Meet Tony Black of Culver City, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Black.

Hi Tony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a desire to perform in some capacity since I was a kid it’s kind of just manifested itself in different ways over the years. My parents put me in acting when I was super young, and I actually did skippy peanut butter commercials believe it or not. I took a break from the more theatrical/camera stuff because all the kids growing up were playing sports and I felt like I was missing out which is ironic given how the kids are now that were my age back then. It wasn’t until I got to high school that I got back into the performing arts world of acting and started doing spoken word. I honestly never thought I’d want to do music like that but my friends at the time were big into music. We were on the speech and debate team and we would have overnight tournaments and we’d set up a little USB mic and make songs in our hotel rooms. That’s when the love for music making really started to blossom.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t know if struggles is the correct word but we operate in a crowded space. What I mean by that is I think when we are trying to push our music and videos or whatever to the masses it’s hard to get something to stick. Swipe culture is having something judged in 1.5 seconds before they are on to the next thing. So I think it can feel a little defeating when something you think is amazing isn’t really recognized the way you feel it should. But I think that’s life and makes you appreciate the moments when your work is recognized.

I have friends who know I make music (very good music at that) and they’ve told me, “yeah I just can’t separate Tony Black the person and Tony Black the artist” but they can support a complete stranger to them who doesn’t know they exist. It’s kind of funny when you really think about it but I have found that it really be like that. lol

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I write/perform music and now apart of group called “frssn” with my boy Quasi. It’s kind of a blend of electronic/pop with hip hop and r&b influence. I don’t play any instruments unlike my counterpart but I’m a damn good writer and typically handle all of the vocals.

I’m not really known for anything but all signs point to that changing very soon!

I’m proud of everything I’ve done musically. Big or small it’s a blessing to be able to do this and do this at the level that we are doing it. Especially the last year or so we’ve really turned it up and people are taking notice. But as someone in family probably said to me growing up, “the best one is the next one.”

What sets me apart… hmmm… probably my writing. I genuinely believe I am one of the best music writers in music. Any genre!!!! we cooking.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I really rely a lot on my homies in music. I’ve been blessed to meet a lot of people that have become friends who have been successful in music in a variety of ways so when I need advice or guidance I can ask them because they’ve likely been in the situation before.

Shout out the homies.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tonyblackmusic and @ __frssn
• Other: https://www.fvr.fan/frssn/howdidwe

Image Credits
@izmunoz