You guys are awesome. I'm not an artist. I'm not a musician. I'm just a guy that likes making music. Your music inspires me, and your words inspire me. The #1 song on the charts right now -- whatever it is -- is forgettable. But your music AND the other work you do is meaningful and unforgettable to ME. Thanks for what you do. Please never stop. Sincerely, A random internet algorithm data point (Call me Jay)
Such an inspiring conversation. The biggest take aways for me were that as artists we should allow ourselves time to discover our voice, and time for that voice to be discovered. And, to not let the problems we are faced with deter us from creating our best work. I feel those of us who truly understand both of those things will be doing this for life.
Bach wrote over 1100 pieces over his 65 years. He started writing by 15. He constantly went back to older compositions to rework them. He was never satisfied in his pursuit of perfecting his creations to his personal satisfaction. Pretty sure he was not making jingles for TV & radio, but he earned a living by church salary, private lessons teaching, gigs, commissioned pieces, and a tiny bit from publishing. Imagine his shock at how seminal his artistic creations. Bach did not realize this. He just developed from his soul. JNJ does not realize this either - he is right there. One of the most amazing artists that have come along in a millennia.
Respect to you both for being so honest, realistic and courage people to focus on what is important for each individual in the creation process. For me it is the creative that is the key and if someone enjoys what I create, fantastic and if people don't like it is all good because we're on different path frequency. Thx for the talk about this subject
This conversation about the business of music represents so much more than that. It speaks to the much larger issue that has encompassed all of life as we know it today…..money and greed has stolen our freedom and destroyed all creativity and authenticity, not just in music, but in all aspects of living. I pray that enough of us awaken to what Tony so eloquently speaks to here and we break free from it. Brilliant conversation on many levels.
One thing I’ll push back on - part of art is not only putting art out, but often fighting the current power structures. Whether it’s calling out Spotify or whatever. I think we can do both. I think it’s bad to think we just have to accept things as they are - I think we need to create AND speak to issues around us. We shouldn’t use events around us to paralyze us. But we should speak about them. Just my perspective.
Hey Michael, thanks for your note. To clarify, I didn’t say that we should accept the incompetence or corruption at Spotify or any similar corporations, I simply believe our time is better spent writing music instead of taking on a company that’s unlikely to change course. Our music will out-age Spotify. There are more artists playing the victim and complaining than there are artists finishing the songs they started. I don’t know about you, but I have limited time and energy each day, and I’d rather finish my songs than waste headspace on the incompetent Swedes running the algorithm. Seriously, ask yourself what has a better net positive result 30 years from now. Are people going to remember your song, or your ideas about Spotify?
Agree, I don't think speaking out against greedy buttholes has to take away from the time and energy you'd be using to create art. Often times, the sense of camaraderie I get from seeing other artists caring about the same issues I do is very inspiring and can be used as fuel for creativity. Tony makes an important point too, which is not to let the negative aspects of such things take away from our creative time and energy.
@@TonyAndersonMusic Yeah that makes a lot of sense. I LOVE your point about making great music and that being the primary focus. I just want us all to keep some pressure on the Tech Bros gobbling up everything and not make it easy for them to do so. I love how some of my favorite artists from the last couple decades found ways to make incredible music AND push back on the systems. But yeah, sitting around complaining and not making music, using it as an excuse, that is really self-defeating. You are right that this goes on a lot. Let's rage against the machine and Rage Against the Machine, if you will, lol.
Great conversation - you’re both saying the things that I think many of us are thinking and nobody wants to say (for whatever reason). Very refreshing and thanks.
Jameson, not many people has the brain capacity to handle Tony’s shenanigans 😂😂😂 you did well. As his long time fan I love it. We all have little child in us, don’t we? :P
This was such an incredible conversation, thank you both very much. I resonated so much with a lot of this on a very deep level. Also, thank you for the deep belly laughs. Such a wonderful blend of thoughtful insight and true satirical comedy.
2 months late to the conversation, sorry. This conversation clarified the words for the messy thoughts I've previously had. Thanks, sincerely, for having the conversation and for sharing it.
brilliant, the sketchy grasp of history, geography and political currents notwithstanding, hehe, nice chat and good advice. also, Captain America Chris Evans directed a romantic drama once upon a time and in it there was a scene where the hotel art signature was on the back of the painting.
fantastic interview, thanks for this, i can also say personally Tony is someone special: as an amateur and lover of his music i decided to write to him directly as i was just curious about a synth patch he used in one of his tracks. He was kind enough to reply and explain, in detail, how he achieved that. Who would do that !??! come on... great music, great guy
Pushing through it and doing an all nighter is adolescent behaviour?🤣 Cmon.. nothing wrong with making it a mission deadlines are great! we all need a kick in the ass sometimes.. If I hadn't had deadlines half the stuff I do wouldn't happen! But hey I´m happy to just make music on your label and just take it real easy.. How much are ya paying?
A lot of musicians out there spend a lot of time talking about how shady the music industry is (which it is). They complain about how underpaid they are (maybe they are). Life isn't fair (it's not). HOWEVER, I'm always incredibly grateful for this period in music. Why? 30 years ago, when I got roped into a stupid Columbia House CD of the month subscription, you know whose CD never would have been in the that catelog even today? Neither of yours. Yet here we are. You're here now, and I see you. No giant media house can stop me from hearing what you do. So here we are... Nathan, I've already joked about what Pandora thinks of you, if you recall. Has that stopped me from enjoying what you make? Hell, at this point I'm fairly certain that I've put more money into the work of this random guy from Mississippi than my mom had to spend bailing me out of that Columbia House subscription in 1992 (sorry mom), and I feel fortunate to have that opportunity. Worth it. There's a lot to loath in the 2024 world, but this at least is real blessing.
I looked for you after realizing I watched a vid with your song I believe with a slow motion track with skate boarders smoke and ballerinas.? Are you the same Tony Anderson?
I love the music I heard things in it I make up words to your instrumental music I would like to see some of the words that I heard in your phone to see if that is what you was feeling it will be okay if it wasn't I still enjoy your music
Tony’s work - “Hope” has been inspiring me through my journey in the US over the past 8 years. Whenever I feel I am losing direction in life, I can always find myself back by listening to it.
