Interview with Anthony David


Q: Please tell me where you're coming from musically, who has influenced you, and how do you describe your music to someone who haven't heard of Anthony David yet.

Anthony David: I have recently come across a description for my music that I like that someone gave to me. They described it as Millenium blues. I think that is very fitting because learning guitar I quickly realized that all music is based on blues. Even though I deal with different rythyms and styles, my aproach to it is to find the "blues" in it. Me being from the south, the blues came quite naturally and everything else I attempt to do is spoken with a blues accent so to speak. My favorite influences are Anita Baker, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder - pretty much all the typical ones. Can't really go wrong with certain people, and alot of rappers cause I grew up on mostly that. Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, folks like that.

Q: How come you have started singing in public relatively late in your life?

Anthony David: I started singing in public later because that's how long it took me to have something to say. At least in music. Also being from a small town (Savannah GA) it's not a common thing for somone to want to be a musician for a living and mean it. It took a while for me to accept it and pursue it. But, mostly it wasn't until I started to put things together that I didn't think I had heard out there. Thought maybe people could benefit from it somehow.

Q: You live in Atlanta/Georgia now. What do you like about the music scene there?

Anthony David: Atlanta has always had a great scene from the days of the Royal Peacock and before that. I have been really blessed to be a part and witness to some really amazing artists. I guess you could say I am spoiled. That had a lot to do with me coming out now too. To see such great artists and to have them compliment me did alot for my confidence.

Q: Your album 3 Chords And The Truth also contains a duet with Julie Dexter. Please tell me how you've met her and what was working with her like?

Anthony David: Julie is one of those artists I speak about that I have been lucky enough to see in action and got the extra blessing to be able to work with her. I met her when she was first brought over here from London. We were supposed to play a show together. That didn't quite go but I got a chance to watch her at rehearsal and was blown away. I have been a fan ever since. She lives down the street from me as well so we would run errands together sometimes. She noticed whenever she got into my car that I always listen to roots reggae. She is pretty much the same way, and we said we would do a tune together in that vain. One day I got busy on an idea and when it got going I called her. She came, wrote the hook to my melody and knocked it out. I love that song. She's an awesome writer and a phenomenal vocalist. Everybody who hears her, knows.

Q: You're a friend of India.Arie and wrote the song Part Of My Life for her Voyage To India album. Will there be further collaborations with her? Maybe a duet on your or her next album?

Anthony David: Actually that song was on the Acoustic Soul album.
[oops, sorry I just shouldn't believe everything a press info says and rather look at the records in my collection :-)]
India and I will always collaborate. We are always stumbling across ideas for each other. Sometimes when I am walking in a grocery store or something I will hear a song in the distance and think that it is her voice. When I get close enough to realize that it isn't her, not are they singing what I thought they were, I will save that because it usually means it could be song I could pitch to her later. It would be nice to have something with her. The way we work is kinda organic though, just kinda happens when it happens. We would never just fabricate a duet - I think it would have to really mean something.

Q: Your debut album has been released some months ago (and I was a little late discovering it, I admit). How satisfied are you with the responses to 3 Chords & The Truth so far?

Anthony David: The response has been really good. I feel validated in so many ways. All of these songs have really been a part of my life so it feels good to know that anyone can relate to them at all. Of course i want more and more people to get up on it. But I think that's the benefit of releasing it independently. It's supposed to be slow burn ya know. I don't think it's based on any trend or anything, so I don't feel like it can become dated either. Come one come all.

Q: In your song Krooked Kop you criticize the everyday racism of executive authorities. I really like to hear lyrics that dare to voice an opinion and not just deal with falling in love, being in love or making love. And I really think today's soul music scene should offer more social-conscious lyrics. What's your opinion about the issues soul/r&b musicians sing about these days?

Anthony David: It can be a little one dimensional. You have to admit, Love is fun and easy thing to talk about, but I do like to balance things out. I love artists like Bob Marley, Fela and Public Enemy for not only having that in their music but also making the music ROCK. I think if it's not your bag, it's not your bag; but as a fan I will probably not pick up your album if I don't get a little more substance now and again. It doesn't even have to be political-- just varied topics. I'm into that and I get on myself alot for not doing it more.

Q: What can be expect from you in the future? Are you already working on a sophomore album?

Anthony David: Just look for me to come to your area soon and expose you to 3 chords and the truth. And yes I am working on a sophomore album that I am VERY excited about. It's more beat driven but it comes from the same place. I ride to the demoes all the time, I will probably be sick of it by the time it comes out.

For more infos visit anthonydavidmusic.com, brashmusic.com and read my review of Anthony David's 3 Chords & The Truth.