What instruments do you play?

I play the electric guitar… Acoustic guitar as well, on a few different tracks, but… electric guitar.

Are you a solo artist or do you typically play with a band?

Typically, I play with a band, and just, whoever needs a guitar, I’m there to help.

And it’s everyone. It is everyone who needs a guitar.

Essentially.

You’ve been on, like, every track since 2018.

Something like that. That’s the goal.

Do you have an established band here that you’re usually always a part of, or are you just always jumping around on everyone’s stuff?

I’m just kind of always jumping around [on] everybody’s stuff… kind of regardless of genre, and regardless of who it is. I’m just sort of jamming on everybody’s stuff…

You’re essentially the studio musician of the music program.

I guess so, and that’s—that’s kind of what I would like to do… something like that.

Tell us about yourself as an artist, like how did you get to where you are now, and maybe what started your whole journey?

I played band in elementary and middle school, so I was familiar with music, but kind of around high school [I] got into guitar… my brother sings so [he] and I were always just messing around and writing stuff. I think from jamming with him, being in bands in high school, [and] being in jazz band in high school, that was sort of where I developed the stuff that I like to listen to; and I guess to where I am now: just jamming with people and being open to different people’s suggestions and stuff.

And you and your brother, you guys have an Instagram, don’t you?

This is true.

Shameless plug for your Instagram?

@adamandadrian

Tell us about your time at Norco, in the Norco Music department?

I started… I think it was spring 2018? That was my first semester here, and now it’s fall 2019… so I’ve been here for about a year and a half or so?

This is your fourth semester.

Yes, in the music program, and, so far, it’s been a life changing experience, definitely… Getting to know everybody in the program – especially Brady, most definitely. He’s had such a positive influence on me, and I think anybody who comes through the program – it’s such an amazing thing. So, nothing but good things to say about my time here so far, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Do you have a favorite memory or experience from being in Norco Music?

Um… I think some of my favorite memories are definitely playing the S3 shows, and having the shows where a bunch of different Norco musicians are playing and just being a part of those things… Different showcases and performances, those are definitely the highlights because it’s fun to be up there and play with literally an all-star cast of people… It’s like—it’s just an honor to be part of it…

What are you doing now as far as school, music, or any other professional pursuits?

As of right now, I’m trying to get my Audio Production degree, so [I’m] taking Pro Tools, [and] taking all the other course requirements that I have [to] in order to get that degree. As far as music... let me think. Just being here at Norco, playing [for] whoever would like me to play guitar on their stuff, playing on Ela’s songs, playing [for] whoever else needs a guitar, and just seeing where that leads. Especially being here, there’s plenty of opportunities, so Norco is like my main thing right now, definitely.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

I play golf from time to time. I played golf in high school.

Are there any goals that you’ve set for yourself, either short-term or long-term?

Yeah. Short-term goals would be to get degrees here at Norco, finish my education up

Degrees, plural?

I think so. So, maybe the Audio Production one, maybe a performance one as well, hopefully. So, that would be short-term. Long-term would be… I think, try to do something— get a career in music in some way. So, whether it’s me playing guitar, or me doing something with audio production, or something like that. Long-term goal is to get a sort of stable career within music.

I know music is not— it kind of depends on what you want to do. Do any of your plans include transferring? I mean, they don’t have to, but—

As of right now, no. But I’m not opposed to hearing what maybe some places have to offer. I just kind of don’t know – as far as transferring goes – what other places offer. For now, I’m just trying to stick to Norco.

For this last question: Is there anything that you’d like to add, anything you want to tell whoever might be reading this interview, or anything you want people to know about you?

Yeah. I would say that I’m very grateful to be here at Norco Music, and especially grateful to Brady and everything that he’s done, and like… I don’t know. Just. Very thankful to everybody. This program is such a unique experience, and to anybody who’s thinking of doing it: I think you should do it because you’re really going to get into something that’s really fulfilling, and so many wonderful people that like – I mean, I met my girlfriend here, so that’s most definitely a plus – I’m just very happy to be here.

Adam Pastor

Album Credits:

[Un]covered

• Deborah Murphy (feat. Sage)

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

• Bittersweet

• Blood On My Hands

• Breaking My Rules

• Closer

Beneath the Surface

• We Fit Together

• Sweet Revenge

• Oh Lawd!

• Free

• Butterflies

• Sage

• Melancholy Constellations

• The Better Part

• Bad News

• Fall for Me

• River

• Back to You

• Vagabond