MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT  — Anthony Picone playing Fest

Anthony Picone is a Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist who grew up playing music in the suburbs of New York City. He picked up the guitar at the age of 11 and started performing in bars and nightclubs by the age of 18. He paid his dues performing in many different bands playing just about every style of music. For 8 years he played in one of the biggest rock bands in New Jersey, The Benjamins. In 2007 The Benjamins released an indie album with national distribution. They have appeared on national TV and radio. In 2011 he decided to launch his solo career and leave The Benjamins to relocate to Key West Florida. The laid back lifestyle, sunshine and diverse music scene has had a huge influence on his writing. He recently released his debut self-produced solo album “The Highest I’ve Ever Been.” The 10-song album is a fusion of Rock, Americana, Folk and Pop with catchy melodies and clever lyrics. The album is quickly gaining popularity and being played on FM radio all over south Florida. In addition to writing all of the music and lyrics, Anthony engineered, mixed and produced the album on his own. He performed all of the vocals, guitars bass and some of the keyboards on the album. While recording the album Anthony managed to write most of the songs for a follow up album to be released later this year.

“I’ve made the choice to record and release music independently without shopping for a major record label” says Anthony. “The music industry is in the worse place it’s that it’s been since it’s inception. Thanks to streaming and piracy, there’s no money in selling music. On top of that, major record labels are only signing and pushing crappy Country Pop and Dance Pop acts. The lyrics are infantile and the music is generic and predictable. There’s nothing wrong with Pop Music but there are ways to be both simple and interesting at the same time. Not to mention the fact that no one takes chances with production anymore. It’s as though every song on the radio was recorded, mixed and produced by the same people. I never write a song with the intention of pleasing anyone but myself. I simply translate what I hear in my head. Some songs turn out as pop songs, some don’t. I truly believe that if you write from the heart, sing and play every note with passion you’re audience will find you”

Filmmaking has always been Anthony’s second passion. In 2010 he wrote and directed a feature film called Long Road Home and has since directed an independent television pilot and several music videos. In addition to writing music he is currently writing several screen plays, television shows, documentaries and his own music videos. Anthony performs music regularly in most venues in Key West and will be touring the country to promote his album later this year with his band. “The Highest I’ve Ever Been’ is available for download and streaming on iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, Spotify, Rhapsody and more! You can check out his music and schedule and purchase CDs on the official website www.anthonypicone.com

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