Friday, April 11, 2008 Wow! I can't believe it's been almost a year since "all outta words..." streeted May 7 of 2008. My 1st solo live performance after many years of working in solitude was at Billie's Black, Mother's Day 2007. I am so grateful that Adriane opened the doors to the restaurant named in honor of her Mother and allowed me to break the new cd in. Now what I have to tell you today is that I’ve been invited back again this year (Thanks also to "sweet as Billie's peach cobbler" Alison - Events coordinator at Billie's). This time the gig is with my black and old gold fraternity brother Mr. Mark Vodery. We hope that you will join us as we honor Mama! For those of you who've not been to Billie's Black before it's a must that should get added to your bucket list (if you have one). From the gourmet omelet’s to the crab cakes and waffles to the amazing French martini's you will certainly enjoy yourself honoring mom, eating some great food and listening to some great music. See the details below.
Finding The Words...
Monday, December 10, 2007
World A.I.D.S. Day - On Saturday, December 1st, I attended a benefit gala sponsored by the Magic Johnson Foundation and Abbot Laboratories, where I became aware of a program that Earvin “Magic” Johnson is spearheading. It’s called the “I Stand with Magic” Program and is part of the Campaign to end HIV/AIDS. That evening Magic had invited a few of his favorite artist to perform at this benefit held at the legendary Apollo Theater. Those artist included Yolanda Adams, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Doug E. Fresh, and New Edition sans Bobby Brown. All gave amazing performances and spoke of their support for this great cause.
16 years ago Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. He has since made it his goal to raise awareness and speak out on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The program is open to all concerned persons over the age of 18, regardless of race or HIV status. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a part of this great cause all you have to do is visit ISTANDWITHMAGIC.COM or call 1 877-9-I STAND (1 877-947-8263). While there you can:
Get informed – Learn about the virus, how you can protect yourself from it and how we can work together to stop it from spreading. The “I Stand With Magic” kit is a great place to start. Go to the ISTANDWITHMAGIC.COM website to learn even more
Get involved – Join the “I Stand with Magic” Program. Pass along the facts to help spread the word not the virus.
Get tested – Know your status. Check it regularly. Go to HIVTEST.ORG or call 1 800 CDC-INFO for free, anonymous testing in your area.
Get treatment – If you are HIV positive, work with your doctor to get the treatment that’s right for you and don’t forget to take your meds. It’s one of the important ways to take care of your health. Go to ISANDWITHMAGIC.COM to find a list of doctors in your area.
Get support – Visit ISTANDWITHMAGIC.COM for a list of websites you can go to for medical, financial and even spiritual support. ©Abbott Laboratories
Finding The Words...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The folks over at BET.com are having a listening party ...click on the graphic to join me...we'll listen together.
Finding The Words...
Friday, October 5, 2007
Finding The Words...
Monday, October 1, 2007
Name Anthony Dixon
City Brooklyn, NY
Style R&B Inspirational
Tell me about yourself, where you're from, background, family
Well...I was born in Glendale, AZ but my family relocated to Panama City, FL where I was raised and got introduced to the world of music by my Mother and her side of the family. The gathering place was the dining room where there also sat a piano. It was a daily concert when my mother and her sisters got together and I guess some of their love for music rubbed off on me, my siblings and cousins as all of us play some instrument or another and sing.
Do you still live there, if not where are you based
I no longer live in Florida...all though I would love to move back someday. Unfortunately the opportunity for me to do my music and create a greater awareness for myself exist right here in Gotham (New York City). I actually live in Brooklyn, NY
What are you working on now
I actually just finished my cd that streeted May 8th of this year. I am now doing all the hard work….doing show’s and selling the product I created (all outta words…) And just trying to get folk who don’t know of me to come out to spend sometime at my shows and buy the cd. I feel myself growning with each show. It’s very exciting.
Do you have a CD out or when can we expect it.
Yup! It is available now. It’s called “all outta words…” It’s available on my website www.anthonydixon.com Folk can get it as a physical cd or they can download the album or individual tracks there also.
How’s it going down – what tracks can we look out for/do you like
Well now…that changes for me quite often as getting in the listening chair on my project and divorcing myself from looking at it as the artiste…basically I discover new interest each time. I’d say that “My Mistress Goes By The Name…” is my favorite song right now…but I like performing “Where Have You Been?” most…and I get the audience involved in the latter which is really fun.
Did you write the songs
Yes. I wrote them all. I will probably invite in other writers and producers on the 2nd project (*thinking ahead*...)
If so tell me about the writing process
It varies. Sometimes I start with a beat and bass line…while at other times I begin with a melody…or song idea. I also re-write once I have the basic idea down because there is always a more creative way to say something that has all ready been said…as there is nothing new under the sun anymore. Well…so I think.
And production?
I did all of the pre-production at home in lonely solitude and then ventured out to the two main studios that I used to complete the production. Inviting in skilled musicians to replay some of the music lines I’d created digitally but with a “real person” performance. I count myself fortunate to have enlisted the talents of legendary jazz musicians’ Lonnie Plaxico, Marvin Sewell, and Abdul Zurihameed. Now the final production was done by the co-producer Mr. Shawn Lucas of Crazy Caps Studio’s. I look forward to working with him more so from the foundation the next time I take on such a venture.
What instruments do you play
I play keyboards well enough to arrange but I most likely won’t be seen playing in a live situation…too much for me to think about all ready. lol
Where is the cd obtainable from
www.anthonydixon.com , iTunes, CDBaby.com…the usual indie selling suspects…ya know.
Tell me about your style, what you do and what do you add to the rest of the stuff out there.
My style has best been described by Dexter Myers, (indiesoul.com), as “r&b inspirational”…it’s not scripturely based but “most” of the messages are uplifting. But I do love to sing a sad ballad every now and again…I think their beautiful and healing in their own way.
Whats your show like, what gigs are you doing.
My show is ever evolving…I do some show’s where all you will hear is my music with a four piece band and backing vocalist ( and a great sound engineer hopefully)…while other shows I may do mostly covers of pop/jazz standards and throw in a couple of my songs. I usually do this when I have to sing without backing vocalist. Most of my songs arrangements require having backing vocals so when I don’t have them I have to change up the set list.
Do you use the same people live as on your recorded material.
No I was fortunate to have the likes of Lonnie Plaxcico, Marvin Sewell (jazz musicians who play with Casandra Wilson frequently). These two brother also have their own show and cd’s so they are not available to me. Also the other players like Shawn Lucas don’t really play live any longer so I normally use a totally new band. The only player from the cd that plays live at my show’s is Ado Coker…she’s a great piano/keyboard player and audience love her and her energy. She’s great!
Do you write your songs, if so what do you draw from.
I do write my own songs and I draw from my own personal experience as well as those around me and sometimes I simply roll with a story in my head that I’ve never experienced but want to write the story and put it to melody. I hear the stories of the characters and they want their story told…so even when it’s not about me I’ll tell it…I’ll sing it.
Tell me about the team of people around you.
Shawn Lucas was my co-producer on this project, and Ado Coker is the most consistent band member so far. I’m independent so the majority of the work and promotion I do on my own. I’ve been approached by a few folk who are interested in managing me but I like having my arms around this biz for now. I want to know what I need management for before I take them on. As I do all of this myself I’m learning what things I’d like a manager to handle and what I’d still like to handle myself.
Whats it like getting yourself heard, and getting stuff down as an independent.
Hard as all get out…frustrating at times but I slowly see the momentum building and I KNOW I’m talented and have a voice/message to share…some will hear it …some will not…nonetheless I don’t know how not to share it. It’s difficult getting your songs airplay as well as getting it in retail and getting folk to buy …I sell best when I actually do a show then it give the listener that chance to hear what their getting before the purchase.
Who are your influences, currently and from back in the day
Currently I am soooooo in love with Vivian Sessom’s and her band “Albright” love their work. Back in the day…I was a big fan of all the balladeer’s like Luther Vandross, James Ingram, Jeffry Osbourne, And I’m anxiously awaiting the new Maxwell, and Trina Broussard projects.
Who else have you worked with?
Jennifer Holliday, Melba Moore, Diana Ross, Tyler Perry, Robert Giluame, Sherman Hemsley, and Cissy Houston. Either as a backing vocalist or a fellow cast member in a few musicals.
What else have you done, how have you got where you are now?
I’ve done musicals like Purlie, CHESS, Ain’t Misbehavin’. I don’t consider myself an actor but in most of those show’s they were looking for a vocalist who could get by acting…but my voice got me the role most times. lol
Has music always been in you from an early age.
Definitely, church and school chorale played a big part as well as many musical family members.
Are you in it full time.
No I still work a 9 to 5 to make ends meet.
What other independent artists are you feeling.
P.J. Morton, Brown Baby Girl, Ledisi, Vivian Sessoms, Daniel Beatty, Angela Johnson, Mike Hammond, April Hill, and Lisala. What’s the scene like where you are.
Many indie artist and musicians but there are only a handful really making some progress in this game. Mostly R&B, Neo-Soul are the shows I attend but there is also a lot of Rock. It’s hard but I put myself in the making progress area.
What is your following like locally.
It’s small but growing. One show may be packed while another is a wee sparse. Lol…I know the masses will come in time.
What do you know about other markets, UK, Europe, Japan etc
Not much but I plan to find out more in 2008. I was just added a few weeks ago to www.garagebandjapan.com It’s a good look cause I’ve been getting lots of hits and buys from Japan.
How do you see Soul Music right now?
I don’t really know. People say there’s no real or good music out anymore but there is…it’s just not always found mainstream. I know it’s overused but “it is what it is.” lol
What are your ambitions?
To eventually make my living completely from my music…be it songwriting for others, selling my cd’s, performing my show and maybe even revisiting the musical theater again.
Whats happening next?
Well I’ve a listening party with ONUTSS tonight and I plan to do a few more show’s this summer. And just working the cd as much as I can here in NY and the east coast…possibly venturing out to the west coast or across the waters to keep the momentum going.
Is there something adventurous you might like to do but haven’t yet with your music?
Mmmmhmmm…but I’m not tellin’ right now.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
When someone tells me they were moved by a lyric or felt a little better because of something they heard in the music/messages that are channeled thru me…even if it’s only one person. Then that is when I enjoy what I do the most. The exchange.
What other things would you like to do.
Write a book of fiction.
A few random one word things:
Favourite artist? Right now…Vivian Sessoms and albright
Film? The Wiz
Actor/Actress? Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett
Food? Just about anything Thai with ginger in it!
Drink? B&B strait up with a splash of sour mix.
City? There's no place like home…Panama City, FL
Country? Hmmmm…I haven’t traveled enough to know but Australia was kewl.
Holiday Vacation? Vacationing back in Florida for the holidays is always nice.
Sport/Team? Atlanta Braves
Anything else you’d like to say?
For any artist who is desirous of advancing in the music game and is willing to do it without “The Machine.” I can tell you this “it is possible”
Good luck and thanks for your time.
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