Adam Hammer doesn’t claim to sing about topics he can’t relate to.

“I sing about life, I sing about what I know,” Hammer said.

Growing up in the Fergus Falls area, Hammer lived a life riddled with problems, homelessness and emotional pain.

While the past is something he’s turned his back on, he hasn’t forgotten the lessons he’s learned. In fact, those lessons have led to singles such as “Scars for Diamonds,” which touches on the tough days of his late teens and early 20s.

Now living near St. Cloud, Hammer is looking forward to performing his music in the town that for many years was home.

Hammer, a former photographer for the Albert Lea Tribune who now works at the St. Cloud Times, performed Wednesday in the M State-Fergus Falls Fireplace Lounge during the college’s weekly Midweek Melodies series.

Having graduated from the college in 2002, Hammer recalls performing music there as a student — in a much different fashion.

His music now, he claims, has changed a great deal, from a punk-inspired genre to one he now refers to as “tattooed folk.”

Those who haven’t seen Hammer play for years were a bit surprised to see the transformation he and his music have made, he said.

“I’m singing from the heart,” Hammer said. “I’m able to write from the heart, which makes my music very real.”

He describes his music as having some hints of folk, some hints of alternative and some elements of rock.

“It’s unique, interesting and a little bit edgy,” he said.

Though his lyrics carry meaning, Hammer also understands what grabs a crowd’s attention.

“Not all my music is about the message,” he said. “It’s poetic and fun to listen to. I think that’s the one thing I have going for me.”

But for those who tend to tune in to the message the musician is trying to convey, listeners will come across a central theme.

“I’ve lived a long, interesting strange life in a short amount of time,” he said. “It’s kind of like a car wreck. But we survived the car wreck and we all got through it. If people pay attention, they can relate.”

Hammer is in the process of recording his second CD. The timing for his college performance is right on, he explains, as he has a whole list of songs just waiting to be heard.

“In a month, I’ll just write a fury of songs,” he said. “That’s the place I am right now. I’ really looking forward to getting out there and playing.”

Hammer performed twice at the gazebo at Fountain Lake Park when he lived in Albert Lea, and he now regulary performs in the St. Cloud area.

“I invite everyone to come around and watch my car wreck,” he said.