Wait, Who?

Adam WarRock has become the go-to artist for nerdy hip hop.  He is known for consistently releasing high quality, and often free, content online, and rapping about things like comic books and cult classics, like Joss Whedon’s Firefly on The Browncoats Mixtape.

WarRock didn’t start performing until he saw freestyle circles, poetry slams, and open mics in college.

“I had a really bad case of stage fright growing up, and I think performing was my way of forcing myself to get over it.  I just saw great performers, the control they had of the crowd, the comfort they exhibited.  I think I saw it as a solution to a problem, and I just fell in love with recording and performing in the process.  Putting myself out there like that really changed every facet of my life, made me more comfortable and secure with who I was, nerd, dork, geek, whatever.”

He quit his day job nearly a year and a half ago and is now a touring independent artist.

What Makes Him Nerdy?

The Avengers, Firefly and Serenity, Doctor Who, Scott Pilgrim…
Just a few of the topics WarRock’s songs touch.  The music really speaks for itself as far as its nerdery.  Take into account the fact that his music has gotten recognition from people like director Edgar Wright, comic creators Bryan Lee O’Malley and Matt Fraction, and sites like BoingBoing, WIRED, Slashfilm, Newsarama,and ComicsAlliance, and I don’t think you need much more convincing about his nerd cred.

“I spend alot of my time playing video games, or reading comics, or stuff like that.  When it comes to comics, I try my best to keep up with the new stuff, but there’s so much out there, that it gets a bit overwhelming at times.  I still love revisiting older comics, the classic stuff, the titles I grew up with.  I can kind of watch TV shows over and over.  That’s probably where the Browncoats Mixtape came from, just me rewatching Firefly over and over and over and getting ideas for random Firefly songs in my head.  I’ve lately been obsessively rewatching the first two seasons of Community, so god only knows what’ll come from that.”

Where Should I Start?

Go peruse the free downloads available at AdamWarRock.com.  There you can get The Browncoats Mixtape, the Avengers Mixtape, and more.  Pick out the ones that catch your eye (Whedon fans should go grab the Browncoats Mixtape right now); it won’t take long for you to return and download them all.  You can also download free tracks and listen to others over on adamwarrock.bandcamp.com, including this one, Nerd Corps from the album This Man… This Emcee!

Where Can I Get His Music?

Digital albums and singles can be purchased from his website and Bandcamp, and you can get physical CDs and more here.  WarRock’s newest album, You Dare Call That Thing Human? will be released on February 13th, and can be pre-ordered on Bandcamp.  The album will feature artists like MC Lars, Doctor Awkward, Beefy, Dual Core, and more.  Check out the first track, 616:

Head over here for more about the new album.

This summer, WarRock and Mikal kHill are releasing their follow-up to the Browncoats Mixtape, the subject of which should be announced some time in March.
Adam WarRock is gearing up to do a West Coast tour with Kirby Krackle later this month, and then will be joined by Mega Ran and Willie Evans Jr. in March for a U.S. tour.  Check the upcoming tour dates to see if they’ll be coming to a city near you.
“I think there’s alot more to being a good performer and rapper than just hitting your marks, remembering all your lyrics, and performing the song that’s on the album.  There’s no guitar or instrument you can embellish on, so everything’s on me to bring a higher level of energy, and try to connect.  I’m pretty proud of having a live show that goes beyond just my album material.  I jump around alot too, if you’re into that kind of thing.”

And, of course, stay updated on what WarRock is up to by visiting his website and following him on social networking sites: Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Tumblr.
(Photos: Joey Miller // fishtoaster.com)
Do you know a nerdy band that should be featured on Almost Nerdy?  Send me your suggestions at Sierra.Houk@gmail.com or tweet me, @SierraHouk.