For Adrian Rosen, creativity has always been the defining part of his life. From performing with Stevie Wonder, Seth MacFarlane and The Eagles, to recording with Sir Elton John on the soundtrack for Disney’s The Lion King, Adrian, is one of those in-demand talents who always brings professionalism, passion and precision to every project he collaborates on.

We sat down with Adrian to discuss his careers, what he’s working on now as both a musician and Voice Over artist, along with his insights and secrets on how he continues to stay at the top of his game in this highly competitive business.

You are obviously super-creative and highly focused. Have you always been that way? How do you do it?

It’s interesting you say that. I’m feel like I’m a squirrel just searching for a nut… Maybe it’s the way I was raised? I always figure that I could be doing more. Almost every great artist will tell you, and believe me I’ve asked many of them, creativity on its own will only get you so far. You gotta put in the time and the effort to master the necessary skills to access… the real potential of that creativity.

For me, my first passion was music. Initially, the electric bass spoke to me, then the acoustic bass. Eventually, the world of the orchestra opened up, and that became a big part of who I am.

What are a few highlights that stand out to you in your career as a professional musician?

I’ve been really fortunate. I’ve been able to tour the world, I not sure that I can even remember all the countries I’ve been to. Europe is always a blast. Performing at The Hollywood Bowl certainly has to be a highlight, it’s on every musician’s bucket list. Working with Mel Torme, Jack Jones, Stevie Wonder and The Eagles - that’s way up there as well. I even got to conduct the Metropole Orchest - the recording orchestra of the Netherlands.

That’s so amazing. It’s almost hard to believe. What’s it like to work with these icons?

It’s so interesting that you ask. Every single one of them has an incredible work ethic. They challenge you to be your best, how to work effectively as a team, while at the same time showing you how important it is to really be present in the moment.  Mel Torme once confided in me and it’s as true today as when he said it. “When negotiating - always be willing to give something up. It leaves everyone else feeling like they’ve won.” Wouldn’t it be great if everyone thought like that?

It certainly would be a different world. I know you’re originally from the East Coast. Now you’re in LA. What it’s like?

I love it. I brought my east coast energy to the west coast. I’ve always been hungry to learn more, I began working on film soundtracks such as The Lion King and the Ice Age films, while performing locally and recording with orchestras and jazz groups. And here’s what’s interesting- with every session, some new insight appeared. Life lessons were everywhere! Who was humble and who was full of themselves? Who was willing to follow direction versus who needed to constantly assert their ego into every artistic decision. I‘m not sure who said it - that ancient Greek philosopher or the guy who sold me a late-night Philly cheesesteak, but the message still rings true, “Remain silent and be thought a fool, or open your pie-hole and remove all doubt.” At this point… I’m thinking it was probably that Greek guy?

I know that place. Isn’t it over on Melrose?

(Laughs) I think you’re right.

Let’s change gears and talk about Voice Over. What made you pursue VO?

Music has always spoken to me. But what instrument is more powerful than the human voice? And I’ve been performing with some of the finest voices of all time. The magic is making that real human connection and bearing your soul. So, I took the lessons that I had learned from music – meticulous focus and discipline, constantly challenging myself to improve, staying adaptable and directable, all while being inspired by working with the best coaches - and applied that skillset to Voice Over.

How’s it going?

Voice Over is an interesting business that has its own set of challenges. As a musician, I rarely have to audition, but in VO you do it every day- including weekends. That’s the biggest part of the job.

I signed with DDO NY, one of the top VO agencies with offices in New York and LA.  That was huge. Thank you, Allie Silber!

VO is highly competitive, so you have to stay sharp. That’s why I regularly work out with the best coaches and casting agents around- people like Tina Morasco, Sara Sherman, Mick Wingert, Richard Redfield and Robert Clotworthy. Each of these stellar pros shares their unique perspective of acting with me and I’m constantly growing. That’s really important to me. I’m like a shark- if I’m not constantly moving forward - I’ll die. And I don’t want to be a dead shark. That’s where my music discipline comes in - If you want to get better, you have to remember the 3 P’s… practice, practice, practice!

What have you been working on?

Video Games, Commercials, Narration and Animation. I’ve even did dubbing for a film that was nominated for an Academy Award! I never saw that coming.

Thanks for your time. Before we go, any final words of advice?

I don’t know who said it, I think it was probably either George Burns or Groucho Marx. “The secret to life is honesty and sincerity. If you can fake that… you’ve got it made.” (Laughs)