This past week I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the up and coming artists in the Phoenix area. His name is Adam, but you can find him on Spotify under the name "Wanderer." His music brings a pop vibe with some R&B roots. He stays true to his music and stays true to the fans. His EP "City" is out on Spotify!
Q: At what point in your life did you know, “Hey, I want to be a musician?”
A: I think in high school, from being in my first band and writing songs. Guitar already was an obsession for me, but I became fascinated by creating music and playing it live.
Q: Does music run in your family?
A: Not really. My dad just played drums when he was young and had a kit in the garage. So, I started as a drummer first and then picked up an old guitar we had lying around.
Q: Give us the life of Adam Simons in one sentence.
A: Making music, traveling, and drinking coffee.
Q: Is the writing process easy, or are there some challenges to it?
A: It’s always different. Some songs come together in an hour or so, and others can take months or even years. Not all songs even get finished, but sometimes I’ll pick back up on an old idea and something will finally click.
Q: Through your music, is there a certain message you want listeners to receive?
A: I think with the name, Wanderer, I wanted to capture that feeling of “wandering,” or looking for something. I want my music to be cinematic, and take you to a specific time, place, and person when you hear it. A lot of my songs so far have come from life experiences, whether it’s a night out in the city, a relationship, or just a feeling you get.
Q: In total, how many instruments do you play?
A: I sing, play guitar, drums, bass, and try to play piano, but not very well.
Q: Is there a reason you don’t use your real name for your band? Does Wanderer have a special meaning?
A: I had the name in my head for a long time, and it just felt right to create a new name to have the project under. I think using something different than “Adam” allows it to become bigger than just me, and I can take on a persona that I wouldn’t have the confidence to as just myself.
Q: Did you have to deal a lot with rejection while trying to make a name for yourself in the music industry?
A: Sometimes. It's hard with music because it's something everyone wants to do, and it can be difficult to get people to listen to something new. If it's really what you're passionate about, let any rejection just push you to work harder.
Q: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
A: They are always evolving. I started with classic rock, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc, then moved into Blink-182 and pop punk, then indie, blues and pop. I love so many different styles and want to express that in my songs as best I can.
Q: What is your favorite part about touring?
A: Seeing a new city every day and playing every night.
Q: Are there any artists that you want to tour with?
A: Absolutely. There are so many bands out there that I would love to watch every night, it’s hard to pick just one.
Q: Top 3 favorite bands?
A: John Mayer, The 1975, The Weeknd.
Q: Where is one place that you want to travel to?
A: There’s so many. But Japan and Paris are at the top of the list.
Q: If you could be any superhero who would you be?
A: Batman.
Q: Have you ever thought about pursuing another career besides music?
A: Not really! I enjoy photography, but wouldn’t be happy doing anything else but music.
Q: What’s something you can’t live without while on tour?
A: Coffee, headphones, leather jacket.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are trying to make a name for themselves in music?
A: Work on your craft! Obsess over your art and don’t settle.
