Adam Ferrick – Solo Artist Interview

Singer/songwriter Adam Ferrick recently released his fourth studio album titled “Acoustic Dance Music.” Today he discussed with us the making of his new album, how his experience at CSUN led him to become a DJ for the LA radio station KCSN 88.5, and his plans for the near future.

Ferrick is a native Angeleno born in Venice whose greatest influences include the likes of Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Radiohead, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. He started working on some of the songs for “Acoustic Dance Music” while in his old band Bearcat Clan. After his experience in the band he went on to start properly writing and recording his own material with the help of producer/engineer/guitarist Trace Ritter.

“We got the help of some awesome session guys who I had known played and with before including Rob McDonald on bass and harmonies, Paul Allen on drums and Phil Parlapiano on keys, organ, accordion, horn and various synths,” Ferrick said. “I also brought in my old band mates from All Destroyed Momentarily, Evan Reid (bass) and my best friend, Ivan Chocron who played drums.”

After finishing most of the basic tracks, Trace moved to Montana. Ferrick then finished the album with Grammy-nominated producer Jon St. James, who has worked such artists as Social Distortion, Berlin, The Vandals, Rancid, and Candyman. Together they worked on overdubs, vocals and mixing.

The result was an album full of strong vocal harmonies mixed with electric piano and guitar, and deals with themes that have to do with the relationships with women. Moving on is also a strong theme.

“The themes also extend to people who had literally passed on and also quite literally been born,” Ferrick said.

His love for live drums, an organic recording process and meaningful lyrics have led Ferrick to develop a sound and style that spans across multiple musical genres that range from Americana to folk anthems with poppy melodies. Ferrick said one of the most meaningful songs on “Acoustic Dance music” is the single titled “San Antonio San Antonio Railroad (Whiskey)” that he wrote while in San Antonio.

“I had a little melody kicking around and I was in that dusty down town area near the train tracks with my videographer friend Miguel,” Ferrick said. “As we were walking I heard a homeless man say something and the whole idea came to me. The train, the bridge, loves lost, lives and time gone by. I thought of my recent ex who I’d been with for 8 years and how people try their best but sometimes just aren’t the right thing or just can’t do what they think they mean or say.”

Ferrick said it is the song he is most proud of all the songs he’s written from previous albums, and it’s still tweaked when played live.

While not writing his own music, Ferrick is a DJ on KCSN 88.5, a non-commercial, independent radio station in Los Angeles. He started out at KCSN as an intern for his M.I.S. degree at CSUN.

“I was hired after as an assistant to GM and PD Sky Daniels,” Ferrick said. “I produced two weekly shows, one with Jed the Fish (ongoing) and one with Terri Nunn and Wendy Liebman, for two years which has now become my own show for 16 months.”

Ferrick said one thing in particular he enjoys is staying up to date with all the new Americana and learning about new singers and songwriters. He also has learned a lot about music business.

“Being around Nic Harcourt, Jed the Fish, Sky Daniels and Mark Sovel has been such a great education for me both business and music wise,” Ferrick said. “And of course representing the station at events, introducing acts and getting to know a whole bunch of people has been a great adventure in the biz.”

Whether it’s making new music or introducing new music to others and playing songs people want to hear on the radio, the most important thing to Ferrick is having a good time while doing it.

“I love performing,” Ferrick said. “I’d do it every day if I could. I love jamming, improvising and free-styling. That’s where my love of music came from, hanging with my buddies and getting creative.”

Ferrick said his goal is to make music that draws people in with the good vibes and to recognize the joy and happiness that was in put through many years of hard work and sacrifice.

“I want to make music that you can’t really box or classify but just feels like it speaks to you on different levels and maybe even guides you, as you look back and see that it became a part of your life, and you keep listening at different parts of your life,” Ferrick said.

To promote the album, Ferrick and The Beautiful Noize will be touring the west coast soon playing at local parties and events. Ferrick is also eagerly anticipating his next album release, which he said will be heavier, rawer, and will have garage and psychedelic influences.

To stay current with all things Adam Ferrick, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Bandcamp. Also be sure to catch KCSN Saturday Afternoon Music Mix with All-Purpose Adam from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. pacific.