Adam Washburn is in a long-term relationship.
Don’t worry ladies… Adam is up for grabs, but you will have to compete with his heart devoted to music.
“I think it’s always been there. I think my friends know it’s always been there. I love performing. I guess it was my first love. It’s hard to explain, I am very passionate about my music and I really get lost in it on stage.”
Last spring, Washburn’s relationship with his music jumped to a whole new level when he received an artist grant from the New Brunswick government. The arts development branch of the Department of Culture awarded Washburn $1,200 and the result is a collection of songs that could end up in an EP or full length album.
“I was pretty pumped because I never really planned on going into a studio to do recordings. I was happy just producing some stuff from home. The grant was an opportunity to get to work with an award-winning producer.”
He headed down the highway to Port Howe, Nova Scotia and began to put his money to good use. Washburn spent some quality time with his guitar at Come Undone Records where he worked alongside East Coast Music Award nominee Dale Murray.
“Dale and I already have an EP recorded with five of my original tunes. Right now, we are going over the final mixes but I have to decide if I want to do an album or an EP. A part of me wants to wait, record more songs and do an album. But at the same time an EP may allow me to receive more funding to do an album in the future.”
Washburn’s hands rhythmically tap the table top in James Dunn Hall, making his coffee cup shake. He makes it clear the St. Thomas has played a big part in his music.
Washburn plays open mic nights at Fredericton bars and is inspired through specific classes at STU. One, with professor Andrew Titus, inspired him to look at music in a new creative way.
“I took a poem by William Wordsworth called Tintern Abbey. I broke it down and took Wordsworth’s experience and tried my best to put myself in his state of mind. Then I wrote my own song out of it and thought that was really cool. It made me think of music in a different way and it was thanks to Titus that I had that.”
What allows every relationship to overcome tough times is a strong connection. Relationships require honesty and lots of heart, something Washburn experiences every time he steps on stage.
“It’s all about being honest on stage and opening yourself up to your audience. I want to be somebody who they can get to know,” said Washburn. “I actually had a friend come up to me after a show and she told me I was more honest on stage then I was in person. I thought that was weird, then I realized she’s probably right.”
There comes a point in all strong bonds when a choice needs to be made. Do you keep chasing what brings you passion? Or do you walk down another road? For Washburn, the choice is simple.
“Being a musician in the Maritimes, you may have fewer fans but they treat you like your family. If you are somewhere else you may have more fans, but it’s less personal. The connection to fans in the Maritimes is more loyal and I really like that.”
Adam Washburn plays the Cellar with some friends on Oct. 9 at 10 p.m.
