Episode 12: Music
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In Episode 12 of Looking Outside we explore the influence of music with music lover and the ever-insightful, Adam Conley, Director of Insights for North America at Mars Wrigley.
While music plays subtly in the background of our lives, it defines our cultures, shapes our psychology, and even influences our physiology. Adam helps us examine music’s impact over time, at a universal human level and a personal one.
Adam and Jo discuss how music shapes us, and how - as insights and marketing professionals - we can use this to design things that better unlock what people are looking for in their lives.
Adam also expresses how music can help you look outside what’s comfortable and familiar to you, to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and understanding.
To look outside, Adam is a proponent of constant learning. He continually listens to new genres, artists and songs outside his regular collection. He believes constant learning means continual variety to what you’re exposed to and that comes from multiple places that are less familiar to you.
Adam recommends you explore music further by checking out these music biographies:
Beastie Boys Book by Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz
Conversationally written in a way that makes you feel like you’re hearing it as told by your friends. It gives you the journey of the band as individuals and a group in an enjoyable way. Great experience for any fan of the band, or someone looking for a firsthand perspective about growing up in New York in the emerging world of Hip Hop and its influence on culture.
Such a creative angle to talk to the breath of experience that goes into each of his songs. Really a behind the curtain view of the storytelling of rap music, really.
Go Ahead In The Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest by Hanif Abdurraqib
When you get a great writer who happens to be very passionate about a particular group and writes a book about the impact that group has had, you get an amazing read; that’s what this is. Great for fans of the group, and also amazing context of the beginning of Rap music in NYC in the 80’s.
Catch A Fire: The Life Of Bob Marley by Timothy White
I’ve read three biographies about Bob Marley and this is the most thorough for someone looking to learn about Bob’s entire life. Timothy White apparently dedicated so much of his life to writing this book and updating it. It’s pretty incredible what can happen when someone feels that much of a connection with an artist and their music.
An origin story biography by Flea the bassist (always respect the bassist) of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Interesting to hear how his upbringing influenced his musical preferences and choices. Told through his colorful storytelling.
It’s So Easy And Other Lies by Duff McKagan
Well written biography by the bassist (see prior comment about bassists) of Guns ‘N Roses and other bands. What really stands out about Duff, beyond his experience and being able to hear what has influenced him musically, is just how deep and well-rounded he is. A really insightful individual. Also interesting to hear specifically on what he believed led to the breakup of Guns N’ Roses, one of the biggest bands of their time.
Being John Lennon: A Restless Life by Ray Connolly
There are several biographies about John Lennon and The Beatles, and I don’t consider myself an authority on which is best, worst, or in-between. However, I found that this one was very balanced in the content, and it was an enjoyable read that got you much closer to understanding the man before he became a legend.
Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story Of The Clash by Pat Gilbert
This is one that I really enjoyed, and once again one of several biographies written about The Clash. I found this gave a lot of background and insight about The Clash.
Smash!: Green Day, The Offspring, Bad Religion, NOFX, and the '90s Punk Explosion by Ian Winwood
I grew up in the 90’s, when I first really started to get into music, and some of the music I was really passionate about was Punk coming out of the California area. This book does a nice job diving into some of the bands that emerged and influenced that era of music.The 90’s were also what I’d consider the golden era of rap music, and it really hit a new level when the world was introduced to Wu-Tang Clan. This book is Rza’s dive into philosophy, how that influenced the group, and how it drives their success.
Adam Conley is an avid fan of music, sports, history, and travel, in addition to his day job leading Human Intelligence for North America at Mars Wrigley. When you bring together his day job and interests, you get a person that is fascinated by what drives and inspires people, and how decisions and achievements will influence the following generations.
Adam is a passionate presenter and has had the opportunity to present about Consumer Insights and Strategy to audiences in the United Nations in Switzerland, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., Conferences in London, U.K., and Cannes, France. He is also a regular guest lecturer at NYU.
Adam is most interested in one human, his wife, who he shares his passion of music and travel with, and occasionally sports and history. He also has 3 cats (not embarrassed to be called a cat guy).
You can connect with Adam on LinkedIn.
Looking Outside was created by Joanna Lepore. All views are that of the host and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of their employers. Copyright 2022.
OBOY and Alphie Black music features in Episode 12.
