Adam Knox

Adam Knox's musical journey began with a fascination for classic rock and metal. "Listening to Jimi Hendrix on old cassette tapes when I was a kid got me interested in guitar," Adam recalls. The defining moment, however, came when he discovered Metallica's "Black Album." "It lit a fire under me to really learn everything I could," he says. This initial spark ignited a lifelong passion for music and set him on a path of exploration and discovery.

Adam's musical style is a rich tapestry woven from a diverse range of influences. "Jimi Hendrix and Metallica are definitely hard to ignore," he acknowledges. However, his inspirations span across many genres, including RATM, Meshuggah, Periphery, TOOL, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea, Billy Cobham, Igor Stravinsky, Gustav Mahler, J Dilla, Robert Glasper, Thundercat, and Flying Lotus. "I take a lot of cues from several artists across many genres," he explains. These varied influences have shaped his unique approach to music, blending the technical with the melodic.

An unexpected fact about Adam is his background in classical music. "I actually studied tuba in college, and not bass," he reveals. This formal training has provided him with a strong foundation in music theory and an appreciation for a wide range of musical styles.

Adam's first instrument was the guitar, which he picked up at the age of nine. "I taught myself how to play by rewinding the Black Album over and over again, until I could play exactly what I was hearing," he recalls. His dedication to learning by ear continued even after he discovered guitar tabs, and it remains a key part of his practice routine today.

Adam's approach to songwriting is both intuitive and methodical. "It depends on what I’m feeling," he says. Often, he starts with a harmonic idea, which gradually evolves into a full composition. "As I flesh that out, it ceases to just be chord blocks, and starts resembling something that would be considered musical," he explains. This process allows him to create rich, layered pieces that resonate with listeners.

One of Adam's most memorable performances was with his college orchestra at the Schuster Center in Dayton. "Playing in that beautiful venue, surrounded by a couple thousand people, is hard to beat," he says. The experience of performing in such a grand setting left a lasting impression on him.

If he weren't a musician, Adam envisions himself in a completely different field. "Probably something annoying like mechanical engineering," he jokes. Outside of music, he has developed a passion for cooking. "I’ve taken up cooking quite seriously in the past year or so," he shares. This new hobby has allowed him to explore different cultures through their cuisine, adding another layer of richness to his life.

One of Adam's favorite songs to perform live is "Something in My Genes" by Bird Brain Breakfast. "That was the bassline I think I’m most proud of developing live," he says, lamenting that it was never recorded in a way that could be released. The energy and creativity he brought to that song make it a standout in his performance history.

For Adam, the biggest challenge in his music career is often just getting started. "Some days getting the instrument out of the case is the hardest thing to do," he admits. However, his passion for music and the knowledge that there's nothing else he'd rather be doing help him push through these moments of inertia.

As a member of Crossing the Rubicon, Adam's goals are clear and ambitious. "I’d love to make music a full-time job, with CTR being a large portion of that time," he says. He is excited about the future of the band and is committed to contributing to its growth and success.

Adam is deeply concerned about American interventionism abroad. "It’s something I rage about every day," he says. He believes that many of the world's problems stem from this issue, and addressing it could help alleviate other interconnected challenges. His passion for social justice and global awareness drives his advocacy and informs his worldview.

To relax and unwind, Adam enjoys playing video games. "I’ve been playing Fallout 3 recently," he says, noting that while it may not be the most destressing activity, he finds it fun. One of his favorite movies is "2001: A Space Odyssey." "It has this way of conveying such a bleak outlook, without completely destroying the feeling of humanity in it," he explains. The film's complexity and beauty resonate deeply with him.

If given the chance, Adam would love to return to Indonesia. "For the food, the culture, and the beautiful geography," he says. His previous experiences there have left a lasting impression, and he is eager to explore more of what the country has to offer.

Adam Knox's memoir is a testament to his dedication to music, his diverse influences, and his unyielding passion for creativity. His journey reflects the power of perseverance, the importance of broad musical exploration, and a commitment to making meaningful art. Through his work with Crossing the Rubicon and his personal endeavors, Adam continues to inspire and connect with those around him.

 Experimental musician, bassist for two bands, and keyboardist/tubist for another, and still able to find time to make my own music.

Influences range from Jimi Hendrix, Meshuggah, and Daughters, to Death Grips, Merzbow, and Miles Davis’s electric period.

Many themes stick out in my music from track to track, including dense harmony, heavy bass, sample abuse, and intentionally redlining levels.