We recently connected with Anthony Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Anthony , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking a risk is what led me to where I am today. From the importance of vulnerability, to challenging myself to become better, to developing my craft, all served as important components as to why the risk was worth it. You have to be open to doing the heavy lifting when building your own foundation. Even in the essence of self-worth. who you surround yourself with, the importance of protecting your peace, and even stepping outside of your comfort zone, all play a role in establishing your boundaries and what you’re willing to do. Risk can be rewarding when it comes to fulfilling your journey. It can make you resilient.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Anthony Anderson, 32, has created a whole new imprint to drumming and percussion. Having transitioned from a band to being on his own eight years ago, Anthony has showcased an elevated essence of being a “one man band”. As 1 of 19 siblings, Anthony is the sole musician of the family and was taught how to play the drums by his father, who tragically passed when Anthony was 9 years old on Father’s Day. His father’s spirit serves as the complete motivational force for him to pursue and perfect his style of drumming.

The New York scene and sound has always served as an inspiration to his playing style. Known as the “Air Drummin’ Dude with the Fro’” around the NYC community, Anthony can always be seen drumming with his hands in the air, rocking out to music of all forms. Having traveled across all 50 states nationally for tour and performing for 10,000 people in Rwanda, Africa, twice, Anthony’s mission is to take his sound both locally and globally with an elevated flair. Anthony has one goal: to showcase to young musicians that you can stand alone and be heard. Anthony’s sound has been heard all over New York and beyond, having played at notable establishments & events such as the Irving Plaza, DROM, Nublu NYC, National Sawdust, Bronx Museum, Bronx Night Marketplace, and Queens Night Marketplace to name a few. He has worked with known brands such as Adidas, Timberland, Dove MEN, Coca Cola, Presidente and Jack Daniels.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I learned a long time ago that familiarity breeds contempt. Based on my love for rock and the beginning stages of my drum journey, I appreciated the band dynamic. My love for unity and being a part of a family often pushed me to put the needs of others before my own. Drummers are commonly known as the heartbeat of the band and the one who sets the pace. It is through that and taking the literal “backseat” in the band, that it became difficult to find my voice. No pun intended, as I can’t carry a note! i love being a part of a band, I just wanted to be a part of unit that respects all of its members. In my position of having been in a few bands over the course of my 20-year career, when I felt that it was time to leave, I had no idea how I’d continue on my own. Having made one of the hardest decisions and in the same breath, one that ultimately saved my passion for music, I transitioned into becoming a solo artist. That in turn had a vital effect on where I’d live, maintaining a steady source of income, and still presenting myself as a viable artist that had something to offer in the entertainment industry. It was so difficult. I became “houseless”, crashing on friends couches or staying with family a couple days a week. Working a series of dead-end jobs to pay for studio time and finding a place to house my entire kit. I had to learn about entrepreneurship and marketing on how I would best introduce myself as a hirable performing artist. What took work and determination, ultimately became the steppingstone of what I hope is the beginning of a successful career as an independent artist. Finding my niche and providing live drums for all types of events and occasions became a new love of mine through music.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is self-discovery. I have full control on how I want to be seen and how I present my craft to the world. Though it takes work and the constant need of being abreast to a new style of live entertainment, I finally feel like that there is a place for instrumentalists to thrive in. The reward for me, started with referrals I’d received from people who heard how I played at other events. I wanted to set a precedent. I wanted people to know that if hired, I would bring an experience to your celebration that you couldn’t forget. I pride myself on professionalism. Knowing the type of music that the client loves, building strong relationships with clients that became returned requests to play for them again, and ensuring they’d have moments to save, be it videos or pictures, to remember me by. The reward is knowing that I did my job and that I did it well. Consistency has become my better half and the method of discipline that kept me producing the same work and not under delivering.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.anderson.drums/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthonyandersondrums/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAndersonDrums
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2kbBLZrFEvaNo6cvJJvKQ

Image Credits
Image credits include: Jihan Antoine BTXphotography The Bronxer Mudassir Khalid