What is a goal you have for yourself in 2021 for your music?
For 2021 I’m all set to record and release my 2nd album BEFORE I turn 30 in Sept. It’s going to feature a fresh context and a sassier texture in my bluesy piano grooves. Working with a modern fusion of soul, indie rock and hip hop rhythms, plus synths, pads, atmospheric effects, Vintage Ep’s, and a dash of panache. My goal is to achieve peak ‘Luxification’
We’ve listened to your debut album! It’s wonderful, please tell us all about it and don’t leave anything out because we are so impressed by your talent! Also, let our readers know where they can listen too!
Thank you so much! I’m glad y’all like it, I really enjoyed making it. Not only because it was my first time in a legit studio, but also cause I mostly wrote it about my life experiences. Every song has a story attached to it. ‘Without You’ is a break-up song I wrote as a farewell to Scotch, then there’s ‘Anyone Who Loves Me’ which is about love equality, and the title track ‘Elephant in the Room’ is about learning to love myself during and after my struggle to come out. I’m also really proud of the musicianship, it feels like the pressure inherent in the process really motivated me to reach new heights with my playing and singing. To build each track we recorded the piano and the drums together with scratch vocals first, then bass, and then layered everything else on top. I feel like that’s how we got such a solid and groovy sound, the foundation was basically recorded ‘live’ in the studio. In many cases we got it on the first couple takes, usually in full length chunks and there are many places we kept the scratch vocals intact. That’s important to me because I know back in the days before digital recording, they didn’t have the option to just ‘punch back in’ or ‘over dub’ a million times to a click track. Certainly that requires an exhausting amount of concentration, but I feel like it also results in a more ‘organic’ and compelling experience for the listener. If you’d like to decide for yourself, ‘Elephant in the Room’ by Anthony Lux, is available on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay, YouTube, TouchTunes, and a whole host of other services.
Are there any challenges when working on your music that you’ve gotten better at navigating?
Overcoming my performance anxiety about recording, has built up my backbone. As a live player it’s been a long while since I felt anxious about playing in front of folks. However, for me the recording process can be SUPER intimidating, it’s a VERY different headspace and it took some getting used to before I felt confident and relaxed enough to be as capable in that setting.
Are you feeling motivated in this new year? If so, what are you doing to keep that up?
Absolutely! When I released ‘Elephant’ last may, I was still playing a lot of covers. This last year I’ve been playing my material more and more at every gig, and I’ve been really enjoying it. Now when I do play a cover, I’m often playing my interpretation. It seems like I’m gaining a voice and moving in a more focused direction with my art. That’s been pretty motivating.
Who or what inspires you daily?
GREGORY PORTER! Especially the absolute masterpiece of an album he released last year, called ‘All Rise’ I’m just blown away by his joyful blend of soul, jazz, gospel and the blues. I’m especially impressed with how he’s incorporated R&B and other modern touches including lyrics that reference our changing social climate, while retaining the lush expression and tonal palette of jazz. He’s got the richest and most soulful voice I’ve ever heard. When he switches gears to belting out a gritty blues stomper, you can definitely FEEL him take it to church. I love to hear him open up that robust yet smooth Cadillac he’s got for a voice, like it’s a taxi for all people. Complete emotional catharsis every time. What an absolute KING!
Where can we follow you on social media to keep up with YOU!
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PianoDuke/
YOU TUBE: https://youtube.com/user/Anthonycrofoot
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9cWI7YAu2W/?igshid=160y31rxtc7r3
End of Interview