Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Munoz.
Hi Adam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I got to where I am today… being the youngest of 4 and growing up in the small west Texas town, Abilene, getting attention and a voice in any matter was a bit tough. My brothers and sister were honestly amazing. We got along great, just a few hiccups here and there as most experience. I would say that I was definitely the problem child if we had one in our family. I was always in trouble, always testing the waters and definitely doing all I could to garner the majority of punishments. From returning on foot solo to a park as a very small kid to “borrowing” and destroying my parents’ vehicle as a teenager. I pushed their patience, to say the least. Oh, my parents had to get creative with the punishments.
My parents were and are supportive and extremely attentive. We did things as a family constantly. We all played sports, mainly soccer. All of us kids excelled in it and school. All of us were blessed to receive high praise in both and I wholeheartedly believe that came from how much our parents encouraged us and set that really good example.
After high school, I went on to college at HSU and snagged a job as a graphic designer. From there I learned print, design, and marketing. I trained under my pops and eventually set off on my own. Within a few years, I had my 3 children, Julian, Jaelyn, and Kelly. I had become an Art Director and started booking gigs for fellow musicians. That ended up bleeding into handling marketing for venues, the performers, sponsors, and pretty much most aspects of all events. Things I didn’t know, I didn’t pretend to know. I asked questions, handling the parts of the events that I had a grasp on, and simply stepped aside on the parts I didn’t grasp.
The best part is I got to work with my friends and others that I admired.
Today? Since Covid, I stepped back from events for the most part. Lost more than a few great friends during the initial outbreak. I still do marketing and design work but have also done some acting and voice work. I even started a new project called A Manic Person which focuses on mental health, love found and lost, and a specific storyline with a very interesting arch. Writing and collaborating with fellow musicians feels great and definitely helps me keep my focus on moving forward. Always forward.
Eventually, I met a great friend, pretty much a brother. A musician named Paco Estrada who after 15 plus years, is still my first call when crap hits the fan or something great happens. We all need friends like that.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles… Timing and opportunity is definitely a big part of the struggle. Some things fall through due to poor timing, mother nature or simply that the bigger opportunity isn’t there or falls through.
It is very easy to lose momentum. Take too long of a breath and one missed opportunity becomes hundreds of missed opportunities.
Although I mostly wear a smile, my biggest struggle, like a lot of people I find myself in tune with, is depression. Which is a massive hindrance but with a bit of therapy, it can be corralled. Writing, playing piano, going for a run, diving headfirst into an event or a marketing campaign helps. Best thing about one aspect of what I do, which is many different things, is that sometimes when I start to lose focus, catching live music seriously helps.
Discovering something new, a new musician, a new sound. watching, listening, and experiencing something I hadn’t before pulls me out of my rut and inspires me. Next thing I know, I’m planning and entire event around this one thing that connects to other musicians and certain sponsors, specific locations, and a non-profit. Bam, I’m right back to being 100%
The struggles are real but can be overcome. I just try to take deeper breaths over a shorter amount of time. Focus on others whenever possible. I find happiness in that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What am I known for… Graphic Design, marketing, event creating and coordinating, music, showcasing artists, writing, pianist…
But to put a title to that is pretty tough. Some people call me to simply do design work, and during covid that definitely helped. But my passion lies is showcasing. Some call it “Talent Scout” but there is definitely much more to it that simply that. At least in the way that I am fortunate to work it, thanks to my sponsors who take a ton of the pressure off.
I like to find talent, new or not so new, and present them in a certain way. I like finding other artists and putting them all on a bill together and showcasing them together, in a certain lineup along with a theme and so on, Kind of like, creating a hell of a mixed tape with an atmosphere. Giving the musicians a good canvas, hopefully helping to make a unique bond between both the musician and the attendees and by the end of the event, leave them both wanting to continue that bond due to the experience.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
The way I define success is simple. An unquiet mind and people turning their phones off. Have you ever left an event and cannot stop reminiscing on what you just experienced yet cannot seem to find the right words? That is success to me.
When the musician you are showcasing has everyone’s attention and not one phone is seen. That is success.
With live events, there is the idea of “live in the moment.” Nobody is taking pictures, they aren’t trying to stream it, they are just experiencing it in the “NOW.”
As far as design work, it’s when a client in so incredibly happy with the work and trusts my direction.
With writing it’s when someone quotes or even questions a lyric. That means they are giving time to something that I created or helped create and that is very moving to me.
At the end of the day, I will never be completely satisfied. I will always feel that something could have been better. With that said, I will be overwhelming happy with the idea of sharing the experience itself. That part, good or bad, is the part I keep close to the chest and cherish. Pretty much, my life, no matter what happens next, due to my kids, family, and friends…. massive success!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/adammunozproductions
- Facebook: www.facbook.com/adammunozproductions
