reb•el. [-noun a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition]
To be clear, world renowned DJ/Producer Anthony Nicholson (soundcloud) is in his very own words … not a hater. I’m a lover but mostly I’m a rebel.
To be clear, the road less traveled in the pursuit of excellence is a risk. Some gamble and lose and others gamble and win but like Granny always said, if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.
This consummate artist, who has logged many minutes, hours, days, months, and years as a significant contributor to our genre and music as a whole has something to say. Are you listening or as a rebel yourself do you resist?
To be clear, it’s all about the music, the love, the life and Anthony Nicholson in years past continues to stand his ground. Let’s scratch the surface and uncover what “The Year or the Rebel” is all about. Of course, we do this… just to be clear.
How did you choose your new album title “Year of the Rebel”?
The choice for this title was inspired by a need for claiming emancipation in today’s artistic and social environment! I’m all about innovation and “getting with the times”. I just can’t totally commit to the “Adapt or Die” agenda that is being forced upon artists and society in general! It’s no wonder they’re taking the Arts out of the schools today and diminishing the programs that encourage independent thinking! The “System” (greedy corporations, politicians, lobbyists, organized & forced religion) is obsessed with building robots! If you don’t adapt or cosign mainstream programming-brainwashing, you’re labeled a “Hater”. I’m not a hater. I’m a lover and mostly a rebel!
What can your fans expect from this release that may be different from your previous offerings?
I hope my listeners can identify with the vision this album explores. I didn’t want to get caught up in the technology of making music without adding a healthy dose of Human emotion and substance. There’s really no difference with this album in terms of maintaining a certain level of quality and working towards artistic growth! I understand that people have a tendency to watch out for certain standards of sonic and stylistic redundancy.
I always make a real effort to connect with the music and musicians I work and write with. That effort usually manifests itself in the message and unique vibration of the songs!
Tell us about your album release party and any what’s in store for that evening?
What can I say! It’s a party and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens that night! The only thing I can predict is “Good music will be played in a great environment with great people!
Digital download site MasterBeat recently shut down. What are your thoughts on digital downloading and its affect on the music industry?
This is a very sensitive subject! Illegal digital downloads have crippled the business in a way that is sometimes so depressing! It’s hard to even think about it and discuss it without strong anger and frustration!
I’m not totally against the idea and reality of a digital download sales format. I do believe their are some positive aspects to be considered as well. It is our responsibility to get the music to the consumer in the choice of format preferred, and it has come down to a matter of convenience these days! I love vinyl and it will always have a special place in my world. However, it’s not always convenient and cost effective to limit your releases to this format!
I think it’s safe to assume that their will always be artist making the music and people stealing the music! I do feel we should expose the illegal sites and go after them! The tricky and unpopular part is exposing the downloaders!
(I just want to mention: I don’t miss carrying and traveling with records at all!)
What are your musical goals for the next 4 years?
My goal is to continue my learning and teaching in this “music lifestyle”! I have some hesitation in totally looking at this as an industry. I will admit that I’m not particularly great at the business side of it. Another goal is to meet up and build with individuals who match their intensity for business and
promotion with my intensity for making High Art!
I’m currently working on a new Electronic Fusion Album (a blend of deep eclectic tracks with influences of chicago, techno & jazzfusion). I’m also in the midst of developing a soul album. Four years is a lot of time to explore new sounds and learn new lessons!
What are your 3 favorite current songs of any genre?
I can’t honestly pick 3 favorite current songs!
I can list some dope artists past and present that are still making music today! Lars Bartkuhn, Daft Punk, Jill Scott , Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Joaquin Claussell, Lil Louis, Glenn Underground, Osunlade, DJ Spinna, M.G.M.T, Jamiroquai, Opolopo, Chris Brann, Ron Trent, Joey Negro, Esperanza Spaulding, Quadron, Radiohead, Foofighters, Mos Def, Pharaohe Monch, Josh Milan, Louie Vega, Jay Electronica, Bilal, William Kurk, Prins Thomas, Todd Terje, Chester Gregory, Cole Degenova, Scalercio, Christian Prommer, Phil Asher, Bah Samba …
… and so many more to list! This would take all day…
Is there anything else you would like to share with the 5 Magazine readers?
I hope I did a good job of sharing some of my thoughts and deepest concerns! I also would like to send a message of love and gratitude to the listeners, dancers and supporters of this sacred art we call “music”. Thanks to 5magazine for keeping the Vibe alive… Don’t stop what you’re doing!
