What do you get when you put passion, inspiration, and raw energy together all into one person? You get a musician that’s ready to set the stage on fire each time they perform. Meet drummer, Anthony Anderson from the Boogie Down Bronx, He’s the one.
When did you start performing?
As a Drummer, I feel like I first started performing for an audience when I was in elementary school. It was for the school marching band. As I became older, I played drums for a few rock bands, got experience as to what a touring drummer is, and performed for local clubs and lounges nationally. It wasn’t until I branched out on my own that I got the opportunity to perform live drums at some incredible NYC venues.
Name some of the artists/drummers who have inspired or influenced you?
My love for drums come from a combination of Rock and Hip Hop. Travis Barker, the drummer for Blink 182, inspires me greatly. How he’s been able to incorporate the drums across genres, his collaborations in Hip Hop, fashion brand, all of it serves as a motivation. Diddy’s business sense and his genius pushes me. All drummers that have been able to take their crafts across platforms and create this signature sound with what they do is an influence to me.
How would you describe your drumming style or technique?
Passionate and full energy! When i’m doing a song cover either in the studio or performing live, i strive to bring the song into this hype live experience. My technique is merging the rock with a hip hop beat. The fast-paced tracks let me customize the beat and add on to the energy of the song. I laugh when people say i always close my eyes, because i seem to get lost into what i’m playing. My style is really about energy. The goal is to have people off their feet, thinking that they are watching their favorite artist performing live.
What separates you from other artists?
Every drummer has their own technique. I think I differ from other drummers first with my story. How drumming came into my life started in my home, bonding with my dad. It was one of the first and last moments I connected with him on. As a musician, my influences are all over the place but I try to pull inspirations from all genres. The beauty about music is that you create what you want to showcase to the world. Your sound. Your look. Your style. All and more aids in how you present your artistry to people.
Name some of the major milestones you’ve had in your career?
Drumming both in a band unit and individually has led me to some incredible experiences. As a touring band drummer, I got the opportunity to visit almost every state and travel internationally to Africa, twice. Within the last couple years, I’ve had the great opportunity to work with brands such as Jack Honey and was the first live performing musician to play in the Adidas HQ Flagship store in NYC. My drum covers have been recognized by Hip Hop legend Fat Joe, songwriter DaniLeigh, and I even connected with funny man Anthony Anderson, who people commonly ask if there’s a relation (laughing). I wish! Just as a solo musician, I have been blessed to collaborate with incredible artists and brands. I started my New Year on high note! I had my first feature in a notable drum magazine 21st Century Drummer and performed with Heavy Hitter and Hot 97s DJ Camilo at Tenth Ave NYC earlier this year.
What advice would you offer other aspiring artists?
In retrospect, we always hear advice to aspire people like “Live Each Day…” or “Always Keep Moving,” even specifically when talking about artists. The lifestyle of an artist is a continual grind, non-stop, always with the mission to always evolve. But given the climate with the Coronavirus, if there is anything that I’ve learned as an artist is the importance of knowing what your brand is. If I didn’t have a stage to play on or a studio to practice in, how can I share my passion with the world? During this experience, I have learned how to be multifaceted, the importance of connecting with others, and reflecting on other projects or ideas that I can encompass drumming across different platforms. In this dark time, what has been comforting to see is how creative people can be through music, through art and uplift others. Knowing that I can’t go outside really puts into perspective on how I can still reach people through my work – which was sharing all my videos and introducing my new YouTube Page – Anthony Anderson Drums. It has been a challenge but also pushed me to think outside of the box. Advice I can give to artists is to always be open to a change in climate and make your mark. Never hold yourself to only one type of expression, learn how to create in different environments and be flexible. If you are consistent in your brand and what you represent, people will always recognize your signature.
Any shout outs?
Major shout out and thank you to Dakari Eli for the interview opportunity. Thank to all the music lovers & creatives out there and platforms such as the Urban Mag that tell your story. I’m grateful to all my supporters both new and those who’ve been with me, that continue to take part in my journey. Please be sure to follow my new YouTube Channel at Anthony Anderson Drums and my website launch on April 20th at www.anthonyandersondrums.com
DAKAKI ELI
