Interview with Adam Lanceley

May 12, 2023

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

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. In a nutshell, it was a number of things that happened at the right time. Since I was 14 or so, I was into a different kind of music than my friends. I thought Elvis was great & was more into my Dad's CD collection than the charts! I dreamed about being able to sing & write tunes but thought 'Na I can't do that.' I originally studied drama but was experiencing mental health problems whilst at East 15 Drama School - a recognized centre of excellence for performing arts. This forced me to leave. A chance meeting with a musician at a part-time job persuaded me to start learning the guitar & I soon began writing stuff I couldn't deal with down. With a little bit of help, I turned these into songs & knowing that a friend from my previous college was a sound engineer with his own studio, I started recording them. That's how it began! Who knows what I'd be doing if this hadn't happened.

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

I'm very, very agitated all the time! I do obsessive exercise as you can see from the artwork! It helps keep me near to sanity & normally gets me in a creative frame of mind. If I'm not doing this or my music generally I'm trying to stay as relaxed as I can.

How long have you been making music?

I suppose I've been making music that qualifies as 'proper music' for about 20 years!

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

I'm from London & aside from local landmarks referenced in some of my songs it hasn't really influenced my music at all. I've been described as 'a West Coast groove with a surf pop sound' which fits in with my biggest inspiration The Beach Boys.

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

I haven't played live in a very long time, what with the lockdowns & getting diagnosed with PTSD amongst other things. I'm a natural performer & I used to love it, so it's a shame but I have too much to deal with at the moment. Back before, the bigger the venue the better though!

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

I played at a festival & that was a lot of fun - all the other stages. A really good buzz. I'd like to get back into playing live if I'm able & why not aim for the top, most iconic venues!

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

Sadly, I think most of the artists I'd like to be on the same ticket as are either long gone or over the hill!

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?

Advice I'd give to other people getting started in the industry is dream big but don't get ahead of yourself. Take it as it comes. As far as giving advice to my younger self goes, I'm not sure what it would be & I'm not sure I would've listened anyway!

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

Probably 'Handle Me With Care' off Deliverance. Pure, heartfelt emotion & the words just flowed out of me in about 10 minutes. I'll keep the other reasons to myself if you don't mind.

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

Like I said, I haven't played live in such a long time; however, of my 5 most streamed tunes 4 are off the new album Over the Horizon. There's a carrot for you so check it out!

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

What inspires me to write music is the same as the creative process: can't be pinned down to 1 thing & if it's there it's there, if it's not it's not.

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

I have messages in my lyrics that I want to release but it's better I do it in a way that the listener can interpret them to be what they want them to be.

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

I have no plans for the immediate future. after 12 albums in 11 years, I think I deserve a break!

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

Thank you, enjoy the album & you can check out my videos on YouTube, keep up to date with me on Twitter & other socials. Good night!

Volatile Weekly