Interview with ADEOLUWA

February 27, 2024

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I have a very cliche story as I started singing in the church as a little kid but what made me want to become a musician was an Introduction to Music course that I took in my freshman year of highschool. I used to write poems all the time but in the class I discovered that my poems could be lyrics to songs and that started my path to making my very first EP during my senior year of highschool. Shoutout to my music teacher, Mr. Gianpaolo Eleria, for teaching me a lot of what I know about being an artist.

If I was not making music, I would probably be working in entertainment in one way or the other. The real reason I make music is to perform it live and entertain people and I believe there are still many other ways to do that through different roles in entertainment.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love movies; I am a huge fan of the visual medium, and I enjoy dissecting themes, costumes, character development, and all that jazz. This passion significantly influences my creativity because there is a theatrical feel that accompanies my projects both sonically and visually. A great example of this influence is evident in my latest EP, "King Of Detours." There is a filmmaking concept known as the unreliable narrator, and it's a device I employed in writing some of the songs in the EP, such as 4, 5, 6, and Hallucinate. The music videos for the various songs in the EP also draw direct inspiration from my favorite films and movies.

How long have you been making music?

I have been making music since 2013 so I am a little over a decade in this game.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Currently, I am shuttling back and forth between Regina, Saskatchewan, and Montreal, Quebec, and the diversity of these two locations has significantly influenced my music. The music scene in Saskatchewan resembles a large, creative family, and I feel genuinely supported by the musicians and music enthusiasts in the province.

Being in Saskatchewan has also enabled me to refine my live performance skills and cultivate a loyal fanbase. On the other hand, Montreal has had a more pronounced visual impact on my work. Residing in Montreal has broadened my artistic scope in terms of visuals and has presented me with opportunities to collaborate with a diverse group of creatives.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

Crafting live shows is my favorite aspect of creating music, and in the past year, I've had the opportunity to produce truly memorable live experiences, not only for myself but also for the audience. I had the privilege of performing twice at BreakOut West 2023, a Canadian music festival in Kelowna, BC. Those performances were particularly memorable because the execution of my vision for the shows, from the elaborate costumes to the band's arrangements and audience engagement, exceeded my expectations.

Another standout performance was at the 2022 Grey Cup Festival, where my band and I delivered an hour-long set in -20-degree weather. Despite the intense cold, we managed to put on an amazing show. Every time I have the chance to perform for people, I am genuinely grateful to share my art. There are numerous moments from all my shows that will forever remain etched in my memory.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

​​One of my favorite venues to perform at is the Mae Wilson Theatre. The stage is impressively large and adorned with beautiful decorations. It was a genuine honor to showcase my music at such an iconic venue. Looking ahead, I aspire to perform at renowned locations such as the Commodore Ballroom, Place des Arts, Rogers Arena, Scotiabank Arena, and the Conexus Arts Centre.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Some of the artists I would like to share the stage with are, Katie Tupper, TOVA, Vikki Minor, Mauvey, and Téa G.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

For those new to music-making, it's crucial to explore various genres to discover your unique sound. Embrace cultural fusion by incorporating diverse elements, creating a distinct sonic experience. Establishing a robust online presence through social media and a professional website, and actively engaging with fans is equally important. Additionally, collaborating with others can bring fresh perspectives, and investing in quality production is key for creating standout tracks.

If I could impart advice to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of patience and persistence in building a music career. I would encourage myself to continue prioritizing live performances to connect with the audience and refine my stage presence. Overcoming insecurities and valuing my unique voice would be a crucial message.

 Furthermore, I would advise myself to let my cultural background shine and strike a balance between artistic expression and business knowledge. Staying true to oneself, resisting trends in the competitive industry, and acknowledging that each step contributes to personal growth are paramount. Enjoying the process, maintaining passion, and continuing to make waves in the Canadian music scene should be the ongoing focus.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Each of my songs is like a cherished baby, and I never release a track into the world unless I'm truly obsessed with it. Currently, the song that holds the most significance for me is "Keep It Movin'." Remarkably, it was the initial composition for the King of Detours EP, conceived during a particularly challenging period in my life. The song was crafted from the perspective of God offering comfort and assurance that everything would eventually fall into place. Listening to the song now, it brings me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have emerged on the other side of that dark period.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My absolute favorite songs to perform are undoubtedly "Dey Forever," "Mars," "4,5,6," and "This Is Why." The energy and musicality of these songs create a sensation of flying whenever I play them. They hold a special place in my heart, making each performance an exhilarating experience. Notably, the songs that receive the most requests from the audience are "Escape" and "Stay With Me" – true crowd favorites that never fail to captivate and engage the listeners.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Honestly, my creative process varies each time, particularly during the writing of this EP. There are instances when a melody strikes, prompting me to furiously jot down ideas. On other occasions, a beat or a chord progression triggers the emergence of a song.

Collaborating with my friend, Love Alabi, in co-writing some songs added an extra layer of enjoyment to the process. My goal is for my songs to possess depth and lyrics that people can dissect. This aspiration fuels my commitment to continue writing until I unearth the truth in the words. This dedication significantly influences my ability to deliver the song with the vocals it requires, creating a harmonious blend of meaningful lyrics and emotive vocals.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

The primary message I aim to convey through my music is the importance of being present and fully embracing the range of experiences in each phase of life. Life unfolds in chapters, and no matter how prolonged one chapter may seem, a new one will eventually begin. Throughout my career, particularly with the "King Of Detours" EP, I've crafted music that encourages individuals to sit with their feelings and emotions instead of hastily moving on to the next thing. I believe that reflection and stillness are powerful tools for learning the lessons that everyday life imparts, allowing us to perceive vibrant colors and experience a heightened vibration of the world.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

As for the future, I'm currently immersed in planning my very first tour, which is incredibly exciting. I have some remarkable collaborations in the works, along with exciting visual projects. Multiple shows are also on the horizon. Right now, my primary focus is on sharing my "King Of Detours" EP with the audience and performing the songs for those who support my musical journey.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Everyone can keep up with me on all my social media platforms.

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