INTERVIEW:
Adam Lanceley
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I rarely have the chance to speak with artists…
who have undergone trauma and come out the other side with huge positivity. Adam Lanceley suffered an horrific car accident as a child and was told he wouldn’t survive. Not only is he still with us but he is making exceptional music – I talk to him about the new track, The Train’s Gone, and his album, Epitaph to Innocence.
Lanceley talks about his love of The Beach Boys and what music means to him; whether he has any ambitions to fulfil before the end of this year; where we can catch him performing – he ends the interview by selecting a rather ace song!
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Hey, Adam. How are you? Can you introduce yourself, please?
Hello, readers and music fans! My name’s Adam Lanceley and I’m a singer-songwriter.
What can you tell me about the track, The Train’s Gone? What is the story behind it?
The first single from my seventh album, Epitaph to Innocence, is called The Train’s Gone. Unlike the other tunes on the album, this one and the final song, A Lover Like You, were written and recorded a few years ago in a different studio. I always think rather than explain to people what your songs are about; it makes them far more interesting if you keep a little bit of mystery behind them and let the listener decide what they think it means – so, check it out!
The song is from the album, Epitaph to Innocence. How did the album come together? How does it compare to your earliest stuff?
In this album, I hope you’ll be able to notice a progression in both the production and delivery - if you compare it to my earlier stuff. I am very keen on exploring new sounds and use of instruments to keep my music fresh.
Can you reveal what sort of music you respond to? What sounds did you grow up around?
It would be a lie to say that I’ve always been passionate about music. My taste, though, has always been ‘old-skool’ – going back to Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. It was when I first heard The Beach Boys that my interest in music – particularly, my love for 1960s' West Coast music started to increase. I fell in love with their harmonies and brand of easy, feelgood music. I used to love listening to stories about the California music scene from a close family friend who used to live with and drum for Sonny & Cher! Pretty cool, hey – in fact, he was even the percussionist on their smash hit I Got You Babe!
You were involved in a car crash when you were ten. Can you tell me about it and what impact that had on your life?!
When I was ten, I had a severe car crash which I was not expected to recover from. Other people will tell me what an amazing recovery I’ve made but, to be honest, I don’t really think about it like that. When I get more reflective, though, I’m very grateful to have been able to have got where I am today - writing and playing my music.
How important is music to you? Is it a sort of therapy?
Music has always been both powerful and helpful to me in dealing with things life’s thrown at me.
Have you got any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?
I haven’t got any tour dates planned at the moment, but I’ve got to get back into the London live music scene when I’ve dealt with a few issues; so, put your head around the door of the 12 Bar Club or The Fighting Cocks - or any of the cool venues and maybe I’ll be playing there!
Do you get chance to unwind away from music? How do you spend your free time?
For some people, sport is the most important force in life: for others, it’s something else entirely. For me, it’s definitely music.
What ambitions do you have to fulfil before the end of the year?
As far as ambitions go, I try not to get too carried away with them. I put enough pressure on myself anyway! I am going to try to start performing live again before the end of the year, though.
What have been your fondest memories from your time in music?
Some of the most memorable times I’ve had have come from my time in music. Some of the outrageous situations I’ve found myself in the studio still make me laugh to myself! I don’t think they’d look very good in print, though! Hearing The Beach Boys perform live at Wembley Arena on their 50th Anniversary World Tour would have to be right up there as well.
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
The three albums that mean the most to me, I would say, would have to be really thought-provoking, reflective ones: Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys), Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel) and Hotel California (Eagles).
What advice would you offer new songwriters coming through?
The advice I’d give to new artists coming through would be: if you don’t really love music do something else, because it’s hard work. But, if you do, then stick at it because there’s no more powerful vehicle.
Which new artists do you recommend we check out?
I couldn’t tell you what new artists you should check out because I’ve been so busy recording this album lately. BUT, THEY ARE OUT THERE! Go and check out the venues near you!
How do you relax away from music? Do you get time to chill?
When I want to relax away from music, I tend to work out VERY HARD! It’s worth it for the endorphin rush!
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can select a song to end with and I'll play it here.
The song I would request is God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
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