Interview: Tony Black
Growing up in a California household that played everything from: Dj Quik, Prince and Nirvana; Tony Black’s appreciation for different music genres is evident in his work. Drawing inspiration from current artists like Zhu, The Neighbourhood and Jon Bellion, his clever flows over the Pop/EDM beats help his fans experience the feel good vibes apparent in his music.
Preview Tony Black’s Music!
What led to you becoming an artist?
I’ve always had a desire to perform since I was a kid. My parents put me in modeling, and I actually did skippy peanut butter commercials believe it or not. I took a break from the more theatrical/camera stuff because all the kids growing up were playing sports and I felt like I was missing out. It wasn’t until I got to high school that I got back into the performing arts world. That’s when I really started to take it serious.
What inspires your music?
All of my music comes from experiences. Whether they are my own or someone close to me – I use that experience or situation to paint a picture for the listeners. There can be times when I’m writing projects; that I take extended time off from creating to find a new muse. I think we’re all more alike than not, and my hope is that listeners are able to find bits of themselves in my music.
Who are some of your influences?
Ouu. So many to name… Jon Bellion is a huge influence on me. His story telling ability and song writing is truly next level greatness. The Neighbourhood I also love. I think they have found a sound and perfected it. Their album, “Wiped Out” is one of my all time favorite alt-rock albums. Then people like Kanye and Drake are obvious influences because they are great at what they do. Post Malone is also a big influence because I think we have similar vibes in a way.
Soon to be favorites: August 08. Guy is heeeeeat.
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
The release party we recently did for “Come Back” was honestly a very dope moment. Seeing how many people came out to support me was really inspiring to see. I often get caught up in my own head about what people think about my music, so to see the support in real time at a packed venue was awesome.
What have been some of the greatest challenges of your career?
Exposure. It’s hard when you know you have something great and you put all this time, effort and money into it and you still feel that it’s under-appreciated. It can sometimes be deflating and have you question if it's worth it – but having those day ones and a support system pushing you to keep going becomes crucial. It only adds to the story.
Which of your songs/eps or albums is your favorite? Why is it your favorite?
Happy AF I think is my favorite album conceptually. I wrote/released it during peak COVID times and it was basically about a battle with depression and anxiety and how I kinda deal with and process the low moments that come in stages.
Love and Propaganda; This album was my favorite to do because it challenged me the most. It was more pop heavy and was the first album where I was really singing for entire songs.
Somewhere in Between; This album I think is my most complete (and most recent) album. Here I found my voice and my pocket I’m most comfortable in. It also closed the chapter to a lot of previous relationships/friendships that I discussed in previous albums.
Favorite song; This is Our home or Carried Away because there’s beauty in pain.
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create your favorite work?
Honestly, everyone I’ve ever worked with on an album holds a special place in my heart. Without them I think those projects would be incomplete.
Los Jenkins is an extraordinary writer and incredible vocal producer.
Sean2 Miles is a genius producer and super dope artist. One of the few people that when we collaborate we take the song to another dimension.
Devin Cruise, another super producer that I’ve developed a great relationship with and he just knows exactly where I’m trying to go with records.
Maq Mozart produced ¼ of the last album and his tracks are some of my favorites. The Mozart in his name is not coincidental.
Diamond-Chase, I think she’s been on almost every album I’ve done except for like the very first one. Incredible vocals and love writing for her.
Daniel Curtis-Lee, C Slim, Rayo, and a couple other artist and producers that I have worked with and will be on the upcoming album. 😎
What are you most excited to bring to your fans in the next year?
These. New. Vibes.
My god this is easily the best music I’ve ever written. The production is nuts. We are also FINALLY doing shows! I think us bringing the live element to all the music we’ve done is going to change the game for us. It’s going to really show the vision of what we are trying to create.
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
A lot of shows. 1M Streams.
How can your fans best support you right now?
Tap in with me on IG. You’ll find everything I’m working on (shows, merch, new records). We’re also releasing a new bi-monthly series called ‘Weekends With TB”. Some fun content of me and the homies, and the shenanigans we get into here in beautiful Southern California.
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