Adam Meyer’s music is not only high caliber -- he’s got drive like I don’t always see in the indie music realm.

While some indies don’t bother learning about business, Adam picks up the phone and calls me to ask all his questions about MIC.

While some indies think they can’t do it without the camaraderie of a band, Adam does solo music releases while performing with his band, Jaywalker.

While some indies throw in the towel when life gets in the way, Adam prioritizes and balances his personal life with a move across the country, without any indication of a sour attitude. His patience and persistence over his years in his music career has provided him with skill sets of musical talent and wisdom that make him a pleasure to know and work with --- and here’s his official Welcome into The MVMT. 

This article is a little late (sorry Adam!!) but he’s settled into San Diego now, and we’re looking forward to sharing whatever he has coming up next in his indie music story!

What’s your origin story?

I’ve been the front man for the Pittsburgh-based band Jaywalker for 10 years now. I’ve enjoyed writing rock/reggae music for them for a long time; but eventually started writing more songs that didn’t fit the feel of Jaywalker. I decided I needed another avenue to direct those songs. After failing to come up with an alternative name to perform under, I decided to group these songs under my own name. Ever since, I have been performing and recording this style of music as Adam Meyers.

What do you love most about being an indie musician?

Being an indie musician is both a blessing and a curse. I really enjoy being able to call all the shots for what direction I am going with for my music. But sometimes I really wish there was someone telling me what exactly I should be doing with it all. I enjoy the creative freedom and autonomy of being an indie musician; but at times I am doing a lot of trial and error to learn from my own mistakes.

What are some of your struggles as an indie musician?

The biggest struggle I’ve come across, as an indie musician, has been to know how to carry out the business side of music. Being an indie musician is like running your own small business. You will go from writing, performing, and entertaining one day straight to marketing, distributing, and setting up gigs the next. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes business parts to being a musician that can definitely be somewhat of a struggle to balance.

What's your definition of success as an indie musician?

Success as an indie musician to me is having people relate to the music I write. I love getting feedback from listeners to hear what messages and emotions they took from my music. Knowing that someone connected with a song I wrote on a personal level is what fuels me to continue writing.

Any advice for up-and-coming indie musicians?

If I had to give any kind of advice to someone just starting, I would have to tell them that practice is the most important. Practicing their art is the single best way to know you will steer yourself in the right direction as a musician.

What's some of the current music, books, comedy, TV shows, movies, wacky sports, or any other activities you've been engaging in lately?

Lately, I’ve been listening to Gregory Alan Isakov on repeat. He is one of my biggest musical influences as a folk artist. He was actually the inspiration behind “Steps in Denver” from my Motive EP in more ways than one. The song is not only written similarly to his style of music but is also written about him performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I based the song on an experience I had while seeing him perform live with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The performance was so moving that I felt that I needed to write something about it. Thus, “Steps in Denver” was created.

Craziest/funniest/weirdest tour/concert story?

As of today, I have only actually had one true “Adam Meyers” show to keep in my portfolio. I just released my Motive EP at the Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh in July of this year and have been working on post release work ever since. That show was different however than any show I’ve helped put together with Jaywalker. It was a benefit concert for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where all the proceeds from the night went directly to the foundation. Melanie Taylor from Star 100.7 joined me with emceeing the night and we were able to raise $3,440 for the foundation! It was pretty awesome thinking that all the prep work on getting the show together paid off in the end.

Anything else?

First off, I did just release my EP so I think that’s pretty cool! Haha. Otherwise, I am going to be traveling to California by car in September with my girlfriend to do some travel nursing at the Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Along our drive, I plan to bring my guitar and perform as a traveling troubadour in every city we stop along our way. It should be a great time!

Also!

If you want to also help donate to CFF you can do so at tinyurl.com/donatetocff

Follow him on social media @adammeyersmusic, and listen to him on Spotify here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5mYsA9em2FO4tDV6D9fOqE