Meet Adryelle

We recently connected with Adryelle and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adryelle, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I used to compare myself a lot to other people or other artists. I think it was when I realized that everyone is unique, including myself, that nobody else can really be like another person that I started to embrace that. I realized that even if (example) several people were in the same room painting the same picture, everyone’s picture would look different, even if we were painting the same flower, even though the colors might be the same, the interpretation of what we see the flower to be would be different. Everyone has their own brush strokes, and their own version of beautiful. I realized that I don’t have to do everything, because for awhile I did do everything and take every job and opportunity that was presented to me. Then I realized a few things: 1) what do I actually want to do. 2) what am I actually good at. 3) how does my personality fit into this.
Realizing this I came to the conclusion that if I focus through the lens of those things, knowing that I have something unique to bring to the table, then I can and will be successful. I think also it comes down to defining what success looks like to you. So, the short answer is i’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and i’ve learned to say no.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a music producer and songwriter. I create electronic dreampop music with an 80’s retro sound. I also teach music and music production as well as work with non-profits in the music education field as well. Its great to be able to give back what I’ve learned over the years to help inspire others to listen to their voice and learn to express themselves. I am about to release a new album called “Bright Spaces” and it’s all about my story of faith and healing and how the dark places in our minds can be turned into bright spaces. Our brains are able to change the way they work and think and I think that’s a very hopeful realization for so many especially when dealing with things like anxiety and depression.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities and skills: 1) music theory 2) knowledge of music production 3) have a good work ethic and be reliable

Finding a mentor to work with helped me. Someone that you can learn from, or go to school for what you want to do. Take lessons, because learning never stops. Know that you will never know everything about what you do, so staying humble and continue to learn. Set realistic learning goals, figure out what you are good at and what you need to improve on then focus on improving. Set deadlines for yourself and be reliable in your work. Show up early for things, work extra hard.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed I try to look at the situation and figure out what is making me feel overwhelmed. I could be tired or hungry, but also I could be having trouble with maybe something that is a little more difficult for my skill set or personality. I might try to push through it but I will also sometimes walk away from the situation to gain clarity, maybe take a walk. Then I can come back with fresh eyes and ears. An area where I feel overwhelmed sometimes is lyric writing, but I try to develop systems based on the way I work best, and try to stay organized so I don’t get overwhelmed as easily. Disorganization overwhelms me often so I try to work on organizing a project so my workflow will go smoothly. I think every person works differently. It’s like, there are 1000 ways to skin a cat (or something like that) and so, which way works for you? Everyone has their own way of doing it, you don’t have to adhere to what others are doing if it doesn’t work for you.

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