Adam Cousins knows a thing or two about small-town living, hard working and country music dreaming. Born and raised in a tight-knit Ontario community, the emerging singer-songwriter released his debut EP Dirt Road in 2019, and has three new singles on the way this year — including his most recent offering Our Lives. Today, you can get to know a thing or two about him when he answers my trivial questions. There’s a chunk of his life he’s never getting back.
Introduce yourself: Name, age (feel free to lie), home base and any other details you’d care to share — height / weight / identifying marks / astrology sign / your choice.
My name is Adam Cousins, I’m 26 years old, and grew up in Brussels Ontario. These days, I’m based in London.
What is your musical origin story?
I was in Grade 8 when I first picked up a friend’s guitar. My mom eventually got sick of listening to me play the same song over and over and over again, and suggested I take lessons. My music teacher encouraged me to start singing and after a year, I was writing my own lyrics and having fun piecing together melodies, and honestly I haven’t looked back since.
What’s your latest project?
I am currently in the midst of a three-single project. The first song “Our Lives” was released digitally and to radio at the end of March 2022. Let It Rip is scheduled for release in early August 2022 and In The End will be available on all digital platforms later this fall. This project takes three songs with very different energies and stories, and brings them together to share the full Adam Cousins sound and experience with listeners. This summer is chock full of live shows and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to also share these new singles with audiences in person.
What truly sets you apart from other artists?
My music and performances always encompass one of my greatest principles as an artist — sharing truth. The storytelling nature of classic country music has always captured my attention, and I always want to honour that in my own work. I grew up in a small town, have a close relationship with my family, and an ideal day is spent up on the water at the cottage. I greatly value how much my music allows me to share these pieces of my own life and own truth with my audience, and you will never find me singing about something I don’t truly believe in.
How will my life improve by listening to your music?
Endorphins.
Tell us about the first song you wrote and / or the first gig you played.
The first song I ever wrote was called Small Town Country Boys and it was written start to finish in about 10 minutes. You won’t find it online anywhere, but I’ll still play it from time to time if I’m just sitting at home or around the campfire for old times’ sake.
What is the best / worst / strangest / most memorable performance you’ve seen?
I had the opportunity to see Zac Brown Band in Kitchener back in 2016. The performance itself was incredible, but what really made it a memorable show for me was the engagement from the audience. The energy that the artists gave was given right back to them by the audience and actually brought Zac to tears at one point. It was amazing how connected the audience felt with the artists, and that is something I continuously strive to portray with my audience at my own performances.
What living or dead artists would you like to collaborate with?
Chris Stapleton has always been someone that has inspired me with his artistry and would be incredible to collaborate with.
What artist or style of music do you love that would surprise people?
If I’m hanging out around the house, it’s not usually country music I have playing, which is surprising to some people. Often you’ll find me listening to artists like Tom Walker, Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis or Dermot Kennedy.
What words do you hope people use when they describe you?
Passionate, sincere, inspiring.
What useful (or useless) skills do you have outside of music?
I currently work as an electrical engineer technician when I’m not doing music. I’m also triple jointed in both thumbs, which does absolutely nothing for me, but is a fun party trick.
Who can you do an impression of?
Scooby Doo and Shaggy Rogers.
Tell us a joke.
What did one nut chasing after another nut say? “I’m a cashew.”
What do you collect?
Beach glass from Lake Huron at my family cottage.
If money was no object, where would you live?
Lakefront on Lake Huron.
What would you like to be reincarnated as?
A panda. I feel like we share the same relaxed but goofy demeanour.
Which historical event do you wish you had witnessed?
Woodstock 1969 or Queen’s performance at Live Aid in 1985.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness / total misery?
Being with my family and having the chance to do music every day is the greatest blessing.
What are your pet peeves?
Slow walkers or inconsiderate people.
What’s your greatest regret?
Not starting my music journey sooner or allowing self-doubt in during the initial process of becoming a musician.
What are you afraid of?
Living with regrets.
Who should play you in the movie of your life?
Ryan Reynolds. I appreciate that he seems to share his goofy personality without any hesitation.
What’s your motto?
Weird is better than boring.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Ginger ale or Twisted Teas
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I overthink a lot and am working on taking more of a “live in the moment” approach.
If you had one day to spend as you please without any consequences, what would you do?
A whole day at the cottage with my family, spending the morning relaxing in the backyard playing games, an afternoon on the beach, spending time out on the water on a Sea-Doo, watching the sunset at the beach, and then heading back to the cottage for a campfire to end the night.
What’s the silliest thing you believed as a child?
That mom and dad couldn’t see while driving if we turned the interior light on in the car.
What was your favourite class in school and why?
Gym class was always my favourite because it allowed me an opportunity to be active and play sports with my friends.
What world record would you like to break?
Lowest score in golf history or how many marshmallows I can fit in my mouth.
What was the worst job you ever had?
Building grain bins due to the safety and physical atmosphere was challenging, but definitely gave me an appreciation for those who work jobs requiring a lot of physical labour.
What’s the best and / or worst advice you were ever given?
Best: Always considering the big-picture, or end goal – but don’t forget to enjoy the little moments along the way. It’s the journey that really counts.
Worst: “Don’t do it.”
Watch some of Adam Cousins’ videos above, sample some of his songs below, and find him at his website, Facebook and Instagram.
