Interview with Indie Anthony at Johnny Brenda’s
Indie Anthony is an up-and-coming post-punk/indie artist. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Anthony grew up in a strict and reserved home where he spent much time surfing the internet for new music. As a teenager, he gravitated towards the indie genre and decided to try his hand at making songs that mimicked those of his favorite bands. Anthony has a unique approach to the genre as someone raised in a country where indie music is not as prevalent. In addition, he represents a newer generation of musicians who get their start making music out of their bedrooms with programs like Garage Band. Indie Anthony is a one-man band of sorts and is known for his dark and alternative sound. He has gained a strong following through self-promotion on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, a trend we’re seeing a lot lately within the music industry. I have watched his growth in music, as we have been friends since age 16. He just finished up his first East Coast tour as a supporting act for indie-rock artist Zzzahara. During his 4th show at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing him. So let’s get into it!
This interview took place on January 24th, 2024.
What was it like as someone growing up in Jamaica, where indie music is not as prevalent, trying to make music and break into the indie scene?
It was uh, I don’t even know. Back then in Jamaica, I was never really into what everyone else was into. I was raised very strictly so I spent a lot of time inside on the internet. I don’t know, it got me into a whole bunch of random stuff. I liked going on the internet and the game Rock Band a lot so it got me into indie music as a whole.
What was your first introduction to music? When did you start singing, playing guitar, and feeling like “I want to make music?”
Well, there was this one girl, and I was trying to impress her. I lied to her and was like, “Yeah I can play guitar!” She was like, “No way!”
How old were you?
I was 14. She was like, “You can play guitar? That is so cool! Can you play me ‘Sweater Weather’ by The Neighbourhood?” I was like “Oh yeah!” I did not know how to play a single chord on guitar though. So, then I took like a week and learned how to play it for her.
So, after that, you decided to start singing and making your own original music?
Yeah because I was like, “Oh man, I love The Neighbourhood…I wish I could make music like them.” And then like a week later I saw the Steve Lacy Ted Talk and was like “Dang! I got an iPhone. Let’s do this.”
Who are your biggest inspirations in music? Is there anyone else [besides The Neighbourhood] that you listened to growing up or even now that has influenced your music?
I think Nirvana was the first rock band I ever listened to so they will always be up there for me. Soundgarden also. Later on in my teen years though I would say Slowdive and King Krule. That’s probably about it.
It’s funny you say King Krule because that is actually kind of how we became friends. The first time you messaged me on Instagram was to recommend The OOZ.
What no way! Wait, I do remember that.
Yeah. You were like “All the cool people listen to King Krule.”
Ugh haha. That is such a lie. That is such cap.
Your music has evolved a lot since we first became friends back at 16, do you have a specific sub-genre you identify yourself with outside of just “indie?”
I don’t know. I feel like I just do everything. Not like that. I just do post-punk, dark wave, indie…I think that’s it honestly.
Back in Jamaica, did you ever play any live venues or gigs? And how often do you play them in Florida?
I never played any gigs in Jamaica. I haven’t really played any in Florida.
Oh wow! You don’t play any local shows back at home?
No, I don’t really know what is there haha. I don’t have many friends in the music scene in Florida. I don’t really have any connections. It is super boring there.
Ok, so this is your second time touring though, right?
Yes, my first tour was on the West Coast with Ashes to Amber. And now I am on the East Coast touring with Zzzahara.
How is it being on the East Coast for the first time?
The East Coast is VERY cold. I like the buildings though. Boston was lame, to be honest. I like traveling and seeing new places though, so I am having a great time.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of making/performing music?
Ooooh…I like to play basketball. I like to wrestle with my brother. I enjoy drawing in my free time…yeah that is kind of all I do now.
Well…did you watch The Iron Claw?
Yes, I did!
It was a really good movie, right? It was so sad.
Oh my God…it was so sad. I’ve never cried so hard at a movie before.
Right!
[The] Iron Claw is amazing though…you should definitely put that in.
Yeah, guys…[The] Iron Claw was amazing. This is self-promotion go watch it.
Haha yes.
Who is your favorite artist right now, what is your favorite album currently, and what is your favorite song at the moment? All three, loaded question.
That is the worst question ever. I can’t do that I am so bad at picking favorites. I can’t even pick a favorite color.
Just think in your head right now, like what have you had on repeat?
Let me check Spotify. I’ve been listening to a lot of Alex G lately. I love Alex G. What else…ugh this is lame actually. I just listen to monkey business honestly. I don’t really listen to albums or specific artists.
What? That is crazy coming from a fellow musician.
I know, I know.
I know you make indie music, is that your favorite genre as well or do you tend to listen to another genre more?
I listen to a lot of genres. I don’t really listen to country, rap, or pop honestly. I kind of listen to everything else though. I just play random songs, it’s a problem.
Ok, well we are wrapping the interview up here guys! Go check out Indie Anthony. It is Indie Anthony on all platforms. Go support and listen to his music.