INTERVIEW: Adam Prince King — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Adam Prince King

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THERE are few characters like Adam Prince King in the music industry.

As I prepare a Kilimanjaro-esque climb up a mountain of reviews and interviews; I am weeding out those that will require some embellishment and visual flourishes – augmenting and uncovering hidden depths and bringing the shine to the surface. That is not needed for Adam Prince King - as he is someone immured from boredom and the mundane: a veritable human-festival of eccentricity, fun and fascination.

I talk to the London-based songwriter about his latest tune, Before the Sun Goes Down; its video – since the questions were sent; a video has appeared – and what it feels like having the critical ear firmly lodged against his chest (or mouth: whichever is less weird/more appropriate).

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Hi, Adam. How are you? How has your week been?

I'm really good and really sh*t all at the same time! Life's funny like that.

I'm good because I'm looking forward to the release and people seeing my new video - and sh*t because releasing music petrifies me…ah, life!

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

I'm Adam Prince King. I'm a London-based music producer and singer - with a fondness of avocados and an addiction to hooks and melodies.

Before the Sun Goes Down is the new single. What can you tell me about it?

It's happy and sad all in one; bleak yet hopeful.

What do you think about it? I want to be the interviewer! (I like it - Sam).

Will there be a video for the single? What future plans do you have for it?

The video is ready to be put out anytime now...

My plans are to go to number one; win a Grammy and live in a beach hut (with WiFi) in Barbados - but the universe may have other plans, so I just do my thing and see what happens!

What's that saying...we make plans and God laughs at us (or something like that)?

It follows on from the previous song, Flamingos, but has a different vibe/sound. Was there a conscious decision to create something different from that single – whilst retaining a unique 'Adam Prince King sound'?

I hate pigeonholing my sound and creating the same song over and over...

I feel like it's evolve-or-die for my creativity. I agree, the production is simpler and more restricted but also feel my essence, my lyrics and voice tie the songs together.

The single has buzz and uplift but moodiness and emotion. Is it difficult being open and raw in a song but keeping the overall textures accessible and engaging?

I have always loved writing raw lyrics but to an uplifting piece of music: I love juxtaposition. The Smiths did that really well.

Were you shocked Flamingos went viral and got such a huge reception? Did that motivate you to keep striving and working hard?

It's a double-edged sword.

You feel like, woooooo! People like what I'm doing and it's motivating but then the little head-Devil pops in and says "It's a fluke, you silly little man; people will soon find out you're a fraud and that you’re an awful artist."

But, then, you have to find a way of pushing forward regardless.

I believe an E.P. is out later in the year. What can you reveal about that?

It has five tracks on it and my favourite one is a track called Witches.

It should be released through a really cool label - that mainly deals in getting music into T.V and film - but I can't fully confirm yet as we are still negotiating.

Can you tell me about some of your musical influences and the artists you grew up listening to?

I grew up listening to a lot of Cypriot music and, also, lots of old Elvis and Cat Stevens records - when I was very young.

I can hear bits of David Bowie’s work in your own music. Is he someone influential to you?

Yes.

David Bowie is my father; Kate Bush is my mother.

You sport quite a, let’s say, 'peculiar' look. What was the reason for adopting this style and do you think it adds to your musical style?

Is it the moustache!?

I guess I'm quite eccentric but it's not something I overly-think about. If I see something that resonates with me I wear it - I love colour and vibrancy, both in my music and in my fashion choices.

When I was a kid, I used to dress myself and go to primary school in a shimmery waistcoat paired with a red bow tie and Albert Einstein hair – so, I guess I've always been peculiar.