Meet Anson Li | Music Artist – ANSON

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anson Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anson, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My whole life, music has been an outlet for me to express myself and helped shape my identity along with getting me through many tough moments. I chose to pursue being an artist because the freedom of expression, the connection with an audience, and the satisfaction of creation is nothing like anything I have experienced in any other field. When everything aligns, it’s the most rewarding and happiest moments in my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started ANSON in 2015 in my bedroom. The project publicly released in 2017. 10 years later, it’s surreal to still be here making music I love and have people all around the world listening to it. I’m so grateful for that.

It hasn’t been an easy journey for this project. Even from the beginning, before the project was ever released, there were many lineup changes which continues to occur even to this day.

The first EP I wrote myself and then tried to get a band together to support it which quickly fizzled and caused this plague of rotating members, but as the years have gone on, I think it’s been cool that this has happened because it has influenced the music in a way that has made it diverse. It started off as my take on my favorite genres (emo & pop punk) and has now traveled into many other avenues (alt rock, acoustic, and EDM to name a few). It’s been really cool to see the music transform and has helped me become a better more diverse artist. If you haven’t listened to my music before, there is something for everyone and I invite you to take a listen and see what you connect with.

Other challenges have included lack of industry and financial support to really make the vision what I want it to be. You also can’t sacrifice your well being and life for it. At one point I was broke living in my car and that’s when I knew this wasn’t the right way to do it.

Also, this industry is a dumpster fire of toxic people you have to pander and advocate your music too which can be very daunting, but you gotta keep moving and fighting for what you love in hopes one day someone will connect and champion your vision.

I overcame these challenges by finding a balance in my life, being patient, reframing my mindset, and just continue on the path of enjoying what I ultimately love doing which is making music.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question! Not to brag, but I feel like I’m quite a good tour guide and curator of Los Angeles. Here’s what roughly week long trip in LA with friends visiting would look like.

Food
Salsa & Beer (IYKYK)
Pine & Crane
Bacari
Castaway
Macaroni Republic
Maury’s
SK Donut & Croissant
Sanamluang Café
Dan Modern Chinese
Mendocino Farms
Kura Sushi (I know it’s a chain, but it’s SO GOOD)
Mamie Italian Kitchen
Apollonia’s Pizzeria
Sugar Fish
8oz Poke

Drink
Forman’s Whiskey Tavern
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
Sassafras Saloon
Bar Lubitsch
No Vacancy
Scum and Villainy Cantina

Places
Manhattan Beach
Balboa Island
The Strand
Corona Del Mar Beach

Hikes
Fryman Canyon
Blackstar Canyon
Switzer Falls
Michael D Antonovich Trail

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have supported and made an impact on my journey. It is very hard to choose. However, one person I would like to shoutout is my soon to be wife, Meredith. She has always encouraged me to pursue my passion of music and has always been there for me even in my darkest moments. Thank you for being behind the scenes for the past years helping me with my vision. I love you!

Website: https://ansonofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ansonofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANSONofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnsonOfficial

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F0mwtDsLi4dKzug5JB5gn?si=3EPNV2DVQeuL5BSGrO1Ahg

Image Credits
@Sunshinesyd97
@chantalevshots