Although new to the scene, Tony Young, a guitarist from Michigan, is hardly new to the business. Playing guitar since the age of 10 years old, his dedication to his music has been tremendous. Young is a self-taught artist and currently teaches guitar and theory. After hearing his first CD release "Saturn Five", fans of instrumental guitar will be intrigued with his intricate style, his use of harmonic melodies, and the emotion of his playing. Young recorded and mixed "Saturn Five" entirely in his own home studio.
Dan McAvinchey asked Young about his reasons for being independent and his goals for his career in music.
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Dan McAvinchey: Tony, how did you first get interested in music and the guitar?
Tony Young: I've always loved music throughout my life. My taste in music ranges from rock, blues, jazz and classical. I feel that keeping your mind open to different styles is the best way to expand and improve a person's playing ability. As for my interest in guitar, it became spurred by my father winning a guitar in a poker game when I was ten. I have been playing ever since.
Dan McAvinchey: Tell us about the guitars you used on "Saturn Five".
Tony Young: As for guitars I have two Ibanez Universe 7-string guitars, two Ibanez RG 570's, Ovation acoustic, Epiphone classical, and a 1969 Gibson SG. The SG is particularly special to me because I purchased it when I was twelve.
Dan McAvinchey: What are some of your primary musical goals?
Tony Young: To become the best guitarist that I can possibly be. I would also like to make a name for myself in the music industry as an instrumental guitarist who can truly express his feelings without the need for spoken words.
Dan McAvinchey: What are your most recently completed projects and what are you currently working on?
Tony Young: My CD, "Saturn Five", was in the works for the past four years. The hold up was due to a lack of funds to have it pressed. I've also helped a number of other musicians record their projects as well as played on a few tracks. I'm currently recording my next CD and I'm doing shows around the area.
Dan McAvinchey: Do you have a particular method to composing your music?
Tony Young: My compositions are mostly the feelings that I have at any given time, a pretty women, or anything that inspires me. Some people are able to gracefully express themselves in writing and some better in song. In other words, I play with my heart.
Dan McAvinchey: Do you record in a home studio or rent time at a commercial facility?
Tony Young: I record exclusively at my home studio. This allows me to have the freedom to record at any time without restrictions.
Dan McAvinchey: Why did you decide to form your own record label and release an independent record?
Tony Young: I'm not a big name, so I had to do something to get my music out to the public rather than let it sit in a desk drawer.
Dan McAvinchey: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent musician?
Tony Young: An advantage of being "indie" is freedom of expression without anyone telling you how to play or what kind of sound to have. Disadvantages include just getting out there and having people notice what your are doing. There is not the promotional push that a major label can give.
Dan McAvinchey: Would you have any marketing or promotion tips for musicians about to release their first independent record?
Tony Young: Get on the Internet!! It's the best way to get your music heard by millions of people all over the world. Get someone in the music industry to help you (if you're lucky). Get a web-site and push your music and never stop. If you have a dream go for it and don't let anything stop you!!! Get out there and perform your music live as much as possible..
Additional Columns by Dan McAvinchey
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- And 92 more in the Interviews series, view the index
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