In this interview spotlight, I chat with DeAnthony Yonko (Zobe Records) about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Nashville, TN and I’d say that I make my music from specific moments. It’s so hard for me to put myself into any type of genre simply because I sing just as much as I rap. So what I like to say is that I just try to create moments. Every song I write is taken from a moment in time that I experienced in my life and I recreate it through my music. So yeah.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Alright, so my path to music was odd. I’ve always loved music and in 5th grade I joined the band in school. However, I didn’t start creating my own music until a good while later. I was a soccer player for most of my adult life but I had a terrible knee injury in 2017 that basically ended that forcing me to become sidelined for a long time. I started making music as a way to pass the time and fell in love with it.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
So any other music I released before my debut album on Zobe Records wasn’t polished. I loved making all of the music I made before, don’t get me wrong but I took 2 years to finish this project. With this album, all of it is real. It’s real raw emotions from the toughest 2 years of my life, in real time, and I think that aspect sets it apart from anything else I’ve made.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Oh gosh… I’m so happy you asked this question. As an independent artist it’s so hard to get any sustainable traction in this age because so many people are overloading potential fans with sub-par music and so eventually people give up and stop giving new artists a chance. So it’s hard to get across to them but at the same time, the technology allows me to even be able to get in front of them in the first place. Without it I’d never have those opportunities. So it’s good and bad.
What was the last song you listened to?
One of my new songs that will be dropping soon lol. I’m my own biggest fan.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
MP3 for me. I’ve always been a technology person. If it’s on my phone it’s easier to access.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. The amount of access you have to see how much your music is listened to, the demographics of the listeners, and even when they’re listening makes it so much easier to market your music. It’s a gift from the music gods!
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
So… Tik-Tok, IG, and Twitter are probably my most used apps. My IG and Tik-Tik are @DeAnthony_yonko and Twitter is @DeAnthonyYonko. I had a fan tell me the other day thru IG that he stumbled onto my music and it saved his life. That immediately changed my life man! Just to know that I have impacted someone’s life and made a difference. That means a lot as an artist! I love my fans and love connecting with them.
Anything else before we sign off?
Man… just thank y’all for this opportunity. It feels like I’m finally living out my dream and I just want to thank everyone who’s helping this process come along. So stay tuned for more music cause it’s coming and thanks again for the opportunity!
