NYC Drummer Anthony Anderson Can’t Be Stopped
Anthony Anderson, (Not to be confused with the funny guy), was one of our favorite interviews. The NYC bred talent -- who is undoubtedly one of the city's best drummers -- has always marched to his own beat, one in which the music crowd in NYC would agree is pretty damn good. While his vast collection of drum videos and covers are fire, we were equally astonished by his story. From growing up as one of 19 siblings, to the death of his father drawing him towards the drums, this one is a must read.
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What's your name and where are you from?
I’m Anthony Anderson, commonly confused with the comedian (LOL), though I like to laugh. I’m a musician, a Drummer with a dream, born and raised in the South Bronx. I’m a city boy, usually walking on the streets of New York city, air drumming, with a huge fro, gauges, and last I counted, 28 tattoos…99% of the time, I’m wearing black. I’m 27 years old and of Jamaican and Puerto Rican descent.
What's your style like musically? Who are some of the best drummers inspiration wise for you?
My style varies but I can say it’s rooted from Rock. LMAO, I was the Black dude rocking goth clothes in High school listening to rock music like Blink 182, SlipKnot, and Yellowcard. As I got older, you appreciate so many types of music, you hear how the drums can be played differently through every genre, so I embrace all types of music like Jazz, R&B, and Indie. I also incorporate my style through Hip Hop and Reggae. I’m an island boy. My technique is like a GRITTY VIBE!! LOL! It’s raw, textured, and I base it off the different tempos, feels and flows of the songs I am playing to. It’s either fast paced, where I could use every part of the drum set or I’m gliding to something that’s just slow tempo and soothing. I like anything that has transitions in the music and can add tone to it. It’s this dramatic feel to it to make the sounds of each drum come alive believe it or not. It’s hard to compare to other drummers because the beauty of that is that we each have a signature style.
What's your first memory with the drums? Who/what drew you towards it?
Wow. My memories are what made me. It’s interesting because I can’t remember a lot of my early childhood, but I can remember when I was first introduced to music and the drums. The first and best memories of learning how to play the drums was taught by my dad. I would bang on anything that I could reach or find. Pots and Pans, table tops, stair case steps, you name it. The memory of me and my Dad felt like a beginning, an end, and then a will to continue again. I was 9 years old when he taught me how to play and that same year I lost him. He died that Father’s Day and I never stopped. It was the only memory and time that we had really had shared together. Today, I continue to play loud enough for him to hear me. My love for music is my passion and therapy. If I’m happy. I’m drumming. Angry. Drumming. Need an escape for anything, be it good or bad, I always turned to drums. And now I continue to play the drums in his honor, by his grace, and through the happiness I have when I play and perform for people.
What's the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome in your career?
See when you go through obstacles early in your life, with my career my only motivation is to progress through them and come out stronger from it. I was raised that way. It’s been the theme song of my entire life. Career wise, I’ve had to start over or best put start new. I had to learn how to be on my own as solo musician, even though that might not have been what I intended to do. It’s a test of character when you’re willing to walk away even if what you loved what was behind you. It’s hard to separate from something that you help built. I had to learn over time that no one can take away or replace your work. You can make an imprint. I’m thankful for the opportunities of being a part of unit from the foundation up, accomplishing a lot and creating experiences that has shaped me. Challenges are a cause for change, so ultimately anything that doesn’t break you can only make you stronger. I hope to continue that growth as a person and a musician too.
You have an impressive social following. How has your following grown and how important is a large social media following to a musician these days in your opinion?
Thanks! I love interaction. Artists have a platform to not only showcase themselves but it’s such a way to build new relationships. I love seeing what artists are working on and then having that returned support for my work. My growth has come from being alert to what’s going or what’s trending.
A musician’s package is a blend. The talent of course should attract people and then there has to be a base where you promote yourself. I think a musician should share a story online. Show your start, your progress, your wins…shoot even your losses. You’d be surprised how many people can relate to an honest grind.
What's your favorite memory since picking up the drumsticks?
You know, first I can say picking up the drumsticks every time reminds me of the memory of my Dad. It’s like a staple in my head that literally connects me to how I’ve come to sit on this throne. This all stems from him. Another great memory, was playing in Rwanda, Africa with my former band, and being approached by this young kid who wanted to be a drummer. I gave him my drumsticks and when I got the chance to go back to Africa the following year, he found me and told me on how far he’s come along. That right there, gave me this need to always play it forward, same as how there are drummers that inspire me. I look forward to creating new memories too!
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