We were lucky to catch up with Anthony Conley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anthony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

To be honest, all of my projects are meaningful. All of my music speaks on mental health and suicide prevention. My upcoming project, Ponyboy, tells the story of running from your problems and fears, only to realize that in order to heal, you must face it all head on. Ponyboy was written entirely by my bestfriend/producer Tre aka LAV KAI and I. The EP was produced, mixed, and mastered by LAV KAI as well. We wanted to make meaningful music for people to dance to, while still having the darker, goth vibes that HANDSXFEET is known for. I feel we accomplished exactly that! Ponyboy releases on Halloween Night on all platforms. I hope whoever listens to it can connect to the words and be encouraged and inspired. That’s all I can ask for out of this life.

Anthony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

HANDSXFEET is unique in many ways. I have never met another music artist or band that is also a mental health professional, certified in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Especially in the underground scene. I have been working voluntarily in suicide prevention for the last decade, while maintaining a fulltime job and music career. As of earlier this year, I transitioned into a career as a Behavioral Health Technician. I also give mental health lectures at local high schools. Music has always been my safe place, a healthy outlet. As a kid, I looked up to all the bands and artists I was listening to. Now that I’m older, I aim to be a role model for all those who find my music. Being straight edge(sober) in the underground music scene is, unfortunately, also unique. And that’s okay, sobriety isn’t for everyone. But these kids need to know it’s possible. I am able to take it a step further than my music by providing mental health services as well. All these aspects of my life dance to the same beat.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to be able to tour to major cities, spending a week at each city, taking a few days to give mental health lectures and support at the high schools in the area. Then, invite everyone out to a show on the weekend, getting local acts involved as well. My local music scene gave me the space for healing that I so desperately needed after losing immediate family to suicide and addiction. I would love to help get others involved in their own local music scene, while also providing opportunity for local bands/artists. I have never heard or seen anything like this being done before, and I still don’t exactly know how I’ll pull it off, but I know that when these tours come to life, they will make such a positive impact wherever I go. I don’t care if my name isn’t attached to the impact, it’s not about me. I just want to do all I can to help others find peace and healing.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, especially one focusing on mental health, is when someone tells me how much my music and my words have helped them in their lives. I’ve been so blessed to have been told this many times, which for me, means I’ve already accomplished what I’ve set out to do. Anything else is a plus.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sorrowcircle.com/collections/handsxfeet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xhandsxfeetx?igsh=MTBwb2ZxYWNtOWUwNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/aMBRSLdGVgI?si=Hkc25u8v-nZOkafE
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6meeNR13qYqptEi8NoXLhP?si=vL7zqpSYSBeVb32BPY8gRg

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/handsxfeet/1489128259

Image Credits

Cover photo and photo 1-2: @Mateophx
Photo 3: @desiredemise
Photo 5: @xavela.photography