Tony DeSimone is a very talented singer/songwriter with his own take on pop and Americana music. His new release “The Second Time Around” reveals a storyteller who is both hopeful and determined.
Welcome to Independent Music Promotions, Tony. Your new album “The Second Time Around” has a distinctly positive feel to it. Was this a conscious decision to project that to the world or are you naturally a happy person?
Well thanks! I wouldn’t say it was a conscious decision by any means. I’d like to think of myself as a person with a positive outlook but I’m sure some would disagree with that. It’s just the way that music makes me feel or rather how i feel music should make me/you feel.
How did “The Second Time Around” come about?
The Second Time Around came about after a long hiatus from music. I was going through a lot in my life and i was trying to get back on my feet again. So i thought it was a good theme for the CD. I spent a lot of time trying to get things sounding the way I wanted – a contemporary sound but not over produced.
You have a unique style that seems to combine both pop music and Americana/country. Do you listen to a wide variety of music to gain inspiration?
Thanks! I listen to everything. On my ipod i have all kinds of music like Katy Perry, Counting Crows, Sting, Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz, Elvis…it goes on and on. Basically anything with a good melody becuase for me it’s all about the melody and message. I also play a few instruments and work with people that do too so it lends to Americana/country sound. For example, some of the songs have ukulele or mandolin or organ.
You’ve achieved a lot outside of music. You’re a physicist and a marathon runner. What is it about music that makes you want to dedicate time and effort to it with so many other things happening in your life?
Well it helps that I dont need that much sleep …. I guess it’s just my desire to really experience and enjoy every trip around the sun i get to take. I want to understand my world, express how i feel and just enjoy it.
Who are your music heroes?
Well first, anyone that has had any success in this business has earned my respect. It’s such a subjective art form with a subtle structure to it. I really enjoy songwriters that can craft a good song like Rob Thomas or Jason Mraz and I really appreciate song production. As you record more and more you realize how important the recording process can be to a song. I mean, i made a concious effort to NOT be just another singer songwriter with a voice and an acoustic guitar. I wanted to record my songs with all the instrumentation and production required to make them complete and let people hear them as I envisioned them being heard. So I really enjoy it when I hear a well produced song – those producers have what i call the Golden Ear.
Who in music today do you admire and listen to often?
Well as I said, i really enjoy the singer songwriters of today but i also like some of the pop / rock music. I dont listen to anyone in particular. I usually just pop on the radio and listen to a few different stations. If i hear something i like, I download it to the ipod for when I travel. I have such an eccelctic mix of music on my ipod from johnny cash to opera.
What are your thoughts on the music industry’s recent changes as well as the attempted crackdowns on file sharing?
I think there has got to be a better way. I mean as an artist you want people to listen to your music. In this day and age it’s all about free music – no one wants to pay for the music they listen to. They’ll listen to something else. But in order to make the music you need money to survive. I suspect there will become more and more liscensing agreements and the continued free downloads of music. I dont think it can be controlled.
Do you have any plans for touring or music videos?
Right now i havent thought about touring. Ive been playing locally (Philly, NYC, New Jersey) quite a bit and i’m doing some more recording. I’d like to release a follow up to the Second Time Around and continue that momentum. As far as a music video, i know i need one or two, but i havent really thought it all through. Thats a real good idea though.
What have you found works well for you as far as promotion goes?
Word of mouth is the best. For me it’s just people spreading the word about what i’m doing. I leave all my music on my site for free so I let people visit and download the songs they like for thier ipods or whatever. Then they share it with thier friends and so on.
What else can we expect from Tony DeSimone in 2012?
I play to release a follow up CD or EP this year. Ive been writing and recording a lot. You can chck out a sample at www.tonyDmusic.com/audio_downloads. Check out “the Line on My Horizon”
Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I really appreciate it.
Tony DeSimone is a very talented singer/songwriter with his own take on pop and Americana music. His new release “The Second Time Around” reveals a storyteller who is both hopeful and determined.
Do you have any plans for touring or music videos?
