The man. The myth. The legend. One of the biggest names in rock and roll, Bryan Adams is set to hit Singapore as he tours his album Roll With The Punches. The record peels back the layers and really zeros in on the vulnerability and authenticity that the hitmaker embodies through his music. The cathartic introspection that each song exudes really reaches out to listeners taking them along the 10 track journey that is Roll With The Punches.
We had a chat with Bryan Adams to really part the curtains, learning about the inspiration behind the songs and what drove him to tackle such intense emotions and impactful themes with this record. Discover his favourite part of performing in Singapore, his unbreakable habits when it comes to his creative process and even a potential artist he wishes he could have collaborated with on this album.
Uncover the influences and passion that shaped Bryan Adams’ rise to stardom, and see how he continues to shine as a legendary icon after all these years.
The track ‘Be The Reason’ from your album Roll With The Punches is such an encouraging song. Who has “been the reason” for you at different points in your life?
Well, I always kind of look towards the people that have been with me, and, you know, whether they be the people that I've worked with in recording and writing, or my band, my family, you know, all of those people. It's like I have two families, I have two kids, but I've also got a family of musicians and crew people, who have been with me for years and years, Yeah, those are the people that make me happy.
The song ‘Love is Stronger Than Hate’ from the record is such a cathartic track that carries a painfully beautiful theme. What was the inspiration or story behind the song?
Supposedly, the inspiration comes from my encounters with people that have suffered from PTSD. But even within my own family, my father, who was in the military, suffered from it so it comes from that.
So it's just like an uplifting anthem, and it really is what it aims to be.
Thank you. I'm so glad you like it.
Roll With The Punches spans rock anthems, soul-inflected tracks and ballads. How did you approach the mix of styles and genre this time around?
Well, I think all my records have a similar sort of style, and they cross between, you know, rocking songs and sort of mid-tempos and stuff, and it just depends on the song, how we approach it. But it really, honestly, everything is sort of approached the same way as I have for, you know, all my albums.
You’ve taken the stage in Singapore four times now. What is the one thing you always look forward to when performing in Singapore?
I always like going up and walking around and trying to find a nice place to eat in Singapore, cause I love the food there.
I mean, it is like a kind of melting pot of all the cuisine!
Yes, it's amazing, yeah.
What are three words or slang you would use to explain the kind of music you create to a Gen Z who may not have heard your music before?
Rock and roll music, yea, simple and effective.
Roll With The Punches is such an uplifting and empowering album. If you could dedicate one line from any song on the album to someone who’s struggling, what would it be and why?
Life is beautiful.
That is a good answer to kind of push someone through the struggles that they are facing.
What is one song that you will never get tired of performing on stage?
Well, I switch it up all the time, but there are certain songs that you have to play because everybody comes for the hits, don't they? Yeah, so there's a lot of songs I play that we have to play. So you know what those ones are. I don't need to tell you.
What’s one ritual or habit in your artistic process that has remained the same throughout your journey so far?
Put the kettle on and have a cup of tea.
Ooh, just set the vibe.
Your new album has no features. If you had to add one collaboration, who would you be most curious to experiment with?
I don't know, Miley Cyrus, maybe?
Oh, that would be interesting. Is there like a particular reason behind Miley Cyrus, or? (Laughs)
Yeah, she's hot. I love her voice.
Yeah, she does have a really impactful voice. I think that would be really interesting.
What’s next in your path after the Roll With The Punches era?
That's a good question, but I'm already starting a new album, so I'm sort of five songs in. So we'll see what happens. You know, maybe at the end of next year. I've got a Christmas special coming out in Canada. That'll be released on my label Bad Records, and other than that, it's gonna keep rolling with the punches.
Oh, that's great. We’re all very excited for that new era and the Christmas special!
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