TJ Fox: A True Artist with Heart

Armed with his guitar and a candid love for music TJ Fox has much to say about writing with feeling, being a true artist, and knowing how to measure his own success.  Always filled with a passion for the musical atmosphere, TJ admits that singing was not always his area of choice.  In his early teens, TJ learned the basics of playing a guitar,  “I got bored with just playing so I started singing to myself…over time I was like ‘hey I’m not that bad!’” he laughs. 

Today, TJ is constantly playing at different bars and restaurants in the NY area in order to get his name out there and develop a greater fan base.  His music takes on a combined feel of pop, rock, and country, TJ confesses, “I feel I have a different voice,” and surely he does.  Taking after the well-known artist, Chris Daughtry, which he looks up to for his style and inability to be beat TJ says, “I like that he was on American Idol and [even though] he was eliminated he is one of the biggest artists to come from that show.”

Fully drenching himself is what it is to be a real artist, TJ says the most important thing to him is having people connect with and enjoy his music.  “You have to develop a fan base based on what you’re putting out,” he says, “stay true to what you think, you enjoy, and what you like but also make sure that other people enjoy it just as much.”

Fox is definitely a people pleaser but declares writing as one of the most difficult aspects of being an artist.  “I think writing is one of the hardest things to do but when I am surrounded by people who do write I get great ideas,” he says.  His inspiration in writing is simple, “every day life.” 

TJ’s first original single “1,000 Reasons” tells a story that comes right from his own experience.  The song tells of a man being given 1,000 reasons to always be there for that one girl.  After facing a rough breakup with a past girlfriend, TJ says that he had shut the door to everyone else, but someone came along and made things better, his current girlfriend.  “I had a thousand reasons not to be involved with anyone else, but now...with this new girl it’s so different and since I let her in she has given me a thousand reasons why I am never leaving.”

With deep meaningful lyrics and conviction running through his every being, TJ is bent on improving, and advancing his musical journey, “There is always another step beyond what you are doing,” he says “I feel like once you settle, someone is going to be passing you.”  TJ is definitely here to stay, with plans to release an EP in the coming months and appearing at more venues, his future is bright.  He thanks his family and friends for always pushing him to do his best and says to everyone out there, “keep listening, stay tuned, and see what happens.”

Connect with TJ Fox:

Facebook:TFoxMusic

Twitter:@TJFox91

Instagram:@TJ_Fox

Soundcloud:TJ_Fox

Related A Vocal Accord artists:  Drew Tabor

Marc Anthony: Salsa Legend and Music Icon

Today, world known Latin crossover mega star, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, Marc Anthony released his first salsa album in almost a decade.  The album, entitled “3.0” has ten tracks filled with a sound that will penetrate your being and assure you that real music is still alive.  This album will make you want to sing, dance, laugh, and cry all at the same time.  From Marc’s stunning voice, to the carefully constructed lyrics, along with perfectly orchestrated arrangements, “3.0” is nothing short of excellence and exactly what his fans have been begging for. 

“It’s sort of like a stream of consciousness…each one of these arrangements is what happened that day…that’s what I love about this particular album,” says Marc as he recalls the experience of creating “3.0”. 

When he was younger, Marc struggled with his speech due to a heavy stutter, however when he sang that stutter went away.  “[Singing] became my key to a decent existence because when you stutter and you’re small, skinny, wear glasses, and grow up in East Harlem you either have to learn how to fight or sing…I learned both…. just in case they didn’t like the song I was singing.” he laughed.

Armed with jokes and his naturally cool, simple demeanor Marc admits that he feels there is so much left to do in his career, “I work like I am just starting, always” he says.

Through such a long successful career, Marc admits that there is one thing that he holds in very high esteem,  “I’m most proud of… being the person who fought day to day to live an honest life…above everything,” explains Marc.  He states that everything he does is purely from his heart.  “You have to fight to keep your purity, you have to fight all of these influences and I made it through that and I am more proud of that than anything else.” 

His purity and sincerity is well noted and it has kept him on top, infinitely respected by those around him.  So, I wanted to know what his message is to rising stars; his answer left an impression, “it takes many hours and many years to make it look this easy,” he explains. 

“If you want to be an artist it means you have a point of view.   You can’t want to become an artist to be famous, you can’t want to become an artist to have a nice house,“ Marc says even stating that those who want to enter the industry and have these intentions should simply stay home. 

Why? It’s simple, “because there are times when you won’t even have [anything] to eat, and you can’t rub two nickels together and I’ve been there,” he says “It’s going to seem bleak, it’s going to seem dark but the one that survives, the one that gets through… that is the one that is heard… if you want to be an artist you’ll be heard some way some how.” 

He finished by saying, “So my advice is: forget about it it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be terribly painful to hear no, it’s going to be dark, and all you are going to have is your music at some point.  If you can face that, you have every shot in the world to be a successful artist.”

Marc Anthony sets an example for all artists looking to make their dreams a reality.  He stays true to himself and makes sure that everything he puts out is perfected before it touches your ears.  Be sure to get your hands on the album, “3.0” today and check him out while he’s on tour!!

Download 3.0 on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/3.0/id668743163

Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Marc-Anthony-tickets/artist/759949

Official Site http://www.marcanthonyonline.com/

Facebook OfficialMarcAnthony

Twitter @MarcAnthony

Instagram @MarcAnthonyPR

YouTube MarcAnthonyVEVO

Oniel Anubis: Conquering His Inner Beast

With his roots based in the beautiful islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the multifaceted, New York based, Oniel Anubis is a natural at delivering the hard-hitting tropical sounds that he features in his music.  Oniel, who has been writing and composing for the past ten years says, “I am always practicing to improve my lyrics.”

Originally an underground artist, Oniel made a decision to convert his music allowing it to have a more commercial sound.  Making this transition has allowed Oniel to generate an impressive following and has become what he sees as the turning point of his career. “Now I understand why artists like me get desperate about feedback and don’t reach our goals fast enough,” he describes, “…most of us are not ready and have so much to learn about music, business, and how the industry works. It's not all about talent; [you must] also have knowledge of the music industry.” 

With the knowledge he has acquired, Anubis along with a group of friends (including past A Vocal Accord artist Kewin Cosmos), have developed their own business, Beyond Limits Group (BLG).  At BLG, they provide studio time, and photography, among other services for other artists like themselves.  “My team and I work very hard on our own. We try every day to extend our music to new people, from social networks to websites, blogs and online radio stations…every day non stop,” he describes, and it is this work ethic that has lead him to reach new heights within his own career.

Oniel’s debut album entitled “Controbestial” has ten tracks that are sure to get you on your feet and moving.  “The word itself means ‘against the beast’,” he says when describing the concept surrounding his album title.  “In this case, it’s my positive side, (the party, reckless, happy guy), battling my other dark, sad, struggling side,” he goes on to say that these two sides of him were present every step of the way while making the album. Oniel says “Si Manana Nunca Llega” and “Te Dare” are just some of the songs on the album that allowed him to step out of his comfort zone and express his music in a more melodic manner.  “It was a great challenge for me, but I got really comfortable with this new style and was amazed at how the people accepted me and started to support me.”

While he loves what he does, Oniel confesses, “Oniel Anubis is a character created by Oniel Rosario. I’m not really a cocky, asshole like Oniel Anubis shows sometimes. I am very shy and sometimes people misunderstand it when I don't open up too much to them or when I don’t know what to say back when girls flirt with me,” he laughs.  This character he has created is the face of his music and although he is shy on the inside, this is a perfect example of how Oniel is finding ways to conquer his inner beast.

After years of hard work, Oniel Anubis now has fans constantly asking for more music and encouraging his success.  “Someone told me once ‘the people will guide you and make you the artist you are meant to be,” says Oniel and he is confident that as long as he remains grounded, his fans will help him continue to grow as an artist.

So what is Oniel’s ultimate dream? He says he is living it right now: making music in his own studio and knowing the industry.  His new mission is simple, “keep working hard for my family and friends and show this generation of kids that you can do something positive and be whoever you want if you set your mind to it and go for it.”  

Connect with Oniel Anubis:

Official Site

Twitter: @OnielMusic

Facebook: Oniel Anubis

Instagram: @OnielMusic

YouTube: OnielAnubis