In this exclusive interview with Gigwise, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker ADOM discusses his latest project THE UNKNOWN, the forthcoming short film in song Don’t You Cry, and his philosophy that it is never too late to start over.
Some artists change their sound. ADOM changes his whole identity. The independent singer-songwriter, who writes, produces, and directs his own music videos, releases through his own label, ChromaWave Records, and his latest work, THE UNKNOWN, is Chapter One of an ongoing story called House of Memories.
His career already has an unusual milestone: his song “Turn It Off” was featured on LAUNCH and helped launch Yahoo.com. Now, with a run of singles behind him, including the bilingual “Ella Tiene el Cuerpo (She’s Got The Body),” and a new release due November 20, ADOM spoke to us about reinvention, writing songs in his sleep, and why labels have stopped taking chances. We sat down with ADOM, an artist making new waves on his own terms.
You’ve recorded under different names over the years. Why ADOM, and why now?
For me, a new name is a new identity, and the music changes with it. It’s a bit like what David Bowie did with Ziggy Stardust. ADOM is who I am as an artist right now, and the sound comes from that.
“Turn It Off” was featured on LAUNCH and helped launch Yahoo.com. How did that happen?
Honestly, I’m still not quite sure how it happened. When I found out through management, I didn’t know what to think, because nothing like that had ever happened to me. Looking back now, I’d be a hell of a lot more excited.
THE UNKNOWN is Chapter One of House of Memories. What’s the story?
It’s very simple. People look at their age and worry that they’re running out of time. I don’t believe there’s such a thing as running out of time. You can reinvent yourself at any age, as long as you have the will and the vision.
It’s a fitting message from an artist who approaches each release as a new chapter. The accompanying video, directed by ADOM himself, exemplifies his cinematic, short-film style and artistic vision.
You write, produce, and direct your own videos. Why do it all yourself?
Because I want to get my point and my vision across, even if someone else might do it better.
Where does a song start for you?
Most of my songs come from dreams, or a vibration I hear in my head. Some happen in the studio: I’ll be working on one song, hear another idea, and jump to it. But to be honest, nine times out of ten they come to me in my dreams.
” Ella Tiene el Cuerpo” went bilingual. What pulled you toward Latin music?
I have a real passion and love for Latin music: the rhythm, the drums. That’s what inspired me to write that song.
You release through your own label, ChromaWave Records. Why stay independent?
I think going independent is key nowadays. Labels come to you when they see you’re already making money and have an advantage in the system. I feel like that’s kind of cheating. They should believe in an artist and invest in them, but they don’t anymore unless they see something guaranteed.
Which artists shaped your sound?
So many. A lot of the older acts, from 10cc, Seal and Def Leppard to Michael Jackson. All very cool and unique.
Who’s one artist you’d love to work with?
Probably Peter Gabriel. He’s a living legend to me. His music hits the soul very deeply.
What’s next after Chapter One?
The next short film in song is called Don’t You Cry. It’s a very sexual, intense song. It might make some people uncomfortable, but it also gets you in the mood. It comes out November 20.
Quick round: a song you wish you wrote, and how tall are you?
“Jessie’s Girl.” It was one of the first guitar songs I ever learned. And I’m six foot one, 169 pounds, give or take a pasta dish.
ADOM’s THE UNKNOWN is out now on ChromaWave Records. His anticipated new single and short film, Don’t You Cry, arrives November 20. This interview was originally conducted for Gigwise.
