After a summer of teasing new music on festival stages (Westword Music Showcase; Underground Music Festival), Adiel Mitchell follows through with his third single of 2021, “Focus On Me”. This new ear confection is a sexy, moody tune that tells a story of the ebbs and flows between steamy thoughts and healthy communication in a relationship. “Focus on Me” is the third single from his EP, Pink Lemonade.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Adiel about the latest music, surviving lock downs, technology 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’m originally from Oahu, HI but now I’m based out of Denver, CO. I’d best describe my music as feel good, relatable pop & R&B. I like to write from my own personal life to not only share my story but allow others a chance to connect their own lives with mine.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Ooooouuu. This is one of my favorite questions of all time. I pay all of my musical inspiration endeavors at the start of it all to three of my favorite musicians and songwriters of all time, Gabe Bondoc, AJ Rafael, and Jeremy Passion. Like no joke. When I first got into songwriting and singing to be honest, they were all I listened to. Studying their voices, their lyricism, their personable connection in their crafts, all of it. Back in 2010/2011ish, I lived on YouTube and they just had something special that had me hooked to pick up and instrument and find my own voice through it all. As time progressed, I feel like I rediscovered Boyz II Men, John Legend, and Brian McKnight. Now, I grew up listening to their music in my household but when I started singing myself, something changed when I heard them again. I became obsessed with everything about their artistry. From every riff, vocal tone, song composition, the works. If their name was on it, I had listened to it. Over and over again. Then from there, I got introduced to Bruno Mars and the rest became history. Bruno, to me, is my Michael Jackson, he’s the Prince of my musical inspirations. I think the year 24k Magic came out, it literally was the only album I listened to for two years. I watched every interview, every live performance, every radio show, literally every video I could find of his on YouTube. Watching him perform unlocked the part of me that people see in me when I’m on stage. The charisma, the charm, the dance moves, the whole 9. I definitely pay my respects to those I consider legends because they keep me pushing forward and hopeful to share the stage with them at some point in my career.
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 pride myself in being able to to really write from my heart. The project I’m currently working on is almost night and day difference than the last. Because I’m just in a different place in my life now. Back then, sheeeesh. Back then I was kinda lost. My priorities were all over the place and I felt like I just wanted to make music that people were like “yo this is dope.” Now, I wanna tell stories. I wanna paint pictures in your mind. I wanna let you into my life and the things that I’ve gone through and/or currently going through. Of course I want people to still bop to the songs, that’s the pop songwriter in me that loves to sneak in catchy lyrics and memorable melodies to keep you singing along, but I want you to leave feeling like you got lost in an experience. Chasing that, is how you create a legacy.
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?
Honestly, one of the biggest challenges during all of this was feeling guilty to be making music. Like everyday, I saw people losing their jobs, stressing about their families, and people struggling with their mental health over everything that was going all over the world. There were days it’s just felt like “who am I to be working on music and writing and singing?” during this time, ya know? It felt wrong to see people struggling so much and I’m enjoying what I was doing. But A close friend of mine reminded me that it was through my gift of music that I could bring people out of the despair they were lost in. That really changed my entire perspective. I feel like that was the moment that shifted my momentum to focus on creating art instead of tracks. And since then, I’ve never felt closer to my art.
What was the last song you listened to?
Pshhhhh that’s easy. Fly As Me by Silk Sonic. That’s about to be the next album for the next two years. Silk Sonic is untouchable.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Maybe cause I’m a millennial, but I love Vinyl for the aesthetic and the sound of vinyl. But streaming platforms make it so easy and accessible for any and everyone to connect to your music. Ahhhh this is hard, I’d probably go with Vinyl for the nostalgia and the sound. And although records at meant for playing, they look so clean as wall decor.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
The best place to connect with me is on IG: @adiellee AND on my website: adielmitchell.com There you can stay updated with ALL of my latest content, shows, merch, everything. I been doing my thang on TikTok if y’all find yourselves watching endless videos for hours too: TikTok: @adielmitchell
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
I really appreciate you having me and for those listening, always remember, you can do anything you put your mind too. Manifest that. It’s not enough just to want it, you gotta truly believe in it, and start putting in the work towards it now. Nothing in life will come easy and I promise you it’ll be more than worth it, once you’ve taken that first step towards your brighter tomorrow. Don’t get lost in the sauce. Stay dedicated, stay connected to your purpose, and watch it reveal itself before your very eyes. Peace, y’all!
