ANSON – To Be Or Nothing At All

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe our sound as modern alternative rock with a hint of the emo bands we grew up loving and singing along with. ❖ Zack

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Some of my musical influences have to be Architects, Bring Me the Horizon and Too Close to Touch. ❖ George

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “To Be or Nothing At All.” 
A) “To Be or Nothing at All” is about having a lack of inspiration and hoping for inspiration to return. I was struggling with where I was in life back in 2013 during the after math of my last tour. I had nothing to write about anymore. I was a jaded about the music industry and needed to take a break to figure out who I was as a person. I wrote this song when I was living in a shack in West Hollywood. I was broke and frustrated out of my mind to write something that I was happy with. Luckily, from that frustration, this song came out and I think shows an honest perspective of where I was at the time. This track was the beginning of finding the sound this band would become. ❖ Anson

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think that fans connect to the song because of how honest the message behind it is. Everyone has been frustrated in their abilities from time to time.  I think that resonates with a lot of people.  ❖ Zack

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) This is a great question. The song to me is about insecurities and not being judged on their skills, but judged on their gender and looks. The video plays into that by showing our actress empowering herself as the video plays itself out. She doesn’t take anything from anyone and becomes confident as it plays. ❖ George

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Honestly, my songwriting process is often just me sitting with a notepad and my acoustic guitar. The lyrics, melodies and chords all come together at once when I write. Almost as if I’m not writing the songs, but merely translating them from a voice in my head. Usually the songwriting process starts with a catchy melody with chords and then the words shortly follow afterwards. ❖ Anson

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 
A) I am very much a hands-on person when it comes to the production of the music. I love being involved in the process because it’s one thing to write a song, but to have it come together as a full band production is a whole other beast. It takes a lot of thought and ideas to make something that’s engaging and cool. ❖ Anson

Q) What can fans expect from a live ANSON performance?
A) I am super excited to be getting back on stage with ANSON, we are currently in the process of building up our whole live set. I don’t want to give anything away, but fans can expect high energy, heavy guitars and songs you are going to want to sing along with. ❖ Zack

Q) What songs off your debut album are you looking forward to performing live?
A) “Sober Living” is going to blow you guys away. ❖ George

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to the album as a whole?
A) What I hope listeners take away from the album is that no matter how far lost you think you are, there is always a light. There’s always a solution. I struggled heavily with self confidence and self identity throughout this record and the music tells that story. In life you have to believe in yourself and work hard to make your dreams happen. You can’t let your self doubt hold you back. You gotta put yourself out there and face the music. Whatever that may be. ❖ Anson

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) My favorite places to play are in Chicago. I was born and raised there, so when we make it back to the city, its kind of a coming home party for me. And as a breeding ground for alt rock music like Fall Out Boy, Real Friends and Knuckle Puck, there is an aura of energy and love for alt rock and it makes those crowds even more fun to play to. ❖ Zack

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Neck Deep hands down! Where you boys at?! Let’s make it happen! ❖ George

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Some bands I’ve been currently jamming to are From Indian Lakes, The Maine, SayWeCanFly, Modern Baseball and Basement. I dig them because they all have unique sounds, the songwriting is great and it makes me feel something. First and foremost, for me, with getting into music is if it makes me feel something and evokes an emotion in me when I listen. These artists do that for me. ❖ Anson

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 
A) In 2017 it’s vital for an artist to communicate with fans online. We can’t be everywhere at once to meet, play and hang out with fans. However, with modern technology we are able to take on that challenge by posting to social media and engaging with people on a daily basis. Without those fans we talk to online we would never be able to tour and change the world with our music. I always find going online to connect with fans a positive experience because of how much love and positivity they bring. For me, it lights up my day and makes me want to keep writing. ❖ Anson

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

A) THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. If you ever listened to my or the band’s music, it truly means the world to us that you are. You guys are what keeps this thing a float and we are eternally grateful for your support. Much love <3 ❖ Anson

ANSON’s Official Website

Pre-Order EP To Be or Nothing At All – RELEASE DATE SEPT 29