Meet EJ Adiele

We were lucky to catch up with EJ Adiele recently and have shared our conversation below.

EJ, 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?

One of the most important things I have learned is to keep going.

When it came to making music, for a while, I thought the only way for me to pave my way in the industry was to make rnb or soul music. It is commonly expected, particularly of Black women, to share their stories through those specific genres. I did not feel fulfilled when writing those types of songs. I knew I wanted to make softer, singer/songwriter type of music, songs like Lizzy McAlpine’s, which are so raw and heartfelt.

However, I also knew it wouldn’t be easy for me because a different group of people dominates that genre. I knew it would be challenging to fit in and prosper. It does feel like I am the only one in that big room. But I would never let that stop me. I write heartfelt, slow songs and I post them, because, importantly, it’s what makes me truly happy, and these days, anything can happen. The right person can view my art and change everything for me. Why wouldn’t I take that chance?
You never know who could be watching you from the sidelines: someone who looks like me waiting for an inspiration, someone who might change my life for the good, anyone.

Being the only one in a room with different people can be extremely intimidating, but keeping going is better than doing nothing for yourself.

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

Hi!

I am a New York-born and raised musician, artist, and performer.

A little about me, I was born in NYC and raised in Westchester by a Nigerian dad and a Cameroonian mom. Growing up, I focused on sports, particularly basketball and volleyball. I remember doing mandatory musicals in Catholic school, and people would be in awe of how I sang, but I did not think anything of it. Music was always a thing for me, and part of me knew I could “sing”, but I did not discover I had a “voice” up until high school. By then, I had to choose sports or musicals because of overlapping seasons. People pushed me to go for musicals, so I hesitantly took a break from being an athlete.

I vividly remember the day I knew I had a “voice” and potential to excel in music/ performing arts. It was the freshman year of high school, and the senior who had the leading role in the musical was out for weeks due to an illness. The director asked me, in front of the whole cast, to be the understudy. I said no and asked if she could choose someone else. She looked at me seriously in the eyes and asked, “Do you really want to pass up this opportunity?” Right there, I knew there was something different about me. Because why would she choose me?: a freshman she’s barely known for 4 months, in the ensemble, who doesn’t even have a line in the whole show? And since then, I knew music was the decision for me. I participated in all the school musicals, getting lead roles, and performed in school and community events throughout those 4 years.

After deliberating with my immigrant parents, I decided to pursue science in college rather than performing arts, with the promise that I could return to music after graduation if I truly wanted to. At The George Washington University, I studied biology while doing a capella, student theatre, and production, all while dealing with COVID.

Here I am, a few years later, trying to work on that promise. Currently, I perform in cabaret venues across NYC, release covers and originals on social media, and am also working on releasing originals to all streaming platforms! I like to make soft, indie pop music with a sound such as Lizzy McAlpine, Searows, etc. I hope in the future, I can be successful with my music, as well as, be on Broadway someday. I am super grateful to be where I am now and I cannot wait to keep excelling.

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?

-perseverance: No matter the circumstance, keep pushing.

-patience: This is an important quality that I sometimes struggle with. Being patient can be tedious, but it is a valuable skill. I try to remember that not everything will blow up overnight. Your time will come, and it can come unexpectedly.

-living life, not comparing yourself to others: I have a quote on my lockscreen that reads “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Because, first off, it is most definitely true. And second, I read it as a reminder when I get the urge to compare myself to someone. It is so easy to compare yourself with others that you overlook your own accomplishments. Any accomplishment, big or small, is still an accomplishment at the end of the day. Write goals for where you want to be, but don’t discredit or sell yourself short because someone did it before you. Celebrate being one step closer.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Surrounding myself with those who love me.
I am very close to my family. We always have the greatest laughs, and our togetherness takes me out of any funk I am in. The same goes for when I am with my friends.

Do an activity I enjoy.
Last September, one day, I had a really rough day at work (I work in geriatric care when I am not on a stage!). I came home extremely overwhelmed and tired. I just started singing to release some stress, felt better, and decided to make a TikTok singing one of those songs, because why not? That TikTok went viral with 40.8M views and 6M likes & my follower count went from 16k to 179k in the span of a few days. I did not expect that AT ALL after being on TikTok for 4 years with little luck. Sometimes, I can’t help but think about what would’ve happened if I hadn’t felt overwhelmed that day.

Some of the greatest things can happen when you aren’t feeling your best, and that’s ok! Stick to doing something you enjoy and surround yourself with those you love!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejadiele/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@ejadiele
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ejadieleee?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
  spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/23f1pTVSY3cVW2W1XZwS8m?si=FU1C6a4fQ6Wcimjqsss1SQ