Adele: When I Became a Parent, I Felt Like I Was Truly Living. I Had a Purpose, Where Before I Didn’t.

In a recent interview with Vogue, British singing sensation, Adele, her musical experiences growing up, being a mother, and how her third studio album, ‘25,’ (which was noted as the top album of 2015) was born. The multi-Grammy winner also shares her new confidence and why she chose to go on tour. Check out some excerpts below:

Growing up in the London projects of Tottenham and Brixton, she explains how, in high school, her music teacher was not a good source of motivation:

My music teacher was shit. Unencouraging.

However, Adele explains the impact that the Department Head of Music (Performing Arts Brit School), Tony Castro, had on her growing up and what direction she would have taken if her music career stopped:

If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have written ‘Hometown Glory’ and ‘Daydreamer.’ I think being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the world. If my career stopped, it’s what I’d do.

On how she feels about having her same team in place since 2007, which helped her steady-rising career:

That’s why I’m not afraid, one of the things I enjoy most about my career now is that my main team is the same, so we’ve all had this experience together, which makes it really special. It can be quite lonely just getting bigger and bigger—but not when I’ve got everyone around me.

Tidbit: Adele was escorted to the 2009 Grammy awards where she was over-looked by photographers on the red carpet and was even asked to step aside so other celebrities can be photographed. That same night, Adele wowed the audience with her single, “Chasing Pavement,” and won the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal performance.

In 2011, a 21-year old Adele met Simon Konecki (a former investment banker) who she credits as helping her to recover from a vocal hemorrhage she experienced after singing hard everyday since she was a teen. She explains how they connected on a different level and as a result, her son, Angelo was conceived. She explains:

When I met Simon, I knew that something was going to happen. I can’t have any other junk in my head to worry about as well. Angelo, meanwhile, makes me very proud of myself. When I became a parent, I felt like I was truly living. I had a purpose, where before I didn’t.

Adele took some time off from her career to spend time with her new family. During that time, she had a chance to do some self-reflection. Now, after the release of highly anticipated album, ‘25,’ she explains
her process to creating the best album of 2015,

I didn’t miss being in the spotlight, but I really missed that side of myself. I was happy to be lost in the wilderness for a while, but I was a bit frightened that I was never going to get back. I suppose there was lots riding on what to follow 21 up with.

Once ‘Hello’ came out, I felt like I’d got nothing to prove. I’m just going to sing now because I want to, and I’ll make records when I want to and not because someone is forcing me to do it. Not that anyone ever has, I’d fire them if they tried!”

I was just shocked that all of a sudden I was 25! But actually I like myself more than ever. I feel so comfortable in my own skin. I really like how I look, I like who I am, I like everyone that I surround myself with. Obviously I have insecurities, but they don’t hold me back.

Adele explains her reason for going on tour,

I’m only touring for the fans, to see the people that changed my life. There’s no need for me to tour. I’ll always be nervous, worrying whether I’m going to be good enough.

Read the full interview here.

By –@blogxpressions