Adulting on the Spectrum: Adin Boyer on perfect pitch and being on ‘American Idol’

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Adin Boyer.

From his classical piano, choir, opera, and music theory beginnings in suburban south Orange County to his massive solo and full-band indie rock performances after COVID quarantine and college, Adin Boyer is no stranger to living a life fully devoted to music, and discovering himself entirely through music. His sound draws influences from uplifting arena alternative rock outfits such as Coldplay, Kensington, and Keane, and the glorious ambiances of groups like Hammock and Bear’s Den.

Adin first gained widespread international notoriety as a music performance and composition major at CalArts, after his musical comedy videos racked up millions of views on TikTok in 2020. His videos have received praise from big-name musicians such as Lizzo, Clairo, Colleen Ballinger, and Charlie Puth.

Upon receiving his BFA degree from CalArts in late 2021, Adin released his debut EP, Caseload, a series of songs he wrote just before and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to help him cope with the overwhelm of the world around him. The five-song collection was recorded with his band of CalArts comrades and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Robert Adam Stevenson of A Silent Film at Revolver Recordings.

2023 has been Adin’s most promising year yet. He was a contestant on season 21 of American Idol, where he advanced to the top 55, and received major accolades from Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and songwriting mentor Phillip Phillips. He's released another new single called Tranquilize and is currently hard at work arranging the remainder of the new songs on his sophomore EP, set to release this year. This project will amplify the disability community, and will feature many of Adin’s fellow artist colleagues of various mediums and with various disabilities.

Apart from music, Adin is a staunch autism inclusion and anti-bullying advocate. He uses his platform and his own experience living with autism to help make a positive difference on social media and in the community.

Read a transcript of this episode.