Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Ortiz.
Anthony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was about 17 years old when I got into music. I was competing in skateboard contests previously growing up and my dad saw that I was injuring myself a lot so he took my board away. So being the hustler, I am, I tried to figure a way to make money. So one day I figured if I learn guitar to my favorite song id go sing under a bridge like I saw a dude do it on Youtube to buy another board. So I did and found myself under a bridge in Tampa, Florida playing with my case open for money and a crowd around me realizing this is what I want and need to do for the rest of my life. I loved the music more than the money and from there I started to perfect my craft. Now I’m 21 and living my best life!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not a smooth at all! I signed to an Indie label two weeks before I turned 18 and they screwed me over hella bad. I learned a lot in the process but it was a huge obstacle. The only reason I got out was because I signed my last two weeks as a minor and that was a huge relief. Learning from your mistakes is so important in the process of progress.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Being an artist means a lot of different things. Not just making music but storytelling, performing, visual effects, producing, and just knowing how to be yourself but be ahead of the wave and be relatable. I’m most proud of figuring out what works for me and doesn’t work because it shows the work I put in and thats what I value most. But I definitely think once you listen to my music you can tell who I’m inspired by along with my own sound and way of telling my stories to my listeners.
What were you like growing up?
I was way different than I am now but iv always been an aware, conscious kid. But I was a dreamer growing up, wanting to be a pro skateboarder and set bars to everything I put my mind to no matter what it was. I’ve always had this ” better than my last go” mentality.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxtUyisn25D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthonyortiz/status/1130667455892770816
Image Credit:
Bardo Navotny, Eryk Lapitz
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
