Check out Anthony’s music! http://www.myspace.com/hardcandyofficial, http://www.purevolume.com/hcandyofficial

Hey Anthony, how are you doing today?

Hello. I’m doing very well today. Things are going great!

Where did you come up with the name Hard Candy?

 I did not prepare myself for this one! I actually came up with the name from a dream I had where I was walking through New York City holding a lollipop over my face. The next day, after weeks of trying to think of a name, I remembered the dream, and immediately came up with ‘HARD CANDY.’ Funny how things work out.

What instruments do you play and how long have you been playing them?
My main instruments are the guitar and bass (I also perform the vocals), but I like to dabble with everything. I started working with creating electronic beats, drums, banjo, piano, flutes, horns, and everything else you can think of! I have been playing for about 3 years now, and every day seems to be another stepping stone into learning more about the beauty of living instruments.

How would you describe your sound?
Disturbing pop. That’s what I would say if I had to pick.

When did you realize you wanted to create music?
I realized I wanted to create music when I was 5 years old. My parents constantly remind me of how I used to write music, in my head, on paper, all day long. They probably wanted to shoot themselves after listening to a 5 year old kid singing awful lyrics all day long. I got really serious with it, towards the end of my senior year in high school.

What’s your favorite thing about singing and writing?
Freedom of expression. Anyone can learn how to play guitar, play solos, play covers, learn to sing, etc. Not everyone can write a song that connects with an audience to the point where people feel you are talking to them. I don’t really care about fame. I only care about sending a message and connecting with my generation through art. I can’t stomach artists that want to be famous, and that’s all. I feel they are missing the reason as to why they started playing in the first place, and that is why they will never grow amongst themselves.

How do you come up with a song?
“It’s like having a panic attack. For about 30 minutes tops, I am in another world. In fact, it is the most beautiful and terrifying world imaginable, because I’m actually facing what I feel. I have never sat down and said: ‘Oh, let’s go from a g chord, to a c chord;’ or thought ‘Hmmm, I need weeks, to write some good lyrics.’ This may sound arrogant and cocky, but I’m just being honest when I say every song I have ever written has been written in 30 minutes or less. I don’t understand how artists can write a song over a long period of time (days, weeks, months, etc.), because there is NO WAY you can ever go that deep into that feeling again. It’s impossible. I never write my lyrics down, because if I can’t remember them, how the fuck can the audience remember them? If the song isn’t pieced together during that rush of emotion you began writing with, then you have a terrible song, and you should toss it ASAP. Then again, I hate all of my music immediately after I write it, so who knows these days..

What do you use as inspiration to write?
“It’s funny. I have never been ‘inspired’ by music. Sure, I love listening and appreciating music/art, but I have never listened to music and said: ‘Oh, I want to write a song inspired by that song.’ I love how musicians constantly say that. It’s hilarious. How can you say that? It’s pathetic. If anything is an inspiration to me, it’s sound. It’s life. As obvious and typical as that may seem, it’s true. If I wasn’t here right now, how would I write anything? People are so ignorant and dumb.”

Who are your influences?
As I stated above, I am influenced by sound/life.

What can you tell us about your album, which is coming out on February 1^st?Actually, I JUST released my self-titled debut album on iTunes and all other online stores! I also, just posted a FREE “B-Sides” album up @ http://www.purevolume.com/hcandyofficial —what I can tell you is simple. If you like music, then check it out.

Where do you record all your music?
“I actually record all of my music in my own recording studio. I went to school for audio, and I saved up to buy a bunch of killer equipment. I produce bands all the time, and I produce/mix/master all of my own music as well. Everything with the death of the record label is do-it-yourself now anyway, so I think I’m doin’ alright.”

Do you want to play more shows? (why or why not?)
Of course! If you don’t want to play as many shows as you can, you can’t call yourself an artist. Part of the business is entertainment and people forget that. I am actually lining up a crazy amount of shows for the winter/spring/summer. Right now I am just focused on online marketing, and distribution.
    

Besides music, what do you like to do in your free time?
I’m typically just a guy who loves to have fun (you all know what I mean!)! I love to write poetry, take road trips, and more than anything, just go into New York City all day, and all night. 

    Anything else you want to say?

Find me on all of these websites I have. I literally have EVERYTHING! Check me out, and drop me some feedback:)