Thanks to Brian Anthony for doing this interview!
For the new fans reading this, why don’t you tell us a little about
yourself? How long have you been performing?
Hi guys, my name is Brian Anthony. First of all, I'd like to say
thanks for your interest in myself and my music. I've been singing and
dancing...it feels like, since in diapers. But, really, I started
professionally songwriting at age 11. I then began recording my own original
piano compositions at the age of 13...and it was there that I learned
the fundamentals of producing (although now--I record with different
equipment, almost entirely). I began performing on stage around the same
time in straight plays...and then off to musical theater, where the
majority of my time was spent--doing homework...running from the make-up
lady...and chomping on a burger.
How would you describe your music?
My music is simple--and not really convoluted with situations and
concepts that are not easily understood. I feel like my music is really an
extension and an expression of myself...so, it's really relateable, and
heartfelt, mostly carrying a positive message and emmoting energy, and
passion. The production end of it consists of an R&B bottom-groove (to
make you get up and dance) and a melody that is catchy and is easy to
remember or learn quickly--say--when driving in the car. The ballads
that I write are piano based...and I also like to keep them simple and
timeless...and relateable.
What can fans expect to find/experience at your shows?
Fans can expect a real "show". I don't just get up and sing and "call
it a day". I hate going to a concert and seeing the performer just
chained to their mike stand. I am a professional dancer as well. So, I
like to add in lots of choreography and personality to the numbers. One
can even expect a theatrical flare...a little acting...and just plain
fun and silliness. I like to be able to connect with the crowd...and
make them feel how good music makes me feel.
What are your goals/hopes to accomplish with your music?
Well, "when I grow up"...I would just like to be known for being a
singer/songwriter/performer that can really just make people "feel" with my
music. I would like to also be known for being a really hard worker,
devoted, and a positive influence and role model to young people. If I
can use my music to help others, I think that would be the ultimate for
me. And simply, I really just want to make everyone happy. It's a
priviledge to do what I am doing--so I want to be able to do a good job,
give back, and help others.
If you could do a duet with any artist out there right now, who would
it be and why?
GOD...there's so MANY! You know...I really like Stacy Orrico. I think
that Kelly Clarkson is really amazing--she might be my first pick. I
would really like to perform while Burt Bacharach or Jim Brickman is
playing the piano. I would love to perform with JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT.
I've met her several times...and she is so sweet and down to earth...and
most people haven't caught on...but she is EXTREMELY TALENTED--AND
GORGEOUS!!!
If you could open up for any artist out there right now, who would it
be? If you could perform anywhere, where would you pick and why?
I would love to open for JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA.
I've also had the pleasure of meeting Christina--and she was also very
kind to me. I'm part hispanic (and half ITALIAN)...and used to be in a
Spanish/English group...and I love the fact that Christina always sings
Spanish standards when she tours. So, it would be nice to be sarranaded
by her...and at the same time...show everyone that there is another
solo boy act that can blow them away BESIDES Justin. (Props to Justin
though, he is so talented and confident!)
I would ALSO love to open for Jennifer Lopez if she ever were to tour
again! I had the pleasure of hanging with her and her manager Benny for
awhile. I also went to the Ricky Martin concert (met him too--also
very nice) with the two of them AND Jen's mom and sisters. They were ALL
so nice and down to earth. The family thing reminded me of MY family
SOOOOooo much back home...so...I think that it would be really great to
spend a lot of time with Jen on a tour. She really is "real"...just
how I like it.
Do you got a favorite song to preform? If yes, what song and why?
I love to perform my song, "Never Again/ That Kind Of Love". It is a
very heavy dance number with my 7 dancers...and my choreographer at the
time, Danny, did an excellent job. The song is about liberating one's
self, coming to one's senses, starting again, and learning...and I
think it has a very positive and strong message as well. I wrote it in
Nashville as well with two very seasoned and talented producer/
writers...Billy Herzig and Jason...so...I like it for having proved myself to
them as a writer and having had that special opportunity.
If you weren't singing, is there something else you could see yourself
doing for a career?
I love singing and songwriting so much...that I don't think I could
ever see myself doing something else ALLTOGETHER. But, I think that all
my experience with acting in theater and commercials and film would
parlez me right back into it. I also have the ability to draw as well. So
maybe something in design. But I wouldn't ever want to venture too far
away from my music. It brings me too much happiness to abandon
completely.
Last one, What message would you like to send out to your fans?
The message:
No matter how negative life can be, how mean spirited people can be, or
how the world can sometimes get you down...always...rise above it. Be
more than what people see...believe in yourself...never take NO for an
answer. I would say, "BE A LEADER and NOT A FOLLOWER". You can do
anything you want in life--if you just work HARD. That is what my dad has
always taught myself and my brother--and for some reason--my dad is
ALWAYS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING! Mistakes are to be made to learn from.
Life will have it's share of neigh sayers and obstacles to overcome...but
if you just remain positive in your mind...be a good person (even when
people are horrible to you)...and remain "TRUE TO YOURSELF"...you will
succeed in whatever it is you wish to accomplish. Never lose
faith...risk it all...and you won't fail.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART!
I depend on that one. It has never lied to me or steared me wrong. It
leads me in and out of situations and helps me through life WITHOUT
FAIL. If you listen to it, you will never fail yourself. Depend on it,
it will guide you through insurmountable odds.
PS...my dad says, "Opinions are like noses...everybody has one."
THAT's a beauty AND SELF EXPLANITORY!
Peace!
Thanks for your time
Interview done on 5/27/03