Adam Watts
Shining like a piece of coal
I'm empty but I overflow
The blind sun beats down on me
Falling with my feet on the ground
I'm screaming but I make no sound
The blinding sun beats on me
(pre chorus)
And I'm out of things to do
Yes, I'm out of things to do
(chorus)
So I crawl right back to you
And you welcome me home
Yes, you welcome me home
Then I crawl right back to you
I'm by myself but I'm not alone
Never alone
I'm fighting while I'm paralyzed
I'm dying but I'm still alive
The blind sun beats down on me
Speaking with nothing to say
Meaningless words in the way
The blinding sun beats on me
Pre Chorus
Chorus
Never alone
(bridge)
And you that no man can run
And it won't be long for me
Every day I fall away I come undone
And it's all that can do
To keep aiming toward you
And nowhere else feels the same
'Cause you made my heart this way
Chorus
THE SONG: Christ always takes us back no matter how far we've strayed. It's almost a cliche' notion... when I write that it feels like I'm writing someone else's words... something I've heard in sermons countless times... doesn't make it any less true, though... thankfully:)
THE RECORDING: Well, it's been awhile... but I remember a few things. THE DRUMS: My Gretsch kit... I've had it since 1985. It's amazing. The snare is this one I have that has one of those wood top rims... has a certain kind of attack to it... THE GUITARS: These rhythm guitars are the Tophat Emplexador... Andy Dodd's old standby amp... I used his Strat on this (a guitar I rarely use these days)... it had this great virtual vintage pickup in the bridge position... a nice semi-dirty tone... THE BASS: Good old Nic! Probably on his Mile Lull bass... but maybe a Fender Jazz Bass...
Back in these days I was using a Neumann TLM 103 on the vocals and somewhere during this album I had bought the U47... I used API mic pres on a lot of stuff.... the Avalon 737 on the vocal and probably the room miss on the drums.
I also remember using the 1176 plugin as my compressor of choice then.
All of this went out an SSL Bus Compressor and through Apogee conversion.
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
i look, i feel, i listen
i’m only hearing my own voice
the echo of pointless
i try to force my weakness
release imprisoned slaves of choice
i couldn’t avoid this
(chorus)
i should be something better
this bird ain’t got no feathers
flying straight to the ground
i could be something better
seen through Your eyes forever
floating, holy
leaving lonely alone
a crook, a thief, a liar
an honest man, all rolled in one
in theory i’m perfect
the love i feel is poisoned
by judge and jury in my head
no law is anointed
chorus
(bridge)
i could be wrong, maybe i’m not so bad
and the road’s just long
is good luck not what i’ve had
i’d like to believe this
ingest and recieve this
but i’d be gone if i do
‘cause my lies are never true
(verse 3)
i fill my heart with fire
i breathe the smoke of burning pain
desire the cancer
i train my face to play out
the fiction drama every day
i’m left disappointed
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
Drums: Jules Rodriguez
Guitars: Matt Rodriguez
BLISTER ON MY TOUNGE
I CAN’T SPEAK A WORD OF THIS TO ANYONE
I CAN SEE BUT THIS
PAIN IS SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW
SO ALL THAT I CAN DO
IS COME TO MEET WITH YOU
AND YOU SAY:
“SON, HOLD ON TO ME,
AND I WILL LEAD YOUR WAY”
(CHORUS)
LORD, COME AND SHOW ME WHY
I CAN’T SEE WITH YOUR EYES
BLIND MY MIND
MAKE IT RIGHT
PLEASE, I NEED TO GET THERE
WILL YOU HELP ME GET THERE
THIS IS MY PRAYER
CRAWLING UPWARD TO YOU
HOPING MY BELIEF WILL LEAD TO INNOCENCE
STRAIGHT TO MY KNEES
I LET THE WATER HIT MY HEAD
HUMBLE BEFORE YOU
IT’S ALL THAT I CAN DO
AND YOU SAY...
“SON, HOLD ON TO ME,
AND I WILL LEAD THE WAY”
CHORUS
(BRIDGE)
I WANNA BE CUT DOWN TO SIZE
I WANNA BE THE MAN YOU HAD ME PLANNED TO BE
SOMEONE BETTER
I WANNA BE A SON THAT SHINES
ONLY FOR YOU
ONLY TO RISE UP AND ALL THROUGH
LIVING WITH CLEAR EYES
CHORUS
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
Why leave me where i am
I’m here but i’m gone
Signs pointing me to land
Are clear but they’re not
(pre)
So i stay out in the waves
Crashing over me insane
(chorus)
Fly fall fly fall
Air flees from beneath me
Fly fall i don’t care at all
As long as Your hand catches me
Tried stripping love away
To feel less as more
But lies never tell the truth so i pray
For strength come restore me
(pre)
For a taste of something real
Withhold your grace so i can feel
How without you feels
Chorus
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
SUN SUN SUN SUNLIGHT
PEAKING THROUGH
LONELY BED
WHAT’S UNDONE
STARTS TO RIGHT AGAIN
FROM TIED TO UNTIED
OVERNIGHT
AND BACK AGAIN
FROM DIM TO BRIGHT
I’M BREAKING IN
(CHORUS)
WELL IT’S DARK HERE
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD
BUT I’M SPINNING BACK TOWARD THE LIGHT
BECAUSE OF YOU, BECAUSE OF YOU
BECAUSE OF YOU
ONE HEART ONE MIND
ONE MILLION WAYS
TO FILL IT IN
IT’S ALL FOR YOU
I’M FOLLOWING
YOUR LIGHT IS RIGHTING
ALL THE WRONGS
I’M BACK AGAIN
MY LINE OF SIGHT
IS STRAIGHTENING
CHORUS
(BRIDGE)
BECAUSE OF YOU
I WANNA GROW
BECAUSE OF YOU
I WANT A LIVING LIFE
BECAUSE OF YOU
I’M IN THE KNOW
WHEN IT’S RIGHT IT’S RIGHT
CHORUS
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
Drums: Jules Rodriguez
Guitars: Matt Rodriguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
Guitars: Matt Rodriguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Here's a review the SLEEPING FIRE album got in Christianity Today:
Show of hands, please. How many of you know the name Adam Watts? Yeah, I was afraid of that, though chances are you're familiar with some of his work without even knowing it.
A regular worship leader at California's Saddleback Church, Watts co-wrote and produced on the first three projects from Jeremy Camp, as well as albums from Camp's wife Adie and fellow Saddleback-ian Jadon Lavik. Moreover, he's written and produced for mainstream teen sensations Jesse McCartney (including the hit "Beautiful Soul"), Aly & AJ, and Hannah Montana. And if that wasn't enough, his contract with Disney led to participation as a writer/producer for the TV movie blockbuster High School Musical, its soundtrack the top-selling album of 2006.
An impressive resume for sure, though not one that fully reveals the creative depths that Watts is capable of, especially after listening to his more mature sounding solo work. The Noise Inside, his debut through BEC Recordings, was released with little fanfare, but was strong enough for us to name Watts one of the Best New Artists of 2004. His independently released sophomore effort proves the first album was no fluke. In fact, it's even better … and no, it sounds nothing like High School Musical.
What makes Sleeping Fire so good? The short answer is Watts does everything right as a Christian artist. He's the complete package—an inventive producer, an intelligent songwriter, and a talented multi-instrumentalist who performs most of the album himself. The guitars are the most impressive element, and while Matt Rodriguez handles most of the solos, Watts' gorgeous fingerwork in "To Believe" is no less captivating.
Often the least interesting artists are those that too closely emulate another act—the best are rarely pegged to just one sound. Don't judge Watts by the first track, though "Crawl" is certainly a good alt-rock opener. "Something Better" sounds like the sort of modern Beatle-esque that PFR would have recorded, and "My Prayer" is a driving rocker worthy of Switchfoot or Jimmy Eat World. Later, Watts almost evokes Soundgarden with the bluesy neo-grunge of "Storm Is Gone." But there are also haunting ballads to be found, and "Invisible Light" is particularly striking with its inventive acoustic style.
Watts' vocalizing is equally varied. Most of the time, his sweetly lilting tenor is reminiscent of Morten Harket (a-ha)—overall, he's stylistically comparable to that band's refined pop/rock—and a falsetto that brings to mind Chris Martin (Coldplay). Yet he's also capable of offering the occasional rock yowls similar to Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) or Chris Cornell (Audioslave).
And there's something to be said for this guy's crafty song structuring. The album is chock full of exquisite melodies ("Fly Fall Fly," "Because of You"), but they don't always play out predictably. Listen to the way "Bear with Me" plausibly takes a left turn with a minor chord when you expect a major, and visa versa. Even something relatively simple like shifting the rhythmic feel to half time for the chorus in "Crawl" stands out, only because most artists today don't put as much thought into the creative process.
But perhaps most admirable is the way Watts creatively articulates faith without resorting to vague subtleties. Though it never directly says so in as many words, the title track is clearly a metaphor for rekindling of faith. "To Believe" depicts the nature of belief about as well as any song I've heard—"Seeing isn't believing/Doesn't the mirror hide the truth?/Hearing isn't receiving, is it?/The echo dies alone."
For as often as Christian artists struggle with it, Watts excels at expressing a distinctive personality. His Psalm-like "Come Around Again" is a delightfully unique plea for restoration—"I've been kicked in the faith/See the bruise/I've been stretched to the fray/I've been used and I've used/Will You move the dirty earth I'm under/Wash the mud from this soul?" Some might even say it's too unconventional after listening to "The End" and its strangely puerile-but-honest musings about surrender—"I need to deny myself/Give my Lord above the reigns/Do it different this time and follow His holy way…What would suck is if I win/Miss a prayer I didn't pray/The one that got away."
I don't pretend that this album will be widely embraced. It's well produced, but unlike Jeremy Camp and High School Musical, it isn't glossy. Though accessible in its artiness and current sounding, the music isn't tied to a trend. It won't earn airplay on Christian radio, and it's unavailable in stores. (You can listen to some songs at Watts' site, order it through CD Baby, and download it at iTunes.)
But quality and excellence abounds in every aspect of Sleeping Fire—packaging included. For those who appreciate smart songcraft, skilled musicianship, and creative wordings of faith, Adam Watts impresses on all counts with what we can only hope will be regarded a sleeper hit.
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
Drums: Jules Rodriguez
Guitars: Matt Rodriguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Published by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP) and Dying Ego Music (ASCAP), administered by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP).
Bass: Nic Rodriguez
I KNOW YOU ARE FEELING SOMETHING’S WRONG
YOUR HEART IS A LONELY PLACE TO BE
SILENT CHANGE AND YOU’RE TAKEN OVER
SOMETHING INSIDE HAS REBELLED AGAINST YOU AGAIN
(PRE)
I WISH I COULD HELP
BUT IT’S BEYOND ME
IF I COULD SEE IT COMING THROUGH
I’D WAKE YOU UP FROM THIS UGLY DREAM
AND CALM ALL THE NOISE INSIDE OF YOU
IT’S IN ME TOO
THE NOISE INSIDE
SO FULL OF INTENTIONS, FULL OF LOVE
BUT IT’S HARD TO BE CLEAR WHEN NIGHT FALLS
ALL REARRANGED WHERE DID SANITY GO
THE BLACKEST RAGE BECOMES YOUR SORROW AGAIN
(PRE)
ALONE IN THIS
JUST FEELS THAT WAY
IT ISN’T YOUR FAULT IT’S THIS WORLD
ONE DAY WE’LL WAKE UP FROM THIS SORDID DREAM
HE’LL CALM ALL THE NOISE INSIDE OF YOU
IT’S IN ME TOO
THE NOISE INSIDE
(BRIDGE)
I WISH MY SOUL COULD CRAWL AWAY
FROM THIS MOUND OF FLESH IN SLOW DECAY
AND IT’S A WISH THAT I KNOW I SHARE
WITH EVERY SOUL THAT’S LIVING HERE
MY ONLY COMFORT COMES FROM ABOVE
AND FROM THE ONES WHO KNOW HIS LOVE
IT’S IN ME TOO
THE NOISE INSIDE
THIS NOISE INSIDE
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Published by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP) and Dying Ego Music (ASCAP), administered by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP).
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Published by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP) and Dying Ego Music (ASCAP), administered by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP).
Except:
Bass: Nic Rodrguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Published by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP) and Dying Ego Music (ASCAP), administered by Seven Peaks Music (ASCAP).
Except:
Bass: Nic Rodrguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Except:
Bass: Nic Rodrguez
Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
Click on cover art to listen/view songs.
Profile
About Adam: Adam Watts' varied work in the music and film industries as a Songwriter / Producer / Mixer has been featured on over 50 Million Albums Sold Worldwide, with over a dozen #1 HITS in multiple genres,...[more]Adam Watts' varied work in the music and film industries as a Songwriter / Producer / Mixer has been featured on over 50 Million Albums Sold Worldwide, with over a dozen #1 HITS in multiple genres, an ASCAP Pop Award, 2 ASCAP Film/TV Awards and 4 Dove Awards.
As a songwriter for Walt Disney Music Publishing for 10 years, Watts has written and produced songs for projects including High School Musical (1, 2, & 3), Hannah Montana (all seasons), Camp Rock (1 & 2), The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Celebration, Brave, and many more.
Watts diverse skillset has led him to work in multiple genres and with artists including Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jeremy Camp, Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers, Plain White Ts, Colton Dixon (American Idol), and many more. He is also a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, having released ten self-produced solo albums.
Now published by Reservoir Media, Watts' most recent project was the Netflix original film "A Week Away", the first faith-based feature-length musical. Watts wrote, produced and mixed the film's many original songs (and the reimagined classic cover songs), as well as the soundtrack. The film won the Dove Award for Inspiration Film of the Year in 2021.
Watts is also an author and fine artist. His book "The Human of Being Art: A Holistic Approach to Being an Artist and Creating Art" has led to his teaching his unique approach to arts education at multiple Universities throughout Southern California. He is currently developing this approach into a full-fledged arts education and content creation entity, Broken City Artists.
Now the father of two sons, currently Watts is currently working on a series of children's multi-media franchise, "The Adventures of Owie & Raffy" featuring wondrously strange animal characters who are seeking to overcome their deepest insecurities, find self-acceptance, friendship, and a place to truly belong.
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Adam Watts Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Visual Artist, Author
I'm mostly self-taught and/or learned through hundreds of small moments of being mentored by those I've worked with over the years. That said, I'm highly trained as a drummer (with extensive drum-line experience), private drum lessons (with Dave Weckl, Evan Stone, Chad Wackerman and many others), 1 year of community college (studying mostly music).
Music Releases: Solo Albums: "The Devil & The Light" (2021), When a Heart Wakes Up (2018), The Hero and the Pain (2016), Haterfakers-Single (2015), Way Out (2014), Life on Earth (2013), Fallborn (2012), Murder Yesterday (2010), Sleeping Fire (2006), The Noise Inside (2004).
Current Experience: Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Visual Artist, Author, Educator, Signed to Reservoir Media Publishing,...[more]Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Visual Artist, Author, Educator, Signed to Reservoir Media Publishing, Adjunct Professor (Cal Baptist University) [collapse]
Previous Experience: Songwriter/Producer with over 50 Million Albums Sold Worldwide, BEC/Tooth & Nail (EMI) Recording Artist,...[more]Songwriter/Producer with over 50 Million Albums Sold Worldwide, BEC/Tooth & Nail (EMI) Recording Artist, Walt Disney Music Publishing songwriter. Extensive experience in rock, pop, alternative, CCM, TV, Film and Animation projects. 4x Dove Award Winner, 3x ASCAP Songwriting Award Winner. [collapse]
Goals:
Immediate: Finish Following Fireflies pitch video
Within 1 Year: Land a production partner for Following Fireflies
Within 3 Years: Release Following Fireflies film and books
Within 5 Years: Share my HOLISTIC APPROACH with millions
Artist Q&A
1) List your creative interests/artistic mediums (in order of passion).Music
Visual Arts (fine art, design, photography, film)
Leatherwork
Carpentry
Knife-making
Music
Visual Arts (fine art, design, photography, film)
Leatherwork
Carpentry
Knife-making
Martial Arts
2) Do you consider yourself to be an artist? If not, why? If so, why?
Yes. It's an important part of how I express myself in life. It's right near the top of my short list of things I consider to be deeply important and essential in my life (both creating my own art and experiencing the art of others).
3) At what age did you begin your journey as an artist/musician? How did it come about?
Music took hold around age 10 or 11... but I was interested in drawing and writing stories when I was maybe 7 years old. When I discovered the drums around age 10 I was hooked! I focused like CRAZY on being the best drummer I could be in the years that followed. I was obsessive about it! I started writing music with a keyboard and began recording when I was about 15 years old and by the time I was 19 I'd discovered that singing and writing/recording my own songs was going to be my life's work... it felt like the ultimate way I could express myself. I started playing bass, guitar and programming synths. Recording, producing and mixing was always a big part of what inspired me. I wanted to be able to go from initial idea all the way to the final product and see my vision through to the end. From day 1 recording and composing were really one united process. To this day that approach informs how I approach creating songs (and how I teach!).
4) What drives you toward a career in the arts?
I couldn't imagine doing anything else! #1 is self-expression and how that is tied to connecting with others. From there, I love the challenge of making creativity into a career. I couldn't imagine having a career that was separate from music/art and creativity, so I set out to do whatever I could to make that happen. Early on I had a lot to prove and I was driven to prove to myself and everyone else that I could be successful and make great music. I love music in all genres and enjoy the challenge of delivering great work on a deadline in the context of a professional situation... whether that's for artists or bands, films, or even advertising. My solo music has always been the core of what I do (I have ten solo albums). The most core and important of my core skills are ones I cultivated while making my own music, for myself. I realized later that this approach mean that I learned how to make feelings into music, and that's been a really key skill to bring to professional situations.
5) List your top three long term goals. (roughly 2 years, 5 years and 10+ years)
2 years: Release "Following Fireflies" (my Animated Rock Opera Feature Film and book series!). Also: globally launch my "Holistic approach to the Arts" online and in-person (BROKEN CITY ARTISTS).
5 years: Release the "Following Fireflies" sequel! Continue to build my teachings into being a universally recognized approach to the arts.
10 years: To be healthy and happy (along with my kids, wife and family!), creating a system do that the Holistic Approach can be a well oiled machine with many teachers and artists applying and teaching the approach. That "Following Fireflies" would be an iconic franchise that stands beside the great stories that resonate with both children and adults.
6) List your top three short term goals.
1) Land a multi-million-dollar production company partner for "Following Fireflies" and begin production.
2) Integrate this "Holistic Approach to the Arts" into the music culture at CBU.
3) Continue to meaningfully integrate work life and family life.
7) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how much do you value artistic/creative/personal growth?
10. Always trying to grow!
8) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how much do you value becoming famous/well known?
6.5. It's something that could be cool to a degree, especially if it's helpful in achieving my other goals... but I see more downsides than upsides associated with achieving a lot of fame.
9) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how much do you value being respected by your peers?
7.5. It feels good (and validating) to be respected. It also helps to have that respect as you navigate a career, it opens doors... but it's not something I'm overly fixated on. I've found that the respect comes if I just put my head down and try to do good work while trying to be a good guy while doing it.
10) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how much do you value being respected as an artist by the general public?
5. It'd be nice, but in order to be respected by the general public you'd need a lot of fame and I'm not sure I'd want that... I don't think I would enjoy the stress that would come along with broad fame.
11) Hypothetically speaking, if you were making a comfortable living through your work as an artist (i.e. paying the bills etc.), from that point, would you value becoming more wealthy, more or less than progressing artistically?
This is a tough one. I think the two can be tied together if you approach it in just the right way… but it's difficult! I've found that stressing about finances really takes away from the ability to let go and create great art, so I put a lot of effort into making a comfortable living so that I can put a lot of effort into progressing artistically at the same time. The early years, when I was living at home with my parents, was a key time for really having the time to get my artistic fundamentals in place. It's very hard to balance once you have a family and bills. In my life, I've worked hard to find a lot of income from my music career which has, in a way, freed me up to create my artistic work without worrying if THAT more artistic work has to pay the bills.
12) Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Why? (For the purposes of this question, we'll define these terms as whether you gain energy and feel most comfortable when you're alone, or with others).
I'm more of an introvert with some extroverted tendencies temp ending on the situation. Mostly I've had to adapt and figure out how to externalize myself. I can get burnt out after spending a lot of time in large groups. I need to recharge by spending some time alone (or with people I'm extremely comfortable with).
13) How important is spirituality in your life? What role do your beliefs play in your process and your work as an artist?
Very important. I think about God, meaning, morals and ethics quite a lot. I feel a deep responsibility to use my talents to do some good whenever and however possible. That can be direct or indirect, but my spiritual beliefs are always playing a role in how I approach my solo work and my career; always trying to making meaningful work if at all possible. It's not always easy, especially in a career context.
14) List your top 5 influences and/or inspirations in your life (artistically and/or otherwise) and a short reason why for each.
I gotta do more than 5!!
1) Jesus - He is the model for how to be... even though this is a cliche' answer it's true.
2) My parents - I've been blessed to have parents that have always done their best to put their kids first and love us to the best of their abilities. Grateful for that.
3) Sting - early on, Sting's music was a big influence on my songwriting and singing. His combination of great, thoughtful lyrics and intensely emotional and musical rich music matched my own desire to make music that was interesting, menanigful, emotional, musically challenging, and enjoyable on a lot of levels.
4) Jeff Buckley - an incredible singer and virtuosic performer with unbelievable depth.There's a magic in his work that's hard to define.
5) This is a tie between singer-songwriter (and Soundgarden band member) Chris Cornell (especially his solo album "Euphoria Mourning") and the film composer Thomas Newman (who's created some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard!).
6) Jordan B. Peterson - such a brilliant person. Inspiring.
15) On average, do you seek instant gratification, or the payoff of hard work over time? Explain.
Probably something closer to instant gratification. But I understand the value of hard work and how that pays off over time, so I work hard to align my instant gratification with my long terms goals so both can be happening simultaneously! Music is great for this, I can get those small bits of satisfaction in the process while working toward the larger goal of the full song, album or project in the greater context of a career. Managing these things all at once is really the biggest challenge!
16) How do you feel you learn best?
A combination of internalizing concepts, understanding and applying them, while also just getting my hands dirty and learning as I go (experientially). This is also how I tend to teach: a combination of those two approaches.
17) On average, do you prefer inventing/creating your own techniques or learning proven techniques (explain)?
I really enjoying being inventive and discovering my own ways of doing things... knowing that often that means I'll be stumbling upon classic ways of doing things. But I also really value learning the proper ays to do things. So a blend of both for sure.
18) When it comes to your artistry, what are you most confident about? Also, least confident about?
MOST: I'm most confident in my instincts and tastes... and my ability to find a way to express those in ways that are at a high objective quality.
LEAST: My ability to know precisely what's going on harmonically (from a technical perspective) with more complex music, just by ear. I'll often have to take some time to poke around and figure it out. I tend to hear music as feelings, rhythms and sonic textures first before I hear the harmonic technicalities... this has been both a blessing and a curse!
19) Describe your dream scenario for your career as an artist. Be specific!
I'v been blessed to make a few dreams come true with music, but I'd like to take it further and own my own media and education company with a very broad reach. To be able to develop and educate artists as well as create, market and distribute music, films and other multi-media on a global scale.
20) Do you tend to envy other artists or feel competitive with them, or are you supportive of others?
When I was younger I could sometimes fall into some envy (with other singer-songwriters especially) or a competitive mindset. But I've always been genuinely supportive of other artists... my friends especially... and more so now than ever.
21) On average how much time per day (or week) do you currently spend working on your craft?
I'm always thinking about it. The amount of time varies. Usually throughout my life, it's been daily for many hours.
22) What brings you the most joy in both life in general and as an artist?
My family... my two hilarious and awesome kids Rowan and River... and the deep joy of expressing myself the deeper moments with my own solo music especially... But I think some of the most consistent joy I've had with art has been when working with my friends/partners on music in the context of my career.
23) What makes you most frustrated both personally and as an artist?
I get frustrated when I'm not understood by other people... and this extends out to my work: When I'm unable to achieve my vision in the moment I have it... to get out what I know I know I'm capable of... I find that if I just keep pushing I can get there (or at least close)... but it can be REALLY frustrating!!
24) Do you see yourself as more of a leader or someone who is comfortable in a supportive position? If it depends, explain.
More of a leader. I work best with those who like to jump onboard as I lead. That said, when someone has a great idea I'm happy to support it and them.
25) On average, As you grow and progress as a person and an artist, is it more important that you have fun, or do you believe in a "no pain no gain" process? Explain.
I'm probably a bit more of a "no pain, no gain" guy... but more and more I see the value in enjoying the process as much as possible as well. I try to work hard, but I need to feel like it's worth it and like there are little moments to celebrate and enjoy along the way, even when it's hard work.
26) What are you 3 favorite movies/films of all time? And Why?
hmm difficult... but probably:
1) Shawshank Redemption - amazing story of friendship and struggle, amazing score, acting and cinematography...
2) Forrest Gump - amazing story of how having a lot of heart and perseverance can make up for a lack of talent or intelligence... plus amazing score, great acting, and cinematography...
3) Braveheart - amazing story of love, standing up for your beliefs and against injustice, pushing through struggle for the greater good.... plus another amazing score, acting and cinematography...
All of these stand up as timeless classics IMO.
27) What are your 3 favorite artists of all time? And why?
1) Thomas Newman - film composer - unbelievable music.
2) Sting - His legacy of music with The Police and as a solo artist makes for a really iconic mix of originality heart, musicality and intelligence.
3) Jeff Buckley and Chris Cornell - it's s tie - both incredible and unique voices with great songwriting.
28) What are your 3 favorite songs of all time? And why?
This is hard. But I'll pick the first few that come to mind... for some reason they're all kind of ballads and ones I heard early in life... I love so many songs of so many vibes and styles from so many decades and eras... but these are like a heart-hug... and these are songs that I love that I also think are truly great, objectively.
1) With or Without You (U2) - haunting, beautiful, aching and timeless song about the tension that so often exists in a romantic relationship... the push and pull. Love how it builds too.
2) Imagine (John Lennon) - Even though some of the lyrics rub me wrong, overall this song is just nearly perfect and so emotional, vulnerable and beautiful while also being somewhat raw.
3) Fix You (Coldplay) - achingly beautiful and timeless song about empathy and love. This one builds much like my first song... just keeps getting bigger and more cathartic as it goes.
4) Mad About You (Sting) - honorable mention! This is probably the song that made me feel like I had to write songs... and it's such a vivid storytelling song with such a cool almost mysterious melancholic feeling throughout.
29) What emotions do you feel you most often feel the need to express through your artistic creativity?
Probably the feeling of intense struggle between the heart, mind, and soul/spirit. The feeling of tension between those parts of self. Do we feel about our thoughts? Or think about our feelings? Chicken or the egg.... and what is this SOUL part???? The consciousness that seems to exist outside of emotion and thought... the part of us that just IS.... so much of life is in navigating all of this.... and for me, songwriting is where I can hash all this out.
30) Is there one or more styles/genres of music that you despise/hate/can't stand?
There are none that I hate or despise.I tend to have a singer-songwriter core that emanates from folk and blues (meaning: good honest lyrics and melody are at the core) and then my tastes go outward into all other styles... so maybe the further music gets from those styles (the less like "songs" in that classic sense) the less interested I tend to get.... but there isn't a style of music I don't like. I've heard great songs in literally EVERY genre.
31) On a spectrum between 1 and 20, do you consider yourself more interested in technical perfection (1), or more interested in overall feel (20)? (For example, if it's an equal blend of the two you would answer "10") Explain.
10. It's the equal balance between the two that for me, really hits the spot!!
32) Have your parents been supportive of your artistry?
Absolutely. Very grateful for that. I likely wouldn't have been successful without their support.
33) Do you find that you prefer short bursts of learning/working with consistent breaks, or longer, focused times?
Longer, focused times for the most part.
34) What are your thoughts or opinions on counseling/therapy/psychology?
Love it. It's been valuable to me in my life.
35) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how do you personally rate the importance of the arts as entertainment or escapism? (as opposed to as a way to go deeper into ones thoughts and feelings). Explain.
7.5.... entertainment and escapism isn't art's greatest use IMO, but it's still a valid use for it! It's important to be able to unwind, be entertained, have fun, and/or be transported into the imagination and take a break from "real life". That process can sometimes actually lead to deeper things.... realizations... catharsis.... rejuvenation.
36) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how do you personally rate the importance of the arts as a means of personal expression, communication and meaning?
9 or 10. It can often transcend other forms of expression.... but it's no replacement for interacting with people 1-on-1 in a vulnerable way.
37) Are you technically savvy with regards to computers etc.? (What programs are you familiar with? i.e. Protools, Logic, Garage Band, Photoshop etc.). Do you enjoy this technical/engineering side of music? Explain.
Though I tend to resist learning new technology, once I do, I become fast and fluent on it. I'm very proficient in Protools and fairly good with Photoshop and Premiere Pro. I love applying technical knowledge to creating great music. The gear is nothing without its purpose which is to make music worth hearing!!
38) What do you feel is the best thing about you as a person? The least best thing?
The good: I try my best to be a good person... and if I make a mistake I try to correct it. I aim to be approachable and considerate to others. I aim to find the right balance of confidence and humility. I aim to be reliable and loyal. I try to do great work regardless of my mood. I want to do meaningful work that's not just about me, but about spreading goodness around. I seek to be truly fair with people in creative collaborations and in business.
The bad: I can be reactive and defensive when I'm criticized. In my desire to be understood I can also be stubborn. I can be rigid when I have a strong vision for something, which can be frustrating for others. Sometimes I can get overly perfectionistic (mostly with myself). I can tend toward being a workaholic and forget to pour into relationships enough. Sometimes all of these characteristics can add up to me not focusing enough on my own mental and physical health.
39) Do you feel it's important to finish everything you start, or do you tend to leave work unfinished for some reason? Explain.
I try to finish everything unless I realize it's not going anywhere, then I'll abandon it as soon as I'm sure it's a dead-end... I try not to waste time if it feels like it's going nowhere.... but I try to make sure I'm not just wanting to give up because I'm frustrated.
40) Describe the most recent piece of art you created. How do you feel about it?
The most recent thing was an image in photoshop which was a compilation of a photo from the "Following Fireflies" Stop Motion set and the compositing of a photo I took of a cloudy sunset sky which I then laid filters over. I'm pretty happy with it.
41) Do you plan to make music your full-time career? Do you have a "Plan B" in terms of a career choice? If so, what is it?
Yeah... music and art.... creativity of any kind. That's plan A-Z.
42) Define success in the most personal and complete way possible. i.e. What is success to you?
I want to make great work (artistically) that means something not only to me, but to other people.... and I want to make a good living making music/art. BUT, none of this means much without focusing on having a healthy balance of loving my family and friends and being healthy mentally and physically; that's the foundation of true success. Being wealthy and respected means nothing without health, loving relationships, and a strong spiritual center.
43) List some of the things you'd like to get out of an educational/mentor-protege' program? Explain.
This... that... AND the other!
When we can learn from those who have experience beyond ours, we can accelerate the time it takes to fulfill our potential... which means we can get where we're going faster and more efficiently! Mentors can be incredibly helpful in saving us some of the pain and frustration of feeling lost and/or stuck.
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The Big Five Aspects Scale - Adam's results:
Agreeableness: 15% (Compassion: 72%, Politeness: 1%) Agreeableness[more]Agreeableness (the primary dimension of care for others). Compassion (the tendency to empathically experience the emotion of others) and Politeness (the proclivity to abide by interpersonal norms) for Agreeableness. [collapse]
Conscientiousness: 78% (Industriousness: 96%, Orderliness: 30%) Conscientiousness[more]Conscientiousness (associated with duty, precision and responsibility). Industriousness (the ability to engage in sustained, goal-directed effort) and Orderliness (the tendency to schedule, organize and systematize) for Conscientiousness. [collapse]
Extraversion: 84% (Enthusiasm: 30%, Assertiveness: 98%) Extraversion[more]Extraversion (associated with positive emotion). Enthusiasm (spontaneous joy and engagement) and Assertiveness (social dominance, often verbal in nature) for Extraversion. [collapse]
Neuroticism: 74% (Withdrawal: 57%, Volatility: 84%) Neuroticism[more]Neuroticism (negative emotion). Withdrawal (the tendency to avoid in the face of uncertainty) and Volatility (the tendency to become irritable and upset when things go wrong) for Neuroticism. [collapse]
Openness to Experience: 97% (Intellect: 96%, Openness: 93%) Openness[more]Openness (interest in ideas and aesthetics). Openness (creativity and aesthetic sensitivity) and Intellect (interest in abstract concepts and ideas) for Openness to Experience. [collapse]
Enneagram Personality Assessment - Adam's Results:
Type 1: The Reformer
(Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic.) The[more]The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic [collapse]
Type 2: The Helper
(Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive.) The[more]The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive [collapse]
Type 3: The Achiever
(Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious.) The[more]The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious [collapse]
Type 4: The Individualist
(Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental.) The[more]The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental [collapse]
Type 5: The Investigator
(Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated.) The[more]The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated [collapse]
Type 6: The Loyalist
(Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious.) The[more]The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious [collapse]
Type 7: The Enthusiast
(Spontaneous, Versatile, Acquisitive, and Scattered.) The[more]The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered [collapse]
Type 8: The Challenger
(Self-Confident, Decisive, Willfull, and Confrontational.) The[more]The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational [collapse]
Type 9: The Peacemaker
(Receptive, Reassuring, Complacent, and Resigned.) The[more]The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent [collapse]
