Adam Lanceley is a man with eyes filled with light and warmth, his story an open book for all to read. He is someone whose life is permeated with the tumultuous waves of fate and an unyielding desire for a brighter future. Fate had its plans, and one dreadful moment turned his world upside down. The accident, seemingly meant to put an end to everything, but in this story, there was room for magic.

“What happened next?” you might ask. Adam turned this tragedy into a wellspring of inspiration. Music became his salvation, his remedy for pain and fear. He returned to life through the sounds of the guitar and the lyrics of songs that healed his soul and filled his heart with hope. Adam Lanceley’s story is about how through trials one can rediscover oneself. I was fortunate to reconnect with Adam, and during our chat, we delved into his latest vinyl compilation showcasing his finest tunes, as well as his affection for the sounds of Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys. However, our discussion with Adam extended well beyond the realm of music. We even touched lightly on the subject of politics before delving into some heartfelt experiences. Read all about it in the new exclusive interview below.

photo by @adamlanceleymusic

Adam, your recovery and return to music is a story of incredible defiance against the odds. Can you share a particular moment or song that became a turning point for you emotionally or artistically during this journey?

Well, thank you. It was – from everything I’ve been told & also when I look back on it – a remarkable recovery but as far as I’m concerned, it’s still ongoing. I think most people who’ve suffered trauma never consider themselves recovered. Same as addicts, they’re either an addict or a recovering addict. I’ve been recovering for a very long time. So in answer to your question, I think any turning points of an artistic or emotional nature would’ve been before my music even started. Perhaps when I was trying to express myself through acting, then when I realised a better outlet was through composing & singing, maybe that’s the turning point.

Your latest project, ‘The Complete Adam Lanceley,’ acts as a retrospective of your career. Was there a specific track that brought back the most vivid memories?

As on this vinyl, there’s 1 song from every album (with 2 from the final album) each tune means something to me, from almost a different chapter of my catalogue. The songs I’ve chosen for the record are all both good for anyone to enjoy, but hold a lot of deeper meaning to me. So no, they all bring back vivid & colourful memories from different stages of my life.

You mentioned venturing into political themes for the first time with the track “Leaving Scotland.” What motivated you to address these subjects in your music?

A very short answer: the BREXIT referendum.

Your story is one of incredible resilience and transformation. How has your relationship with music evolved from your early days as a promising athlete to now being a source of healing and expression?

Really, music wasn’t a part of my life when I was a promising athlete. It didn’t really start to mean anything to me until after that when I began to find it had a therapeutic quality. Then when I was anorexic a few years later, I began to derive inspiration & strength from it; The Beach Boys in particular. It was my love of them & other artists from that era, I think that made me dream of doing it myself. But it was only a dream till quite a few years later still.

Among the tracks in your latest album, which song do you feel most intimately connected to, and can you share the backstory and the inspiration behind it?

I’ve always tried to keep a bit of mystery to the meaning of my songs & leave quite a bit for the listener to interpret to mean what they want it to mean, but I never attempted to keep anything to myself about the song ‘Handle Me With Care.’ It’s such an intimate message I had to make sure someone knew. I think you can hear the emotional attachment to it in my voice on the recording, too. After years of not letting myself get close to anyone for fear of getting hurt again, someone grew on me without me realising until I thought I might lose her. So that’s where this song came from!

Your admiration for artists like Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys is evident in your music. How do these influences manifest in your songwriting?

I’ve already mentioned The Beach Boys & the whole California Sunshine Sound of the 60’s & I’ve always tried to incorporate elements of this in my compositions & arrangements. Also, The Beach Boys took harmonisation to another level & this has influenced me a lot too.

Choosing vinyl for this album seems to be a nod to classic musical traditions. What does the vinyl experience offer your audience that other formats might not?

It is a nod to rock ‘n’ roll & old skool musical genres! But aside from that, it offers the audience firstly the collectable aspect of a vinyl with it’s cool sleeve, secondly & more importantly though, the listening experience on a vinyl is so far superior to other mediums.

You’ve mentioned the importance of a ‘well-deserved break.’ How do you think stepping back from creating music might refresh your perspective?

I don’t know. I’m open to all eventualities. Having a break might refresh me so I decide to re emerge somewhere down the line, you’ll just have to wait & see…

What advice would you give to someone facing their own seemingly insurmountable challenges?

Firstly, don’t think ‘Oh, this could be a route to a career in music!’ But seriously, try not to look too far ahead & try to take things as they come.

As you reflect on your past works, how do you feel you have evolved as an artist and individual from your first album to ‘The Complete Adam Lanceley’?

Let’s see. Well, when I started I didn’t think I’d do 11 more albums & be writing this now, but I’ve definitely evolved a lot in terms of my lyrics, instrumentation & complexity of arrangements. I also think that I understand it a lot more now. Buy the record & you’ll agree! Finally, if I do decide to call it a day here, I’m happy with where it’s ended.

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*This interview was made possible by Quite Great PR