Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Crash Adams

2019 saw the arrival of pop duo Crash Adams. The childhood friends from Toronto are an exciting new act with not one but two singles under their belt. Known separately by the stage names “Crash” and “Adams,” Crash Adams write, produce, mix and master, and sing their own original music. Pop Culturalist caught up with the pair to chat about their fresh hits “Astronauts” and “Make It Last.”

PC: How did you both discover your passion for music?
Crash: We’ve been surrounded by music our entire life. My grandfather was a singer, and my dad and my uncles were musicians. Growing up, we both had ears for the finer things, like MJ, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the occasional 50 Cent. At seven years old, I wanted to be a rapper. It was short-lived. I began writing and producing music at my uncle’s recording studio. Adams became really good at guitar ever since the day he parked himself in front of the TV learning Led Zeppelin. Unfortunately, the better Adams gets at it, the less he speaks. Quite frankly it’s a little irritating. He’s at the point now where the only responses I get to questions are a slight nod followed by the “Free Bird” solo. Luckily, we make great music. That’s definitely the most important thing to us.

PC: How did this partnership form?
Crash: Adams and I grew up friends because our moms are close, and we always had a great flow when it came to jamming and making music together. While in university, I asked Adams to play a guitar line on a song I was making. We hit the studio and came up with “Astronauts.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Crash: I think anyone who has ever gone out of the way to pass down their level of consciousness after achieving greatness has had the biggest influence on us. There are so many people who have influenced us, and they’ve all learned from their predecessors. Doesn’t matter who it is, every icon learned from someone or something throughout their path.

PC: You have two singles out now: “Astronauts” and “Make it Last.” Tell us the inspiration behind each song.
Crash: They are both different yet fit together. “Astronauts” is simply about being “the astronauts.” We’re conditioned to think a certain way. We’re taught that anyone with a different way of thinking is weird or not from this planet, starting from when we’re young. The older we get, the less time that we have to be the astronaut. “Make It Last” is almost the reverse. It’s a story about someone reliving a moment of youth instead of just reminiscing about it—and it’s also fun to listen to.

PC: Both singles have received a great response online. Does that add pressure for all future releases?
Crash: Pressure? Not a thing. We’re really thinking of longevity. We’ll get to the level we need to be at, no matter what. Even if a release is not as well-received, there are always positives that come about in the process. We have tons of songs already finished, so we have no shortage of good music coming, and we’ve structured how we want to go about it. We’re always learning how we can better our brand through each release. Plus, we really think that no matter the release, it will always connect with someone.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2019 into 2020, what’s ahead for Crash Adams?
Crash: There’s going to be a bunch of music, starting with our newest single “Ooh!” coming out in January. We’ve spent the last year and a half finishing an album and curating our sound. We want to make you feel nostalgic, inspired, and we hope to provide a few laughs along the way. With each song, we will reveal a new chapter in our ridiculous story. Crashing right into your living room.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Crash: “Best of My Love,” The Emotions

PC: First album you bought?
Crash: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Outkast.

Adams: Jimi Hendrix Experience

PC: First concert you attended?
Crash: Backstreet Boys, Millenium

Adams: Beauty and the Beast on Ice

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Crash: The Tarzan soundtrack because it was the first time the creative potential of music really clicked in my head.

Adams: Led Zeppelin’s Song Remains the Same because it was the foundation that led me to be the guitar player I am now. Without that film, I’d be playing the recorder or something.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Crash Adams: Sirius XM Studios

PC: A must-have on the road?
Crash: Adams has some weird obsession with San Pellegrino water and FIFA 20.

To keep up with Crash Adams, follow them on Twitter and Instagram.