adr+an is the Colombian model, musician and artist to keep on your radar

Music

Jul 5, 2022 @ 10:00 am By Shirley Reynozo

Adrian Alvarez, otherwise known as adr+an, is the Colombian model, musician and artist to keep on your radar for this summer and beyond. Inspired by his life events, producing art is one of the ways in which adr+an is able to communicate his self expression. His hyper pop/reggaton music is where he can find joy. He writes, produces and composes all his work, this shows the vast range and talent that is adr+an. Here at Galore we interviewed adr+an on his major musical influences, life influences, song curation process, modelling experience and more!

Connect with adr+an on Instagram

FEATURE INTERVIEW

1. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR MUSIC

I have always been an artistic person and I enjoy expressing myself, whether it is through music, art or fashion. I listen to many different artists and genres every day. I’m always inspired by my life events, and I find the producing process a part of my self expression where I can find joy, giving other people a voice through my own.

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND

I would describe it as a “feel good” sound. I don’t try to compartmentalize my sound. I like to play around and experiment to see what works best. I would say it is a combination of pop and hyper-pop with a little bit of reggaeton beats here and there.

3. DESCRIBE YOUR LATEST SINGLE HASTA LA VISTA IN ONE SENTENCE

It’s a breakup song, the one where you don’t want to know anything more about that person.

4. BEING COLOMBIAN WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY

My people are always so warm and friendly. I love the food and the music. Oh, and there are beautiful beaches too.

5. WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION FOR A RECORD

Probably Arca, because feel like we would come up with something crazy and fun.

6. WHICH TRACK ARE YOU PROUDEST OF AND WHY

It is coming soon.

7. YOU WRITE, PRODUCE, AND COMPOSE ALL YOUR OWN MUSIC IS THIS SELF TAUGHT HOW DID IT COME ABOUT

Yes, I do this all myself. I would say it’s self-taught, lol. I explore a lot through the internet and look up what sounds I like. I experiment with different effects on my computer or my phone, until I come up with something that sounds good and works best with my lyrics.

8. HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THE ART DIRECTION FOR THE SINGLE ARTWORK

I come up with ideas and make a mood board relating to the song. My little brother always helps me with it, because he likes to take pictures, so it’s a really bonding experience. We look for the perfect place, background and mood that will combine to make a nice artwork.

9. TOP 5 MUSICIANS OF ALL TIME

Shakira, Rolling Stones, Petrona Martinez, Michael Jackson, Arca

10. HOW DID YOU START MAKING MUSIC

Ever since I was a little kid, I have had a love for music and singing. I like creating something tangible from ideas or emotions. Not so long ago I found it easier and finally had the courage to put some of my songs out.

11. WHATS ONE PLACE YOU FOUND INSPIRATION

For “Nochezzz”, I was inspired by a relationship that never came to be. I would call it a missed opportunity. We were just not on the same page and too immature to commit to something bigger, even though we loved each other so much. This song is for that person.

12. BEING A MODEL HOW DO YOU RELATE YOUR FASHION TO YOUR MUSIC, AND WHAT EXCITING EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD IN FASHION INDUSTRY SO FAR

Both fashion and music bring out creativity. It’s exciting to always try out something new and different that I have in my mind or any designer creation. In fashion or music not everything works out but when it does and clicks with the audience it is intended for, and that’s a beautiful thing. I wrote “Flow Kill” inspired by the way I see and experiment fashion. I feel like we should all just wear what we want and stop limiting ourselves.

An exciting experience that I had as a model was having the chance to work with horses for a campaign. I didn’t think I would conquer that fear or deal with that trauma, but it turned out to be a beautiful experience that I will not soon forget.

13. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON LOVE AND HOW DO YOU DEPICT THAT IN YOUR MUSIC

I think love is very complicated and very different for each person. None of my songs depict a successful relationship, and thus far I haven’t found that perfect love, nor do I know if a perfect love exists. I don’t believe we need to be in a rush. If something is meant to be it will be and if not, I believe we should do our best not to hurt others in the process.

14. IF WE HAD 24 HOURS IN MEDELLIN WHERE WOULD WE GO

We would start our day with delicious “arepas” and some coffee for breakfast. Then off to a beautiful museum to appreciate contemporaneous Colombian art. After that, we would go to The Rock of Guatapé. Then off to eat a traditional “bandeja paisa”.

In the evening we can go to La Comuna 13, to have a tour of graffiti and see many dance performances in the area. We would end up going to a bar to have some Colombian “Aguardiente Antioqueño” or “Ron Medellin” while we dance to the beats of reggaeton.

15. WHAT IS NEXT UP FOR YOU

I’m continuing in my modeling career while working on my first EP.

16. FASHION VS MUSIC

Music. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but don’t think I could live without it.

17. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT AN EP

This year for sure. I’m a perfectionist and I wouldn’t put something out that I’m not happy with. For now, I’m having fun working on it, and I’m really excited about putting it out.

18. WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER

Creating something from nothing. If I can see it in my mind, I can create it.

19 . FAVORITE DESIGNER AT THE MOMENT

I’m really into “GmbH” latest collection.

20. TELL US A SECRET

When I was a kid, I used to create fake Facebooks profiles to fight with random people, hahaha.

21. THE LAST THING THAT MADE YOU SMILE

My best friend.

22. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LATIN X EXPLOSION HAPPENING AT THE MOMENT IN MUSIC ACROSS THE GLOBE

I love how the Latin American music is finally breaking the barriers that have long existed in music. Now people are getting the opportunity to appreciate sounds that represent a culture. Many artists are now collaborating and creating music without limits, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

23. COLOMBIA HAS PRODUCED SOME OF THE HOTTEST ACTS IN LATIN MUSIC

SHAKIRA , CELIA CRUZ , JUANES , AND MORE HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR MUSIC APART OF THAT LEGACY

I’m always inspire by my roots and their legacy, but I think my music goes for a more futuristic sound, merging different genres in one single song, experimenting and playing around with new concepts.