We were lucky to catch up with Adrian Gordon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Adrian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In high school, I discovered my passion for the arts and knew it was the path I wanted to pursue professionally. I spent much of my time songwriting and performing with my acoustic R&B band, “Unison.” My goal was clear: to become the best musician I could be and to equip myself with as much knowledge about the music business as possible. Creating music felt like second nature to me, and I couldn’t have envisioned myself doing anything else.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Adrian Gordon, a pretty shy and modest guy, but behind that modesty lies a passion for music and a journey in the industry that I’m excited to share.

My journey into music began with a dream of securing a deal with a major publishing house. However, facing repeated rejections, I realized that waiting for permission was futile. Fueled by a deep belief in my music, I took matters into my own hands and founded “Leap Year Music,” a platform encompassing my diverse creative endeavors, from composing to teaching and writing.

Overcoming challenges of rejection and self-doubt, my mantra became “Permission Granted,” a reminder to seize opportunities and forge my own path. Networking became my lifeline in a pre-social media era, enabling me to establish meaningful connections and propel my business forward.

In a highly competitive music publishing landscape, I stood out for my unwavering commitment to excellence and authenticity. I aimed to solve the problem of finding accessible, genuine, and heartfelt music by offering original compositions and performances that resonated deeply with students and audiences.

What I’m most proud of is not just my achievements, but the impact my music has had on others. From inspiring aspiring musicians to empowering music educator colleagues with memorable experiences, my work embodies a journey of perseverance and creativity.

In sharing my story, I want others to understand the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned along the way. The journey wasn’t just about overcoming rejection; it was also about overcoming self-doubt and learning to believe in myself. I’ve always found inspiration in the words of my favorite actor Denzel Washington: “To get something you never had; you have to do something you’ve never done.” These words remind me to keep pushing forward, even in the face of discomfort.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is more than just music—it’s a testament to the power of believing in oneself and taking action. Through hard work, kindness, and determination, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe there’s a fundamental shift needed in how we approach music education at the university level. Gone are the days of solely focusing on mastering an instrument. Today’s musicians must embrace a more entrepreneurial mindset and be equipped with business skills to thrive in the industry. Whether pursuing education, performance, product creation, publishing, licensing, or management, students need to view themselves as businesses.

While some universities are beginning to incorporate these concepts into their curriculum, there’s still significant room for improvement. It’s essential for music schools to not only nurture artistic talent but also provide practical training in marketing, finance, and networking to prepare students for the multifaceted demands of a modern music career.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most fulfilling aspect of being an artist or creative individual is twofold. Firstly, it provides me with a genuine and healthy outlet to express my emotions, allowing me to navigate life’s ups and downs with authenticity and resilience. Secondly, I have the opportunity to impact the world around me positively by potentially uplifting others’ emotional states through my music, fostering connections and empathy on a deeper level. This sense of purpose and connection to others amplifies the significance of my creative journey and inspires me to continue sharing my art with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: adriangordonmusic.com
• Instagram: • Instagram: apgordonmusic
• Facebook: • Facebook:www.facebook.com/adriangordonmusic
• Twitter: @apgordonmusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@leapyearmusiconline