Adam Torres started playing music 10 years ago while he was in high school, just for the fun of it. For the last five years, the West Chester, Ohio, native has been playing in the Athens area - first as a part of local band Southeast Engine, and more recently as a solo act.
I like the venues and I wanted to be a part of the community
said Torres, who is a senior studying audio production and Spanish.
Torres says his biggest influences are singer-songwriters from the 1960s, such as Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, and contemporary artists like Nick Cave.
Left-of-center songwriters is a general thing that appeals to me Torres said.
Torres said he thinks those influences act as a guide for his songwriting, but his individual background plays a larger role.
I believe that my writing stems from my own experience Torres said. My writing is personal to me.
Torres plays some covers of other artists - such as Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie - but he prefers to play his own music.
I like to just play some of my songs
Torres said. If there is something I've written recently
it feels a little more connected to me.
Before beginning his solo career, Torres was a part of Southeast Engine for two years. He dropped out of school to be able to tour with the band, and he left the group so he could return to Ohio University.
We did a 100 shows that year
and I was just really tired of touring and I needed a break
Torres said.
Torres said there are good things about each kind, being in a group and as a solo act.
Playing in a group is great because you get to share an experience with others
Torres said. Performing alone I get to focus on my own personal expressions.
Adam Torres will play at 9 tonight at Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 ½ W. Washington St.
3
Culture
