Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Smith 2nd.
Hi Adam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Memphis, a musical family, I was surrounded by music from a young age. Both my parents are musicians who perform at church. At the tender age of two, they noticed my innate ability to keep time with any music I heard and gifted me my first drum set.
As I honed my drumming skills, I began performing in various churches and events around town. By the time I was ten, I had picked up the bass guitar, and by thirteen, I was playing drums alongside my bass guitar. Additionally, I joined the middle school marching band, where I played the tuba and sousaphone.
During my high school years, I delved into guitar playing and joined the jazz band. It was during this time that I realized this was the life I had always envisioned. I auditioned for Berklee College of Music and was accepted, but I chose to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, to be closer to home while still participating in the marching band.
This decision led me to Nashville, where my musical journey truly began.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up in a religious household, I often found myself at odds with the notion that my dreams and aspirations might be more secular than my family would accept. Choosing not to attend Berklee was undoubtedly the most challenging decision of my life at that time, and my family certainly didn’t comprehend it.
In Nashville, I faced immense struggles in finding my place within the music scene. The constant labeling confined me to a box that I’m still actively working to break out of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a music producer, arranger, programmer, and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve worked in various settings, from churches to film scoring, on multiple instruments, including mixing. I’ve taught in clinics, classrooms, and one-on-one training sessions. My upbringing and training have equipped me with the knowledge to excel in multiple positions and genres. This is one of the things I’m most proud of.
Currently, I’m touring with Jill Scott as her guitarist and Joss Stone as her drummer. I also perform and record for many gospel and secular artists nationwide.
My diverse experience in multiple fields and positions has given me a vast knowledge of things that most musicians wouldn’t have. This makes me a versatile and valuable asset to most musical situations.
How do you think about luck?
I was fortunate to have God on my side and parents who loved me so much that they continued to support me despite the challenges of my career. The unfortunate circumstances were merely a minor detail that didn’t warrant any recognition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prospectivemedia.wixsite.com/adamotif
- Instagram: adamotif_dafunk
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@adam_motiv?si=0mer5TZr7rfZqYTD
