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

Hi Anthony, why did you pursue a creative career?
To put it simply, it makes me happy, it brings me joy, and I am good at it. I see inspiration every day in my surroundings, and I pull from the aesthetics of life. I truly believe that we are each here for a reason, a purpose. Creativity is such an individualistic quality. Everyone has a unique self-expression and I intend to express myself as much I can in this life while I’m still here. Unfortunately, everyone does not have the luxury to express themselves freely in this world. Others are afraid to express themselves out of fear of judgement. I hope that my audacity to live authentically can empower others to be themselves. To be free.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve learned that my artistic freedom is most important to me. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to sing on a stage in cool clothes with cool people. I am grateful to have achieved that goal when I was a contestant on Season 5 of NBC’s hit show “The Voice” (Team CeeLo Green & Team Christina Aguilera). As I’ve gotten older, I realized that it is the freedom that I feel on stage that I love the most. I’m excited to finally release music that expresses my authenticity as an artist. My self-awareness came with time. I’m at an age now, that I’m not concerned about the negative opinions of others. Not everyone is going to like or resonate with my art, and that’s okay. I was exposed to so many styles of music growing up and I have found a way to incorporate all of them into my sound. I aim to produce and write music that vastly traverses the pop aura. I realize that it is such gift to be able to create music, a gift that not everyone is blessed to have, and a gift that so many want. I have learned that as long as I keep going it gets easier, ideas come quicker, and my songs get better.

Currently, I am preparing for the release of my newest project “Sidelines x Field Day”. I am so excited to share these songs that I’ve been working on for the past year. I’ve seen so much growth in my craft during the conception of these songs and their visuals to follow. Every time I create a new song or a new visual, I make sure to note what works and what doesn’t. I review old footage, study my heroes, and push myself to be better. I am confident that I have done just that with ‘Sidelines x Field Day”. The project will be live on all music streaming platforms on August 6, 2021.
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?
My friends and I love to eat. If we aren’t at the beach, we are out eating something. We would spend the bulk of each day in the sun. We normally go to Manhattan Beach and check out some of the local shops. One of our favorite spots to grab dinner there is Mangiamo Ristorante. I always get the Vodka Pasta. Next, I would make sure we went to Six Flags. It’s nice to live so close, it allows us to go for a few hours whenever we feel like it. One thing that is a must is to head up to Santa Barbara for some wine tasting. We make a day trip to get some good wine and good food at the many wineries up there. Of course, we would hike up to the Hollywood sign. It’s one of those things you just have to do when you’re in town. My friends and I would also make sure to spend one day just exploring the many food trucks around the LA area. 2 trucks I consistently visit are Pablito’s Pizza and Birrieria San Marcos. You can never go wrong with Pizza and Tacos. As for nightlife, I would take my friends to West Hollywood. I’ve never had a dull night there. We would for sure visit The Abbey and Rocco’s WEHO. Both places have such a fun atmosphere, great food, and drinks. Once we have a day to sleep off all of the food we’ve eaten, we would head to the Grove. There are so many places to shop. Aside from eating, my friends and I love to buy new clothes. My friends and I are simple, all we need is good music, good food, and good vibes to have a great time!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had the privilege to have such a strong support system throughout my life, as well as people that pushed and inspired me to pursue my passions. The first is my high school show choir director, Randall S. Lanoue. I watched him bring his ideas to life. He focused on the details, storytelling, and hard work. He introduced me to the true lesson of rehearsal. Being willing to spend as much time as it takes to perfect your craft in order to be undeniably great. I am grateful that I learned that lesson at such a young age. I learned that self-discipline can be the difference between achieving your goals or living in regret. He stayed authentic to himself, always, and never allowed his surroundings to dim his light.

Susan Moninger was my choir professor at Elmhurst University. She is the example of hard work and persistence creating excellence. It is because of her that I am not afraid to continue to pursue my career in music. I had so many opportunities in college to perform with some incredibly notable artists and Sue made them all happen. Now, when I am presented with an opportunity to perform, I’m not afraid of anything. Sue always made sure that we as a choir were prepared for anything. I still carry that lesson of preparation with me today. There’s no reason to be afraid if you’re prepared for anything and everything. When you work hard and are persistent in your efforts, only incredible things can happen.

Dan Dun is the Founder and CEO of Harness Power, as well as Prosody Music Inc. When he is not providing clean renewable energy and saving the world from the use of fossil fuels, he is writing and producing music with me. I am thankful to have found someone that believes in my vision and helps me bring my ideas to life. It is while working with him, that I’ve grown in the conception of my sound and strengthened my writing abilities. He encourages my artistic integrity while always adding value to my design. Through working with him, the possibilities I see for my music have evolved. I know that his belief in my music and talent will expand my music career to new heights.

Last but absolutely not least, my friends and family. They continue to cheer me on and lift me up. The bulk of my team here in LA consists of friends from my home, Cleveland, Ohio. All of us Ohio kids moved out here to follow our dreams, we’ve stuck together, and continue to support one another. I’ve also made some incredible friends since moving to LA that share my love of music and creation that inspire me every day. A strong and supportive team is everything.

Website: https://linktr.ee/AnthonyPaul

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyCPaul

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDn-0GLAEutPl41SfTF7JA

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W4BdrikzKTiXT9XPMCP6m?si=5dRgl8JVSdOYLmTTROxE-w Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anthony-paul/280281582

Image Credits
Logan Powaski Leah Butcher Manny Liotta

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