Corbin Adler’s music feels like a late-night drive through memory. cinematic, raw, and unafraid to sit in silence. Blending alternative R&B textures with the intimacy of indie folk and lo-fi soundscapes, his style doesn’t ask for attention, it earns it through atmosphere and emotional clarity. There’s a quiet conviction in how he creates, with every synth layer, guitar loop, and drum break reflecting an artist who’s lived through what he’s writing.
Raised on acoustic storytellers and shaped by his own trials navigating faith, time, and pressure, Corbin doesn’t just make music—he translates moments. From corporate burnout to personal heartbreak, his songs often feel like journal entries that slipped into the studio at just the right time. But don’t mistake vulnerability for softness. There’s strength in how he holds space for imperfection, choosing honesty over polish.
In this conversation, we get a look into Corbin’s creative world, how he balances production with emotion, why imperfection plays a role in his sound, and what it means to stay authentic in the face of industry noise. Whether you’ve just tapped into his music or you’ve been following the wave, this interview is a reminder of what it looks like when someone builds a lane that feels like home.
Your sound seamlessly blends alternative R&B, lo-fi, and indie influences. How did this fusion come naturally to you, and what artists or experiences shaped it?
Thank you! Funny enough, I grew up learning & listening to a lot of indie and folk music like City & Colour, Hozier, Ben Howard, etc. But when I started learning production & Ableton, I found myself making a lot more R&B records than anything else. So naturally I bring my indie, folk, and rock influences into art along with any other genre(s) I love. I always want my music to live in the “R&B” world but to have a little twist of a different genre in there as well.
You’ve spoken about struggling with life, time, and faith in your youth. How have those themes evolved in your music as you’ve grown, and do you feel they still shape your perspective today?
Man. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without all my struggles. A large majority of my life has been learning how to deal with the punches of life, time, and faith. It’s made me a much more caring person to everyone and everything around me. And in terms of my music, those struggles show up a lot in my writing. Like writing a song about working a corporate job for the first time and being so frustrated with the rich only getting richer.
Your storytelling feels deeply personal. Do you find that songwriting helps you process emotions, or do you go into a track with a clear story already in mind?
I appreciate that, and I’m glad that comes across! All my songs have been situations I have or am currently processing— A breakup, losing friendships, financial issues, or struggles with life. Outside of music, I’m a very emotionally open person, I’ll be the first to admit my feelings, and it’s honestly a gift to be able to share those feelings through music for anyone else to tie their own feelings to the song as well.
Your production choices are often atmospheric and layered—do you approach sound design with the same level of personal intention as your lyrics?
I do! I have always considered myself more of a producer/musician than a writer. Often when I hear other songs I enjoy, it’s always the music itself that captures me rather than the lyrics themselves. So all my songs are built around making the music & instrumentation sound good first with layering synths, guitars, drums, and etc. I’ve also really fallen in love with the idea of imperfection. I’ve spent the last several years learning how to do everything “right” in Ableton, but now I’m learning how to break my own rules & not quantize everything lol.
The independent music landscape is constantly shifting. What’s been the biggest challenge in getting your music heard, and how have you navigated staying authentic while growing an audience?
Damn great question. Honestly? Consistently putting myself out there is the hardest part. It’s difficult to spend hours marketing yourself to find 200 views. But i’ve found putting less pressure on the marketing aspect & keeping it more real and honest with the viewer and myself is the best way I can stay authentic while putting myself out there too.
As a creative who curates music as well as makes it, how do you balance your personal artistry with your role as someone who uplifts other artists?
I’ve spent the last several years learning music all by myself. And most of those years I spent doubting myself. I know how hard it is to follow this dream. A lot of us are one conversation away from quitting. I had one person, outside my friends, who told me “I love what you’re doing. keep going.”, and it changed my life.We all need that person, so know I try my best to be that person for other artists like myself.
Many artists use visuals to enhance their music’s impact. How important is visual storytelling to your process, and do you see yourself expanding into more visual projects in the future?
I think it’s incredibly important. Hearing a song for the first time has its own meaning, and then watching that song with its visual often creates its own different meaning. I’d love to make some really cool visual narratives in the future, but in the meantime I’m having fun focusing on making my sound the best that I can first and foremost.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Corbin Adler? Are there any projects, collaborations, or sonic experiments you’re excited to explore?
So many things. I wanna continue meeting so many great and talented people in this space like yourselves. It’s an honor to live in this industry & I love seeing my friends succeed. I’ve got some ambitious projects in the works that I’m excited to share with y'all here soon.
If someone discovers your music years from now, what’s the one thing you’d want them to take away from it? What’s the legacy you want to leave behind?
Love this question. I’d love for people to walk away knowing they can do anything. I spent my whole life thinking I couldn’t make music work. But honestly, your dream isn’t as far fetched as you think it is.