Otrovert + ADHD + Music
Most of us get told we’re either introverted or extroverted. But have you heard about the new kid on the block – the Otrovert?
Introverts recharge alone, prefer smaller groups, and feel drained by too much social time.
Extroverts get energy from people, thrive in crowds, and like being at the centre of things.
Otroverts sit elsewhere. You’re not anti-social, but you don’t feel a constant pull to belong either. You connect when it feels right, and drift out undramatically when it doesn’t.
Otroverts don’t fit neatly into introvert or extrovert boxes – you might dip in and out of social spaces, sometimes energised, sometimes needing distance- you don’t feel compelled to join or belong to a group.
Signs of an ADHD Otrovert
You dip in and out of groups, never pledging fully to one scene or community.
You don’t feel compelled to belong - you connect when it feels right, then drift out.
You might seem disinterested in what others are doing, even when you care.
You pick friends or collaborators carefully, preferring depth over numbers.
You value independence, but sometimes it tips into isolation.
How it shows up in music
You might use elements of different genres rather than staying loyal to one.
You avoid reference tracks or trends until your own idea already exists.
You prefer one or two close collabs over open collectives.
You share work inconsistently, because you don’t feel the same compulsion to broadcast.
Hyperfocus in solitude: many ADHD Otroverts do their best creative work when tuned out from the world.
The ADHD Connection:
Resistance to authority: rules and hierarchies feel arbitrary unless they make real sense to you in context. You’ll work twice as hard when you choose how you work, but bristle when it feels imposed.
Phases of connection: sometimes you’re deeply engaged, sometimes you need distance- not because you don’t value people or projects, but because your regulation works in cycles unique to you
Novelty vs consistency: ADHD craves newness, Otroverts crave freedom. Together, it can mean starting lots, finishing less- unless you build supports to keep momentum going.
Attention pull: if it isn’t genuinely interesting, your brain won’t join the dots just to fit in.
People pleasing vs independence: many ADHDers mask or over-please to stay safe. Otroversion can cut across that – you want acceptance, but not at the cost of yourself. But you can feel both fiercely independent and as if you’re missing out on something at the same time – a push/pull that feels uncomfortable.
Losing track of time and people: you may struggle to keep contact going. It looks like you don’t care, but really it’s that your brain doesn’t flag “maintain the link” unless you build systems.
Hyperfocus in solitude: once you’re in the zone, outside connection fades away and heads up you probably do your best work this way.
What to do if you recognise this
Design your belonging: one or two trusted peers for feedback, not a big group.
Set reminders for connection: notes, recurring check-ins, body doubling.
Sample the zeitgeist deliberately: give yourself short, time-boxed sessions to absorb new sounds or ideas so you don’t get stuck in your own loop.
Release on your terms, but with scaffolding: use simple systems (track audits, deadlines) so independence doesn’t slide into “nothing ever leaves the hard drive”.
Accept both sides: you might never be the person chanting with thousands at a football match or at a stadium gig- (you’ll be on the stage, obvs!).
These traits show up in everyday life and relationships- and also very directly in music-making.
Oh hello! Never felt like one of those? Maybe you’re an Otrovert instead?
Pros and cons in music
Genre-fluid approach
Pro: unique output.
Con: harder to describe or pitch to a specific audience – might not sound “current”.
Resistance to using reference tracks & trends
Pro: your sound develops in its own lane.
Con: harder to place your music in context or market it clearly.
Reluctance to join or stay part of scenes
Pro: independence, no pressure to conform.
Con: you miss the mutual support networks that often help artists grow.
Selective collabs
Pro: deeper trust, more aligned projects.
Con: fewer chances for new connections.
Inconsistent sharing
Pro: what you share is authentic, not forced.
Con: momentum can dip, and audiences may lose track.
Independence and not needing outside input
Pro: total creative control and vision.
Con: risk of isolation, fewer valuable connections, slower progress without accountability and missed opportunities for sense/scene checking through feedback.
So what can you do?
You don’t have to do anything if you’re content how you are. But if any of these feel like they’re blocking you from what you want, try this:
Hard to describe your genre? Ask trusted people or sources (even AI analysis tools) for help with language – this is easy and enjoyable for some. Try Groover.co or similar services.
Context/marketing gap? You don’t need to change your process. Add two reference tracks from similar genres or artists once your idea exists. If you find something inspiring, bank it to use as a template/inspo next time – if you want to.
No scene connection? Choose one small community to engage with lightly – monthly at most. Or rotate a few different ones so you don’t get the “I’m being compelled to be here” vibe.
Few collabs? Add one low-stakes project with a new or known person each year.
Inconsistent sharing? Set a simple rhythm – one post per track milestone, or a pattern that works for you. Having a buddy to share this with can help.
Feeling isolated? Build a micro-circle of 2–3 peers and agree a regular check-in. Or join The AMP Club!
Otroversion isn’t good or bad. It’s simply another way of moving through the world. For ADHD musicians, it can mean freedom and originality, but also some gaps that need scaffolding so your creativity actually reaches people. Do you think you’re an Otrovert? Let me know!