Adam Gilbert
Junior's Cave Music Interview
with Adam Gilbert
Late Winter (February 2012) Edition
Music Now Spotlight
by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA
Adam Gilbert
Isaac: Thank you for allowing us to interview you in this format. It seems like the world is excited with tons of new great music. What are you most excited about for your music in 2012?
Adam: Well, as you know, I just released my third CD on January of this year, so initially I am excited about this. In the last few years, I really put everything I am into it and I’m happy with the outcome. It was difficult being the engineer, producer and performer so there is also a huge weight off my shoulders. I’m also very excited about the creative freedom to explore some new material. I have almost all the songs written for an EP that will hopefully be released at the end of this year. They are almost like classical art songs but with an acoustic singer songwriter approach with a string quartet.
Isaac: Which label would you prefer to sign with major or indie, and why?
Adam: It all depends on the deal. The most important thing to me is to be creative and feel a deep connection to what I am doing. If I give up these things for the wrong purpose, I feel like I will lose my identity. I know pretty heavy answer but that’s the truth for me.
Isaac: Do you consider yourself an indie or DIY performer and why?
Adam: I guess that depends on the definition of indie, because that can be thrown around in a lot of different context. I know I’m being difficult! Can I say both? I do a ton on my own but get help from certain people on the promotional side as well. So I’m a dindie, yup I said it.
Isaac: Do you feel that the media supports DIY performers/bands/artists enough? Why or why not?
Adam: Good question. I feel like there is so much great music out there, especially being close to NYC you see that. There is also a ton of music I’m not too into, but that’s ok because whether it’s good or not people should expressive themselves with music!! The one downside of this is that everyone thinks they can be a star so it crowds the scene. A lot of people are in it for the wrong reasons. So it’s difficult for the media to weed through and find the good stuff.
On the other side I’m really against the amount of attention shows like American idol get. You know if Louie Armstrong, Tom Waits or Bob Dylan went on there to sing they would probably laugh at them. Those shows are really missing the point, and unfortunately it’s in the main stream media. I can name a hand full of not only great singers but truly unbelievable songwriters and artist that should receive the amount of attention American idol gets. I can really go on but… you know… DIY artist should receive more attention, but it’s got to be something worth talking about.
Isaac: In your opinion, what are your thoughts on how the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording impact the qualities of the show/recording?
Adam: I’ve never really done any kind of gig or recording that was unusual or strange. I’ve recorded in a church in North West NJ by myself as well as doing the engineering very late at night into the morning. Like 11pm to 4 am. Totally quiet outside because there is a lot of woods. I would take frequent breaks to go outside just sit on the steps and take in that lack of sound. I felt it brought me to a very peaceful place. I always have high expectations for myself but understand these are just songs; it brought an important perspective to me. And hopefully that enhanced the recording!! Let me just say that yes they are just songs but to songwriters and artists let us never undermine the impact they can make!
Adam Gilbert
Isaac: I am interested in knowing if in what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived); affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
Adam: Being close to NYC you get an unbelievable taste of so many different kinds of music. Sometimes there are so many good things that you want to be a part of them all! As a writer, it is good and bad because it is hard to choose what you want to be a part of or what you want to write. And of course, it’s great because you have the opportunity to experience and take all of that creativeness in.
Isaac: I am interested in knowing if in what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived); affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
Adam: Being close to NYC you get an unbelievable taste of so many different kinds of music. Sometimes there are so many good things that you want to be a part of them all! As a writer, it is good and bad because it is hard to choose what you want to be a part of or what you want to write. And of course, it’s great because you have the opportunity to experience and take all of that creativeness in.
Isaac: What can you tell our publication about the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about the whole process?
Adam: Well, I was writing yesterday. I’m big on doing the music first and mumbling words as I go. Unless there is a clear cut feeling of inspiration of a specific topic. I try to force myself self to write even when I’m not feeling inspired. You never know what’s going to come so I don’t want to miss that opportunity. The first step to being a successful writer is to write, don’t wait just to be inspired, inspire others!
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music?
Adam: Explain. Of course! If I was in it for fame or fortune, I probably would have already quit! Do I want fame or fortune? Yeah of course, but maybe not crazy amounts of fame. You have to be in it for the right reason because this is a competitive tough business. Be very critical with yourself but also believe in yourself!
Isaac: Do you have a strong support system with your family and friends? How do they help your financially, emotionally, spiritually, etc.?
Adam: Yes family and friends are unbelievable in all aspects. When I did my first couple of CD’s, my family helped me out financially. But now I’ve taken it upon myself to try and run a successful business. I’m fortunate enough to be doing well in music, whether it being music directing, teaching, producing or writing. I rely heavily on those to finance the records and promote.
Isaac: As you continue your own path for making music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?
Adam: Always seeking and will never stop. Whether it’s the old rock stars, Beethoven, Mahler, Debussy or new young rising talent in any genre. Always listening with an open mind to keep growing.
Isaac: As far as your influences, what would you say are the musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
Adam: So many I guess it really depends on my mood and it is always changing. I really can’t put my finger on one. I’ll listen for different reason. I’ll throw on a track to listen to an Andy Wallace mix just to hear the low end interaction and study it. Or I’ll put on Elliott Smith to hear brilliant emotional creative songwriting. I’ll put Ray Charles on and shake my head to almost every note he sings while his piano playing is just soulfully ridiculous. I’ll put on Michael Jackson and say how is this pop music so incredibly good? Oh yeah… Michael Jackson, no fear pop tunes, perfect arrangements, perfect recordings and perfect producing. I guess most of the time I listen as a student, learn and enjoy all the elements that go into it.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Adam: I have 2 main websites, www.adamgilbertmusic.com and www.onesheet.com/adamgilbert for things like the iPad and iPhone. Of course iTunes also.
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..
Adam: Carpe Diem! No just kidding. Humm oo here’s a good one, “the wisest man is he who knows that he knows nothing.” Be humble and keep learning.
Posted by Isaac J Davis Junior at Monday, February 20, 2012 10:26 PM 
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Adam Gilbert Singer Songwriter
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Adam Gilbert Singer Songwriter
Adam is great! he puts his heart and soul into his work, His songs are meaningful and entertaining and at the same time... joyful. I am fortunate to know and repsect him as an artist and friend.
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Your lyrics in your last CD match your ideals in this article. Good job on Both.
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Great interview!! Been listening to Adam's music for a few years now. Excellent songwriter, performer and producer and of course interviewee. Great interview Adam and your latest CD is awesome. Keep it coming.
Wayne Hillis
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