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Out On The Town Magazine
Volume 27 Number 2 April/May Issue 2005 www.ootweb.com Interview by Mikey Vagnoni "Anthony Renzulli is an up-and-coming singer/ songwriter who has the talent and ability to shoot to super stardom". Those are the words of acclaimed music critic Derek Udell. With such an endorsement and Renzulli being a local musician, OOT just had to talk to him one on one. OOT: Describe when you first discovered you wanted to be a musician.... Anthony: I started playing music when I was 13 but I've idolized Jimmy Page my whole life. It all really started in about 1994. I was walking by myself around the block in Atco, NJ and I heard this incredible sound coming from this garage. It was drums and they were being played loud and very well. I walked right up to that garage and hid behind a bush to listen. The kids in the garage caught me and eventually invited me in. It was one kid my age and about 10 girls huddled around this beat up drum set. I sat there all day amazed cause I'd never seen someone play an instrument in front of me like that before.After that I ran home and told my Dad that I wanted drum sticks. He said "for what?!" So I grabbed two 12" rulers and proceeded to beat the shit out of my bed and at that moment, Anthony Renzulli the musician was born. OOT: Was there a band or musician that really had an influence on you? Anthony: Led Zeppelin was my influence and caused the spark. I started really studying Led Zeppelin instead of just listening to them. Day in and day out I'd watch "The Song Remains The Same". I had topause and rewind alot of stuff just to see what everyone was doing. Most important I wanted to make sure I was doing it right when I was playing along. Although I loved the drums so much, I couldn't keep my mind off the guitar. That had alot to do with Jimmy Page. I'd watch him play , knowing I knew nothing about the guitar, knowing the things he does are mind boggling and I would still say to myself "one day that's gonna be me". OOT: So where is Anthony Renzulli at this point in his career? Anthony: A decade and a few million rock bands later , here I am! I've changed alot but for the most part I am still the same. I've decided to put the drums aside and write my own songsfor my own band. No more bitching or complaining in the writing room. I lock myself in a room and let everything that bothers me out. Never in a negative way though. I usually write about all the ups and downs in all relationships. There were times when I was a train wreck and I myself needed them kind of songs to pull me through. Now I'd like to return the favor for a new audience. OOT: What are your lyrics about? Anthony: As far as writing goes I usually need the music first. I'm definately not the guy who can put a song behind the words, if that makes sense. After I write the music, I sing a bunch of unnecessary words until a certain word or melody hits. Once it does it's smooth sailing. I then take the songs to my favorite people in the world, yes my band - who in my mind out play me on a regular basis. Sometimes it takes ten minutes to write a song, sometimes it takes a month. It all depends on the mood. OOT: Tell me about your upcoming CD release.... Anthony: I wanted to make the CD short but sweet. Five tracks introducing a band that has different flavors for different kind of music. There are so many acoustic artists out there it's ridiculous. So I made sure it'll be different enough to stand out, hopefully (ha ha). It's my favorite kind of music because the acoustic guitar allows you to open your heart and tell a story. I wanted to focus on not so much broken relationships itself but getting through them on your own. I've done that my whole life and if I can do it... shit... anyone can. I don't do this to sound like any other artist but you can probably figure out who my influences are when you listen. I don't sound like them though, that's for sure (ha ha). I grew up on acoustic jazz and believe it or not heavy metal music. I love any kind of music. Writing sad actually makes me happy, if that makes sense. When I see people singing along, that's the ultimate reward of all. I can only do what I do and what feels right in my heart. Nothing more and nothing less. The new cd is titled "For Lack Of A Better Day". It's 5 tracks, full band about 55 hours to create. I was gonna do it all acoustic but my first cd was like that. I wanted to go in a different direction. There is some sax, bongos, shakers and other cool sounds that really make a difference. There's even a Hammond on there... I'm serious (laughs). There was a song I had on my all acoustic cd called "The Dad Song". Everyone in the band liked it so we re-did it. It's an older one but I felt it had to be brought to life, so to speak "Maybe Someday" is a track that helps keep confidence in myself. I lack that sometimes. I know I can succeed but some days are harder than others. It's about setting huge goals and dreams and watching them happen as time goes by. To me that's a miracle. The EP was recorded and mixed at WHy Me? Recording by Joe DeLuca and I produced it. We had a blast and I almost lost my job a couple of times because of the late sessions (laughs), Pasquale did lose his job (laughs). It's all good though. If any band needs to record I highly recommend Why Me? in Gibbsboro, NJ (856) 435-6783. I'd like to thank Mike Vagnoni and OOT for their support given to The Anthony Renzulli Band. I think it will be a good year. |
