We were lucky to catch up with Adam “BiRD” Tilley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adam “BiRD”, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
There can be a lot tied to this answer. I found my purpose after my attempted suicide. I’ve said for years that “the person who woke up wasn’t the person who went to sleep that day”. I was in a very dark chapter of my life. I took an exorbitant amount of medication pills and downed a large amount of cheap vodka one early February morning shortly after my birthday in hopes that it would be the last one I celebrated. Most of the details stick with me like some kind of horror slideshow in my mind. Nevertheless, despite my solid attempt, my stubborn ass woke up anyways. Now, I don’t know how to explain in detail but, there was some sort of shift in myself over the next few days. I vividly remember the thoughts, smells, sounds from 7:47 am that morning. The thought of truly being alone reverberates in my mind constantly. That was the one repeating word: ALONE. Over the past few years, I’ve done a lot of inward evaluation and have made attempts to change characteristics about myself that I felt needed improvement. This is when my purpose became incredibly obvious to me. I knew, without a doubt, that I would do anything in my power to make sure that no one felt the way I did that morning. I’ve made a habit of checking in on friends and family, never asking about work or small talk, but instead asking if they’re happy. I openly talk about my struggles with depression in hopes that I may help another through their struggle. I truly feel that my purpose is to shine light in this otherwise dark world. The pieces started to fall together when Count Pariah started making bigger moves. I was once told that “music is the hotbed for the human experience.” This particular statement helped me bridge the gap. Every time I write or perform, I tap into that feeling. I dig (uncomfortably) into places of myself that need to be understood and explored. My hope is that, if ONE person hears our music, and it invokes something in them: gives them the energy to finish that last set or run that last mile, makes them smile on a shitty day, makes them remember a loved one or fond memory, then my purpose was fulfilled. Since Count Pariah’s inception, I’ve had a few fans that have reached out to share their stories of how our music helped them in some way. THAT is my purpose.
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 am the drummer for Count Pariah. I Knoxville TN based rock group comprised of myself, Jason Breland (guitar), James “Shibby” Croft (vocals) and Dustin “DB” Barousse (bass). We currently have our debut EP “Hymns for Heathens” available on all platforms. We released 2 additional singles, “Black Cloud” and “Risk It All” (respectively) earlier this year. We recently released an animated music video for “Black Cloud” and our first live-action video for “Risk It All” is in it’s final editing stages and should be released shortly. We hit the studio early this year (23) and have recorded a total of 12 additional songs with releases set for all this year. We have some regional shows upcoming as well. We signed to Blue Collar Records last year and since then, we’ve been grinding every day to provide our music to the world. The proverbial train is leaving the station, and Count Pariah isn’t slowing down any time soon. So, get your tickets, it’s going to be one hell of a ride…
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it has been a culmination of things. I truly feel I had to have the experiences I’ve had to become the person before you today. As for the most important skills when it comes to a band, communication is key. Keeping in mind that HOW you communicate should very much be tailored to whom you’re communicating with. Confidence. Confidence comes from within, and I’m not talking about ego here either. Once you can look into the mirror and be happy and confident with what you see, then the real work begins. Humans are drawn to it. A little confidence can go a very long way, just make sure that you are TRULY confident in what you’re selling/pitching. Know your limits as well. There’s a reason I don’t play guitar. Making sure your team players are in the position they are best suited for will help immensely in the grand scheme things. Passion. You’ve all heard the old adage “fake it til you make it”. I’m here to tell you that there is at least one thing you can’t fake, and that’s PASSION. If you are on fire about what you’re doing, that translates to your audience or potential clients. If you’re incredibly into whatever it is you’re selling/providing, I can’t help but be excited with and for you as well. Be genuine.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Think small. I believe humans are predisposed to want control. This is a huge gray area for most and I’ll share my insight on what has helped me through some pretty overwhelming times. It’s important (for me) to think and research before reacting or providing answers pertaining to my band. This simple act of taking time to evaluate has lead me to some pretty solid scenarios. Often, we find ourselves with a laundry list of to-do’s or questions that need answers. Thinking small is scrubbing all the noise away and focusing on “what can I accomplish RIGHT NOW”. For me, as I knock things down off my list, I find that some solutions can often coincide with each other. I try my best to understand the “why” in most situations or “what’s the end goal?”. The answer to that question usually helps me decide how to tackle the issue at hand. There’s no blueprint for success and don’t let anyone try to sell you one. Your success is defined by you and you alone. Know yourself, know your limits, and know your purpose. If you’ve identified these things, you’re off to a great start. Keep going, BiRD believes in you!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countpariah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countpariah
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/countpariah?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@countpariah9948
- Other: Count Pariah on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7DICdgIdy3HsAj24n6XQ8L?si=RwMFJPREQTCdtrVkGktpag
Image Credits
NVK Photos Knox Philip Lebowitz Photography
