The first single from Adam Coad's original project Adam Coad and the Anomalies has just been released. Click here to hear. Usually found behind the drum kit, Adam Coad is taking center stage as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with the release of his new single, Pinned Down, the first taste of his forthcoming album, Walking Shadows. The release coincides with the debut of his 10-piece band, Adam Coad and the Anomalies, a project that spans generations, genders, backgrounds, and personal styles, mirroring the album's eclectic nature. Together, they celebrate authenticity and self-expression, rejecting the notion that conformity is a prerequisite for belonging. Pinned Down takes listeners on an epic, chaotic journey punctuated by gritty synth bass, horn and synth moments, drum solos and a bass guitar solo by the acclaimed Ben Cripps, all anchored by Coad’s and Alexia Vitale’s mellifluous vocals. Drawing inspiration from Coad’s real-life experiences, Pinned Down delves into the intense emotions that can lead to feelings of helplessness. ‘It’s about grappling with overwhelming emotions that can leave us feeling held hostage by ourselves. As a teacher, I've witnessed the challenges faced by many young people in terms of self-worth and mental health, and this song aims to shed light on those struggles.’ Adam’s creative expression has always been interwoven with his personal experiences, particularly regarding mental health struggles. Along with his long-time musical collaborator, Damon Smith, Adam co-wrote the critically acclaimed cabaret-style stage show, Mental as Everything and released a documentary bearing the same name, currently streaming on SBS On Demand. The upcoming album, Walking Shadows, further explores themes of disconnection, relationship hardships, and the challenges of family life, while emphasising perseverance and resilience. Reflecting on his musical journey, Adam fondly recalls his early days experimenting with piano, eventually finding his passion for guitar and drums. ‘I was lucky that my parents supported my musical education, even when I lacked motivation and had competing priorities. Music took me out of my isolated, farm boy childhood to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and then on to the multicultural, musical wonderland of Melbourne, where Australian music royalty lives just down my street, and where I’ve been able to play Hamer Hall with legendary Ethiopian singers Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Eshete. There’s no way I was getting to do that in the deep south of Western Australia.’ To celebrate the release of Pinned Down, Adam Coad and the Anomalies will be performing live at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville on August 26th. |