We first came across Tongan-Australian Adriana Lear (also known as Ace the Amara) at a charity event, and found that not only is she a talented musician, she’s also driven by a sense of purpose. With a passion for social change and a career in entertainment, media and communications – we’re seriously inspired by Adriana and hope you will be too.
How did you realise your dream?
I realised my passion and purpose by observing what themes were running through my life; what fuelled my energy; and what I felt naturally led to do.
I fell into music at the young age of four – it was obvious I had been given a gift. I enjoyed entertaining and connecting with people through performance and at 13, travelled to Europe with the Australian Winds Orchestra. Music led into and became a vehicle for realising my dream; as did my degree in Media and Communications at UTS. My purpose is social change, a platform for expression, and community. My passions are creativity, entertainment and connection. The skills I’ve obtained in communication, organisation and leadership enable me to execute the dream.
I don’t believe it’s necessary to make money from your dream, because it’s fuelled by things greater than financial gain. However, my career has blossomed into a diverse garden. The main reason for this is that I’ve been open to paths that align with my values, passions and purpose.
In other words, I work as a freelance Public Relations Agent. Through this role I’ve worked with community organisations in building youth events, alongside bands releasing new music and with businesses looking to get off the ground.
On the other hand I create conscious music for social change under the alias, ‘Ace the Amara’. I just released a single called ‘Bleeding Earth’ which uses in your face hip-hop to speak about cultural identity in a modern context, as well as environmental and social issues facing modern society. I’m part of music projects, including Serpents of the She (rock), Bati Graves (hip hop) and The Bad Bitch Choir, and work out of my self-built recording studio. I also write and produce songs for television and film scores.
Along with all of that, I work as a freelance video editor because above all I love telling stories untold. On that note, I am also a spoken word artist and copywriter.
What have been your biggest lessons so far?
My biggest lesson came when I was 18. Prior to that music had been about self-expression and creativity, and at 17 it suddenly became very competitive. My focus shifted to ‘being the best’. The fear of failure paralysed my gifts and love for music, so much that I quit until I was much older.
As humans and as artists we have our own strengths and weaknesses, and each of our journeys is unique. The entertainment industry will try and categorise you and compare you, but whilst all that is happening you need to know that being you is really the only way you’re going to stand out, connect, and as they say ‘make it’.
But first you need to know yourself, and in that lays your gift, your message, your keys to success. It can be a difficult process, but having the support of a coach or therapist can be a huge help.
The greatest, most prolific creations come raw from the soul, so you want to be able to access that place whilst still remaining together in your day to day life. Fear will stop you because it’s based on false beliefs and projections. Stand as you, and there is nothing to be afraid of.
I love my mistakes now, because they show me how to grow. Failure for me only exists when I don’t honour who I am. And even then, I learn a little more. Failure is a part of creativity; if you can learn with compassion to embrace it – you will build Rome in one day!
What advice do you have for young people who would like to break into the entertainment industry, or into a role involving public relations and communications?
My advice would be to do it yourself; start as a freelancer or if you’re an artist, get some buddies together and work on a project. Contact local and national organisations that may be interested and get them on board to sponsor you. Email artists and offer to review their albums; host events or help organise them; contact charity organisations that resonate with you and offer to organise a fundraising event.
If you think ‘stuff all that, I just want to get to the top’, then think about why you want to work in the entertainment industry, or whatever it may be for you. Maybe it’s not entertainment, but something connected to it. If something is your dream, passion or purpose; you will be fuelled by the very essence of each step – and before you know it, you’re in the industry.
We’d like to thank Adriana for sharing her story with us. If you’d like to find her online – watch her new music on YouTube or head to her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud.