Adele

Dear Adele,

I wanted to drop you a note of support as I read about your intention to take a break from music, and I also read a whole lot of backlash online with a lot of criticism and opinion, which I found difficult to read. So, I thought you might appreciate a note of support.

I suppose at the forefront of my mind is the fact that whatever creative output someone produces is their right and more than that, they control the process on how they want to create that output and how often. I guess a painter might produce a painting every day, or one work in a lifetime, but that’s up to them. It doesn’t make their work more or less valuable, and there is no right of the observer to expect a certain rate of production anymore than there is a need to expect a certain type of art. Art and music are subjective but so is their production and so we as a listener to a creative work should feel blessed and thankful for what has been produced.

I would not describe myself as a particularly devoted Adele fan, more that I really enjoy all the music that I have listened to. As I’ve enjoyed much of your music I’ve been struck with a few things. I really value the realness of your sound. The music feels like you’ve picked up the microphone and poured your heart and soul into the music. I suspect that is because you have. I know from listening to commentators that I respect that you value the art of singing a full rendition of a song, rather than the more modern cut and paste techniques and I think that’s one reason that your music sounds fresh and inspiring. I also love that your lyrics and music come right from the heart. They seem to really strike a chord with the listener and cause a real emotional reaction. I also have seen some of your live performances which again show this realness, it’s one of the things that really brings your music to life in such a real and visceral way.

So, that some have criticised your rate of music production, or been angry at your recent decision to stop making music doesn’t make sense to me.  I know what it’s like to experience an empty tank, what it’s like to feel under pressure, what it’s like to have to produce creative output. I’m sure my own experiences would be insignificant compared to yours, but I can get a small glimpse of what it might be like to face some of the challenges you must face. I’m also sure that many other artists have bowed to the voice that says they must drive onwards at any cost, and so to see you standing up to that voice is actually very refreshing.

You talk of your emotional exchange with the crowds at your concerts, and I also can hear the emotions that you poor out into your music, and so I am not surprised that this exchange could leave you feeling drained.

I find your quote that your “tank is quite empty” to be refreshingly honest but unsurprising.  I also know what it’s like to feel angry and to feel resentment.

Everyone is different, and we have no right to expect someone to make a certain decision, or to behave in a certain way. So, to see you making decisions based on how you feel rather than the pressure of how an artist might be expected to behave is actually quite refreshing, brave and inspiring.

I’m very happy to have the Adele back catalogue to listen to. If there is never another Adele song then that is just fine with me. I’d rather that you have happiness, whatever that means, let me know if you find out 🙂

I wish you the anonymity you seek, the love and the peace in your soul that inspires many a personal and private song in your heart. I shall not be joining the writers offering critical voices and prying into your decisions, but rather I will take a moment to send a silent prayer for you and your family and a few more moments to give thanks for all you have given the world so far that has inspired so many.

Thank you

x