I am so happy to be sharing my next interview in my popular Get to Know series, with classical pianist and composer Adrian Lord. Adrian has featured at my blog several times, with the releases of his piano instrumental albums Piano Meditations and his upcoming release Piano Postcards. In this interview, you will get to know what inspires Adrian to create such melodious piano melodies and so much more!
Please share your musical journey from the very beginning; how did the Piano become such a big part of you?
My mother learned the piano as a teenager, but stopped playing by the time she moved to New Zealand in her early twenties. When I was six years old my mother knew some friends who were looking for a new home for their piano, and their old upright was delivered to our house. She asked me if I would like to learn and so I began my piano
lessons and musical journey. For the first couple of years I had to be persuaded each day to practice, but then it just became part of my life, and every time I walked past a piano I had to stop and play! I was lucky to have lessons at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in my teens, and then the piano was my main study at music college in Colchester. My teachers there really helped me develop my technique, and I am still in touch with my old piano teacher at Colchester, who recently couldn’t resist giving me an impromptu lesson when I played him one of my own pieces! I first came across your music during the release of your previous album Piano Meditations.
How did the concept of the album come about and how does it differ to your latest release?
The coronavirus lockdowns of 2020 saw many changes to live music and the series of concerts I had arranged were, of course, all postponed. A former school friend told me that his choir were still going ahead with their concerts, but they would be live streamed performances. This prompted me to give two performances a week on Facebook Live over the 15 weeks of lockdown. The pieces I chose for this work from my first two albums Journey – Twelve Romances for Piano, and Sky Blue Piano. People told me that it was the slower and more relaxed pieces but they found a connection with during this time, and so for Piano Meditations I decided to continue this theme. The pieces I composed were designed to be played with an unhurried feel and a relaxed approach to time.
I have interviewed many singer-songwriters who create songs with lyrics. Your songs, however, are instrumental. Can you share with us some more the song writing process, that goes into creating an instrumental, one instrument album?
When I sit at the piano, my fingers sometimes will fall into a thematic idea. Then as I repeat the theme I begin to think of a setting to inspire further development into a piece. The setting idea will also help me choose a title, and then I continually play the piece over a period of weeks or months until I stop making changes and it feels complete. My fingers can fall onto favourite notes on the piano, so sometimes I can have ideas away from the keyboard too. There could still be some minor changes whilst at the recording studio. But once the recording is complete, the piece is final, and then I can have the sheet music printed, design complementary artwork and share my music.
I have noticed that your albums all have a certain concept; meaning attached the them. Where does the inspiration for these concepts come from?
As soon as I have completed an album I can’t resist thinking about what will come next. I try to have an overall theme for each one. For example Journey – Twelve Romances for Piano was inspired by my piano learning, composing and recording journeys, Sky Blue Piano had thoughts about how music can mix with colour, and Piano Meditations for space and calm.
Please share with us how the concept of your latest album Piano Postcards came about.
I’ve been fortunate to experience so many breathtaking places throughout my life and they have certainly proved a strong influence on my piano compositions. This new collection of “postcards” are musical interpretations of a selection of scenes, interspersed with my own my own memories of being there. Scenes such as my own childhood park where I grew up, walking through the Derbyshire Dales, the dark sky town of Moffat and an unforgettable piano concert in Milan.
Which genre of music do you enjoy listening to the most?
I have had a such a wide taste in my music, so you will find me listening to Brahms and Beethoven, alongside the music of 1970s bands such as Yes and the Electric Light Orchestra, and also 1980s synth pop – we’re about to see Depeche Mode in Milan. It is so difficult to say which is my favourite, sorry!
Who, if any, are your most inspirational artists that inspire your work?
When I meet people I am often asked if my music is similar to anyone else’s? I have heard my music described as calming, joyful and evocative, which I hope is a unique style to me. Rick Wakeman’s piano music introduced me to short, melodic pieces, and the chord progressions of Jeff Lynne’s songs have certainly helped me develop my style.
Any teasers on your forthcoming projects/live performances?
I have upcoming concerts in Knutsford, Buxton, Edinburgh and Shrewsbury. My launch concert at Knutsford’s Hidden Barn will be very special, and as well as playing my new album I shall be choosing some personal favourites from my back catalogue. Also look out for a competition to be at a private performance earlier in the day!
Thank you Jem for this interview, it is always wonderful to be able to chat about music!
Thank you so much Adrian, for your time and for letting us get to know you and your music better! You can listen to Adrian’s upcoming album Piano Postcards across popular music streaming platforms from next month.
Jem Girl at the Piano 