Adam Taitano

Interview with musician Adam Taitano —

Adam Taitano

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Adam Taitano. I am a 28 year-old musician. I also do web development and creative writing as a means to get by.

2. Why music?
Music is my passion. Since I was a kid, I loved to listen to, learn, and play music. This sentiment will never change.

Songs With John
digital album
released November 11, 2014

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be involved in music?
When I was about three years old, my parents bought me a three-quarter sized violin. I remember trying to learn “Twinkle Twinkle” but the strings would screech and my hands were not nimble enough to make the sounds I heard in my head. As a result, I got frustrated at myself. My parents interperted it as me getting mad at them, and decided violin was not for me. So instead, they let me take a break, and then started me on piano when I was seven. Between three and seven I would sing at the top of my lungs to my favorite songs on television (e.g. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Theme Song)

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and style(s)?
I love music theory. I also really enjoy the psychological perspectives on music-making (i.e. the context behind why people make music). My favorite styles include: Classical, Indie, Rock, Rap, and Motown.

Adam Taitano (center)

5. How do you work and approach a new piece that you are working on?
My process varies depending on the topic and genre. I like to start with a foundation for the song – build a chord progression on guitar or piano, and then add melodies. Then fit words to the melodies, and layer with different instruments. I am more of a musician than a poet (though I’m working on that), so words generally come last. The few songs that I have written where the words came first, though, have been my favorites.

6. What are your favorite musician(s), singer(s)?
Growing up, I listened to Sublime, Radiohead, The Strokes, and Weezer. In college, my musical tastes developed and I started to really love indie artists like Neutral Milk Hotel, Sufjan Stevens, and Elliott Smith. I really don’t know many singers, but I am impressed by people who are vocalists.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
Just a few days ago, someone purchased my first album, ‘eLLo guvNAH (street.) on bandcamp. I immediately sent him a thank you e-mail, to which he responded, “I listen to your album twice a day.” I was super honored. and validated. It really means a lot that someone would appreciate my work to that extent. I am really grateful for any and all fans who listen to my music.

‘eLLo guvNAH (street.)
digital album
released November 11, 2014

8. What do you like about your work?
I like how music, and art in general, allows for a creative and emotional outlet. When I’m going through tough times, I can either suppress those feelings, or channel them into music. I like that my songs tell a story of what I’ve been dealing with. And, that they’re general enough to be appealing to other people with their own struggles and stories.

rock band pic

9. What advice would you give to other musicians?
The music game is a grind. Find people who will fully support you and get behind your music and craft. If you can do that, you are going to go places. But, who knows, I’m still an unknown.

Dreams Of Progression
digital album
released April 1, 2016

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I hope that I’ll still be in Portland, playing music and gaining fans. But, to be honest, there’s a real chance that I’ll start a “real person” career and move according to the job. Or, perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to fall in love and move to wherever my future partner might be.

Adam Taitano

LINKS —

Website: http://adamtaitano.wix.com/irradiative
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamtaitanoband/timeline
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/adam-taitano
bandcamp: http://adamtaitano.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdamTaitano
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?q=adam+taitano
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtaitano