Adam Samuel, Grade 10:

I am singing “Mr. Loverman” by Ricky Montgomery. It is about Montgomery’s father dealing with the loss of his partner using alcohol and questioning himself. Throughout the song, the man refers to himself as “Mr. Loverman” as he refers to himself as a lover; he has lost his identity as any other being and now feels incomplete.

Q: How did you get started in music? Who are your greatest musical influences?

A: I got into music by just listening to it. I would hear it and be like, “Hey, I want to do something like this!” Charlie Puth and Hobo Johnson, I think, are my greatest musical influences. Johnson because of the emotion he conveys when he is performing, and Puth because his songs are in my range, so they were easy to learn when I was younger

Q: Do you aspire to do anything with music in your future?

A: I want to bring music into teaching. Since learning through songs is so much easier and more than just reading textbooks, I plan to make music for other teachers to use to help their kids.

Q: What is your favorite part about Performance Friday and/or performing in general?

A: I like Performance Friday because of the feedback. It is easier to figure out what I could be doing better when someone else is telling me specifically.

Q: Do you get nervous to perform in front of people, specifically your peers? How do you quell your nerves?

A: I do not usually get nervous or anxious while I am performing. Although, right before I step onto the stage, there’s definitely a moment of doubt, and the only way it goes away is if I just get onto the stage.

Q: What do you love most about music? Has music helped you in any way through the pandemic?

A: Music is a way for me to cope with my issues. Most of the time, I turn to music to tune the world out.