We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adrian Read. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adrian below.
Adrian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was a band I was in back in 2014 by the name of Quantum Split. I once met a friend named Chris Paul that mentioned that this band he knew was in search of a guitarist, and although at the time I wasn’t looking to join a band I decided to check them out. From the first online video I saw of them, I changed my tune. They had a style of rock and hip hop fusion that lit me up immediately. I auditioned for them and got in and that moment changed everything for me. With this band I grew not just as a musician. But as a person. Together we toured the US, we traveled to Europe and Africa, performed in Festivals full of thousands of people, and appeared on Multiple radio stations, magazines and even Television shows. When you think of the phrase “Living the Dream” that was it. Most importantly, my managers at the time saw in me a potential that I didn’t see for myself. In helping to bring that out of me, they kick-started an even more incredible journey that has brought me to where I am today. We lasted 5 incredible years together and I will always be greatful for the foundation that was generated in me by that amazing team and family that I got to be a part of.
Adrian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Adrian Read and I am currently a K-Reggaeton Artist and Proffesional Actor for Film & TV. Over the course of my life I have taken on a variety of projects ranging from music to TV and Entertainment but things didn’t start that way. Back in 2009 around the time I was in college, all I knew was that I wanted to pursue something that didn’t lock me into a set schedule, most commonly known as a 9-5. I value freedom and the ability to live life on my terms above everything. And so around that time I began looking for ways to make a living in my own way. I got my first taste of freedom after becoming certified as a personal trainer and starting my own business. I was able to create my own schedule and charge what I wanted; I loved it. Soon thereafter however, I still had a deep desire to maintain that same level of freedom albeit acquiring resources through the arts. And so after some online research, I discovered the world of Background Acting. This changed everything because I was able to say yes or no to a job but still make a decent living if I took on just a few jobs a week. And so I began climbing ranks as an actor and eventually started auditioning and landing big projects that paid more money. I worked on projects with McDonald’s, the NFL, Bose, Starbucks, Cricket wireless and more. I even took part in 2 reality TV shows at the time that boosted my confidence on Camera. I appeared on “The worst Cooks in America” Season 17 and was able to meet and work with the Icon Bobby Flay and ultimately win the season under his guidance. I managed to attain financial freedom during this time as well which was crucial for everything that I’m doing now in regards to music. As a creative, we often try to make money off of our creative endeavor right away and if that doesn’t happen soon enough, we begin to develop resent for people, the society and eventually even our art form for not generating financial gain. I believe we have to find was to make money while still holding steadfast to our chosen art regardless of any monetary value we may or may not gain from it. The art we create is a part of who we are and money should not be a source of validation for it; the art should validate itself. After attaining financial freedom through acting, I was finally able to delve fully into music and invest in it to the capacity I’ve always wanted. I now have a full length K-reggaeton album that will drop on December 20th 2024. I’m proud of the life I’ve built and my message is to discover in yourself what it is that you can offer back to the world, because ultimately we are not here just to serve ourselves. We are here to serve others with whatever gift it is that makes us unique. I believe it’s our responsibility to find what that is, and bring it forth into the world. There are many things I’ve accomplished in my life, ranging from my career, to my personal life but what I’m most greatful for is the people that I’ve had the good fortune of coming across that have either supported me or taught me invaluable life lessons on this journey. Always choose growth, uncomfortable as it may be at times, be patient, be kind and be true regardless of how you feel.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was in my early twenties I believed that at a certain age (26) I had to be successful already. I was made to believe that by myths of the fact that if by a certain age you are not successful as a creative, you will be overlooked because this industry favors the young and up and coming. I was wrong and gladly so. Not only did I not really find what for me what success until about 30 years of age, but my life flourished in a way that I hadn’t even foreseen in my early twenties. Nowordays a lot of people feel like they are far behind in life because they see other people thriving, or they prescribe to a narrative much like the one I did years ago. Our life can change dramatically in a very short time if we only decide to make a committed decision to strive for something and then have the courage to pursue it. We may not know how to start or even where to start but with whatever resources we have to our disposal and a little imagination, we can truly change the course of our life no matter how far along we are. I believe that wholeheartedly and so for anyone feeling left behind, don’t. Make a decision and take action, and trust that little by little, life will start to change in your favor.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I believe everyone is creative in their own way. Wether some people choose to dedicate themselves to the arts or business, economics, science, etc. We all have things in us that want to be expressed. I believe we should lean into those things within us that want to be expressed and through them we will find other people that also resonate with that. Ultimately I feel most, if not all of us just want to find ways to connect with each other that feel genuine. And so wether a person is devoted to the creative arts or not, I believe we should just spend time with ourselves, and see what it is in us, that wants to be expressed and then just listen to that. It may be scary to express something that we have never expressed before, but I’ve learned that allowing that expression to come forth, often breeds the best connections with the right people. And so to my “Non-creative” friends, find things in you that make you you, And find the courage to show that side of you to the world, it will be what ultimately shapes your life to be unique and adventurous.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Adrian.read
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Adrian.Read.37
- Linkedin: N/a
- Twitter: N/a
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@adrianread1189?si=bkafNj7XMTJFicYQ
- Yelp: N/a
- Soundcloud: N/a
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrian.read?_t=8rR4vHomgaE&_r=1
Image Credits
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