“No Agenda” is a new album by Jaime Adrian, a singer-songwriter who once appeared on Fox-TV’s The X Factor. The album is his debut and features songs that are inspired by a range of house music genres, including the artist’s reimagining of the iconic dance track, “If You Could Read My Mind.”
Born in Chicago, Jaime Adrian was raised by his mother after his father passed away when he was 17. His appearance on The X Factor did not go as planned. Although judge Demi Lovato complimented his voice, LA Reid likened his performance to karaoke. Lovato came to his defense, suggesting that Jaime simply selected the wrong song to sing. Jaime took her advice to heart and now writes and performs his own music. He recently discussed his new album and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you discover your gift for music?
Jaime Adrian (JA): I knew from a young age that I wanted to sing. I was always told to choose another path but I kept at it. It wasn’t until I was older that I knew my quirks would be the thing that people really liked about me. Music was always my safe space and as an adult, I want to be able to give that space to everyone else.
MM: How did you find your signature style?
JA: My signature style just happened. I didn’t know I sang a certain way until people brought it up. I sang my songs like no one was there. Randomly, people started to imitate my Adrianisms and I was like, “oh, is that what I sound like?” I love doing runs. I never thought I’d love singing in falsetto but I love switching from chest to head voice for no reason.
MM: What was it like to appear on The X Factor?
JA: Initially, amazing, but over ten years later I’m just upset that the other judges made me look horrible in front of Britney Spears, a woman I have always idolized. That’s what killed me. I thank Britney every day for what she did to pop music and the judges made me feel horrible. But, I am thankful that I get to say I sang a Britney song to Britney Spears. Who the hell can say that?!
MM: Why do you think the song you selected to sing didn’t work with your voice?
JA: Auditioning for producers is so different than being on the show. I performed my balls off for the producers in my key and it worked. When you get on the show, there is no dress rehearsal, just a lot of ‘go there’ and’ say this’ and ‘talk about that’. So, when I got on stage with the track my nerves kicked in and it came off like karaoke. I’ve learned my lesson about rearranging songs to benefit me.
MM: How did you start writing your own music?
JA: I didn’t have a choice. My producer, Velvet Code, who I love, said: “You’re an artist and I trust you doing this on your own.” He guided me throughout the process and I’m very thankful for that.
MM: What typically comes to you first, the lyrics or the melody?
JA: Both! I get my best lyrics and melody when I walk my dogs. But the idea of what to write about is always changing. My song, “Belong,” was totally different when I started writing it. It evolved on its own.
MM: Out of all your songs, which are your personal favorites?
JA: I love “Belong” because that’s the song where I reference my weird quirkiness! I have learned to not give a crap about people’s opinions! We are who we are and we don’t need to give people an explanation. I live for my song, “Jaded.” I wrote it about one of my favorite popstars, Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix. We gays have our queens and I think the least I could do for her is dedicate a song about how gagged I am by her, well, everything! I actually got to party with her in Manchester and it was everything I dreamed of and more!
MM: How did you come up with the title for this album?
JA: I was talking to Velvet Code about my intentions and I said I’m not trying to change people’s mind about anything. I have no agenda, I just wanna bring Y2K pop music back.
MM: What music video ideas do you have for these songs and which ones are you most excited about filming?
JA: My dream is to get Jade Thirlwall to give me her blessing and direct the video for her song. She can do whatever she wants. Just being in her presence would be enough for me.
MM: What is the best part of being a musical artist?
JA: My favorite part so far is having people who I think are fans tell me their kids have my music on repeat! I want to show the younger generation that they are going to change the world and I’m here to help.
MM: What are your ultimate musical and/or career goals?
JA: Music aside, I want to open a dog sanctuary. Dogs are my life and I want to make sure that I can save as many pups as I can. Musically, I wanna be someone that people can say they wanna be like! I remember being a kid and saying I wanna be like Britney or Ricky Martin. I wanna be that for someone.
MM: What is coming up next for you?
JA: I’m just going to see where the album takes me. I worked really hard and I wrote the entire thing, minus one song. All I want is for people to enjoy the music and wake up in the morning singing my creations. I am going to keep working hard to give everyone the popstar that they didn’t know they needed.