Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to Adam Horne, a twenty-three-year-old singer/songwriter from Atlanta, GA by way of South Carolina. He has a deeply impassioned sound and a sophistication to his voice which you don’t find too often in someone so young to the music biz.
B: Adam, welcome to the blog. Love your voice. Tell me a little about how music influences you.
Adam: Music has always been a huge part of my life; ever since I was a kid my family always had the jukebox turned up as loud as it would go. I remember the first time I heard a song that I could relate to, and how my love for music changed. All these years I thought I was the only one who felt this way, then a song comes on and lets me know that I am not alone. I remember saying to myself, “That’s what I want to be.” I wanted to share my life experiences through my music, in hopes that maybe someone will hear it and know that they are not alone.
B: To confirm here, you are gay?
Adam: Yes, I am gay. But, gay is not all that I am. As a gay man, music has been everything inspirational to me and my “process” of coming out and living in society. I think music is one of those things that tie the LGBT community together. We all have a few songs in common that remind us of certain milestones in our lives. I remember very well Diana Ross’ hit “I’m Coming Out” playing in my head as I came out to my friends and family. And we all live by the Gloria Gainer hit, “I Will Survive.” These songs are part of our community, and without community there would be no LGBT. That’s why I see music being so important for the LGBT youth. It brings us together. Even when we are the only gay kid in a small town, music helps us relate our feelings to one another, no matter how far the distance. We know that we are not alone.
B: So you use your own life experiences to strengthen your music?
Adam: Yes, I’ve seen a lot in my twenty-three years, and have had to grow up pretty quickly — I guess that’s why everyone says they hear so much soul and maturity in my voice when I sing. From battling disease to overcoming an addiction and homelessness, I am able to share those stories with others today through the lyrics of a song and offer some hope that that they too can overcome. Everyone deserves hope. I also try to incorporate the consequences of my own actions when I write music, that way others won’t have to learn the hard way, as I did.
B: That’s a refreshing approach. Most of the musicians I see today think it is all about them, the “me, me, me” attitude, which gets a little weary.
Adam: For me, music isn’t about how many records I sell or how much money I can make at a gig, but more so about others listening and finding strength or solace. It was quickly pointed out to me though that no one is ever going to hear it if I do not leave the bedroom and get myself out there. That is why I tried out for the Sing for Your Life ATL competition. It has been the best experience of my life. I have gotten to know many other people just like me, and really just want to write for the love of music. I have also learned to really appreciate all the work and effort it takes to put something like this event together. Because of this competition I have found a stronger faith in myself and my music.
B: A true inspiration. Thanks for stopping by, Adam. You can connect with Adam on Twitter and watch for his music coming out on iTunes soon.
The Top 11 in the Sing for Your Life Atlanta competition will perform again at 9 pm this Thursday at the Jungle Nightclub in Atlanta, GA. If you are in the area come out and support these amazingly talented artists. You can see the full lineup through the link.
If you are a LGBTQ author, musician, or filmmaker and would like to chat, please feel free to contact me.