He’s long since swapped the ’90s metal band cliches for writing honest lyrics rooted in homegrown memories. Rob Anthony’s traded in the leather pants and long hair for a relate-able, edgy acoustic vibe, and his willingness to write vulnerable lyrics and remain accessible to fans has taken him to where local artists hope to someday arrive.
Once signed to a major label with metal group Acrophet, Anthony knows the pitfalls of “making it” and what it means to do it the right way, on your own terms – by coming home.
The Green Room put the singer/songwriter – who you may have seen coloring the air inside local lounges like Deja Vu, and playing any number festivals or private events around the Valley (think Octoberfest) – in The Green Room hot seat to see what the self-described walking promotion had to say:
Name: Rob Anthony.
Place he calls home: Appleton.
Get a taste: www.robanthonymusic.com and www.myspace.com/robanthonymusic.
Fill in the blank…
1. Today, it’s (Tuesday) at (10:20 p.m.), and I’m (watching The Shawshank Redemption), but right now I’m most looking forward to (getting on my Harley for a late night ride).
2.The mantra, motto or quote that best sums up the philosophy that guides my music career is: “find the job you love and you’ll never have to work again.”
3. The one or two people I’d die to get onstage with: John Mellencamp, the Eagles and Foo Fighters.
4. If I wasn’t a singer/songwriter, you’d most likely see me … I honestly don’t know what I’d do. That’s pretty sad…I should have a back up plan!
5. No one would ever guess that I’d really love to record a Metal/Electronica album.
6. My craziest fan experience was … After a show I was putting away my guitars in my truck and noticed lip stick kisses all over my truck window and mirrors. The scary thing is how did she know it was my truck?!?!
MIGGIE BACKSTAGE: From clothes to hair and onstage – what goes into being Rob Anthony?
Rob Anthony: A lot of hairspray, leather and chains! Ahhh … Just kidding. Not too sure about that, I’m pretty simple when it comes to clothes. Any black shirt with jeans. As far as my attitude I’m just honest and giving it my all at any performance.
MB: I’ve often heard musicians talk about how their downfall could actually be getting signed too soon, or before they’re ready … Others think the opposite. What are your thoughts on that starry-eyed notion that ‘making it big’ is hinged on getting signed to a major, and as fast as possible?
Anthony: I think if someone has the chance to get signed, go for it and learn as much as you can about the music business. On the other hand I think greater things come when preparation meets opportunity, so there is benefit from getting some road experience, so to speak, before signing your music away. Because that’s what happens if you haven’t done most of the work yourself before entering into a contract.
MB:What big mistakes have you seen artists make?
Anthony: Not learning that the music business is called that for a reason – a business.
MB: You’re a testament to the few artists who’ve been able to make music full time and be successful. What’s the day-in, day-out behind-the-scenes work like that goes into making a living as an indie musician here?
Anthony: The most important part of every day is communication and promotion. I need access to email and the Internet 24/7 to keep up with mail and bookings. In regard to promotion and marketing, it comes down to this: I look at every day like I’m running for office. Meaning I’m constantly out promoting my music with CD samplers, performances and offering to give back to my community through my music. Find the job you love and you’ll never have to work again!
MB: Do you see yourself sticking around Appleton, or would you make the move if the ‘right opportunity’ came along?
Anthony: I’ll always call Appleton home, and it would have (to be) a pretty great opportunity to leave here.
MB: Music fans and musicians often have strong opinions about artists who “sell out.” I know fellow musicians gave Verona Grove a good-natured hard time about doing the McDonald’s campaign. And you’ve also taken your acoustic rock in various directions – especially “Down The Road” … Is it all part of the biz, or where would you draw the line?
Anthony: I wouldn’t draw the line anywhere! Today there are no rules with your music and how creative you want to be with it, especially when companies such as McDonald’s and Fed Ex offer some pretty good money, which in turn helps us provide free CDs to those fellow musicians who rarely ever buy our CDs. Sell out? Every day I sell out.
MB: People in small cities like to talk, which can put musicians in an interesting spot if a song is written about someone or something. Does living in the Valley affect what you put out there or write?
Anthony: If you don’t put a name in the song you’re safe! Ha … But there are a couple new songs that might raise a few eyebrows in the area on my next CD. I’ll just leave it at that.
MB: In your opinion, is there anything missing from the music scene here? If you had it your way, what would the local music front look like?
Anthony: I think it looks and sounds pretty good here. I travel to a lot of cities around the country, and believe me when I say we’ve got it pretty good.
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