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

Hi Anthony, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Thanks so much for having me! Music has been a part of my life ever since the beginning. I’ve always been drawn to music as a form of creative expression, and I appreciate the way it allows us to share thoughts and emotions in a unique way. At first, I was inspired to pursue a career in music following in the footsteps of my musical heroes, like Max Martin, Sam Smith, and Ariana Grande, who’ve helped me navigate some of my life’s challenging times. I developed a great appreciation for their uplifting and empowering anthems, which I now strive to reflect in my own music. As I’ve matured as an artist and songwriter, I find myself leaning ever more into the role of a musical activist, where I wish to represent the LGBTQ+ community and expand upon what it means to be queer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to becoming an artist was anything but straightforward. I suppose, in order to best illustrate how I’ve arrived where I am today, I should back up to when I was a pre-teen in middle school struggling to understand my sexuality. Growing up gay in a conservative, religious community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made me feel like an outsider, and I had the constant feeling that I was making others around me uncomfortable just by being myself. I didn’t understand why at the time, but I was compelled to suppress parts of myself in order to gain acceptance and approval. Many years later, after reckoning with my sexuality, music helped me begin the process of repairing my self-esteem and regaining my confidence. One of the biggest lessons I learned during this time was that people shouldn’t be judged, hated, or excluded based on aspects that are beyond their control, and I’ve made it a big part of my mission as an artist to empower those who are persecuted or marginalized for these reasons. Through my music, I hope to empower anyone who’s struggling like I was, spread understanding for the LGBTQ+ community, and find common ground with my listeners, no matter their background.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness, there are so many incredible places and activities to enjoy in Los Angeles! Where to begin is the question… I would say, given a week in L.A., I would start with a day in Hollywood seeing the Walk of Fame and watching the sunset from Griffith Observatory. It’s one of my favorite views, and I love seeing the transition from day to night across the city in this spot. For dinner, a trip up to Perch, a rooftop restaurant in Downtown L.A., would be an incredible way to kick-off the week. From there, I would explore Santa Monica beach and pier, go bar-hopping in West Hollywood, check out the Getty Center and Getty Villa art museums, spend a day at Universal Studios and Disneyland theme parks, take a day trip to Malibu and Zuma beaches, go hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Walt Disney Concert Hall, catch a Dodgers or Lakers game, and I could go on. Can you tell I really love L.A.?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love this question! There are so many people who’ve uplifted and guided me along my journey as an artist. My family has always been a huge source of love and support for me throughout my life, so I would be remiss not to recognize them at the forefront. Outside of my family though, I must mention the Durango Songwriters Expo, organized by Jim Attebery, as an incredible group that has enriched my musical life and opened great opportunities for my career. Many of my best friends have come to me through the Durango Songwriters community, and together, we support each other in many ways beyond just music. I consider the Durango Songwriters community to be like my second family.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.quaid/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJsee_uQlONZtQoteUKXDw

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nMqwkgulwNJdzn0G3sM09?si=4h_i_m6TT7uqQlow2ZNYbA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anthony-quaid/1512534630

Image Credits
Airam Dato-on; Anthony Romano; Sean Maple; Louis Richner; Jenna Doolittle

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