IN-Q
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IN-Q | |
|---|---|
| Born | Adam Schmalholz |
| Occupations | Songwriter, writer, poet |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Spoken word, pop, hip hop |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Website | www |
IN-Q or IN-Query, is the stage name of Adam Schmalholz, an American songwriter and National Poetry Slam champion[1] from Los Angeles, California.[2] Schmalholz describes his poetry as a reflection of his own experiences and life lessons.[3] Recognized for his ability to bring poetry to pop culture,[4] IN-Q helped establish one of the largest open mic poetry venues in the United States called "Da Poetry Lounge," held at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles.[5][6][7][8]
In 2017, he was named one of the top creatives on Oprah's SuperSoul 100 list.[9] He is the first poet to perform at a Cirque Du Soleil production and as a songwriter, IN-Q has worked with artists like Miley Cyrus, Aloe Blacc, Mike Posner, Selena Gomez and co-wrote the official World Cup anthem in 2014.[2][10]
Raised by a single mother in Santa Monica,[5] IN-Q admits his introduction to what is now a well-decorated career happened accidentally, "I definitely had no intention of making a career out of poetry. When I was 19, a friend invited me to an open mic called Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles. The talent was absolutely incredible and it was such an inspiring environment that I never left."[1] Initially, Schmalholz's delivery style was that of an a cappella rapper, but he later found that audiences identified his performances more with spoken word poetry and he now considers himself primarily a poet when performing.[4]
IN-Q delved deeper into becoming a songwriter for the music industry after receiving a publishing deal with Rock Mafia.[2] On his songwriting process, Schmalholz says, "With us, every song is different. Sometimes the artist comes in and we write together, sometimes we collaborate with other songwriters, and sometimes we write in studio and get the song placed."[2]
