Meet Adrian Read

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adrian Read. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adrian below.

Adrian, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When I was a little boy I spent most of my time alone. My mom and dad divorced early in my life and my mom was left having to work three jobs to provide for me and my three sisters. Although I wanted to connect with my sisters, I found it hard to because I’m naturally introverted and our interests at the time were different. So from an early age, I had little to no choice other than doing things on my own. When I got older, I started playing the guitar and writing my own songs. During that time I also realized that as any artist, creative and just as a human being we want our work and who we are as people to be acknowledged, validated and understood. We want to to feel that we belong somewhere. That unfortunately isn’t always the case and we’re left with a desire for validation and attention from the world and it affects how we carry ourselves in the world. One day however, I learned something that changed my perspective on this need and desire we all share for validation and attention. It was that the work we do, can validate itself, we can validate ourselves and our ability to express ourselves irregardless of anyone else, is enough. We are enough. After this realization I began implementing the mindset of being enough in everything I do. that it’s enough if I think something I make is cool, it’s enough knowing that I can express myself in whatever way, shape or form and that, that can change, and allow it to change. A lot of what we do do is hindered by self-doubt and fear of what others may think, because we feel we aren’t enough for them. But when I insternalized that I am enough for me, everything changed. That is the most important thing I have ever learned. Thereafter I also learned how to set goals that were realistic and achievable daily. When we set small goals and achieve them, it gives us confidence because of the evidence of what we can do, and we begin to trust ourselves more. As the trust in ourselves grows, the goals we can set will also grow, and eventually we can strive for goals that once seemed impossible. Lastly, I live with the constant reminder to myself, that I will only live this life once, and so I owe it to myself to follow what’s in my heart always.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I was born in the Dominican Republic and I’ve been living in The Bronx, in NYC since I was three years old. In my teens I began learning how to play the guitar in high school and eventually started playing live music alongside different artists. I went to college for 2 years after but I dropped out because I wanted to pursue a different path. One day sometime after I joined a band named “Quantum Split” that toured the U.S. and performed in Festivals such as AfroPunk and the KigaliUP festival in Rwanda, Africa. We spent 5 amazing years together and towards the latter part of our time together I discovered acting. After some months working as a background actor, I eventually joined Sag-Aftra, the union for actors and began working as a proffesional actor appearing in TV commercials. I worked with some big brands like McDonald’s, Cricket wireless and Starbucks. During that time I also made it on two Major Television shows. The first one was Food networks “The worst Cooks in America” season 17 in which I got to work with both Chef Bobby Flay and Chef Anne Burell and managed to win the overall season. The second show was Netflix’s “Dating around” Season 1, episode 5. Fast forward to now, my love for both Music and Acting still resonates deep and I am devoted to both fully. 2 years ago I began a new music project in which I rebranded myself as a K-Reggaeton artist. K-Reggaeton being a new genre in which me and my producer Sean Hernandez fused the genres of Reggaeton and K-pop to create something new. I’m happy to say that just a few weeks ago, on December 20th 2024, I released my first full length album titled “Cartas Para Ti” consisting of 9 songs, that is now available on all streaming platforms under my initials “AR”. Releasing this album for me has been monumental because it has been a reflection of my growth and development as an Artist and as a human being. It is also a testament to knowing that at any moment, we can change, and start something new and if we find the courage to see it through, we can really do anything.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have been the foundation to my success are, the desire to always keep learning, the ability to adapt to new and often uncomfortable environments, and the desire to continue to evolve as a human being. Lessons never stop, wether we decide actively pursue them or not. Learning takes place when we actually pay attention to what is presented to us and when we finally understand it. I’ve found that being able to pay attention and observing, can often give us all the answers we need. Seeking knowledge through reading, videos and people also contributes to that quality. Following that, it’s important to know that learning at first, may feel uncomfortable and that we have to embrace that period of discomfort. I used to believe that to be happy, I had to be comfortable all the time, but for me, that’s not the case. Sometimes to be happy means to allow discomfort in, if it’s something constructive, to embrace it and to allow it change us for the better. Lastly, I learned through studying the great Alan Watts, that just as the universe continues to expand, so do we. I believe we have to proceed with this expansion and evolve as people by constantly expanding our awareness of ourselves, of others and of life itself. Great awareness is like seeing the clouds in the sky and knowing that the sky is bigger than just the small section of clouds we are currently are focused on. What has helped me to develop each one of these qualities is constant daily practice and making choices in my life that are in line with these qualities and values until eventually they become a part of who I am.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

While when I was younger I had a difficult time connecting with people, now, I cherish it and value it greatly. Because I’ve also learned that together we will always be able to do more than what we could ever do alone. I’m always willing and open to collaborate with anyone in any way, shape or form that I can. Wether it’s through Music, Acting or anything else that I can be of service to someone else, I’m here. I love to help and serve through my gifts and passions and so to anyone reading this, reach out to me anytime, let’s make it happen.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Roman Castillo
Joel Ramirez
Chillz Media
Phoscused Views
Nick Tan Photography
Statik – Certified Shots

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and

Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season