I love all of you guys, and thank you truly for CARING, haha. ❤ Ever upwards and onwards!

I don't care about your upload schedule, I care about quality, and you have _always_ delivered. Thanks for that.

You're a music educator, a musician, and a music theorist. KZfaq is a tool, which you use. Your content has been a huge source of inspiration to me, and to many other people, and we apprciate it immensely. So thank you. People genuinely *do* care.

Of course 1.8m subscribers care. That's why Sungazer can play to packed venues in Germany, or why I couldn't get a ticket to the UK show. I don't know many other fusion Jazz bands that do that. Actually, I don't know any other fusion jazz bands...

"did you make anyone any money? did you win anyone any awards?" valid questions and yet I would add: "did you affect anyone's lives?" and I'd answer "yes". watching your videos was a great source of knowledge, entertainment as well as an inspiration (being a professional classical musician) so, thank you, Adam! 😊 if you prefer to approach KZfaq this way, we'll be happy to watch your videos whenever you feel like making them!

Adam, about a year ago you featured one of my songs in a video and quite a few of your viewers went to my channel to listen - I had less than 50 listeners at the time and your feature gave me such a boost. Your viewers are delightful and the whole response just made me feel like what I was making was worth something after all. I hate the mercenary nature of the music industry, but I have so much respect for people who stick by their art despite the reduction of everything to money. I also fucking love sungazer!! Congratulations on this milestone and here's to a lifetime of music! 🥂❤️

Man can I relate to this. Thanks for the thoughtful meditation man.

Adam, FWIW, I have listened to every video you make for quite a few years now, and I value your output. To put my fandom in a context: I'm 80 years old, a lot hipper musically than most people might think about someone my age, and was in my day a composer. I still compose, play keyboards, guitar, bass, and other things, and was a pretty good bass trombone player but gave up that instrument in about 1984. I was spread too thin. I haven't made my living in music since about 1982, but I've been around great music since the day I was born. (My dad was an A-list violist and conductor.) I watch what I want to watch, and one of things I like is an insightful discussion on music theory, particularly harmony. My background is classical but I love jazz, fusion (I greatly enjoy what I've heard of Sungazer), and most music that is "modern" to most people's ears, and I still practice Beethoven, Brahms, Ravel, Bach and others daily. As Chris Thile says: "Embrace *everything*!" There is far more content that I find worthy on KZfaq than I can possibly keep up with (my current Watch Later queue is 117 items). And I think Taylor Swift is fun, so there. I've missed seeing your videos as regularly as I once did and wish there were more. But that's OK. In their absence, there is other good stuff to watch, too.

Everyone always asks what you're doing for the music industry, but nobody ever asks *how* you're doing for the music industry

Your videos have always been so interesting and entertaining to watch, but man, your perspective on KZfaqr/creator culture is really spot on and scarily accurate. I think it's important for all of us to be able to recognize what our true passions/talents are and be able to apply that to other fields in order to really feel fulfilled. Also *BASS*

I feel this video in my bones. For me, it's more about filmmaking than music. It's surprising how little anyone in the traditional industry cares about any skills you show here. Probably for many reasons, but part of it is likely that gaining these skills isn't that hard. Just takes practice. Really what you're displaying if you've found success on KZfaq is your work ethic and social media savvy. Finding success in traditional media requires a different kind of savvy (and an equal amount of work ethic). Being so focused on KZfaq might actually make it seem like you're NOT savvy in the ways of traditional media, and that's probably true. I don't know. I still want to make movies. This video is going to rattle around in my head for a while.

As a university student, I (and my lecturers) have used your videos as sources and inspiration. You are a gift to the worlds of music education, musicology, and music itself. Thank you for everything you've done!

No one cares is incorrect. I care. I'm a 48 year old professional musician still slogging in the bar scene, making original music when I can, trying to support my family. blah blah blah. You are greatly appreciated and I greatly appreciated this video. Keep doing what you love, and thank you.

I feel this so hard. I’ve always thought I want to be a musician that makes videos on KZfaq, not a KZfaqr that plays music

My husband has been watching for over a decade, and so, I've been watching on and off, too. One of the most important things about life is doing what you love, not what other people want from you. I really enjoy your tour vlogs, so I am hoping that it's something you will continue when you feel like it. I believe that YT has been great for everything you have done on it, but it is definitely better focussing on what is important for you. Last night we saw you in Beisbane and I can see just how much hard work, but fun you are having with your friends and that is brilliant.

Thank you from Latvia, from school of rock. My lessons And discussion’s would lack the depth without your work. Probably it is hard to see the impact that you have made but you know that you are GOAT of musical KZfaq. And maybe it is good that not everybody cares, so it would not blow up your ego. I am happy to hear that you feel deeply about tradition of making people happy through sound and present moment and time signatures that makes heart pump in more than one way. Creations freedom promises my own 🙏☀️💛

Man. Eighteen years! That's a career. We'll miss you like hell if you go, but nobody can say you haven't given it your all.

I'm in the process of watching the video and it's so laughable that the "music industry" doesn't see channels like this as making them money. Bro, Adam Neely is literally out here telling people why you (the music industry) has value. That is mind blowing to me that you get resistance like you do. K. I'm going to keep watching, because it's Adam friggin Neely!

Your authenticity made a huge difference with me. Thank you for taking the risk of being vulnerable and telling it that way it actually is for you. The magic of live music is where it is at for us dedicated musicians as far as I can tell. blessings.

I would change the term "youtuber" for music educator & influencer. KZfaq is just a platform for you to spread your speech and knowledge whenever you want it and a side job. You've built a solid community here, who loves your content and the quality of it. There are a lot of successful channels that don't upload videos regularly and people keep watching them. For me in particular, you're the reason that I started studying music academically on 2023. Without your channel, who knows if I've would've even started. I periodically come back to your videos, specially to Q&A, to check if I understand the concepts explained and for motivation. Thanks for that.

I'll tell you what's longevity, I'll tell you: 18 years on YT, out there with your own camera and your own editing. That's longevity. Adam, what you have shared all this time, has been of great, good, importance to me. Thank you, Buddy.

Your "rhythm is pitch is light" talk has changed an entire generation of my students' perspectives on the value of the study of music, life, philosophy, and the natural world. God bless you, Adam. :-)

Your videos have been a true inspiration. As a theatre director, though, I think it's more than just the industry this or that. It is the physical presence of other people that makes all the difference. People want to be together, they want to enjoy others' company. And KZfaq will never be able to provide that. This being said, I'm grateful for your online work!

I would’ve gone insane during the pandemic if it wasn’t for your videos. No matter what the future holds, we, the viewers, care deeply! Thank you for your dedication all these years

I don't (didn't) watch you because you had a reliable update schedule. I watch you because I always learn something. You and the theoretical understanding you've taught me have made my appreciation of music deeper and stronger, both new music and old favorites I revisit. Posting what moves you, when it moves you, is exactly what I'm here for. And Sungazer rocks too, so I expect to hang out here as long as you have anything to share.

Very few TV shows last more than a decade. KZfaqrs don't understand that most viewers are mostly interested in novelty. You've done some fantastic teaching and that's stored out there forever. Hopefully, one day KZfaq will be made easier to use for research, and your hard work will live on and be more accessible. For now, pursuing music is probably a really good choice for you, especially if you're being called to express yourself musically. You'll knock whatever you do out of the park!

This video made a lot of sense - keep doing it because you like it. It's never going to be a sustainable career, but it's a nice addition to your music career and you have 1.8 subscribers that care, even if you only upload when you feel like it.

I use the BASS sample from your videos as the notification sound on my phone for some years now. Still don't plan to change that as every time I hear it I'm reminded at the power of music, wich is kind of the general theme of what I take home from any of your videos. Thanks for letting me know again and again ♥

I never really comment on youtube videos but felt i had to share this. Your videos are embedded in my mind, so thoughtful & eye opening. I dont have a career in music but i have a music journey, and you have been significant & influential at times along that journey. I hope this means something to you Adam!

Hey Adam! I have been following you channel for about 7 years now (since my senior year in high school). I later got into the field of music cognition because of your video essays (especially the one-leg video, on which I based my undergrad thesis); now, I’m an aspiring music cog scholar trying to make his way into the academia because I found my calling. I’m sure I’m definitely not in the minority when it comes to being positively of influenced by your contents. Gotta say, regardless of what the secular standards place KZfaq content, you have done one of the most noble thing, and that is to bring inspiration to people all around ❤

Thanks for the upload ! A bit saddened but also relieved that the video release schedule is down only because the groove is up ! Keep on jamming ❤❤❤❤

Just saw you in Sydney; thanks for coming! You are a great musician, and a better performer. Keep touring. I’ll see you again if you ever swing by our neck of the woods again.

Adam Neely mentioning Corridor’s and Freddy’s content is a clash of 2 different sides of KZfaq I never expected. And I love it. Edit: keep up the damn good work btw!

As a person who isn't a musician, doesn't care for jazz fusion, I just want to thank you for sharing some of your intellect with us through this medium. Do what helps you grow, but if you have things to say, do say them here -- I appreciate listening to you.

9:49 YES! I've been on the same wave about this point. The burnout is so real with content creation, and so having the relationship with social media to only post when there's something valuable to say is so important. The content treadmill is heinous in that it causes all the stress and burnout that creators feel. Ultimately, Adam is so correct that no normal KZfaqr will want to spend their whole life making content rather than doing the things they love.

This is great. People do care - you gotta just do you and say fk the algorithm. Post what brings joy and stick with that. There may have been a season when KZfaq brought joy. There may be future seasons when KZfaq brings joy. But when it’s not, don’t ever feel like you have to squeeze the joy out of it when it’s not there. Much love 🤗

Can I just say kudos on 18 years on KZfaq, like that's insane!?? Give this man an award pls

honestly i think you made the right move. it doesn’t really sound like a youtube career can have the kind of longevity as a music career, and it sounds like the choice you made a is a balanced medium between the two.

I'm just at the beginning of enjoying your clever and well-crafted content and hope you keep going!

Years ago I came to understand better my bass. I learned and discovered so much much more about music and all around it, I even got a bit into jazz !! The last book I bought about music is the bases of harmonic study, which for a weekend musician is already kinda hyped, and i wouldn't have known how to guide my curiosity without this channel. I'm happy you're back to making music, and dropping a video here and there when you feel like it. No I can make my own music experiments just to have fun. See ya !

Adam, all of us are so so happy for every upload even if it’s not “weekly”. You’ve made music theory and knowledge so much more accessible for the general public which is more than anybody else could do.

Let me just give you one more perspective. You say you don't want to be a youtuber, but in my eyes you have been an educator. And you having 1.8 milion subscribers means your messages can have a widespread impact. It means that literally hundred thousands of people care about what you have to say and are impacted from your message. Do you see yourself spreading more construtive critiques, shedding light on obscure topics you find worthy of attention, drawing the general public closer to the artform you deeply care about? That's the question I think you should really be asking KZfaq is just a platform. Bernstein had tv, that was just a different platform. And look at how big his heritage as an educator still is nowadays... Good luck on your journey!

Your videos have literally revolutionized the way I listen to music!! You've taught me SO MUCH on my journey of learning music

As an aspiring film composer, your videos have been INVALUABLE. You taught me double enharmonic mediant modulation (or whatever it’s called)! Congratulations on your millions of subscribers! Millions of lucky viewers!

College totally killed my passion for music and you re-ignited it Adam, I now play in bands as I was always supposed to! The influence your channel had on my life was massive, and I don't want youtube to drain your passion like college did with mine. Just do what you want, and thank you for everything!

Hey Adam, I've been a subscriber of yours for going on 9 years now, so only _nearly_ half of your KZfaq career, and I'd just like to take the time to thank you for bringing me, and all of us, along on this wild ride of yours. I am not a _musician,_ I can stumble my way through a couple of songs on the piano that I 'taught myself' by watching people play them on KZfaq videos, but your videos have always been something I've enjoyed watching. I got a Nebula subscription because of you. So, hey, I care.

Your confidence in your everlasting passion for music is both inspiring and reassuring.

Thanks for all the great videos, knowledge, and music making. I hope you keep sharing(when the spirit moves you) and keep the old videos up which will act as a digital "Elder" for as long as youtube lasts. I also, wouldn't mind hearing about where your professional career takes you once a year or so...

Erudite, thoughtful, impactful. I have been watching your videos for years. You remain one of the true insightful voices on the nature of music and its role in our lives. Thankyou Adam.

We care. And we will be supporting whatever type of content you decide to create. I hope Sungazer, and your music career in general, lasts as long as it can!

❤️❤️❤️❤️ appreciate all of the learning, laughs, and touching moments your channel has brought us. Your work has always felt very thoughtful and intentional, but I am happy to see you striving for your dreams in the music world

I greatly enjoy your takes on music theory and song analysis. They are fun, informative, and approachable. My wife and I often riff on that great line from the Backyardigans episode -- "Oh, no! The ship is taking on water! How much more chromatic bass motion can it handle!?"

Adam, you're a fantastic music educator. I grew up in a jazz household with master musicians playing in my living room several nights a week. Most of those musicians, no matter how successful in their recording or performance careers, have ended up spending at least some of their time as teachers or professors. I see absolutely zero reason why you couldn't use your channel as a springboard into academics as you continue playing and creating. You clearly have a passion for it, and speaking as an educator myself, you also have a gift for it. I know you'll find your next niche once KZfaq has lost its ability to sustain and challenge you, but I'm glad that future generations will have access to the body of work you've already created. It's not something to be dismissed because of the platform it lives on.

Us, the viewers care and you care. That should really be all that matters. No matter how long you choose to continue. We are here. Listening. Learning. Being inspired. Loving music. That's it.

This video made ALL the sense! Thank you for taking the time to sit down and share with us. Many of your fans will continue to enjoy what you have to say on so many things (especially when it comes to elegant key changes in pop music… gosh I must have watched that video at least ten times). I’m still super bummed that I missed Stargazer when you were last in Orlando, but please come back soon!! -a fan that cares

I got to meet you at the last Sungazer (Plus) concert in New York last year which was such an awesome experience! The videos you make are some of the best on the platform and are always interesting and informative. You make great stuff and I'm glad there's more coming (for the time being)!

I think your approach now is appropriate, which sounds a lot like Rick Beato’s. But making videos when you want makes perfect sense. This is here for you, and we are here for you, too. Your videos are excellent… Truly. The latest video on Wayne Shorter and The Girl from Ipanema are unique and Awesome! (See the capital A?) We will always look out for your videos… You’re one of the best! And seeing Sungazer is on my list… Of course you’re always welcome here in North Carolina. Above all, Thank You for all of your videos!

Thanks for speaking your mind. I've been following you since 2018 ou 2019, and I've learned a lot about music. I enjoy your educational style, wether it's an essay, tour vlog, etc. And I particularly enjoyed how you used your own music to teach people about musical concepts (especially when Sungazer's album was released). I also enjoy getting a glimpse at the life of a working/touring musician. Thank your for sharing your knowledge and experience!

Thank you so much for everything you shared Adam!! ive learned lots of music theory and the life of the working musician watching you. Saludos desde Chile!

What I care about is that the people I like wathing on KZfaq don't become unhappy for doing less of the thing they like the most. So kudos for you for making your life about yourself! All success for Sungazer!!

Your channel is amazing, and I do happen to care! I’ve learned so much about music theory and arrangements here. Congratulations 🎉

Man, i support your vision. I am fortunate to have seen your work be helpful to us, and your music being inspiring.... keep going. Keep shining

Hey Adam, I find it really great that you express those things, I've viewing your vidéos for a long time now and you've learned me (and others) a lot. Keep doing what makes you happy, it's all that matters Cheers from Belgium

FreddieW got me into filmmaking and KZfaq... You got me into bass guitar, music creation and theory. So far I can't ever see losing interest in these 2 passions, so maybe it seems like no one cares, but you (and other creators like Freddie and Corridor) inspire more people to get into the art form. I always loved music but never really saw myself getting into learning an instrument and making music until I found you, Andrew Huang and Rob Scallon. I disagree with Freddie here, people do care. Sure the people who get rich and win awards care, but so do the people who were introduced to a new art form which changes the course of their life as a result do too. Thanks for sharing your passion and love for music and bass with us. We care!

No! More people care than you will ever know! The video makes perfect sense! Stay true to yourself, do what you love. Sharing the music and knowledge the way you do is wonderfully human. Best wishes for whatever the future bring to you!

Adam, your thoughts about music and social issues have always been insightful to me. You've changed the way I think about a lot of things. I consider you to be one of the most interesting and thoughtful voices on social media. I completely respect your decision to distance yourself from the pressure of YT monomania, and I am very happy to hear that doing so has made you more happy. For however long you continue posting, I'll continue watching. You're a beautiful, brilliant human and I am a huge fan ❤

You & Rick Beato brought me to this place. ' I play the bass, probably a bit craply, but you two have illuminated the way. Thanks Adam.

Your videos have had a massive influence on my life/art/music career, but I'd only want them to continue being made if it made you happy and fulfilled. You do you!

I've learned so much from you. Thank you so much, Adam! ❤

God speed Adam. I love your channel and videos. I really like your band too. You got to do what makes you happy. It sounds like you are on course.

I feel like we grew up together, im 30 and been watching your vids for as long as i can remember. I dont know if 2006 but surely before 2010. Absolute goat of music youtube, and youve always had interesting ideas and a different insight which I love.

You channel has drastically changed the way I experience, study and play music. I'll be forever grateful to you. Thank you Adam, truly.

I'm not sure how one can quantify the viewers "caring" as it relates to youtube success....but rest assured Adam, I CARE DEEPLY about your videos, and I'm truly thankful for all you've given us ❤

Please more sungazer! I love your music!

This video makes perfect sense. And also, I care. And explaining it the way you did Adam, I care more that you are shredding till you’re 98 then I care about you provide me with videos till I’m 98. Much respect to you and thank you for the inspiration and education you’ve provided so far. I am going to start seeking out more of Sungazer and then appreciate when have something to say vie video. Sounds like a great combination to me.

For me, this channel is a great body of work. It need not be thought of merely in terms of the latest video. It is more like a band's discography or the episodes of a tv show. Whenever it ends it ends. I hope it remains on KZfaq forever.

Truly sorry to hear this Adam. It feels like losing an old friend who you didn't realize was already gone. Thanks for so many thoughtful and insightful videos. I wish you all the luck in the world.

I'm happy for you. Thanks for all the knowledge you've imparted over the years. Even I've gone back to playing live - even though it's a mindless punk rock band. Safe travels, and hope to hear you play live before you're 98.

Add me to the chorus of voices who really appreciate the contribution you have made here on KZfaq. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos for years now. FWIW, I believe that the videos you leave here make up an impressive legacy that many will enjoy for years to come. I hope you find fulfillment in your music and all your future endeavors. I cared. Thank you.

As someone who has been following you for a long, long time, it is good to see you step out into what you are really excited about. I've seen you play twice in Cleveland, and your energy in those shows far exceeds any energy in a KZfaq video. Can't wait to see what is next!

I know the feeling of finding barriers everywhere, but if you hadn't made all these amazing videos on KZfaq, I would never have imagined using all my savings to fly halfway around the world just to listen to your music and say thank you in person. If it wasn't for everything you did I would never have started making content on KZfaq, you inspired me and gave me strength. For this reason, as long as you want to do it, it will always matter to me.

I've always appreciated and enjoyed watching your videos. Even when a lot of the jazz theory goes over my head, it entertains and informs! You've been top of your game for years, video after video.

You do what you love, Adam!! Really appreciate what you've done for the rest of us to date, but you have to be happy! I got my piano back after 17 years apart and have been playing for my own enjoyment. You helped inspire me and rekindle my love of playing, so ❤ THANK YOU ❤. Hope you and the Sungazers make it to the UK to wow us 💖

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You are one of the few U Tubers that I would pay for the content! Your knowledge of music is amazing. I have learned so much. Good luck in whatever you decide!

It made a lot of sense, and honestly came as no surprise. Your videos during the covid pandemic have changed the way I consume art and perceive artists, and I've been enjoying whatever you put out on Nebula, no matter the pace. Here's hoping I can find myself in your crowd at some point before you turn 98, haha!

congrats i really enjoy your channel and the videos are interesting..looking forward to more to come!!

This was one of the most sensible and personally valuable videos I've seen on this topic. I've had similar ideas, but this felt like it resolved the mess and crystallized them in a much more elegant way. Thanks for making it!!

It does makes sense Adam! Thank you very much for your content and for sharing your perspective about being a KZfaqr and a musician🙏🏽☺️greetings from Peru 🇵🇪

This was a beautiful video, and really made me think differently about the longevity of KZfaq creating. Thank you for being here for the past few years, and good luck!

Were it not for KZfaq, I wouldn’t have discovered Jakub Z, or Plini, or you, and I wouldn’t have seen all three of you guys at the Gramercy last May. So for better or worse, YT was a brilliant catalyst for my discovery of your music, and after seeing Sungazer live I was sold. I get it, the cadence of creation can be exhausting. But here we are, and I’m listening to some of my favorite music ever made. So…. 😊

I love it all! You are great! please rethink the jumpsuits.

adam u r one of the best to ever do it my man

I feel there's a general feeling amongst us (your subs, followers, etc.) that you have been so impactful on us. Be it on our creative, educational, philosophical or even personal relationship to music. I started watching your videos about 7 years ago and still to this day I revisit them when I'm stuck, when I feel inspired, when I'm frustrated, when I doubt. You have been my greatest music teacher to date and I will forever be grateful. Also, I have learned so so much from your music! Sungazer, Jazz School, Massive extinction event, inside/outside, even the little things you've done for some of your videos like the Jay-Z acapella, the polytonal lo-fi, the 7/11 thing. Man, you've taught me so much, so so much.

Hey Adam I've loved your content through the years and I want to thank you for your lessons in music. I'll say do what feels best, you have more than done your part giving the world free education and spreading the love. Do what is best for you, and in this way you'll give your best self back to us, whether this is concerts, music or education. Loads of love brother!

Thanks for your videos and your sincerity. Never thought of you as of a youtuber (that's not the word i know). But you're a great storyteller and that's an old thing one can continue to do whilst the sun is here to gaze at)

Thank you Adam, you are one of the reasons I have a career in music now. I remember watching your videos in 2016-2017. I'm grateful for your presence in my life.

I just kinda want to play bass… and hang out with my friends, and share in that community. Because ithink that is what really matters, and the thing that I’m really impassioned about. Love it Adam. Live your passions, and thank you.

I’ve always loved your videos (and art). The level of technicality shown in explaining music, rhythms and tone is awesome. Keep doing what you love and thanks for your educational vids. 👏🤩

I wanted to drive out to see that Houston show so badly. Was just bad timing. It's awesome to see something so real from you. If you're ever in Austin (or Texas in general), I'll be on the lookout. I know you'll be playing for many years to come.

Adam Neely has nutured my love of music consistently for about 6 years and i appreciate the insane effort he puts into his scripts and videos ❤