We are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the dynamic and multifaceted artist, Adonay. Celebrating the release of her latest single, “Dream On Endlessness,” Adonay delves into the creative process behind her music, the inspirations that drive her artistry, and her aspirations for the future. With a blend of cultural influences and a deep commitment to meaningful messages, Adonay’s music transcends traditional boundaries, offering listeners a unique and enriching experience.
- Can you describe your creative process for “Dream On…Endlessness’? What inspired the lyrics and the overall sound?
Chris Anthony, my music producer, and I were interacting with ADI Advanced Dynamic Intelligence. ADI had a unique sound that we manipulated into the melody Dream on Endlessness, which led me to write a song about inspiring others not to give up on their dreams. During my journey in the entertainment industry, there’ve been a lot of obstacles. There was a time in my life that I stopped following my dream of doing music and decided to venture into other lines of work and industries, thinking that sometimes hard work doesn’t pay off. I even had in mind that a “dream is a dream” and that it would just not happen for me, so I quit music for a long time. After 6 years, when COVID hit, I decided I wanted to do music for fun because I missed it. I also reconnected with Chris Anthony, and will we just make music fun and creative? Chris Anthony gave me the push and believed in me, and that inspired me to share that energy with others.
- The accompanying video is noted for infusing technology with soul and inspiration, creating a vivid digital dreamscape. What were your key inspirations for this unique approach, and how did you aim to connect emotionally with your audience through this digital medium?
I wanted to create a dream-like journey where anything is possible and life and death are one. We all have just one life to live, and it is so important that we live our lives to the fullest regardless of what society makes us do to us and think of us. To be the best version of yourself, no matter what life puts you through. We all make mistakes in life, and we all learn from those mistakes. It’s important to have acceptance within yourself and continue your journey in this wonderful world we live in. The AI lyrical video was fun and more of an experimental process, which made us really want to focus on the official music video more in-depth and bring in our feature ADI.
- What impact do you hope this song and its video will have on your audience in terms of motivating them to turn the impossible into reality?
We want to just stimulate our listeners with positive vibes and energy that helps them feel important enough to not give up hope in what they believe. Most importantly, to not give up hope in themselves. Our world and our individual lives all have a deeper meaning, and I wanted to share that inner love and project it into the universe.
- How does New York City influence your music, and what elements of NYC can we hear in “Dream On… Endlessness”?
I was born in NYC in the Bronx, and as a little girl in my era, it was a war zone growing up, and the people there are warriors. I think that people from the Bronx just have that special connection, and we turned to music to help us get through our days and nights. Living in poverty is a daily battle, and it’s important to have dreams because they keep us going through the struggles.
My mom left when the Bronx started burning down, and we moved to Flushing Queens for a while and then ended up in South Florida. So, I have a lot of different influences, but mostly my mom has been the biggest influence because, as a single mother, I see how hardworking, determined, and dedicated she was to giving me opportunities and a better life.
- Your commitment to organizing charity fundraisers for children is inspiring. How do you see your music influencing your philanthropic endeavors?
My music is about sharing my experiences in an uplifting way, but it’s also dark because life, as we all know, has its dark moments. I have seen children growing up in poverty-stricken communities in America and other parts of the world, and it just makes me wonder why we have so many children suffering while so many live lavish lifestyles.
I want to be able to help these children, give hope for a better future, and hopefully get your support. So, I decided to help by promoting the non-profits that work so hard to give this humanitarian aid and actually get the aid to these children. By fundraising with them and helping with my music to build awareness.
- Are there particular themes or messages you are eager to explore in your future projects, especially considering your interest in expanding into soundtracks and musicals?
I would like to put my stories in a different medium with a live art feel, supporting the arts and others in the art world with performances like musical theater, dance theater, or a play. I love to write stories mostly about life, adventure, and the challenges the human spirit overcomes with unique themes.
Chris Anthony and I already have a few soundtracks we are working on that we feel the movie industry would like to explore when they are fully completed. But right now, we are focused on finishing up the Adonay EP series 2.0.
- Being born to a Puerto Rican/French family in the Bronx and now living in Toronto, how do your diverse cultural backgrounds shape your identity as an artist?
I am pretty much the black sheep in the family. Growing up, it was always about my mom and grandmother. I learned about my family tree and where my ancestors came from later in college. It feels like it was extremely important for my identity and stability. I think it is the foundation that defines you. I learned a lot of great things, and I also learned a lot of bad things, like the fact that Puerto Rico was not treated well by invaders in the 1600s. The fact that my French side of the family was explorers, open-minded, musical, and would establish and mix with indigenous people.
I never felt accepted on the French side, but I still have a lot more to meet and a lot of French to learn. Chris Anthony and I moved to Toronto, Canada, because Chris Anthony is my husband, my best friend, and a music producer, and he is Canadian. I also have family here that I have never met and would like to meet. So, you really never stop growing and connecting with others. As you listen to my music and future releases, you get a storyline of life and challenges that I hope listeners will relate to. I would like to have a French version of one of my songs in Adonay 2.0, but that’s later.
Adonay‘s journey, from the streets of the Bronx to the artistic buzz of Toronto, illustrates a tapestry of diverse experiences and influences that shape her music. Her dedication to not just creating art but also contributing to society’s betterment through charity work is commendable. As we conclude our interview, it’s evident that Adonay‘s musical exploration is more than just melodies and lyrics; it’s a journey through life, emotions, and aspirations. We eagerly anticipate Her future projects, especially in soundtracks and musicals, and wish her continued success in her artistic endeavors. Thank you, Adonay, for sharing your story and inspiring us with your music.