Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam McKillip.
Hi Adam, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was about ten years old, my parents took me to a theatre show at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, New York. That was my first encounter seeing a mandolin. I immediately told my mother I wanted to learn how to play one. She agreed to try and find me a teacher. I started playing the mandolin when I was eleven years old. During my last three years of high school, I was involved in our local performing arts center called Infinity. I was in the Acoustic Project with our prolific leader, Bill Ward. I started on banjo, then switched to mandolin when our previous mandolinist left for college. By the end of high school, I had taught myself how to play banjo, bass guitar, guitar, and ukulele. After high school, I attended Jamestown Community College for Fine Arts: Music and performed for their Rock Ensemble where I was able to get the experience and feel for playing with bands.
During my college years, I worked at a local music store, Germaine and Pappalardo, and was lucky enough to live in an apartment above it. This is where my best friend and then-roommate, Melanie, and I started the acoustic duo, Onomatopoeia. I joined our local barbershop chorus, Jamestown Harmony Express, and had the pleasure of singing with them for about three years. I learned a lot about singing from them. I also played guitar in a couple rock/metal cover bands (Sweet Ass Cream Corn and Headbangers Ball) until I moved to Erie Pennsylvania in 2012. I went on to play at various open mics and bars in Erie. By doing so, that introduced me to the folks of the local music scene. This led me to play mandolin with a band called Westwood Revival, from Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, for a short while in 2015.
In late 2015, I was asked to join Tyler Smilo and Jassen Wilber in a band they were going to call Smilo & the Ghost. We started as a 6–7-piece band, but since we’ve downsized to 4 members. We added Dom DeCecco on banjo in 2021. We’re now about to record our third studio album in May, and things have been going so great for the band.
I moved back to Bemus Point, NY in 2016 and continued to perform with S&tG. In 2018 I had the opportunity to play mandolin with an incredible local band called The Probables. We’ve done two studio albums so far with this new band lineup, and things have been going well with this band, too. Both bands play various festivals, breweries, wineries, and private parties throughout the year. S&tG is going on a tour through North Carolina and Virginia at the end of April, and the Probables are recording a new music video this coming Saturday, April 15th. I’ve been lucky to do some studio work for some of my friends, such as Frank Marzano, Mike Brunacini, and Brooke Surgener, to name a few. Now, I teach private lessons (mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and voice) and perform solo with other local musicians or with the bands full-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been pretty 50/50. Dealing with money struggles and depression but also playing lots of great music and making a ton of friends in the process and now earning a living from doing what I love.
Worth it.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I play a variety of musical instruments, with a focus on mandolin, guitar, and voice. But I have learned more instruments over the years. Mandocello, Pedal Steel, and Dobro to be precise. I’m still working on the violin! But I play for parties, bars, wineries, breweries, American legions, local festivals, and weddings across New York, Pennsylvania, and even Ohio. I know that I’m known for my singing voice and my smiley disposition, but I imagine most people just know me as LOUD.
I am most proud of both bands’ success in the last few years. I am blessed to play with two absolutely spectacular groups of guys!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m not sure which city is in question. I’m sure it’s a very nice city.
If we’re talking about Bemus, it is a beautiful little town right by Chautauqua Lake. It’s a bustling town in the summer, filled with tourists and seasonal residents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smiloandtheghost.com , www.theprobables.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/gotmando
- Facebook: facebook.com/mandolinman2007
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gotmando
Image Credits
Dave Schroeder
Rachel McKillip
Jamie Probst
Aaron Winters
David Shenk
DSJ Photography
Adam McKillip
