INTERVIEW: Adam Prince King — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Ruben M. Angel

Adam Prince King

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WITH a new single out…

I have been speaking with Adam King Prince about Saskia and what its story is. He reveals what we can expect from his upcoming E.P. and how music came into his life – King reveals his favourite memory from music so far.

I wanted to know which albums are most important to him and whether we might see any tour dates; how his music has changed and evolved since the early days; if he gets chance to chill away from music – King ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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Hi, Adam. For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Adam Prince King. I am a singer from London and write and produce my own songs. I’m a big fan of David Bowie, the '80s; Kate Bush, Prince and mainly enjoy making music videos (at the moment). I am just finishing up my second E.P. which will be released through Little Assembly later this year.

Saskia is your latest track. What is the story behind the song?

I had the name in my head for a song as I like the way it feels on the tongue - with that I came up with the vocals for the chorus first and the song just rolled out from there...and then I kind of hated the production and abandoned her for a while and then recently fell back in love with her and went back and freshened it up a bit. I think the song is summed up by the lyric “I’m not afraid of anything, with you, I hear the sound of golden mandolins”. It’s a love song, a song of hope I guess. I’m quite a lone wolf in real life.

It is the second single from your upcoming E.P. Are there particular themes and ideas that inspired the music?

The E.P. is probably going to be called Music Man - and the track Music Man is really personal, sad and uplifting at the same time: “The muses took me in, got under my skin/Said: “Boy, go be irregular”/so here I am; I’m a music man”. I think this E.P. feels more like I’m stepping into my personal power as a musician.

When did music come into your life? Which artists did you obsess over?

Music has always been there. the radio was always on in my house blaring out London Greek Radio or a record player playing Cat Stevens…or my older brother’s band practising in the living room. I always wanted to hold the mic and always looked up to the singers in his bands. I loved Motown as a kid and was surrounded by eclectic tastes.

I was a massive fan of the film, Labyrinth - my first introduction to the Holy Bowie. I would watch that and the Return to Oz pretty much every day - and of a Greek singer called Glykeria when I was very young.

How do you think you have changed and evolved as an artist since your earliest days?

I feel like a different artist because I’m a different human. Things feel less try-hard these days and less angry than some of the music I used to make when I was younger. My lyrics are more vulnerable.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I’m feeling honest today; I need to rediscover my confidence for singing live and gigging. I sometimes get into a rut and build up gigs to be the ‘big bad wolf’ (a lot of wolves going on today!).

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

The first time I was played on BBC Radio 1 was pretty special. It was a different project a few years back - I was in my room painting a picture when I found out and had just about decided to throw in the towel…and I think that saved me a little bit.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

This changes on a regular basis but, today, it’s Joni Mitchell - Blue

Because Joni knows!

Britney Spears – Blackout

Because, from a production point of view, this was completely groundbreaking and ahead of its time - especially for an artist going through a dark period of personal struggle at the time.

Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

Because it’s brilliantly barmy and I love how theatrical it is: “Let me be weak, let me sleep…and dream of sheep”. And Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) is one of the best Pop songs ever written.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I’d time-travel back to the late-'70s/'80s and support the Thin White Duke on his world tour.

I’m really nice so I feel like I would need to up my rider game. So, I would ask for a masseuse, a water feature; a shamanic healer to help with my stage fright, watermelon juice; a single shot of single malt whiskey and, fu*k it, I want a white pony dammit!

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

I’m working on finding the courage to get out there and sing in front of people again. Once I’m on stage it’s all go. But, the build-up to a gig gives me major heebie-jeebies.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ruben M. Angel

How important is it being on stage and performing? Is it the place you feel most comfortable?

The feeling once you’re in the zone and out of the woods is something else but, at the moment, I’m in a reclusive phase and focusing on studio work and videos. But, I feel it coming and I’m sure I’ll gig a heap next year. It does feel like home and when you are on that stage. It’s like nothing else matters and you are fully present.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Gig! Feel the fear and just gig. Acknowledge the voice that keeps telling you you’re sh*t and still GIG. I’m talking to myself here…

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Do you know what, I’m such a shi*emaster at this. I am currently being aurally complacent and only listening to old music, so someone please send me a playlist of new music to listen to.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

This week, I’m doing more chilling than working but that’s cos I got ill and kind of the only time I let myself slow down. I do love a box-set, though, and have a penchant for a murder mystery! I do yoga and, recently, I went on an Ayahuasca Retreat - which is definitely not unwinding but that story is for another time...

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

My inner-child would love to hear David Bowie’s Within You from the Labyrinth soundtrack please, kind sir!