"I'm going to make music." Rick DeJesus, lead singer/songwriter of the band Adelita's Way, told himself at 19 years old. He dropped out of college, left his hometown of Philadelphia, and drove all the way to Los Angeles. Despite the risk, it was not so much a choice for him as a calling. 'I was always consumed by music... music made me feel nothing is impossible,' he says. The music industry is certainly not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, Rick made demo tapes, he sent them out to everyone, and remained tenacious in pursuit of his goal. Rick's persistence and talent, paid off, as he eventually got record deals, formed Adelita's Way in 2006, and toured with bands like Skillet and Guns N' Roses.
Rick's stories of working for the music industry could fill a book. The road was not easy, and although he and his band have achieved success and a loyal following, he remains consumed by the process of making music. He has written over 100 songs, and never seems short on inspiration. His fans further fuel his ambitions. He says that 'as a songwriter you use life to let others know their not alone'. One song titled 'Somebody Wishes They Were You' even led one of his fans to get help. 'Music is so powerful,' he admits.
The other passion in Rick's life are his wife, Janine, and two daughters. Presley who is 12, loves to play drums and sing, while Penelope aged 10, plays the guitar. Unsurprisingly, music fills their home. After years of touring, Rick values time with family, and they have made Queen Creek their base for the last three years. Rick says the appeal is the space, the quiet, and the community.
Although he says he is semi-retired, music remains a big part of his life, and continues to record. Nevertheless he is scaling back on tours to be closer to his daughters. His advice to those who want to go into music is to 'invest in yourself, make it all about the songs, record, and go to work.'. While music may still call to him, so too does family and home.