Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Kyrian.
Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the mid-west in Nigeria. Abuja is home for me and millions like me. it’s a very beautiful place that blends several cultures from across the country.
My life shifted the moment I had to leave for Italy for high school. It was that cold bitter-sweet feeling of leaving your loved ones behind but also trusting that you are leaving to achieve your dreams.
Ever since I was little I always saw myself singing to a crowd of people from different generations. People who came just to feel and to heal. I still dream of this, which is why I started partaking in local singing competitions back in Nigeria. I remember loosing my first contest and it made me cry so hard, I fell and cried on my mum’s laps.
As much as it hurt I had to keep the fire burning. I kept finding my own opportunities and kept pushing my limits. The question now I ask myself is “is there really a limit” ?
In Italy, I kept writing and singing. Writing is the way I express my view of the world and process my emotions. I usually start with journalling then poetry then transform it to a song.
I gave myself a stage name “Anthony Kyrian” a name I hope one day would be the stamp of my lived experiences in my music journey. Even after leaving Europe for America to continue my studies, I have carried this name in my heart. This same name that puts a pen and a song in my hands. I am very proud of how far I have come. Today, I have an EP titled “Revival”, a single, and multiple covers across various music platforms and genres; all of which were self-produced. I have performed and headlined shows at my college, Saint Olaf College from winning a battle of the bands contest, to getting gigs to perform at live shows to opening for iconic pop-star Rebecca Black. This summer I was opportunied to work with some very talented multi-instrumentalists in minneapolis who were part of prince’s artistry, at the HSRA (High school for recording arts) for purple playground. A 15 year old Anthony would not have imagined doing all of these really good things. I remain grateful to God, my family, my friends whom I make really cool music with and play with live, and everyone who ever wished me well. One thing I have to say to anyone who is pursuing a dream is, always remember why you started it in the first place. If you can do that, you will never loose yourself in the process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some Obstacles that presented included self-doubts, over perfectionnism and having to constantly feel the need to prove one self. In an unfair world like this one, where not everyone can be faced with equal opportunities, there could arise the need to prove yourself and sometimes over-prove yourself.
You asking yourself questions and start planting seeds of fear and doubt and comparing yourself with others who are doing way better than you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter. I write music across multiple genres: soul, pop, rock, and even the blues.
At the core of my songwriting, I’d say lies the soul music style. I love a call and response, I love clappings and stomping the feet, I love a loud belt and a quiet but heavy falsetto.
I am known for singing and performing in my family, in my friend circle, in college, and just anywhere I take up some space.
I am most proud of still being passionate and determined to see the kind of end result I want to, and not letting my spark dim. It’s hard coming from a low-income family who cannot afford to support my dreams or fully see why I want to keep making music.
I would say what sets me apart from others is my versatility. I travel through different worlds in my artistry. I do not like to do one thing and I am not scared to show people the different versions of myself.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
This is an interstesting one.
I’d say, I lowkey have an interest in going into politics in the future hahaha. People never associate me with politics, I don’t display any interest in it, but I’ve got a liking of it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonykyrian_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-igboabuchi-60626a217/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyKyrian
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/anthony-igboabuchi
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RDdS2ZiI6jr68SVCqT2sb?si=uLML8EAZTo2WyDfLCtvxfQ
