Welcome to our interview with local singer–songwriter Adam Colagrossi! Adam is a multi–instrumentalist and lead singer, performing in multiple bands including Maximum Overdrive, Hysteria and Cody Bondra and the Contraband, as well as doing his own projects.  How does this young man juggle being a math teacher, writing his own music and performing in multiple bands?  Let’s find out!

He has recently released new original music and we are excited to learn more about his creative process and what makes him tick as a musician.

Adam Colagrossi rocking out on guitar at a recent gig.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing in a cover band?

A: I really enjoy being able to play some of my favorite songs and putting my own spin to make it my own. I also like being able to jam with fantastic people, it makes the whole experience that much better.

Q: How do you approach covering songs differently than your own original music?

A: Covering songs has a different flavor than doing original music. There’s a certain threshold that you need to stick by to properly cover a song. The further you try to go past that limit, the less recognizable the song becomes, and you risk having the audience dislike what you are doing. With covers, there are certain cues and riffs that NEED to be played for some songs. For example, when I was in high school, the school band did a cover of “Hotel California” by the Eagles. I knew that this was not the song to be improvising a solo with, so I learned the solo accordingly. Of course, if you’re playing a blues or if you’re a fill-in musician, then you can get away with more improvisation.

Q: What is the most challenging part of playing in a cover band?

A: One of the most challenging parts is what I call “the ratio”. The ratio is finding that sweet spot of having a good mix of “popular” songs and songs that the band wants to play. It’s a daunting task to have all of the band members agree on every single song in the set, which is why each member must know that some compromises need to be made for the benefit of the band. Some common responses to certain song suggestions that I have gotten include: “Everyone does that song,” “Will people know that song?”, “I hate that band/song”, etc.… Mind you, I have fallen victim to saying these phrases as well, but I have tried to be more open-minded about new material.

Adam Colagrossi on guitar.

Q: How do you stay motivated to keep learning and playing new songs?

A: Each new gig brings an opportunity for new experiences and new eyeballs. Every gig, I feel like I meet someone new, or I get to perform for people that have never seen me before. Live music, on both ends, is an experience like no other. That being said, sometimes you play for the same people. To keep them interested, it helps to inject new material so that no two shows are the same.

Q: What techniques do you use to engage with the crowd during a cover song?

I have gotten better with eye contact, but not the intensive, too long type of eye contact that some musicians do. The best thing to do is to have fun on stage, and make it actually look like you’re having fun. I am a reserved person, so I have fun on stage, but sometimes I need to go the extra mile to make it look that way as well. Sometimes I am too focused on not messing up and I look too tense or stiff. I try to get animated when I have the space and support to do so.

Adam Colagrossi playing guitar for Hysteria at Crystal Bees in Southington, CT.

Q: How do you balance your creative goals with the need to please the crowd?

A: This goes back to “the ratio”. Your primary objective of any gig is to please your crowd. If you are not doing that, then you are not fulfilling your role as an entertainer. That being said, you also need to be happy with what you are playing as well.

Q: Where do you find inspiration to write?

A: Inspiration seems to come and go randomly, at least for me. For me: events, emotions, and exploring certain themes are where I get my inspiration. I first started writing music when I was about 13. Back then, one of my first songs was written as a sort of “protest song” because my school wanted to take away an after school music program. Recently, my debut solo album, “Change of Season” is a look into my mind and emotions. The album was very draining to write, record, and produce. One song took me two nights to write, whereas another one took me about a month due to lack of inspiration. In the end, I am very happy with the results.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of playing to an audience?

A: The most rewarding part is watching people dance and sing along with us throughout the night. It makes all of the stress and time that we dedicate to the art worth it and then some. The other thing that makes it worth it is being able to show my family and friends how much I have grown as a musician. They watched me from 8th grade playing songs in my dad’s garage, to now playing big stages and even out of state gigs.

Adam Colagrossi and Ray Markwas performing together at a Connecticut gig.

Q: How do you decide which songs to add to the set list?

A: One factor that I take into consideration is the venue. Is it our first time here? What type of music do the regulars like? What do the owners and bartenders want to hear? There have a been a few times where we learned a song because the owner or bartender asked us to. Another factor is keeping the setlist fresh. If you have songs in the back pocket, then you should be using them! If you have people that follow your band, try to switch up to give them a different experience.

Q: How do you practice and prepare for a show?

A: Truth be told, at certain times it can be hard preparing for shows. Balancing work, school, and music has been a real struggle at times. I rely on my knowledge of music theory and song structure to help me remember songs. I am very thankful because I have had so many amazing music teachers that have helped me along the way with theory. If I didn’t have this knowledge, I would be forgetting songs left and right! You don’t need theory to be a great musician, but I am a firm believer that it takes some of the hassle out of learning and memorizing songs.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in a band?

A: Always have a reason and a vision for starting a band. Are you in it for money? Do you want to do originals? What genres do you want to cover? If you don’t have a vision, you could find yourself spinning your wheels not too long down the road. Another piece of advice is that chemistry is everything. If you can’t vibe with the other members of the band, it will blatantly show on stage and will hurt the band one way or another down the line.

Q: How do you use technology to enhance your live performances?

A: I don’t use much technology when I do gigs, other than my multi-effects pedal for my guitar. I know some musicians use iPads and other technology for lyrics and sheet music. This can be a big saving grace if you’re filling in for something last minute. I don’t look down on folks that use lyric sheets or iPads, but I would rather not use them myself, if possible.

Adam Colagrossi, teacher by day, rocker by night.

Q: Tell us about your new music.

A: My most recent release is called “Change of Season”. It is an hour long concept album about exploring emotions. The best way I could describe it is prog rock, with flashes of 80s inspiration, layers of keyboard, twin guitars, and of course harmonies! The album does a good job of combining a lot of my favorite ideas and themes when it comes to music. This was my “Covid Project”, so to speak. I started this project in January of 2020. I had the whole album essentially written by June of 2020, but due to external factors, I was unable to complete it for another two years. I am very happy with the final project, and I hope you will check it out as well. It’s currently streaming on all major platforms, as well as being sold physically through CDs.

Q: What are you working on now/what are your current goals?

A: My next big project is going to be a collaboration album with other local musicians. I have already talked to a few people, but this is the official announcement! If you’re interested in collaborating or know anybody that would be, I would be happy to see if we can get the ball rolling. I am open to any style, within everybody’s limits of course. I think collaborating with other musicians helps me push my own bounds and gives me new ideas that I would have never thought of by myself.