hard on.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
My dad used to have an annual show that he would showcase all of his talents, as well as his family’s and friend’s talents. It was basically a variety show where anything could happen, but it was mostly live music, comedy, and magic. I would perform a few songs at this show every year, and one year, as my 10 year old self, I sang “Rockin’ Robin” by Michael Jackson and had the whole crowd going crazy. Such a cool memory and validation that even at an early age the passion for music was prominent.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I think 2 of my dream collaborations are my 2 biggest influences: Frank Ocean and Drake. I admire Frank Ocean’s ability to stay so under the radar largely because his music is just that good. Drake I followed since the beginning of his career, and to see him then until now is absolutely insane; plus his music is so fire and really hits home for me. I also love Jon Bellion and am super inspired by his level of creativity.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was Someone Else’s Dream by Absofacto. Such a vibe J. Some of my all- time favorites were listed above, but I also love Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, Still Woozy, James Blake, & Darius.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
https://linktr.ee/adamasw_ is always updated with my most recent works. I am most active on Instagram, and can be found at https://instagram.com/adamsw__.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for interviewing me! I just really hope my music and career can inspire others to live authentically and find the positives in their life. There is always a bright side and I feel grateful every day to be able to do what I love and connect with others. Sending love to anyone reading this. Thank you and PEACE.
