If you just got turned on to the music of Bryan Adams with Waking Up The Neighbours, then listen up, 'cause this Canadian singing sensation has been around for over a decade! Bryan released his debut album, Bryan Adams, way back in 1980. It wasn't until his third album, Cuts Like A Knife (1983), that his talent was truly acknowledged. Singles such as "Cuts Like A Knife" and "Straight From The Heart" were in heavy rotation not only on the radio, but on MTV as well. After that, Bryan was on a musical roll! He soon released Reckless, Into The Fire and Live!Live!Live!. In 1991, Bryan recorded 15 new tracks for the album Waking Up The Neighbours. The single "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" was featured in the flick Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Another smash from Waking Up The Neighbours is the infectious pop tune "Can't Stop This Thing We Started". TEEN BEAT hooked up with Bryan and here's what the mega-star had to say!
TEEN BEAT: What is the Canadian music scene like?
BRYAN ADAMS: People often ask me that and I think there are some really excellent things coming out of there. It is a healthy situation. There are lots of clubs to play at, lots of opportunities, but then again, it is difficult to make it anywhere in the world. It is as hard there as it is here, I think.
TB: Have you ever been tempted to move to America?
BA: No, I haven't; although I do love New York and I spend a lot of time there. I would never be tempted to move away from home because my family is there. My friends are there and I have a great, warm feeling about the town when I go back. It is home.
TB: How did you get into the music business?
BA: I started through the publishing divisions of the record companies, not actually going through the record labels. Sometimes record labels are more interested in finding someone who has more of an image, than just a songwriter.
TB: Do you listen to your own music?
BA: Occasionally. I don't make a habit out of it, but I have been known to for cross reference. When we were mixing the latest album, we put on a copy of the previous one and, after three minutes, pulled it off. The sound was so different! I wouldnīt try to re-mix any of the tracks because I like them as they are. I would be disturbed if anyone tried to re-mix them.
TB:Do you like to see new groups on the music charts?
BA: Yes. We shoudn't ever put down a new young act because they are not popular. We should listen to them. When I was starting out, all I wanted was for people to listen to my music just once.
TB:Did the punk explosion during the late '70s have any influence on you and your music?
BA: I particularly liked it a lot because I was tired of disco music and it was nice to hear someone say bullocks to that, which is exactly what they did!
TB: You've had enormous success here in America.
BA: My strongest following is in America, New York in particular. They have been good to me all along. I broke out along the northeast coast which is the New York/Boston area and from there we creeped across the country on tour until we won everybody over, but it took a lot of hard work. It is a big country - especially when you're travelling across it in a bus!
TB:Are you a well-organized person when it comes to getting things done, such as writing music and lyrics?
BA: You have to be or you would get lost. You have to make a plan for yourself. I am organized only because I have enormous responsability and I have to make sure everyone is taken care of. I like to know the tours are booked, planned and we know what we are doing. I set little goals for myself all the time. Itīs important to do.
TB: How do you manage to play the guitar and sing at the same time?
BA: It's a bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time! It is a definite skill to be able to sing and play at the same time. Not many guys can do it brilliantly, but the guys who can, like Chuck Berry, are famous for it.
