Adam Cola is a singer, songwriter, dancer and activist originally from Montreal, Canada who champions individuality. By living his truth through his craft he hopes to be a beacon of light for people who struggle with self-acceptance and empower them on their journey of shamelessly embracing all parts of their identities.
What first got you into music?
Adam: My whole life, I’ve wanted to be a performer on stage, singing and dancing and connecting with people. I started pursuing smaller projects with record producers I had been referred to in the industry, and one thing kind of led to the next until I had a team of people working with me to help me get my start in music. I’m influenced by the big pop stars of generations present and past, including Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Usher.
Tell us about your new record, “Mark Your Mark,” produced and co-written by Neal Pogue.
Adam: The song packs a punch. I like that it’s more of a straight-up pop record compared to some of my other releases that pull from different genres more. It has a similar vibe to my song “Dancin,” which is another favorite of mine.
Who or what inspired you to the path of music, dancing, and being an activist?
Adam: Growing up, I found myself in a community that didn’t encourage individuality or self-expression. I went to a Jewish elementary and high school and always had to wear a uniform. I remember always wanting to switch it up in some way by wearing my own t-shirt underneath the school sweater or wearing colorful shoes. I just wanted to be myself, but I felt like there was no room for it, so I suppressed my true identity behind an image I felt pressure to uphold. I think by suppressing my identity for so long, I didn’t want to accept the truth about my sexuality. I continued playing along with this image I had created. I started self-harming as a way to cope with my fear of rejection and disappointing others. It’s my experience that has opened my eyes to why it is so vital to embrace your true identity. It’s what has set me free after all those years.
What social issues do you usually work on?
Adam: I think it’s vital to the world to have diversity represented in film, television, and music. Each person has their own story and background that shapes them into the person they are, and to have it represented on a big screen allows those people to feel human and to know they are not alone. Art is a representation of real-life by transferring emotion from one person to another. To be truly great, it must be genuine — and to have diversity represented in the arts is a mirror to the diverse world shared by all.
Why do you think these issues exist?
Adam: Sadly, prejudice is taught, and I believe no one is born to be prejudice. I’m pleased that much change has happened recently, and I hope this continues.
If you had the power, what changes would you like to see happen right now?
Adam: I would inspire a movement built on anti-ignorance regarding people of different backgrounds, whether that be genetics, sexual orientation, or social status. Bullying, hate speech, and discrimination is still very much alive in the world, and it needs to end now.
Where can everyone stream your music?
Adam: On all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora amongst others.
What are three things you want your audience to know about you?
Adam: I love my dog Lukah (four-year-old Papillion), I love living an active, healthy lifestyle, and I enjoy steak.
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