Meet Adrian Christian

We were lucky to catch up with Adrian Christian recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adrian, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up in the Bronx, New York, my purpose is something I told my mother about when I was six years old. I told her I was on a mission. We were watching a TV show when she asked my sister and me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I pointed to the people on the TV screen who were performing live music. I said, “Where are those people?” and she said, “California.” So I said, “then that’s where I’m going. And you’ll live there, too.” Both of those things came true.

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 began professionally as an actor Off-Broadway in New York at the age of sixteen, when I was cast in two plays for the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre. We performed plays by Federico Garcia Lorca in both English and Spanish, and I did theater in the park in Central Park and also at Lincoln Center. Around the same time I had a nightclub act and sang at venues in New York and New Jersey. Eventually, I produced and acted in two of my own plays, “With Me But Not My Wife” and “Boys” and both were well received and opened doors for me. I soon also became a recording artist. The two careers always seemed to work hand in hand, one complementing the other. On film, I got my start in John Turturro’s “Illuminata” in a scene opposite Christopher Walken. In music, my first EP, “A Song For You” was released, and the short film/music video received 11 film festival nominations and won three awards, including Best Music Video at the LGBTQ Unbordered Film Festival, and for myself as Best Actor in 2023.

My latest venture is “Her Spirit LIVS On – The Olivia Newton-John Tribute EP,” a collection of Olivia cover songs with three new and original pop gems. The first two singles, “Her Spirit LIVS On” and “Through A Twist Of Fate” were just released on all music platforms and proceeds from the sales are going to The Olivia Newton-John Foundation for Breast Cancer Research in honor of the singer.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The first is always gratitude. Gratitude has centered me. I’ve been written off so many times in my career that I can’t even tell you. But somehow, I just keep going, and gratitude gets me there. I keep going because I’m stubborn, which brings me to the second quality: perseverance. Don’t ever give up. If you really believe you were placed on this Earth to do something, then you’ve got to do it. That’s what I would say to others. I don’t believe in advice because each person has a unique journey, so it’s important to tap into that inner voice that tells you when something is right. Much about my journey has been instinctual. The last quality I think is to live with empathy and compassion. I believe the world would be a different place if we collectively embodied these qualities.

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

In the last year alone, so much has elevated in my career because of personal growth. I became a college student because I believe I have so much more to do, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with people who aren’t afraid of realizing a vision. This is why I collaborate with fearless producers in music and innovative storytellers in film. Through A Twist Of Fate was produced by Killian Cruiser for the “Her Spirit LIVS On” EP and I’m also working with Andy Machin and doing some production as well. Sudi Karatas wrote these new songs out of a desire to give Olivia Newton-John’s legacy her rightful due. The EP is a pop album containing great Olivia classics, too, and overall pop is essentially where I land on this album. The remix work for Through A Twist Of Fate is stellar. I asked for it because I love rhythm and blues and I always felt dance music lifts the spirit. I’m passionate when I sing because it comes from the soul and my heritage. I’m always looking to collaborate with creative minds who share the same passion for music. I was influenced by producers like Narada Michael Walden and Nile Rodgers. Kygo is making great waves and I love what he’s doing. As an actor, I’d give anything to work with Rita Moreno. She’s my inspiration. So is Lin-Manuel Miranda. I’m interested in working with tomorrow’s art makers, shakers and storytellers. Most people find me on social media for collaboration; it’s easy to drop me a line at adrianchristian.com.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Bradford Rogne, John Skalicky, Alan Mercer and Gothiah Records and Pictures

Image of Adrian Christian and Rita Moreno courtesy of Peter Fennema for Gothiah Records and Pictures

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