Adam Watts
So I'm gonna plan me a funeral
Ain't gonna be no tears at the burial
No flowers, No friends, No family
I'm gonna shovel that dirt on the old me
(pre)
And I don't need no sympathy
The fault is mine, it's all on me
(chorus)
I'm gonna break myself in half
Light fire to the black, gotta do this fast
It's hell to know the worst of me
It's worth a try to make him leave
Oh I'm gonna break myself in half
And leave that half of me for dead
Make the best of me the rest of me instead
It's a young man's game that the old men lose
It's heaven or hell and we have to choose
(pre)
It's hard to fight a child's beliefs
It's revisionary history
Chorus
(bridge)
And when I'm visiting the grave
Of all the parts I used to love
I'll say a prayer, they got me here
But I had to give them up
And now the worst of me
Will rest in peace under ground
Chorus
There are these rare times in life when it feels like you leave behind an old version of yourself and become someone different... someone new and slightly better... "Burning off dead wood" as Jordan Peterson puts it. This song is about that.
It's unwelcome when it comes
You suck it in, black lung
What was started is done
It puts the pain where the fun was
Even innocence doesn't work, I'm a smoking gun
I'm not a saint, but the game was even the losers won
(pre-chorus)
Another plank in the fence and a stone in the wall
Another rise and a fall, Oh, the rise and the fall
(chorus)
I try to stay in optimistic lands
But nothing could be worse than this
It's a hug from God and a Devil's kiss but…
None of us gets a long time…
None of us gets a long time here
None of us gets a long time
(verse 2)
It's a battle in the mud
Doesn't matter what you bring
All the best intentions, the hands still dirty
All the denying only hurts ‘cause the end will come
Another rise and a fall, Oh, the rise and the fall
Chorus
None of us gets a long time.
Sometimes life gives you a brutal reminder of your mortality... life is short... just have to try to make the most of it.
I fell into the water
I didn't try to swim
Please forgive me Father
I know that I have sinned
This living feels like dying
I'm sinking to the end
But to rise now I'll be fighting
I think I've got the bends
I've got the bends...
(chorus)
I come apart
But then you put me back together again
Oh, I'm on the mend
I broke apart
And I'm deserving every bad thing I get
You're back Again, so now I'm on the mend
I un-bloomed like a flower
I cursed the Son again
I screamed blame at Your power
Wore pride like a skin
When trying feels like falling
Can't help but lose my breath
God be my wings for flying
Not ready now for death
No, not yet.
Chorus
(bridge)
Gone was the sun and light and the rain poured again
I was done when the pain held a gun to my headÂ
Where the ones in the brain that I bet on couldn't win
Chorus
Getting better... slowly but surely... it's been a hell of a couple years.
This song is one of my favorites on this album... I really enjoy bringing together the meaning/emotion of the song and having it represented in ways that scratch every itch in me musically as well.... but without it being forced... For me that means using melody, harmony, rhythm, words, sonics in adventurous ways to convey something that matters to me... this song came together in that way... there's a metric modulation into the chorus... I wanted a halftime groove for the chorus... but "normal" halftime was too slow and draggy... so I found a way to keep the energy, and make it all flow together by making the dotted 8th note the "new" 1/4 note for the chorus... then it comes back for verse 2... and back again for the bridge... programming this tempo change/modulation in Protools took some math!
I've done my time out in the rain
The cold it soaked me to my veins
Been to the valley felt the heat
Like the sun came and rested down upon me
And I'm not gonna lie
Yeah my faith almost died
But I clung to the core of Your grace
And I looked down inside
Found there's nowhere to hide
From a love unfailing, perfect, waiting
Unconditional and far beyond rational
grace of a savior...
I spent the night out in the blank
Stubborn thought I could never change
I left belief, I left my knees
And I walked off the edge away from holy
And I'm not gonna lie
Yeah my faith almost died
But I clung to the core of Your grace
And I looked down inside
Found there's nowhere to hide
From a love unfailing, perfect, waiting
Unconditional and far beyond rational
grace of a savior...
Jesus. Grace. It all makes sense in a way that doesn't make sense. I understand it and I don't. I just try to believe.
Good times come and good times go
Why they leave, I guess I'll never know
The world's on fire outside our window
We could see it, if not for all the smoke… in here
I'm choking in here…
(chorus)
No falling apart
No fleeing the scene
I've got a puzzle to solve
For the ones who rely on me
No miracle cure
No parting of seas
Just that steady push up
As the weight of the world bears down
I'll turn my back on this hell
And keep reaching for higher ground
The same old demons haunt your nights
You can't find sleep and I can't stand the daylight
Sharpened rocks inside your pillow
So you bleed dreams… wide awake and hollow
In here… we're choking in here
Chorus
(bridge)
In the middle of night
In the middle of the end
There's a riddle I cry
I'm stuck here waiting, still waiting…
For an answer wrong, or an answer right
Doesn't matter which way just wanna be going
Somewhere knowing
Chorus
The environment in our minds... our consciousness... our perceptions... it's all so fragile... our brains are an unbelievably complex network of neurotransmitters, chemicals, cells... where is the soul? What is the nature of thought? Belief? Ideas? How can it all be so fragile when it feels so important? The smallest imbalance and we can experience a kind of hell on earth... and we have to hold on for dear life for ourselves and those who rely on us. It's hard being a human.
I must not have learned how to have fun...
Did I wake up on the wrong side of the bed...
Every day of my life...
When the sun rises the birds sing their bird songs...
Something in my head wants them to stop...
Don't stop...
(chorus)
Oh, It's a cross I bear...
I don't know why, I was born with it there...
Oh, it's like I don't care...
But I care way too much...
With a heart that won't budge in the way...
Sigh, breathe in the smoke...
Color my lungs...
Try to make light of the dark side...
Lifting tons, not the weight of the world...
But enough, just enough, never enough...
Some parts in my head get poisonous blood...
Chorus
I feel like I've missed out on some of the fun I see other people having... people who don't appear to have the same automatic tendency to analyze myself and the world around me to the point of feeling weighed down by it all. Sometimes I'm not the biggest fan of me.
Additional Electric Guitars by: Cory Clark
You pick up the world
and put it on your shoulders
You open up the window
But then complain that it's colder
And when I offer to share the weight
It's all the same, always the same
We get colder
I'm unavailable, burying what I'm feeling
I'm overrated and medicated and separated
And when you offer to share the weight
It's all the same, always the same
We get colder… We get colder
(Chorus)
Break off the branches… Lay down the kindling
I'll get the matches… You get the gasoline
Let's make a fire… Let's make a fire.
Let's make a fire
I could be standing there
bleeding out on the floor
Sometimes I wonder if you care anymore?
And when you offer to share the weight
It's all the same, always the same
We get colder
I don't wanna learn this the hard way
I don't wanna do this the hard way
But I can only think of one thing we can do
Chorus
(bridge)
Cry for me now, don't let me bleed anymore
I don't know how but I have to leave, while staying
Lied to myself but the truth is out from the core
Inside out, learning how to breathe, learning how to break…
Chorus
A song about putting the effort in to rekindle the early passions of love when the stresses of life has somehow slowly put out that initial fire.
I just wanna disappear
Never to be seen again
Have nobody shed a tear
No suicide to make it sin
(pre-chorus)
Just gone… like I was never here
So long… no, I won't miss it here
(chorus)
Rake me over the coals
I deserve it all?
Life lost all beautiful colors
Now I'm only feeling grays
Just let me sleep and never wake again
I'm not what I used to be
Even my vinegar was sweet to taste
Used to be a sight to see
Surfing while I made the waves
(pre)
Just gone… out into the clear
So long… like I was never here
Chorus
(bridge)
And here I am singing a song
A lullaby to sleep to
Everything about it is wrong
A melody to die to
A cry for help for you
Chorus
I went through an extremely difficult time... horrible health issues... daily torment on a scale, degree and duration I never thought possible... and I was losing the will to live... thinking of my son, Rowan, has gotten me through it... but often I just wanted to disappear.
Hearts all bleed constantly
Crimson tears flow through me
Hearts know pain
Embrace the rain
In chains or free
They still beat
(chorus)
So touch feels right
Fights alone...
Shines a light...
Leads a dark heart home...
Home... Home...
Eyes don't see all the way
It's incomplete, this story
I'll throw away perfect dreams
When I awake I will choose you and me
Chorus
This is a song about the simple power of physical touch to close the often massive gap between two aching, lonely hearts.
I've been reading all the signs
But every word I see dies inside of me
Send me angels… and I'll fight them
Give me friends… And I'll waste them every time
(verse)
I don't think I've seen the sunlight… or the moonlight…
For I don't know how many days now
And all my chemicals won't mix right
And I crawl through my days
Like a lab rat in maze
(Pre Chorus)
And I don't know how
To be sorry when I don't know what I'm sorry about… lies.
(chorus)
Alright, You win
I'll be praying, Amen
Kneeling down, count my blessings, bowing down to You
I'll own my sin
Won't be blaming you again
Counting blessings, bowing down to You
You… You…
If the truth is I believe in You, then I can't deceive You
Still a dissonant mind grinds away
Got a list of things I won't do
Every one of them I do
Every hypocrite lies in the bed he makes
Chorus
I've been reading all the signs
But every word I see dies inside of me
Arguing with God isn't exactly the smartest thing to do... but we can't help it... well, I can't help it... this song is my reluctant surrender; "Alight, You win, I'll be praying, Amen..."
All my friends live inside of my head
They're dead
That's what they said to me
All they do is just lie to me
Nightmares whispered as I lie in bed…
(chorus)
Now everything that I do…
I'm dragging they're bodies along for the ride
As they rot down to bones here inside
I don't think they'll ever rest in peace
When most of me is by their side
All my enemies left me for dead
I bet, none there expected my rise…I'm…
cockroach and butterfly…
Mended wings now I've come back to life
(chorus)
Now everywhere that I go…
I'm dragging this memory along for the ride
While I secretly hope that it dies
I just hope the end that's coming
will take me completely by surprise
A song about cognitive dissonance... parts of self... thoughts that don't align with feelings... internal dialog that seems to be arguing with itself... ugh.
This isn't Sunday
And I'm not in church
Muted, unholy
And so I curse You without words
Feel on my own now
And if I'm not what difference does it make
Unloaded somehow
Got this heart that's shooting blanks
(pre)
Gravity up
Gravity down
(chorus)
I wanna live a different life
I want nothing to be same
Just for a minute let me feel a world without weight
I'll hover in the sky
Then I'll kick my feet up in the shade
Just for a minute let me feel a world without weight
Feel a world without weight
I stand here lusting
For numbed out nerves
Instead I'm feeling
Every fault line, every curve
My stomach turns now
I'm all in knots, gotta medicate
Brace for the let down
Say a prayer, accept my fate
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
(bridge)
I'll resist the urge to cry
To create a reason why
I feel I feel the way I feel
The way nothing quite seems real
I won't crawl up in a ball
I won't let my spirits fall
Lord, lift this heavy load
It just might take a miracle
Chorus
It's hard to know really whether I'm in touch with the real melancholic facts of life and the intricacies of my own brokenness, or whether sometimes I'm dealing with something you might call "depression"... life is not easy... bad things happen... we all "carry the weight of the world on our shoulders" to some degree... and sometimes it can feel overwhelming... and those times, when it's heavier than usual, I just want a break from this feeling. This song was born of all these thoughts and feelings.
It's been a long troubled time
And I've been wrong more than I've been right
I try to straighten out all these crooked lines
But I'm stuck between The Devil and The Light
I stay calm on the outside
While I shake that cage the one I'm stuck behind
I pray the Lord to keep me in His arms tonight
While I'm stuck between The Devil and The Light
(bridge)
I'm a stubborn man
So I stand my ground
Won't admit defeat
No, I won't back down
It's the way I'm made
I have a darker side
‘Cause I'm stuck between The Devil and The Light
I'm stuck between The Devil and The Light
A song about the tension between the "flesh" and the "spirit" (if those can even be separated in any clear way)... About the tension between the good in me and the worst in me... and on a spiritual plain, wrestling with how much of that is my own fault or responsibility and how much isn't.
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, an[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 (Fireworks Show at Disneyland), Lemonade Mouth, Let it Shine, Jump In, Austin & Ally, Brave, as well artist releases for Jesse McCartney, Aly & AJ, Ingram Hill, Cherri Bomb, Hey Violet, 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), Angie Miller (American Idol), Javier Colon (The Voice Season 1 Winner), Drew Ryne (X-Factor), and many more. He is also a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, having released ten self-produced solo albums, the most recent being "The Devil & The Light" released January 1st 2022.
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.
[collapse]
Adam Watts Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Author
Author of "The Human of Being Art: A Holistic Approach to Being an Artist and Creating Art", Adjunct Professor @ CBU
Music Releases: 10 Solo Album Releases: "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). Plus over 150 releases as a songwriter/producer/mixer.
Current Experience: Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Multi-Instrumentalist (drums, vocals, bass, guitar, keys), Visual[more]Songwriter, Producer, Solo Artist, Multi-Instrumentalist (drums, vocals, bass, guitar, keys), 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 Art[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]
My Artist Type: The Visionary Artist
My Creative Work Type: The Entrepreneur
Short Term Goals: Release the FOLLOWING FIREFLIES multi-media book and music series
Long Term Goals: Share my HOLISTIC APPROACH with millions
Artist Q&A
List your Top 5 favorite songs of all time, and one reason why for each. (Think of it like this: if you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life, which 5 songs would you choose?). NOTE: By definition, a song = a piece of music with vocals, lyrics and music.This is [more]List your Top 5 favorite songs of all time, and one reason why for each. (Think of it like this: if you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life, which 5 songs would you choose?). NOTE: By definition, a song = a piece of music with vocals, lyrics and music.This is hard... this list kinda changes depending on the day... but I know I can't go wrong with this list:
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. Lyrics are poetry. Epic vocal. Love how it builds musically. Timeless production.
2) Mad About You (Sting) - This song has a feeling like no other. A biblical story from a cool original angle. something about this song just feels like me... it's one of the songs that inspired me to become a songwriter.
3) Fix You (Coldplay) - So emotional, so universal. A modern classic. It'd feel nice to have written that one! Again, another example of a heartfelt, artful song that's also been successful!
4) Hallelujah - (written by Leonard Cohen, but I dig Jeff Buckley's version)
5) Disappearing One (Chris Cornell) - This song feels like ME... how I feel... and it's got a perfect blend of mystery, angst, intensity, poetic artistry, musicality, and heart.
List the Top 5 songs you wish you'd written, and one reason why for each. (Any reason is viable!).
I'm gonna pick at least one song from every decade I've been alive!
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) Every Breath You Take (The Police) - Because it's emotional but also artistic and most people don't know that though it's a love song, it's actually about obsession! Tricky. Also, it's one of the most played songs ever at radio. So it's artistic AND it's been successful... so again, the royalties would be nice!!
3) Fix You (Coldplay) - So emotional, so universal. A modern classic. It'd feel nice to have written that one! Again, another example of a heartfelt, artful song that's also been successful!
4) Perfect (Ed Sheeran) - A modern classic. Even though you could say it's a bit derivative of other classic songs, to me it just NAILS that utterly romantic feeling in every way... and it's so well sung... what a great vocal. And yet again, it's also been successful... so I'll take those royalties too!
5) Imagine (John Lennon) - It's such an undeniably emotional and thought provoking song... I'd change a couple lyrics:)... I also like that it's not only a great and meaningful song, but it's probably made a lot of money, so I'd enjoy that part too!
__________________
I'm not stopping!!
6) Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) - amazing song that feels like no other.
7) Show Me How to Live (Audioslave) - Rocks SO hard and also has intense and meaningful lyrics.
8) Yesterday (The Beatles) - Such an aching song that nails the feeling of nostalgic regret in a way that feels so good.
9) Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead) - this song so poetically and achingly expresses the sadness of the facades people put up in life... the hurt that lurks under the surface.
10) Chandelier (Sia) - One of the greatest pop songs ever. Incredibly poignant while being so catchy, soulfully melodic and powerful on every level. Amazing vocal... and such perfectly crafted and emotional lyrics.
11) I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonne Raitt) - Because... it's perfect.
12) Karma Police (Radiohead) - poetic, aching depth that I just really connect to on every level.
13) Lover, You Should've Come Over (Jeff Buckley) - beautiful, powerful, so in the moment. Everything about this song and recording is great.
14) Human (Rag 'n Bones Man) - One of the very best songs (in just about every way) of the last 10 years. There's a few "trendy" production things in there... but overall, a timeless and powerful song... songs like this are increasingly rare.
15) Someone Like You (Adele) - a modern classic of the 2000s. Just great, straight to the heart, honest songwriting.
16) To Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan, but Adele's version) - Such an amazing song from lyrics to melody... it just hits me.
17) The Age of Worry (John Mayer) - one of my favorite songs of his. It feels important and honest... it's emotional, thoughtful and just nails a certain feeling and perspective about life that I connect with while also being poetic about it.
18) My Hero (Foo Fighters/Dave Grohl) - one of the greatest rock songs IMO. "There goes my here... watch him as he goes... there goes my hero... he's ordinary...". So good in very way I want a rock song to be good: lyrically, musically, emotionally, and it KICKS A$$.
19) Maggie's Song (Chris Stapleton) - a song about a dog. We had to put our precious golden retriever Clementine to sleep in 2021 (she was almost 14 years old, totally blind, and in living in pain)... it one of the most awful, achingly horrible moments, yet also beautiful.... but she was an angel and added so much love/joy/beauty to my life. Man's best friend, for sure. This song NAILS the feeling... what it's like to love a dog and be with it from puppy to death.
20) Fire Away (Chris Stapleton) - a love song, but so much more.
21) Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin) - because it's great, that's why!
22) Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper) - such a great song.
23) I Burn For You (Sting) - great in every way... so dark, yet so beautiful.
24) Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (John Mayer) - Such a great lyric, melody, recording... he nailed it.
25) Fortress Around Your Heart (Sting) - great in every way... WISH THIS WAS MINE! haha
26) Fragile (Sting) - This is kind of like Sting's "Imagine"... so good... so BIG... it's about life... and it feels real.
List what you believe are the Top 5 Greatest Songs Ever Written, and one reason why for each.
1) Imagine (John Lennon) - It's such an undeniably emotional and thought provoking song... I'd change a couple lyrics:)... I also like that it's not only a great and meaningful song, but it's also stood the test of time.
2) I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonne Raitt) - A warmly sad, aching love song that absolutely nails an archetypal life-situation/feeling in a way that's so emotional, mature, and utterly beautiful in a way that just feels like the truth. For a song released in the early 90s it's also pretty timeless sounding (actually sounds a little 80s).
3) 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.
4) Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana, written by Kurt Cobain) - So raw... So Badass... So emotional... AND thoughtful in ways that are equal parts angsty and sarcastic.... there's a ton of artistry and subtext in this song. Sounds as vital now as ever.
5) Stand By Me (Ben E. King - written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller)
____________
Not stopping here either !!!
6) Fortress Around Your Heart (Sting) - great in every way.
7) Let it Be (The Beatles) - it's so good it seems like it has always existed... but there was a time before it did!
8) Yesterday (The Beatles) - it's just hard to deny it's greatness on every level.
9) Fragile (Sting) - This is kind of like Sting's "Imagine"... so good... so BIG... it's about life... and it feels real.
10) Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper) - such a great song about such a basic thing:that notion of 'I'll be there for you no matter what'... this song nails that.
On the piano or guitar, do you understand how to build and/or play major and minor scales and chords starting on any note?
Yeah... scales are easier for me to find and play (to seem degree) on piano... it's all organized right there... on guitar I don't think in terms of scales, more so in chords and shapes... but I can find the scales on a guitar... I've never come at either instrument from a place of "learning my scales", but as an instrument to write songs on... so I find progressions and parts... I'm not a soloist.
Proficiency in the art and craft of SongMaking requires some solid understanding of the entire process. Are there any parts of the process you find confusing, intimidating, or difficult? (i.e. from the initial song idea to producing, mixing and mastering?)
At one time or another (to varying degrees) I've found EVERY part of the process a bit confusing, intimidating, and/or difficult. Pretty quickly though, I grew love every part of the process... I think it's SUPER important to dig in and get at least a basic understanding of every part of the process (even if it's not your specialty or career goal!). That initial intimidation feeling wears off fast and you'll be SO empowered by the control you'll have in crafting your music and communicating with collaborators. Just listen and explore.... and trust your instincts!
What instrument are you most proficient on? Also, do you sing at all (explain)?
I'd say drums... that's where I have the most obvious level of virtuosity... then voice (in an expressionistic sense)... then finger style guitar... from there I'm about the same level of proficiency on bass, electric guitar, and piano/keys... and I ALMOST consider Protools an instrument at this point!!
Do you understand the concept of of "relative major and minor scales"
Yeah... it's a simple thing, but wow is it powerful to use and understand in songwriting.
Do you know how to build Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th chords, Suss-4, and Add-9 Chords? If not, please list which ones you don't know.
Yeah... but more often than not, I tend to like chord 7th chords much more when they're spread across multiple instruments and octaves as opposed to played in one octave on a single instrument... there's a feeling I like more when harmony is arranged in this way... I tend to like sparse and very deliberate use of 7ths! Every chord has it's context and has a feeling... and 7ths have a very strong and specific sound on an instrument... I'd often rather hear a more simple chord and hear the 7th in the melody or countermelody so it's used more as a passing feeling as opposed to one that's being SAT ON for awhile... but that's just me... it's a taste thing.
Can you read, write, and understand basic rhythms (from whole notes to 32nd notes)?
Yeah... this is the core of my training... as a drummer... and it's been helpful in working and editing in Protools.
Do you know the basics of how to setup a new session then record, edit, route tracks, and assign plugins in Protools?
Yeah... and if you don't, don't worry, it's not that hard... and once you know... you'll be off and running.
Which digital audio workstation (DAW) are you most familiar with and prefer using?
Protools for sure. Been working in protools for over 20 years and I love it... it's the industry standard... but that doesn't mean other DAWs aren't great and obviously many many people get incredible results on all kinds of software... it's about the user, not the program! There's an old quote... "it's the fool, not the tool!". haha
Do you understand how to put WAV files of individual drum samples into "the grid" in a DAW and make basic drum beats?
I do... And I like to play with how I put the sounds on the grid... sometimes shifting the sample off the grid a little bit (artfully!) can bring some humanity to a groove. ALSO: I'm a BIG believer in making my own samples.... I've been doing it since about 2013 almost exclusively... in this era where everyone has access to pre-0made samples that sound good... it's better to sound UNIQUE!! Every sound is made up of creative decisions... so create your own sounds... in real life, with a microphone... this makes a MASSIVE difference in your end result being unique. It's all about making intentional, instinctual and emotional creative decisions.
Do you know how to set up a basic signal flow to record with a microphone and/or instrument without unwanted distortion (i.e. from the instrument to the mic, cable, pre-amp settings, interface input, setting gain, and recording in your DAW, etc.)?
I do... but what's cool is that there are always new and unique ways to be found... so it's fun to experiment... sometimes what might be viewed as the wrong way to do something actually ends up sounding really RIGHT!!
Do you understand the basics of how to use EQ and compressor plugins?
I do! And if you don't... have no hear, use your ears! Don't fear the knobs. Just turn them fearlessly and LISTEN! It can be intimidating but just dive in and start turning knobs and listening to the results... find what YOU like and go for it. You'd be surprised at what you'll discover if you just goof around. There's no right or wrong with this stuff... there's what you like and what you don't... what sounds good and what doesn't.... just go for it... and of course, be open to LEARNING and just discovering by trial and error... and blend of both is the key to finding your own sound.
Do you tend to use plugin presets, or use your own custom settings (explain)?
This is a big one for me... I believe in really digging in and tweaking the knobs... finding out what they do so you can get the result you TRULY want... presets are a shortcut that can seem fun/easy but they remove a huge number of important creative decisions from your process... and the uniqueness of your end result IS dependent on how many customized creative decisions you've made... so make as many as possible! That includes tweaking every plugin yourself... not letting a preset make the decisions for you! It's tempting... but in the end you and your work will be MUCH better off for it!! If you've ever thought that a lot of new music sounds the same... it's partly because so many people are using presets and pre-made samples so much!! This is HUGE.
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.
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 ways to do things. So a blend of both for sure. I'm a highly trained drummer and really value that training... but in most other areas I'm more self-taught. I think we can all benefit from a personalized blend of the two approaches.
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. I have just enough talents and intellect to get there... but I don't feel like I'm one of those people who's just gifted and can easily do things (when it comes to the technical process of making music)... I have to really work hard for my best results... but I do feel that the instinctual and taste part is most natural.
LEAST: My ability to know precisely what's going on harmonically just by ear (from a technical perspective), particularly with more complex music. 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! I think it's REALLY important for us to understand that we ALL hear music differently and focus on different things... our perceptions vary a ton! Understanding this can become a huge asset!
Describe your dream scenario for your career as an artist. Be specific!
I've 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.
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. One of the things that's come with age is the knowledge that we're all unique and that art is so subjective that comparing artists and art (in a way that could lead to jealousy or envy) is really a dead-end!
On average how much time per day (or week) do you currently spend working on your craft?
I'm almost always thinking about it. The amount of time varies. Usually throughout my life, it's been daily for many hours.
What brings you the most joy in both life in general and as an artist?
Balancing the joys of family and my creative life... my two hilarious and awesome kids Rowan and River and my wife Natalie... 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... so fun to share those ups and even the downs.
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!!
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 totally happy to support it and them! I love when the creative process is dynamic and everyone feels involved and essential to the process. Love working in with a partner or a great team.
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 I enjoy solving the challenges in the creative process so maybe it's not PAIN per se, but more like solving the problems and getting through little moments of struggle and getting stuff done that drives me forward... but more and more I see the value in REALLY 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.
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.
What are your 3 favorite artists of all time? And why?
1) Thomas Newman - film composer - unbelievably beautiful music... pretty sure this is what heaven sounds like.
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.
Cornell's work with Soundgarden and especially his first solo album "Euphoria Mourning"... WOW... His voice... his writing... he was a tortured guy and you could feel it in his music... gone way too soon.
What are your 3 favorite songs RIGHT NOW? 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.
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.
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 classic folk and blues (meaning: good honest lyrics and melody are at the core) and then my tastes go outward into all other styles including alternative, pop, rock, indie, soul, r&b, funk and so many others... 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 that I love in literally EVERY genre.
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.
It varies from project to project... but I'd say I'm usually aiming right for a 10. It's the equal balance between the two that for me, really hits the spot!!
Have your parents been supportive of your artistry?
Absolutely. Very grateful for that. It's likely I would not have been successful without their support. I didn't experience legit music industry success as a songwriter or producer until I was 26 years old... and it didn't get REALLY legit until I was bout 28. These days I think there's a LOT of pressure on people to have success much earlier... but I think we need to give ourselves time to develop our artistry and skillsets... you're not a failure if you're still working things out into your mid-20s... even beyond that! I still feel like I'm growing, in my 40s.
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. I definitely need to learn to take breaks! Sometimes I forget to eat when I'm super-focused.
What are your thoughts or opinions on counseling/therapy/psychology?
When it's good, it's GREAT! Gotta find the right fit with a therapist... when you do, it's SO helpful. It's been valuable to me in my life.
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 purpose IMO, but it's still obviously 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.
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. That said, I do feel art CAN be important... and I think if god has gifted us with an artistic talent, we have a responsibility to bring as much meaning and value as we can to the world through our work... not just think of it as a self-centered way to feed our egos or make money!: ) Though making money doing this stuff ain't bad!
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!!
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, defensive, and sometimes withdraw 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. Working on that.... 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.
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.
Do you often struggle with anxiety and/or depression? (if you'd prefer not to answer for whatever reason, simply answer: N/A)
I've struggled with both! For most of my life I'd say I've been prone to consistent times of melancholy... this would at times be something I'd think of as actual depression, but more so, it's been a sense of weight about the realities of life. That said, I've certainly dealt with overwhelming emotions that seem to be MORE than my fair share... I've sought support in those times, via counseling and that's been helpful... I didn't really experience much anxiety until more recent years... I think having kids and just getting older has made anxiety a new thing that I've had to deal with sometimes. I think it's SO important to be open about elements of mental health and seek support... we're ALL going through stuff and we need each other.
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 (which includes teaching!). That's plan A-Z:)
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.
Besides music, what other artistic mediums to you enjoy working in?
Visual Arts (fine art, design, photography, film)
Writing (fiction and non-fiction)
Leatherwork
Carpentry
Knife-making
Archery
Martial Arts
[collapse]
The Big Five Aspects Scale - Adam's results:
Agreeableness: 15% (Compassion: 72%, Politeness: 1%) [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%) [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%) [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%) [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%) [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.) [more]The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic [collapse]
Type 2: The Helper
(Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive.) [more]The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive [collapse]
Type 3: The Achiever
(Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious.) [more]The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious [collapse]
Type 4: The Individualist
(Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental.) [more]The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental [collapse]
Type 5: The Investigator
(Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated.) [more]The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated [collapse]
Type 6: The Loyalist
(Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious.) [more]The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious [collapse]
Type 7: The Enthusiast
(Spontaneous, Versatile, Acquisitive, and Scattered.) [more]The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered [collapse]
Type 8: The Challenger
(Self-Confident, Decisive, Willfull, and Confrontational.) [more]The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational [collapse]
Type 9: The Peacemaker
(Receptive, Reassuring, Complacent, and Resigned.) [more]The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent [collapse]
