New Studio Album "Into the LIght" Update 11/20/08
Current mood: determined
Category: Music
Hey Everyone,
It has been a while since I have updated you on what's happening here. I have a new album coming out Spring of 2009 entitled "Into the Light". I wanted to have it come out sooner like the end of the year, but complications came and unfortunately this spring is the soonest I can have it available. I have put allot of time in making this record and feel this is the best yet! It will feature 10 instrumental songs that are a mix of progressive rock,jazz, and ballad type music. I will also be booking allot of shows and will be playing live allot in 2009! Thanks everybody for the support please check back often!!
Anthony Michaels Living the Dream 10/12/2008 - Rants and Raves
"The music industry has been going through some major changes over the past few years; even more so it seems in recent weeks as MySpace has made a deal with labels and updated their player. Recently, ReverbNation also added a service to help artists sell their tracks online. Every artist is working hard to achieve what Anthony Michaels seems to have accomplished.
The Instrumental Rock Guitar scene has become popular with names like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen to name a few. The genre is as popular as mainstream metal, though it doesn't seem to get the airplay to match. And while so many musicians (guitarists mostly) find the style inviting and rewarding, they don't seem to have the talent to keep up. But one listen to Anthony Michaels and it's perfectly clear he can hold his own in the virtuoso arena.
His self titled debut CD is half an hour of fantastic guitar work and flowing melodies that offer inspiration to guitarists everywhere. The tracks were recorded at The Hit Department, an online radio station based in Indianapolis, IN. With the assistance of Scott Rainey as producer and engineer, Anthony has created a product that is building a revenue stream.
Anthony Michaels has been playing guitar for sixteen years and teaches in his home and studio in Indiana. He had taught for a music store but realized it was more profitable to go solo. This same mentality surfaced in his band experience having played with a local act up until 1999 when he split off to follow his own path.
He reports that his CD is doing well and he is using the revenue from that release to fund a full length project entitled, "Into the Light"; expected to be released before the end of the year. While most musicians are quick to jump on the CDBaby wagon, Anthony says he isn't planning to go that route. His tracks and albums will be available on iTunes soon if not already.
While recording the first CD he also produced a nice little video for "Pieces of Imagination". Don't expect to find any Hollywood production on this, but do expect to be dazzled by his incredible talent and axe grinding ability. One review of this video and it's easy to see that Anthony Michaels is as fluent with his guitar as he is with his English; and probably more comfortable.
Anthony, as so many artists do these days, attributes a large portion of his popularity and success to MySpace networking. With 35,000 friends and counting, that isn't difficult to understand.
Hard work and persistent dedication are paying off; as they should. But everyone will agree that the big payoff comes by landing a record deal or a major tour opening for a household name. Anthony expects to achieve both in the next several months. While he says he's open to an invitation to join a touring band, he has his heart set on a spring tour of his own. Keep an eye on his site for a list of 2009 performance dates.
Anthony says that musicians need to, "...exaggerate what they do and believe in themselves. Not everyone will love what you do."
Love the style or not there is no way to get around the fact that Anthony Michaels is a talented musician who is truly living the Indie dream. Only time will tell, but as the industry moves towards an uncertain future, one thing is for sure. Anthony Michaels will be a part of that movement making a living doing what he loves."
My Music Video is now up!!! Check it out!!!
Category: Music
Hey Everyone,
I'm very excited about this song it is allot different than the music I have done in the past. It is more of a spunky and experimental tune .I also had the privilege of working with such amazing musicians on this track. They all appear in this video. Dave Toombs keyboards, Robert Harrison on Drums, and the amazing Bo Wallace on bass! Naturally this isn't a hit song but I wouldn't give up anything to be able to perform it!
Q: For the record what is the name of your band or are you a solo artist? I'm a solo Artist…My name is Anthony Michaels… Q: And your name and what do you play in the band? (if solo artist do you play any instruments?)I play Guitar mainly, but I also play Keyboards as well… Q: Can you please tell how us how your band became a band/how you became an artist? Well Started playing guitar in 1992..Then I formed a band right after I left High School called A.O.K. But it broke up in 1999.Then after that…. I never found another group I was interested in being a part of. Then I found my calling when I started writing Instrumental Rock Guitar music. Now this is what I do professionally.. Q: Where are you/or the band originally from? I grew up in Indianapolis… Q: How would you categorize your band or music? (Hard rock, metal, rock, pop, death metal, punk) I hate categorizing music saying it is either this or that. To me it is either a good song or a bad one. But if I had to describe it.. I would call it Progressive Instrumental Guitar music. Q: When did you/or the band play their first concert? Well I debuted my first gig as a solo artist in Indianapolis at a club called the Casba in April of 2006.
Q: What is the biggest crowd you and/or the band have ever played for? I would say the one I was just talking about. There was about of people there that night! Q: So what is your favorite song either that you perform or you like from your album/s? My favorite song I like to perform is my song from my double CD entitled "In God's Glory" It is a very gratifying song to play live! Q: So what can people expect to see at one of your shows that have never seen a show of yours before? Well a brand new band that I put together..lol… But mostly brand new songs! It has been Awhile that I have put new songs uploaded to my music player. Due to the fact how hard it is to make and produce these songs! I feel that live with my new band and the new material. It is the best yet!
Q: How many times do you perform a month? Right now I'm not playing allot Due to the fact I'm focusing on this music video that I'm doing. And recording the songs for the double CD I'm putting out. But when that is done. I'll be booking as much and touring as much as possible!!!!!
Q: Do you think my space is the place to help undiscovered musicians and solo artists?
Yes I do! Myspace has been the crucial thing that has helped me put my music out there to the audience that loves to hear it! Now I sell my music all over the world and able to have all kinds of opportunities that I would never get if it wasn't for myspace
Q: What are your music goals?
Well eventually I would love to get my music out to a larger group than I'm able to now. I want to do a full tour opening for a headlining act.Always looking for a major record contract. And I would love to work with other artists and collaborate with them. I'm always available to tour as a hired gun. If the right band and tour presented itself I'm always available. But this is where my heart is.... doing this kind of music that I do!
Q: What's one thing you would suggest you need if you want to be in the music biz?
Well I would say find what you do the best then exaggerate it.
Q: Was music your passion since you were young?
Yes I always loved music- always wanted to play a instrument.
Q: Are there any new artists out there you like or recommend to people?
Yes there is a lot of guitar players I find Interesting that play very interesting music. I listen to other players and compliment them. If I see someone that does something beyond what I can do I see it as a inspiration. It helps make you better as a musician. But Muris Varajic, Ty Oliver, Eric Stadler, and César Huesca are just a few players I would recommend to people.
Q: What's one question that you tired of people asking you?
If I'm inspired by Steve Vai and why I sound like him. I get this allot. And it is not that I'm trying to compete or diminish what he does. He created a style of music that a lot of people are inspired by including myself I'm inspired by it. But I feel like I'm doing my own thing. When I get out there on stage I don't think about anything except what I'm doing. There is only a select few people that are renowned and do this style of music. He is one of them and it is easy to compare someone to that if you play instrumental music and play a Ibanez too.
Q: Who are you influences?
There are so many, Jimmy Page, John Sykes, Racer X, Paul Gilbert, Richie Kotzen, Steve Lukather, Miles Davis, George Lynch, Joe Satriani, Rush, Eddie Van Halen, Kiss, Frank Marino, Jeff Beck, Giant, Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Vivian Campbell, Chuck Berry, Iron Maiden, Talas, Mr. Big, Queensryche, Gary Moore, John Mclaughlin, Steve Stevens, Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, Michael Schenker, Peter Gabriel, Al Di Meola, Wes Montgomery, Alan Holdsworth, Carlos Santana, Police, Prince, Randy Rhoads, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Zappa, Sting, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Alice in Chains, Jerry Cantrell.....
Q: Who is the one band you would like to tour with? Led Zeppelin
Q: What do you think of the major record labels nowadays? Do you prefer independent or major? And why?
I prefer both actually. I mean some independent labels are beneficial for the artist and some are not. I myself was signed to an independent label back in 2000 (Jetspeed Records). But it never got me anywhere. I do better making this music on my own rater with that label. But I wouldn't say that all Independent labels are bad thing. It depends on the label. As far as major I think that with the help of a label that has allot of money behind it. It obviously helps allot more. But it seems that there are only 2 major labels left, and they are only interested in producing the latest MTV trend that goes out as fast as it came in.
Q: Where do you see the band or yourself in the next five years?
Well I see myself touring more and putting out more albums. I see myself busier allot busier in the next five years!!!!
Q: What does your band or your music sound like? Or how would you describe your sound to someone who has not ever heard your music?
I would describe it as a Instrumental Guitar Extravaganza Spectacle!!
Q: If you could be one animal what would it be and why?
I would definitely be a bird… So I can fly away from allot of bad stuff in the music industry..lol... Q: Do you ever get compared to any band?
Well sometimes Steve Vai and Joe Satriani…lol..
Q: Do you think your band/music can make a difference in the music scene and if so How?
Yes I feel can make a difference. I feel that that my music inspires people. Not to just play guitar, but to hear music that inspires you to go through the day…that makes the day go by better.
Q: What is so different about your band/music that should make people want to listen to your music?
I think it is music that inspirational and that has technical guitar playing that drives it. When I first put this music out. I thought that no one except guitar players would like it. But that turned out to be untrue. It has reached a wide array of listeners of all walks of life.
Q: Do you enjoy what you do or did you start out doing it because it was the "cool thing to do" (be honest, some people just do it to get laid/drugs etc)
Well originally I started playing music to escape from teen misery. I'm a very shy kind of person. The kind of person that my voice doesn't work the way I would like it to. I'm able to talk to people and reach people the way I always wanted to with the guitar. The guitar speaks for me where I can get out what I want to say with the guitar. My guitar is my voice!
Q: Best thing you like about music?
I would say the Guitar. And what can be done with it in regards to my music. Q: Best thing about your fans?
The way that everyone is so passionate and how much this kind of music means to people. There is such a strong and WIDE ranch of fans that enjoy this kind of guitar music. I'm so grateful to have found them!! Q: Favorite aspect of being a musician?
The way I can communicate with people the way I've always wanted to. I can do it with being a guitarist.
Q: Your greatest accomplishment:
I would say believing in myself all these years (and there was allot of bad ones) and never giving up!!!! Q: Hobbies & interests besides music:
I have a strange interest and hobby. I grow Venus flytrap's. Venus flytrap's are a plant that eats things alive. Mostly insects but they can eat all sorts of small animals as well like tiny frogs and tiny fish. Q: Your most prized possession is:
I would say my Nola guitar. It is a White Ibanez that I have customized. Q: If there was one person in history dead or alive you could meet who would it be and why?
I would say Steve Ray Vaughn. I have such a admiration for him and his music. He is my biggest Inspiration on the Guitar!!!! Q: If there was one musician or band dead or alive you could meet who would it be and why? SRV!!!! Q: If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things could you NOT live without?
It would be my guitar, amp, and my Girl..Winnie!!! Q: First album you ever bought?
Motley Crue..Dr.Feel Good Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm real good with Children. I've always wanted to be a Father. Q: What is currently playing in your ipod or cd player?
Metallica In Justice of all and the New Fergie album.. FAVORITES: Favorite food: Pizza Favorite book: Lord of the Rings Favorite movie: Star Wars Favorite song: Van Halen: Jump Favorite album: That is a hard one.. I have like 200 favorite albums Favorite quote: "Love one to another as God has loved you" Q: When you were growing up, do you remember listening to any bands in particular? Yes I grew listening to Van Halen..It was my Mom's Favorite band. And Mine too.. Q: Do you think any band should give it up and call it a day? If so, why?
I don't believe in putting other artists down. If I see someone or hear a band that I personally don't care for I feel hey I don't like it but others do. So this is there freedom of expression. But there is a few groups that I hold my nose if I hear or see them..lol.. Q: Lately who is your favorite band? I've been listening allot of Greg Howe.I love his style on the guitar and his new record.
Q: What do you think of the local music scene nowadays?
Well the scene in Indianapolis where I'm at now. I feel that musicians around here are pretty closed minded to other styles of music that isn't mainstream. I mean to make a living around here you have to be a Juke Box band that plays Top 40 all the time. But the people here want interesting, exciting and original music. So I'm ready to give that to them. Q: Do you have a website people can check out?
Right now just the myspace page. But I will have a website soon though. Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Well I have a music video that will be coming out the end of next month of a new song called "Pieces of Imagination". Featuring a exciting band that I put together for it. Bo Wallace on Bass- Dave Toombs ..boards-and Robert Harrison on drums. And after that I will get ready to release a double CD of brand new songs. The first part of it will be released first. Then the second part will follow. Then I will be playing as much and touring as much as I can!
I apologize for it taking so long to get back to everyone. I A lot has been going on in the past few months! I have posted new pics from a concert that I filled in on Feb. 15 2008! I have a music video that I am working on and will bring to you as soon as I can. I have a live interview coming up soon on my new song "Pieces of Imagination"! I appreciate all of your continued support and hope that you stop by soon to check out the new pics!! Keep Rockin! Your friend Always, ~Anthony Michaels~
it is 6 in the morning in england and i have been partying all night and at the moment i am listening to prodigy mix 2 and i would not want to hear anything else everyone is asleep and you music is at max people have woken up to it and not been angry because and i quote "this is awesome shit to wake up to but could you at least turn it down a bit "i replied no and they said "ok just dont change the song" so i have listened to it about 4 million times and every time i hear it i hear another little piece of of guitar that i did not hear before you truly are an inspiration party goers,people and musicians alike i hope all is well at your end and message back soon.
yours sincerly and quite drunk{but i mean every word}
your friend always paul sorry about the name change{ex punk rocker 101}
please put me and sparky in your top friends just for a little while thanks
My Debut CD is now available for you to own. Here is how to get one. I have it set up where you can get it in 2 ways. The first option is-- You can go through Paypal ( I have a Paypal link on my front page) after a order is placed.I will send you the MP3's stright to your email address along the the album artwork on a Jpeg file. Just send me your email address where you want it to be sent to.Or the second option is-- After a order is placed through Paypal. Just send me a address where to send it.And I will have it shipped to you also.There will be additional shipping and handling charges with this option too, depending where you live.So anyway I wan to say thank you so much to all of you. That have helped support me since I started this Myspace page Back In Feb. It has been a good year this year. Thank you all so much again!! I will have a complete full Length Studio album coming soon..I'am working very hard on that as we speak .It will be a very good Instrumental Guitar Record!
Eh, i personally don't mind if you're late.I'm sure you have alot of mail to read and alot of request's to accept. I personally don't mind the wait, as while i'm waiting i listen to you're music.I'm a very suicidal person,i've put gun's to my head,stabbed myself and everything you can think of but,listening to you're music,it inspire's me and make's me feel good about the life i have and the beautiful girlfriend i have,and how it would hurt even more to loose her.You're had more of an impact on my life with you're music, then anyone's ever had while in person.Thank you very much brother,you're an inspiration through out the world.
Anthony Michaels review Current mood: soulful Category: Music
The music and playing styles of Anthony Michaels, are in sync with the human heart strings. Absolute soulful and melodic, his song Prodigy flows from soft caresses, to heightened pleasures and back again. Beautiful accoustic rhythms play subtly, but clearly, behind an explosive and clean, lead solo. Anthony puts some special touches into Back To One, with excellent hooks and lightning axe work! Fantastic percussion, guitar and bass riffs, mingle together with perfection, in every track!
A must be had Album Coming soon! Can't Wait for that!
determined
accomplished
rockin
happy
optimistic
