Adam Exler is an American singer/songwriter and this song is particularly close to his
heart as it was inspired by his stepfather’s battle with pancreatic cancer. It has been
flawlessly produced by Matt ‘Melodious’ Coe and Stuart Epps (Led Zeppelin, Elton
John, George Harrison) and it is Adam’s hope that the song will inspire those going
through similarly difficult times
.
Dreamers begins with a melodic piano intro built on a chord progression that brings
to mind Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’. After a poignant verse and bridge the
instantly memorable chorus hits home, aided by some well arranged backing vocals.
Exler has a strong voice, his delivery emotive and highly expressive, singing the
lyrics with conviction.
The track builds gradually, with the drums not entering till the second verse, making
their entry all the more effective dynamically. The powerful, punchy drum sound
(performed by ex-Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen) helps gives the song its uplifting
effect, also aided by string synths and guitar lines interweaved throughout. By the
final choruses the song has become a huge wall of sound and it’s not hard to imagine
thousands singing along to this when it is performed live.
Overall, this is a superbly performed and excellently crafted song that manages to be
uplifting and inspiring whilst managing to avoid being overly mawkish or
sentimental. The message is an important one for anyone going through a difficult
time, especially for those with a disease or those losing a loved one. It’s commercial
sound and memorable melody should mean it becomes a huge hit, possibly
worldwide, provided it receives the necessary amount of exposure.
By Alex Faulkner
Exclusive Interview
How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
I was referred to Exposed Vocals by a good friend and fellow music artist.
I researched different online PR sites. I had a good feeling and intuition about EV and decided to give EV a shot!
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Well, I am born and bred in Los Angeles. I grew up in an amazing family environment. We were all into various sports and excelled at whatever we put our blood, sweat and tears in. We supported and encouraged each other and we thrived in academics as well as athletics. I eventually narrowed down my long list of sports interests to just one, tennis. I was fortunate to play on The USTA National Championship Team in high school.
Well, as fate would have it, my passion for music overtook my life soon thereafter. It was big surprise to everyone, including my parents and brother.
I had put so much time, sacrifice, and energy into tennis, but as they had always done with any of my endeavors in the past, they supported me 110% on my new musical journey!
My first love is The Blues. When I heard BB King play Lucille and sing The Thrill is Gone, I knew I was hooked into the World of making music forever!
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
EXLER is a family name on my Dad’s side of the family somewhere down the Family Tree. I liked the sound of it, so instead of Goodley, I go with Adam Exler.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I have come to realize that online music sharing, as well giving away a free download of one of your tracks, to be very important. It can be used as incentive for a potential fan to become a subscriber, and become familiar with rest of your music and websites.
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
From what I have ascertained, sites like yours seem to be more effective than traditional radio play these days. It is nearly impossible for most of the World’s talented artists to be on mainstream radio alongside major label artists who have millions of dollars behind them.
Building a strong online presence and utilizing all the amenities that the power of the internet can provide are great ways to get noticed.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
We are all human. No matter how much we practice, you can’t be perfect. How many times does a baksetball player miss a wide open layup. A wide receiver drop an easy pass. A tennis player miss a sure overhead winner into the net?
We all just move on to the next note, the next song, and the next opportunity in order to makeup for that last mistake! To me, it just makes me that much stronger and focused.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I usually get an urge and a need to have to get my emotions and feelings out of my mind and body and into a song. I then sit down at the piano and start playing, and I just let whatever comes out, come out! Then things take on a life of their own. Some days it’s just a release of emotion. Other days, it turns into 5 eventual songs! Oh, and I almost always write the chords and melody before the lyrics…
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
I use all of the above! Like I said, having a strong online presence is key in this day and age.
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I don’t know if I have any! Well, everyone sees at art and music in a different light. Hmmm… Oh yeah! Well, I was always infatuated with The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats… and that music video just pushed it over the top! And you have to check out The Elton John classic Rocket Man performed live by none other than William “Captain Kirk Shatner!
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would take the bulk of it and put it into a good money market account and live off the interest.
I would then treat my family, friends, and supporters to a fine meal. Finally, I would take the rest and finish an entire album with my great team of musicians and producers, and do a music video that rivals The Safety Dance! 🙂
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Right now, I make all my demos on an old Yamaha AW16g Portastudio. It is still great for getting all my ideas down. Then, I can burn a CD and give it to any producer or musician for them to hear.
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I just started working with a cool PR company. I hope it works out great.
Shannon Rose is a very nice and hard working person, and his team is equally great! I also hope working with EV is a great PR experience too!
Reverbnation and Tunecore are artist friendly sites as well.
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
As I said, even though I am a singer-songwriter and piano player in the Rock/Pop/Blues realm, Blues and guitar slingers are what fill my heart and soul. I would have loved to have performed with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Albert Collins, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles at The Hollywood Bowl! They have all moved me and gotten me through arduous times in my life. As far as living artists, I would love to perform Stormy Monday in G with Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Derek Trucks!
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am ecstatic to tell you that I am working on a new EP. I tell you this with a heavy heart though. The EP is inspired by my Mom and her husband’s valiant battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It has been an over 4 year long journey. I have been talking with The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer, and they love Dreamers. We are in talks about how to use Dreamers for their Foundation. The EP was written to heal and inspire those dealing with their own life issues, whatever and wherever they might be. A portion of the proceeds from the EP will go towards this worthy cause.
I have some great people helping me in some fashion with this project.
I will work with producers Matt Melodious Coe and Stuart Epps. Epps has worked with Elton John, Led Zeppelin, and George Harrison among others. Cindy Alexander, who won the TV show David Foster’s Star Tomorrow, has been a great help, guide, and inspiration too. I will also have the honor of having Peter Pergelides, my vocal coach, and coach of last year’s winner of The Voice, on the EP as well.
Laslty, I am starting a Kickstarter campaign in order to help support and create this amazing and worthy cause. So, I hope all of you out there can become a fan and signup on my email list so that I can keep you posted on all these fabulous happenings!
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Well, I am lucky to be able to work at and make a living with my two passions in life, tennis and music. I teach tennis to kids and adults of all ages and levels. It is a very rewarding and joyful job.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
BB King: Live at The Regal. Words can’t do justice to explain what it is that resides in this classic album. The music, talent, soul, mastery, and passion put forth into each and every note sung and string bent is so moving and beautiful. While listening, I thought to myself, well I am glad I took up the piano, because there is no way anyone can compete with that!
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Well, I am blessed to have music and tennis in my life. I have great and loyal tennis students who keep me quite busy, leaving me just enough time to pursue my musical goals and dreams!
What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2014 and beyond?
Well, as the year comes to an end, I am really looking forward to 2015!
My new single Dreamers will be available for purchase in early December of 2014. It is also available as a free download right now if you are so kind to join my email list.
I have some other fabulous things cultivating right now, so 2015 should be a breakthrough year!
I would love to hear from you and keep you posted on everything that I do. You can subscribe or become a fan on my Reverbnation page as well as on my website.
Www.reverbnation.com/adamexler
Www.adamexler.com
