Artist Interviews . Fizzkicks News . Music & Entertainment News
Adam Swink is an emerging young musician and songwriter from Washington, DC, who released his first EP entitled “Not What It Seems” in November 2006. The CD received rave reviews and Adam began selling out DC area venues such as Jammin’ Java. Adam is hard at work on his new EP, Seasonal Delivery, due out in May. Having just played a show with One Tree Hill’s Kate Voegele, 17 year old Adam Swink sat down with Fizzkicks for an uninhibited look into his music.
Fizzkicks: Tell Me a little bit about how you got started in music?
Adam: I guess my first real inspiration was Michael Jackson, I really liked his music and moves. I always tried to imitate him which got me interested in dancing. I ended up getting into Hip-Hop dancing, focusing on Poppin’ and Lockin’ and then also began to play piano. I started to use my piano (electric keyboard) to make Hip-Hop beats. Then the greatest thing happened to me one day when I was taking piano lessons. The owner of Jammin’ Java was subbing in for my teacher and I really liked his method, I asked him if he was taking on new students and he’s been my songwriting mentor ever since. Actually he’s now my producer.
Fizzkicks: Is that Daniel Brindley?
Adam: Yeah. He kinda pulled me away from the Hip Hop Scene and helped me progress to the Pop, Rock, Acoustic sound. At that time I only knew how to play the piano and really wanted to work on my voice. Daniel introduced me to Mary Ann Redmond who I credit for a lot, she has taught me so much. She has the most amazing, soulful voice. Man, she really polished me up, even on my first lesson! Currently I’m not taking lessons with her because I’m taking Music Theory classes so I can write better songs (laughs). I’m also taking this academy class called Computer and Music Technology and basically you learn all about recording technology.
Fizzkicks: How would you Categorize your music?
Adam: Pop, Acoustic, Alternative.
Fizzkicks: Who are some of your musical influences?
Adam: Jacks Mannequin and Duncan Sheik. Imogen Heap and The Postal Service have influenced the EP I’m working on right now b/c it has some electronical elements to it.
Fizzkicks: Are your songs a reflection of your personal expirences?
Adam: Almost all my songs are a reflection of my personal expirences, or my friends.
Fizzkicks: How about your writing process?
Adam: I don’t really have one! (laughs) Maybe I’ll write an idea down when I’m in class, you know, about what’s happening in my life…and pull it out later. If something really strong happens to me I try to write about it right away. Usually it takes a few weeks for a song to get down. I guess my writing process is slow because I like everything to be perfect, I’m not one of those people who can write a song in 15 minutes. I’m not John Lennon or Paul McCartney. (laughs)
Fizzkicks: What drives you?
Adam: Creating something, something I made, from the way I’m feeling about an event in my life…it’s just amazing. I play (music) everyday, I just really enjoy it!
Fizzkicks: Your song, “I Can’t Bear,” won first place in the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Young Artist Category). What made you chose that song?
Adam: It’s the best song off of my EP and it’s just so personal to me. I wrote it during my freshman year when I really had hit a low point, became anti-social, the whole boy/girl thing…you know. It’s just the truth, if you listen to the lyrics- it’s all about me.
Fizzkicks: Which one of your songs do you feel connects best with your audience?
Adam: I notice that a lot of people will sing along to “Save Me” at shows and they tell me how much they like it. People will tell me that “I Can’t Bear” is their favorite. There’s a song I’m working on called “Abstract.” It’s about the Six Degree Theory, how the universe is connected, God…I think people really connect with that.
Fizzkicks: When you look into the future, where do you see your music career in four years?
Adam: As of right now I’m looking at music schools, Berkley, Columbia, USC. I’d like to major in Producing and minor in Music Business. I really just want to make it big, without a music label, by getting my name out there. I guess if that happens before college then I’ll take a year off and just play (music). It’s really a split decision right now.
Fizzkicks: What would you really like to accomplish this year?
Adam: I’d really like to have my name out there…to like every school in my county. Playing shows at venues that I haven’t played before and, of course, releasing another album.
Fizzkicks: What is your all time favorite album?
Adam: It probably doesn’t count but it’s a mixed tape I got from a girl who broke my heart. It’s about 40 songs that I really didn’t like at the time, but have grown on me and I almost feel like I have become the music she put on that CD.
Fizzkicks: Your recorded your song, “Save Me” in your basement. Do you prefer the “basement” sound over a studio sound?
Adam: Well money wise, it’s cheaper. (laughs) I really wanted to capture that live/raw sound that I get at my shows and thought my basement would be best.
For more information on Adam Swink check out: www.fizzkicks.com/adamswink www.adamswink.com www.myspace.com/adamswink
