Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Adrian Marcel

Singer-songwriter and rapper Adrian Marcel is writing the next chapter in his already impressive career, but now as an independent artist. In 2019, he dropped his highly anticipated sophomore release, 98TH, which finds Adrian returning to his roots as the kid on 98th Street in East Oakland who first fell in love with music and its ability to evoke emotions. Adrian is currently on tour in support of the album, and Pop Culturalist sat down with him to chat about his journey.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Adrian: It’s corny to say, but music found me. I’ve always loved music, but more recently I’ve discovered what’s feeding that love. It’s the ability to entertain people and evoke emotions in them. It’s about making people feel a certain way. When people come to my shows, it’s about the vibe. It’s about making them feel something. You won’t just get me singing. I’m cracking jokes and being theatrical.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Adrian: It’s hard to name just one. I’ve been influenced by the people who have been put around me and have shaped my character—people like my older brothers. I’m the youngest, and I always wanted to hang out with them. I wanted to kick it with them. My older brothers were like, “Yeah, we’re going to bring little bro with us.” From them, I learned the ropes. I learned what to watch out for. I take inspiration from real people in my life.

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Adrian: I think a moment that stands out is the first time that I stepped into a record label. I remember standing in the elevator and having that feeling of the unknown. It wasn’t just that feeling of not knowing your surroundings but not knowing what you are willing to fight for. What do you want? Are you here because you know you’re supposed to be here? I was in a space where I was impressed by the wrong things. I gave more power to everything but myself. I remember that moment more than anything.

Now, I have the mentality that if I’m somewhere, it’s because I’m supposed to be there. If I’m invited to the palace, it’s because I’m supposed to be there. I’m less impressed by things. I can turn around and leave and still be excellent. I remember that because when you’re a young artist, you don’t pay attention to the right things in the moment.

PC: You just dropped your sophomore album last year. Walk us through that decision to go independent. What advantages/disadvantages does that bring?
Adrian: I dropped 98TH in May. I started working on it at the start of 2019. I took some time off to figure out what I was trying to do, especially with me going independent. I had to take a step back to really pay attention to the details.

I had this freedom to explore without judgment and to let loose. If you notice on “Slow Burn” that’s what the chorus is about. It’s about taking the time and enjoying the moment. Stop taking it so seriously. We had the freedom to do that.

When you’re an artist on a label, there’s so much pressure. There are so many entities dependent on the music. When you’re a signed artist, it’s all about recording, recording, and recording. Then half of that sh*t doesn’t come out. But as an independent artist, I was able to have that freedom.

The most difficult part was jumping back and forth from an artist to a CEO. We’re creating music, and I’m working with who I want to work with, but now you have to start thinking about the paperwork and the logistics. You’re the label. This is data and details you need to know. It forced me to kick myself into another gear and light another fire under me.

98TH is about having the freedom to go back to the basics. It’s about going back to that kid on 98th [Street]. Now that I know better, I can do better. That’s what I’ve been able to do as an independent artist. If you have a hustle and drive and you invest in yourself, it may take longer, but the odds of you winning are more likely than you losing. The only way you can lose is if you stop and quit. Independent artists have to drive their own lanes.

PC: You’re currently on tour. What can fans expect when they come to an Adrian Marcel show?
Adrian: They can expect to be entertained. I’ve been putting this show together for a while, so it’s a really exciting time for me. Everyone has their own process. I’m not the type of person who’s going to come out with the one, two step. I’m not Chris Brown. I love Chris Brown. I love going to his concerts because I’m going to get that one, two step. Do that flip! But that ain’t me. I didn’t learn to do that. I got the laughs. I always studied comedians and how they draw people in. With singers, you know what they’ll do. But comedians also draw audiences in a way that’s different. My shows are like coming to a family barbecue. We’re about to connect for real. It’s why I picked the venues that I did. It was about the space in which I can connect with the audience. Let’s become one. I’m giving you all of me and all the elements that make me Adrian Marcel.

To keep up with Adrian, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up your tickets to the 98TH Tour on his official website.