Artist Interview: Anthony Smith

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Anthony Smith, who makes music under the name Yonzworth, is a music producer from southern California. He has made beats for 2 years and also is interested in photography and videography.



Music
Youtube





 1. How long have you been making music?

I've been into creating music on and off for about 2 years now as a hobby in my spare time.

2.Do you find it easier to get your music out there with the introduction of the Internet? Do you think it’s more successful to post your music free on the Internet or to try to sign with a record label?

The internet is my main source to getting my music out there. Websites such as SoundCloud or even Youtube allow artists, including me, to easily upload their tracks and have people listen or download. It's defintely a lot easier to post your music free than to sign with a record label, (not that I have any experience trying to join with a label). I mainly use SoundCloud and let those locally hear out my stuff and post links via FaceBook or Twitter.

3. How do you feel about illegal downloading?

I have mixed feelings on illegal downloading. Music wise, it's good and bad. Good in the way that it allows those who want to hear that arist's music, obtain their music, listen to it anywhere, tell their friends about it, get their friends to listen, etc etc. If I love someone's music, I have to have it. The negative side to this, selling music is one way an artist gets paid. We download their hardworking albums for free, we strip that away from the artist. I've read some artists don't mind though, as long as it gets to the listeners ears, they're happy. But if you support an artist enough to do anything to download their album and tell all your friends about them, then at least support by buying their music later on.

4. How do you feel about giving out free music?

Giving out free music is where people need to start. No one is going to buy your cookies if they don't know how it tastes.. If they like it, they'll support you by buying a batch so you can make more.

5. Do you think sharing music is wrong? (hulkshare, mediafire, zippy)B
Again, I don't think sharing music is necessarily wrong. If I love artists enough to tell my friends about it, I want them to have their music too. Then tell them to buy an album.

6. What websites do you use?

I mainly use SoundCloud. I upload a lot of my tracks, and anyone who wants to listen can listen. I don't get tons of views, but over a thousand plays locally is fine with me. I know there's people who enjoy listening to my beats, hell it's flattering when they say they have me on their iPods. Not sure how they got it, but despite that I love knowing that people listen.

7. Do you think it’s easier now or ten years ago to make it in the music business?

Sure as hell a lot easier back ten years ago. I wasn't making music ten years ago, but you have so many people making music these days. Anyone with a laptop can start making tracks. Everyone has access to FL Studio, Reason, Abelton, etc etc. Industry standard programs are easily obtainable. Now what you do with those programs and songs you write makes it or breaks it. And how dedicated you are is up to you. Not saying it's probably super-easy to get signed today as their is so much competition, but hand someone a laptop, pen and paper, and a microphone, and they're one step in.

8. What do you think the Internet’s impact on the music industry is?

The Internet's impact on the world is a huge one. Especially on music. Artists can be heard across the world with some clicks on the keys. Songs can be easily sold or stolen.




Interview by: Ashley Norquist