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10 Questions with ... Adam McInnis
January 5, 2009
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NAME:Adam McInnisTITLE:Musician
Label:
DPR/High WireDiscography:
Wherever You Are1) Can you give us a brief recap on your musical journey and how you found yourself signing with DPR/High wire?
I think it's almost impossible to sum up my whole musical experience because everything started from seeds that are constantly sprouting and taking me in a new direction since I started music. But as far as DPR/High Wire, this union came because I was producing and writing with a great singer named Amanda Serra. Her father happened to listen to one of my demo songs and showed interest in funding a recording project. Literally two weeks later I moved from Los Angeles to Austin, TX, so we could begin working towards an album.
2) Is there a singular message that you hope to convey on the album "Wherever You Are"?
Faith.
3) What's the story behind the first radio single "Wherever You Are"?
Well, the label told me we needed two more songs to complete the album and I had written so many by that point I was just exhausted from writing. So, I remember sitting down in front of my recording equipment and just praying to God. The funny thing is I had the recorder on while I was praying so I can always go back and listen to how this song started. Anyway, while praying I just asked God to write the songs. I would be the channel but I wanted him to be the voice and pen. It must have been a minute or two later and I started strumming some chords which led to 30 minutes later and the entire song "Wherever You Are" was written. I still get goose bumps thinking about that.
4) Which do you enjoy the more: the process or the performance?
I use to say that I enjoyed the studio far more than the stage. Looking back on that now I think I said that because I didn't feel as comfortable on stage as I did in the studio. Now I would say the stage is winning a little bit, but check back with me in a year or two because this question, I get a feeling, will always change.
5) How long have you been songwriting? What have you been learning about the process?
I've been tinkering away at writing songs for eight years. At first it was poems and short stories, then I went to college to write movie scripts so I've always been a writer. One thing my aunt said to me before she passed away, which I never forget, "If you a real writer, then everyday there should be another page in your notebook filled with words." And I still to this day take that to heart. I think anyone who is great at something must have the stamina and structure to work at their craft everyday.
6) Do you have a mentor in songwriting? Any songwriters you look up to?
I'll be honest. I don't have someone I look up to as far as writing. But I have some people that I'm impressed by their consistency. Because that's all a really good songwriter is, someone who consistently writes good songs. There are plenty of one hit wonders in the world. I do like Rob Thomas; I think he's a great melodic and interesting writer.
7) As you were in the studio working on this debut, did you have any "ah-ha" moments when you thought, "Now we have a record!"?
I'm not really sure. There were certain times when I was groovin' to my own tunes and others when I got chills. I always judge if a song is timeless by if I get chills or not. So I think I knew we had something special when we recorded "Since I Spoke Your Name." And even when "I'm the One" was finished I thought, "Hmmm, if we can get a song about Jesus walking into a nightclub on radio, that would be awesome."
8) What is your favorite song to perform live?
That's a tough one. I think "I'm the One." It's got energy and bounce to it.
9) If you could have any job outside music, what would it be?
Hands down, I'd write movie scripts. It's always been one of my dreams. I've written six full scripts in the last couple of years. That's my escape from music.
10) Will you make any New Year's Resolutions?
Probably not this year. I've been more focused lately than I've ever been, so I don't want to change too much.
Bonus Questions
1) Who would be your dream artist to record with (any genre)?
I would want to record a song produced or written by Seal, but I'd love to do a duet with Sarah McLachlan.
2) Favorite city to visit?
London
3) Favorite or best meal while on the road?
I'm a sushi addict, so wherever we are, I have to grab a couple sushi rolls.
4) Any musical guilty pleasures?
I don't have any musical guilty pleasures. I think there's nothing guilty about listening to any kinds of music. It's all good.
5) Imagine your stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you and why?
A guitar, my wife (I'm single now but this is my imagination, right?) and an Ewok
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