ELTON ADAMS

Elton Adams is an exciting new singer/songwriter based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  His incredible self titled debut album " Elton Adams" is officially released in the U.K through Matchbox Recordings on the 23 March 2009. The album features the hot single" Candy" and 11 other rocking tracks. Elton was born and raised in Roddickton, Newfoundland, Canada. At age 17 he joined the Canadian Forces and has served many years with the First Royal Canadian Horse Artillery serving in Bosnia, Afghanistan and more. After returning to Canada he went straight into the studio to record this classic, dreamy, powerful, emotional and rocking album. Our very own Dale Olivier interviewed Elton Adams and the full results can be seen below.

 Don't forget to look out for the Television advert on MTV networks soon. 

THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

1. What made you decide to start a career in music. Tell us a bit about your history to date ?

Well, I was born and raised in Roddickton (POP-900) Newfoundland, Canada . Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of very talented singers and musicians. Everyone from my oldest grandparent to my youngest cousin can play an instrument and sing. The church and local hockey rink were two of my major influences in Roddickton. Despite the fact that I’m not a stranger to the hockey stick and have played on various teams, music was most certainly my first love.

I’m not quite sure when I began to sing or perform but it was well before I began school. My mother would have me sing for the church all the time, regardless of, if I wanted to or not. Then again, I enjoyed it most of the time even at a very young age. My interest in guitar began at the age of eleven, I would with grab my dad’s '76 Ovation Custom Legend and strum on it for hours. I became so addicted that it was hard to focus on anything but music. It always felt like I conquered the world when I learned a new cover tune, I had to play it for my friends ASAP.

At the age of seventeen I enrolled in the Canadian Forces. During my first six years I was employed with the First Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Shilo Manitoba. While serving with this Regiment I worked in both B and C batteries and ventured to Bosnia on Roto 7. It was also at this time I started to write my own music. While with the Artillery I played and sang for the troops all of the time. In Bosnia my band, "Guns and Hose's"(this was our band name because the Artillery had the big-guns and we practiced in a Fire hall---hose's) opened up for the CANCON show. Domestically, I had a band called, Dirty Laundry, we performed for almost all of the Regiments functions, private parties and local bar's.

At this time, I have over nine years served for my country and I'm a Military Police-Officer posted to Halifax, NS. With only two years in the Military police trade I received notification that I was to embark on a 7 month tour to Afghanistan. Further, I would need to complete 8-months of work-up training in Edmonton before the tour began. While in Edmonton, I really began to focus on my song writing. I would perform for my fellow soldiers often and this paid off immensely.
One of the songs I wrote, “What a soldier left behind” was heard by my supervisors and the response was enormous. One-thing lead to another and I was requested to perform at our farewell parade, 17 Jan 08. There was over 2000 personnel present for the parade, soldiers and their families. The song became and is still growing into a big hit amongst the CF community. I was presented with my colonel’s and Generals commendation for the song.

The beautiful reaction I received from my song motivated me to write more of my own music. So when I returned to Halifax for my 3 week embarkation leave, I recorded 4 songs at Denmark Production’s Studio, owned by Juno’s / ECMA (East coast Music Awards) judge and music producer of the year Dennis G. Field.
On 20 Mar 08, I performed, “What a soldier left behind”, in Afghanistan with Canada’s beloved rock band, Blue Rodeo, at our support the troops concert, again the response was incredible. I received General Hillers, our retired CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) commendation and I received many thank-you's from my fellow soldiers, civilian employees and retired NHL Players (Doug Gilmour sent me a signed jersey) who were present at the show. It was unforgettable.
Now that I’m back from Afghanistan I’m recording my first album at Demark Productions and you guys well be releasing my album in the UK on 09 Feb 09.


2. Who are you influences ?

My musical influences are:
Bryan Adams
Blue Rodeo
John Fogerty (CCR)
Queen
ACDC

3. What modern artists do you like ?

My new favourite group is, The killers

4. You are currently in the Canadian forces and just finished a tour to Afghanistan. Tell us about your experiences there and did it have an impact on your song writing and content of your new album?

Well that is a very sensitive question and I have to be brief. Afghanistan at times was very dangerous and we lost many great soldiers. I have been rocketed, shot at and mortared, all of this in 125 degrees Fahrenheit. I feel fortunate to be alive. However, I also had the pleasure in mentoring the Afghanistan National police, helping them to become a more effect entity in the fight against terrorism. This gave me great satisfaction. Yes it had a huge impact on my song-writing and music material, many of my songs on this album were written in Afghanistan, even the fast dance fun tunes.


5. What inspires you to write your music/lyrics ?

LIFE. This first album is a rollercoaster of emotion’s, you will laugh, cry and at times angry.

6. Name your all time fave track by another band/artist ?

Wow, there are so many songs to choose from. Probably Blinded by the Light by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

7. What sort of sound can we expect from your forthcoming album ?

Rock and roll, with a hint of pop. However, some songs will just take you for a ride.....

8. What are your ambitions for your music? Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?

Well my dream is to be a full time professional musician. Hopefully with a great distribution company fighting hard for me (Matchbox Recordings) this dream will be a reality.

9. How would you describe your music? What genre do you think it fits into ?

My songs are about life.....some are fun and some are sad. Rock would be my genre.

10. Where was your new material recorded and who was producing ?

It was recording at Denmark Productions, Halifax, NS Canada. Juno’s/East Coast Music Award’s judge and producer of the year the one and only Dennis Field.

11. What is the music scene like in Canada ?

There are many new and up and –coming artists. Canadian Idol and other music talent show’s has created a huge effect on our music industry.

12. Do you play all of the instruments on your album and write all of the songs ?

Yes I wrote all of the songs however, I do not play all of the instruments. I play all of the guitar Rhythm’s and leads.

13. In the U.K cooking shows are huge and rock stars go on them to cook all the time so we thought we would ask you. What is your favourite food recipe ?

Nutty Pork and onion.

1. Water 75mL
2. Cornstarch 15mL
3. White vinegar 25mL
4. Low-sodium soy sauce 15mL
5. Brown sugar, packed 15mL
6. Chicken bouillon powder 5mL
7. Onion powder 1mL

8. Cooking oil 15mL

9. Pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips 340g

10. Salt, just a sprinkle

11. Pepper, just a sprinkle

12. Cooking oil 5mL

13. Garlic clove, minced or powder 1mL

14. Coarsely chopped peanuts

Stir water into Cornstarch in small bowl. Add next 6 ingredients. Stir. Set aside.

Heat wok or frying pan on medium high. Add first amount of cooking oil. Add pork strips. Stir-fry until no pink remains in pork. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl.

Add second amount of cooking oil to hot wok. Add onion and garlic, stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add pork. Stir cornstarch mixture. Stir into pork mixture until boiling and thickened.

Stir peanuts.

Serves 4