Who is Antonio Long?
Antonio Long is a stand out Alternative R&B artist with a signature sound that has often been referred to as smooth and laid back, much like his personality. However, growing up in the rough streets of Baltimore, Maryland was anything but that. music became an outlet that helped him cope with many challenges he faced as a result of growing up around violence, drug addiction and poverty.
As a teenager Antonio's struggles with depression, abandonment and being raised in the foster care system is what he first used to channel his creative expression in the form of writing poetry and performing in the high school choir.
By his early 20's the singer, songwriter and recording artist began cultivating his gift while attending Morgan State University where he majored in music. It was during this time that he became a spoken word artist which eventually catapulted him into songwriting. Within a few short years Antonio began sharing his original music as a Contemporary Christian artist at local churches, outreach gatherings and community based events in many cities along the east coast.
Upon relocating to Atlanta Georgia in 2016, he solidified himself as a R&B artist with the release of his soulful single "Really Love." The single allowed Antonio to be vulnerable in his writing and become transparent about being hurt in past relationships.
Over the years, Antonio found healing after much self reflection, writing and lots of soul searching. Because of this, he continues to transcend social norms, limiting beliefs and creative boxes that once isolated him from being the truest version of himself. Antonio strongly believes that his personal growth has impacted how he now expresses himself as an artist. He stands firm on this dynamic, being one of the essential pieces to his creative freedom.
Antonio Long's most recent work includes his latest single "No Company" released across digital music platforms summer of 2023. "No Company" shares a profound message of evolving in love and higher consciousness which he believes are some of the many answers that will lead humanity to spiritual ascension and into what some call "The Golden Age." The up-tempo groove sets the stage as the lead single to his anticipated debut Album "Gold" set to be released fall of 2023.
With the release of his first album underway, Antonio looks to stand on the frontline of independent artists determined to contribute to the evolution of humanity through the universal language of music. His purpose in how he expresses himself now musically is to share sounds and messages of a higher frequency in order to provoke forward thinking and high level conversations among African American and Urban communities. Though he's transitioned beyond the four walls of the church, to uplift, encourage and inspire remains his mission as he continues to move forward as a independent recording artist.
Thank you so much for your time! Our readers are eager to delve deeper into who you are. Would you mind sharing your personal journey or backstory?"
My journey as a artist and creative began in Baltimore, Maryland where I was born. I started off as a Christian Spoken word artist but eventually became a songwriter and musical artist. I performed mostly at church based events when I first started but eventually I began expressing myself musically beyond the walls of religion.
Can you tell us about the moment when you realized that music was your calling?
Since I was a kid, I always had a love for music that I couldn't explain. With no background or true exposure to music, I didn't begin to excel as a creative until I was in my mid to late 20's. The more I excelled the more my passion grew to impart something beyond the norm. It wasn't until I began to truly tap into my spirituality that I realized that I was called to do something far greater than just make music or write songs. Music is just a vehicle for me to get a much bigger message out to the world as a means to bring healing to a hurting planet. Furthermore, the moment I realized my purpose on earth as a lightworker is when I knew that I was called to do music. Prior to then I was just going through the motions as a struggling artist trying to find my way and create my own lane in hopes that someone would discover me and make me famous. However, being called to do music is so much bigger than that for me now.
Can you share an instance where a personal experience deeply influenced your music?
My music has always come from personal experience but my first R&B single "Really Love" came at a time when I was really hurting. I wanted to express the sentiments of my hurt as it related to not feeling loved. Although I don't think I truly knew how to express that hurt in the form of a song, I did my best. That song changed the way I approached writing all together and helped me reflect more on how I should deliver my experiences to listeners.
Can you describe the challenges you've faced in your journey and how you overcame them?
I have overcome growing up in the foster care system due to my parents being on drugs when I was very young. I lost my mother to a drug overdose when I was 14. Since then, I had to overcome poverty, homelessness, abandonment issues, low self esteem and my own addictions. The biggest challenge I had to overcome was not loving myself and seeing my self worth. I overcame that from recognizing my true nature and going deep within myself to understand the purpose in the trauma and pain I have experienced in life. Forgiveness of myself and others had been the starting point to finding true healing. Meditation and affirmations is what keeps me centered in knowing that I'm not my hurt, my thoughts, my past or present circumstances. It's all an opportunity for me to experience, learn and grow.
Can you share a moment in your musical journey that has brought you the most joy or fulfillment, and explain why it stands out for you?
In 2015, I won first place in a statewide artist competition and was named "Maryland's Bridging The Music Solo Artist Of The Year." That time stood out for me because I was probably at the lowest I had been as an artist. I didn't see my worth and certainly didn't think I would win. In fact, I entered in the competition not even realizing it was a competition. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have joined. However, when I beat hundreds of artists from all over Maryland it showed me that what I viewed as perfection is only an illusion and all I have to do is be true to who I am as a artist. That's what I did and what I've been doing up until this day.
What's one thing about the music industry you wish you knew when you were starting out?
I wish I knew that the music industry isn't just the "mainstream" music industry. That industry isn't made for people like me who truly want to make change in the world. Not that there aren't people and artists that are a part of it that don't want to bring change and good to the world. It's just that the system and the people who run the industry only seek to push an agenda which is even bigger than the music industry.
Furthermore, they don't care about the artists and creative anymore than they care about the people who buy the music. It's all about how much money can be made and how far their agendas can be pushed among the masses. To push the types of agendas they push at the expense hard working artists (especially black artists) is disgraceful in my opinion. Had I known that when I was starting out, I would have never focused so much of my energy and desires on being apart of it.
Can you share an experience where your music had an impact on the community or a social cause?
I don't think I've had that experience as of yet. I think that's because it's only been in the last couple of years or so that I've come face to face with my true purpose and am not afraid to stand on what I believe and be as verbal or transparent as I want to be. My forthcoming works will show that more and more and many communities will be impacted.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or directions you're exploring in your music?
The release of my first Album "Golden" is the turning point in my creativity as a songwriter and recording artist. I've been working on the project for over a year and a half. My mind is already in the future of what my next album will sound like and the types of topics I'll be discussing. I feel like though my forthcoming album is authentic, I've grown so much and have a whole lot more to say and much more creative ideas I had when I first started recording the album. I look forward to sharing all of that on my sophomore project.
Where do you see your music journey headed in the next few years?
I see my music journey being respectable and true to Antonio Long as a person. It will fit hand in hand with the many other ventures I have set out to achieve in my service to the planet. I see myself touring, having a broad audience of listeners throught the world who relate and are affected by my music in a personal way. I'm so excited about that because it's like watching a movie unfold. I'm literally just beginning to tap into my truest purpose as a artist.
Is there any aspect of your music that we haven't explored yet that you would like to delve into or share insights on?
As I write this, my upcoming album isn't out yet. However, "Golden" touches very lightly on some truths that I hold dear to me from a spiritual perspective. Those truths shed light on topics that may seem "esoteric" even "new age" to some. However, through personal reflection, study and being open to hearing and understanding some of the things some may consider "taboo," I'm learning how to share some of those truths in my music without fear while still keeping the music relatable. Many of the songs have deeper meanings then what's heard on the surface. You'll have to give it a listen or 2 when it drops to see what I mean.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to find their place in the music industry?
Find you and do you. I say that not just in the sense of "find your lane and stay in it.” I mean do that but truly find you. Find your purpose. What are you wanting to convey to people through your art? Does your music reflect who you are or are you just doing what's popular or potentially going to make you a superstar? When you go within and find "you" you'll discover a much deeper purpose. That's when the magic really happens!
Stay creative, even when no one's looking because we are all creative beings created in the image of the Creator. How we thrive is through creativity. Always seek to create. Always seek to be expressive in the truest, purest way possible because you are the key that may help unlock someone else's potential. Finally, be open to change and growth beyond the social norms and what's expected or trendy. True art comes from within just like true growth comes from within. Had I known that all these years, I think I would have been so much more fulfilled in my art.
How can our readers further immerse themselves in your musical journey and stay connected with you?
Stream my album "Golden" dropping fall 2023 and subscribe to my website antoniolong.com. You can also follow me on social media @Antoniolongshow
We deeply appreciate the time you've taken to share your musical journey with us. Wishing you ever-growing success in your musical endeavors!
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