Adrian Lyles has always had a love of performing and storytelling. His dream of becoming an artist came to fruition with his debut single and music video “Formalize Me”, which is out on all streaming platforms now. We Facetimed with Adrian to learn more about the process behind creating “Formalize Me,” how HSMTMTS changed his career, and what exciting things to expect coming up!

Adrian has over a decade of performing live and writing that has guided his rising career. He is also an actor, and you may remember him from his debut role as Jet in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 3. From that role, he was nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award for the HSMTMTS song “Right Place.” After wrapping season 4, similarly to the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett, Adrian jumped into the recording studio and has been writing music ever since.

“I live for the creation of music, that is what I’ve always done and what I’ve always wanted to do.”

This year, Adrian achieved a huge step in his career, signing to Hollywood Records, and “Formalize Me” encapsulates Adrian’s versatile vocals and relatable lyrics. 

“Creating ‘Formalize Me’ was crazy but it just felt right all the way through.”

Adrian revealed the inspiration from “Formalize Me” came from the Frank Ocean song “Fertilizer.” Adrian really liked that title and found the rhyming word “Formalizer.” From there, he wrote an interlude and brought it to his producers who loved it, and then the melody and instrumental were born. Adrian said the song was the perfect song to release first because it represents him and his authentic self.

“The hardest things to say are the easiest things to sing or write down.”

Adrian has always been a performer, and creating music is something he’s always dreamed of doing. Adrian said he loves to write songs that help anyone who listens to understand their emotions better and know they can be whoever they want to be. 

Like many burgeoning stars, Adrian’s debut on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series was the ultimate jumping off point for his career and it proves you can achieve your dream at any point. From the show, he met producers from Hollywood Records and his manager and it opened up so many new and exciting career opportunities. 

“Getting the [High School Musical: The Musical: The Series role] changed everything. I got to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I met my manager, I met the label, I met these incredible producers because of the show.”

The “Formalize Me” music video is authentically Adrian and he revealed he even played a major role in the casting process and design details of it. While this is currently his one song out, there is a lot more to be excited about coming up including new music, some live performances, and even a forthcoming album in 2025 so stay tuned! 

“You don’t have to change yourself to fit in a box for somebody else.”

Thank you, Adrian, for Facetiming with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @adrianlyles_. Watch the rest of the interview to hear about one of the craziest behind the scenes moments you’ll ever hear while Adrian was filming “Formalize Me” and all the songs you need to have on your current playlist. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.

Consider this:

• You don’t need the first version of anything to be perfect. Art is something you can’t force. Creating a craft takes time so don’t rush the process.
• It is never too late to start acting. Adrian booked his first role at 16 and realized all he needed was a foot in the door. All you need is one opportunity and from there, you can meet so many more people in the entertainment world who can help you achieve your dreams.