From heartfelt lyrics to defining moments, Adrian Lyles invites Middletown High School North into his world—sharing the story behind the music, the growth behind the scenes, and the dreams still unfolding.
When I had the chance to speak with Adrian Lyles, I expected to meet a talented singer and actor. What I didn’t expect was how grounded, funny, and relatable he would be. Adrian isn’t just a face from TV or a voice on Spotify; he’s a real person navigating life and learning as he goes, just like the rest of us. Here’s what I took away from our conversation—and why his story is one that every student should hear.
Adrian is a rising star known for both his acting and music. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Jet in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where he performed alongside well-known artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett. These were people he once admired from afar and now collaborates with in real life. On the music side, Adrian has written numerous original songs and worked with top producers such as Oak Felder, Johan Carlsson, and Max Martin. He has even opened for the band Almost Monday. His popular tracks—including “Right Place,” “Formalize Me,” and “King of Everything”—have earned millions of streams and continue to grow his fanbase.
What sets Adrian apart is the way he blends acting and music into one creative identity. He describes his acting style as “being me in as many roles as I can be,” a philosophy that carries into his music, where he presents his most authentic self. This sincerity allows him to connect deeply with audiences, though he admits it can be challenging to be recognized beyond his character on screen—especially since the show is music-centered. Working with experienced actors, he says, has been both inspiring and motivating, constantly pushing him to improve.
To Adrian, every song is a story. He sees each track as a chapter and the entire album as a complete narrative. His music videos are carefully designed to reflect the emotion and message behind each song. For example, the visuals in “King of Everything” and “Formalize Me” bring a new depth to the listening experience. Songwriting is more than just a creative outlet for him—it’s also a way to process emotions that can be hard to articulate.
A central theme in Adrian’s music is emotional openness. “I want people to understand that they’re a full-blown human being who’s allowed to feel every single emotion,” he explained. “You’re allowed to be angry, sad, happy, excited—whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid. I want my songs to reflect that so there’s something for everyone to connect with.” His goal is for listeners to find comfort and clarity through his music, no matter what they’re going through.
For high school students with dreams of entering the arts—or any competitive field—Adrian’s journey offers valuable lessons. He emphasizes that passion is the most important ingredient for success. “What you should know is how much you love what you’re doing. That’s the biggest thing in the world because it’s so hard… What will keep you going through the tough moments is your love for it.” He advises students not to turn their passion into a chore, especially in creative careers, and to stay away from pursuits that don’t bring genuine joy.
Adrian also encourages young artists to be fearless about sharing their work. “Do it as much as you can. People can’t latch on to something that isn’t out there. So put your stuff out, don’t be afraid to talk about your art.” He sees social media not just as a promotion tool, but as a space to connect with other creatives and build supportive communities.
His own path to success was far from easy. Before his breakout role, Adrian struggled to balance school with acting auditions and music gigs. He remembers performing in Texas bars and restaurants, often playing as background noise. “The hardest gigs to do are the small ones,” he said. “Playing for a stadium or theater full of people who are there for you—that’s easy. But playing in restaurants where people aren’t necessarily listening, those are the ones that make you better.”
Despite the challenges, Adrian remains committed to staying true to himself. He refuses to change who he is to fit industry expectations, believing that individuality is what truly makes someone stand out. “What makes any artist or person special is that there’s literally nobody else like you. If you embrace that, success will come naturally.” He encourages others to create from a place of honesty rather than chasing trends.
Adrian Lyles is still early in his journey, but it’s already a story of passion, resilience, and staying true to who you are. For students chasing their own dreams, his message is clear: believe in yourself, lead with purpose, and never let go of what makes you unique.
