Adam is constantly singing, writing songs or performing, and this has been the case since his parents witnessed Adam's gift at three years old singing original songs into a tape recorder. At the age of 11, he earned a spot in Princeton, New Jersey’s prestigious American Boychoir School, which lead to world-wide touring. He also studied at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, and then the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Songwriting. Adam was a semi-finalist in MTV’s popular “Making the Band 4”, where he performed for host P. Diddy and worked with both choreographer Laurieann Gibson and New Edition/Bell Biv DeVoe member and manager/producer Michael Bivins. Empowered by this experience, Adam recorded and released his first album, “If Ya Like This."
“Suitcases,” his second album released May 2010, is about transition and change – packed with instant hooks, indelible choruses and universal themes, meshing pop and soul with shades of jazz. Adam has performed at Pianos NYC, Rockwood Music Hall, Bowery Poetry Club, Canal Room and Bitter End. His music also appears on television shows and in movies, including MTV’s The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Adam loves connecting with music, dance and writing – the full circle of creative processes. “I’ve been told this career is a marathon, not a race,” he shares. “I look forward to so much more… love, joy, art and music.”
What people are saying...
“Shenk is an able writer with a natural flow and feel to his style, as is shown in the truly R & B "Rebel," where a personal connection to his audience is made. There's also a lot to like about the title track, "Suitcases," with its contemporary sound and smart lyrics, and "Saturday" featuring infectious, danceable beats. In fact, variety and versatility abound throughout, with music and arrangements that have no trouble keeping listeners hooked.”
Phosphoresence Magazine
“This is a new kind of blue eyed soul/singer-songwriter thing from a youngster that comes to this honestly since he was making up his own songs before he was old enough to know what he was doing.”
Midwest Record
“Among so many hundreds of seasoned artists that I've witnessed over the past 15 years, few possess the innate talent, showmanship and parcel of savvy songs that up and comer Adam Shenk displayed”
The Smoking Nun, Chuck Taylor’s (formerly of Billboard) Live Review
“Adam is one of those rare performers who can seemingly do everything. He is a knowledgeable piano player leaning towards bluesy scales that almost certainly influence the R&B/pop tunes he writes. His voice is powerful and clear and never shaky, even when he's busting a move during one of the uptempo songs (this boy can dance)!”
Infinity Yeah Blog
Finally back in East Village at my friend Melissa’s apartment - in my flannel pj’s and sleepy time shirt, eating chocolate covered pretzels. Today was so cray! First off, driving in NYC is such a trip. I’ve gotten used to driving in LA over the past 6 months, but never had a car in NYC, and I’m here borrowing my parent’s car, and it’s wild. I’m glad I’m still in one piece.
Went all over the city today, picking up my musicians, rehearsing…
and then we got stuck in Holland tunnel traffic on the way out the city & it was really awful. It got really “dark” at times as I pondered crawling out of my skin and running far far away, but with the help of bass player Brian Holtz in the passenger seat (and drummer Jeff Villanueva in the back), I stayed relatively calm.
It took a total of 4 hours to get to Doylestown! (would have been two with no traffic) I was booked to play at a Planned Parenthood event at this mansion - the client and the people there couldn’t have been nicer, and it was really a beautiful spot.
Set went well & met some cool people - and best of all, did it all with Jeff & Brian - great conversations, sharing music, stories & insight. I consider myself a lucky guy. Goodnight!
Home-made coffee cake from my mom and a mug that says “I love my dad” #Familytime in Virginia
Whenever we find stunted development, facing the truth about ourselves is the first step toward healing. Our weaknesses are nothing to be ashamed of; they show us the purpose of our incarnation. We are here to discover out shortcomings and mature into beings of greater capacity for love and truth.
God I love California. Stopped at a lookout point on the way to San Diego. The scent of seabreeze.
VERSE 1:
You don’t wanna talk to me.
You don’t wanna say nothing sweet.
You don’t wanna give me any reason to believe that you
You’re feeling anything for me.
Baby don’t you care for me.
Honey don’t you open up your heart and tell me secrets about love.
‘Cause I really wanna see, if you’re who I always dreamed.
And if you had some sense you’d turn around and walk away.
CHORUS:
I’m a love you too hard. I’m a love you too soon.
I’m a make you do things that you don’t wanna do.
I’m a tell you too much. I’m a break all the rules.
Someone’s heart is gon’ be torn apart. I’m a love you too hard.
VERSE 2:
You took me by surprise last night, looking so deep in my eyes.
Feeling like I’m falling out of orbit and I can’t control this.
You don’t even know what you are getting yourself into.
You shouldn’t even make me feel special.
Don’t make me feel special.
‘Cause I really wanna see if you’re who I always dreamed.
And if you had some sense you’d turn around and walk away.
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
You shouldn’t ask for this.
You shouldn’t want this.
You should walk away.
I’m giving you three seconds.
You should turn away.
I’m telling you if you stay one more minute
Someone is bound to fall.
So why try at all?
CHORUS