Breakout alternative pop artist and actor Adrian Lyles (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) chatted about his new music and being a part of the Internet age.
‘Concrete Boy’
He just released his upbeat new single “Concrete Boy” via Hollywood Records.Along with the track, Lyles has unveiled a music video that highlights its high-voltage sound as Adrian and his band give an explosive performance at a grungy dive bar.
The song was produced by Grammy award-winning producer Oak Felder, who has worked with such artists as Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
On making “Concrete Boy,” Lyles said, “It was good; it was so good! The song is about the concept of growing up and trying to remember where you came from.”
“Basically, it’s a bolt of energy about your roots, and trying not to lose yourself,” he noted.
Music and songwriting inspirations
Lyles revealed that his music and songwriting are inspired by “absolutely everything.”
“Every single part of my life inspires my songwriting,” he said. “My songs involve writing things down that have happened to me, so that I can draw from really real places.”
“Almost all of the songs that I’ve made came from things that have happened, and then, I wrote them down and I put them to melodies and beats,” he noted.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, Lyles remarked, “I want to take this music as far as it can go. I would love to do more projects, albums, and tours, as well as opening for other artists and playing festivals. I definitely want to act more and do more creative things.”
Daily motivations
Each day, he is simply motivated by “music” and “making better things.” “I want to grow more, and I feel the same way songwriting-wise,” he said.
‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ on Disney+
On being a part of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ on Disney+, he said, “It was incredible. They are all so ridiculously talented. That was my first acting experience, and there were so many actors on that show that do music separately from acting.”
“These co-stars have successfully done both in a really great way, and that was really inspirational,” he added.
Lyles on Matt Cornett and Kate Reinders
Lyles had kind words about co-stars Matt Cornett (who played E.J.) and Kate Reinders (who played Miss Jenn). Matt is the sweetest guy in the world, and he walked me through my whole ‘High School Musical’ experience. He taught me to be kind and generous with myself, and he is just a great dude,” Lyles said.
“Kate Reinders is the best. She was playing both teacher and on-screen mom and off-set, she was a mother to everybody. Kate is just so sweet,” he exclaimed.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Lyles said, “That is all I’ve really known. I look back because I’m a fan of a lot of the artists from the early ‘00s.”
“Right now, the digital age is all I’ve known since I started this career. You need to post on Instagram and TikTok, and it has still been a switch for me because I was a kid that didn’t grow up on social media,” he elaborated.
“Now, everything in this career is based on social media, and you need to be on it. So, I am working with it,” he explained.
Lyles on August Maturo
Lyles had positive words about teen actor August Maturo (“Girl Meets World”).
“August is the sweetest,” he said. “I met him at a Mckenna Grace concert. ‘Girl Meets World’ is a guilty pleasure of mine, so when I met him, I geeked out.”
Advice for young and emerging artists
For young and aspiring artists, he said, “Just do it! Find what part of the industry that you love, and spend your time learning and enjoying it.”
“When it comes to art, do what is fun and what is emotionally and artistic prevalent, and do your own thing,” he noted.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he shared, “Every single thing has defined me whether it’s good or bad. If it’s bad, it will help me handle situations in the future. I think I’m very lucky, and I have a good team on all fronts.”
“Most of my career, I’ve made good choices and good decisions. Touring has really helped define who I was,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Figuring it Out.”
Superpower of choice
His superpower of choice would be “super-speed.” “My favorite superhero is Spiderman but for a while it was The Flash. That has always been the sickest thing to me; that has always been the best,” he said.
Success
On his definition of the word success, he said, “Pushing this music out to as many people as people and playing all the shows possible in all the venue, and breaking records with music sales.”
“On top of that, it’s the ability to do any artistic endeavor without stress of other things. Just being able to put art out there with no barriers is success to me,” he added.
Closing thoughts on the new music
For his fans and supporters, he concluded about his new music, “I hope the fans are able to feel a whole spectrum of emotions through my music.”
“Concrete Boy” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about singer-songwriter and actor Adrian Lyles, follow him on Instagram.
