Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Nguyen.
Hi Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked odd jobs as a kid, trying to figure out what I liked and what could also set me up to succeed. I hated every single one, incredible ones, looking from the outside. They say you should do something you hate to find out what you love, and every time I was working those jobs, I dreamt about music. Years went by of trying any job I could find; when I finally gained the courage to go all in on music, I quit my job and never looked back. I was about 18 with no money to my name. I moved back home with my parents and worked in the dark for the next two years without showing anyone my music because it was awful. I was embarrassed by everything I was making. I didn’t even show my parents for the first year or two. I had no innate talent, but I knew it would work out if I put in enough time one day if I got lucky enough. I couldn’t sing, produce, write, or even create content. I had nothing going for me. But these artists inspired me. I looked up to them; they could have been better when they started. They found what they loved doing and did it obsessively for hours and years. So I tried putting in my 10,000 hours and spent 8-12 hours making music daily. I did these song-a-day challenges where I would push myself to write and produce a song a day before noon, and I did it most of the time. That helped sharpen my skills. I wrote hundreds of songs before I showed anyone, even my family. But I eventually gained the courage to share it with the world, and after a year or two of sharing it, it finally started to gain some traction. Long story short, eventually, people somehow found my music, and I’m so lucky and grateful to be able to make music full-time now. It’s the biggest blessing I could ever ask for. I aspire to make music that saves people, and I’ve received a few messages that say that. Whenever I receive those messages, I’m reminded why I make music.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was unbelievably difficult, and I might not have done it without knowing how hard it was. I had to go against the grain in every sense. I was the only one of my friends not to attend college, and I missed many experiences. I also moved away from home to pursue it and didn’t spend much time with my friends and family, which I regret. Most of my days were locked away in my makeshift closet studio, hoping and wondering if anyone would ever hear these songs I was making. I doubted myself for years but kept pushing and pursuing it no matter what. Most days, I thought it was utterly hopeless, and I wouldn’t say I considered quitting cause I knew I never would, but man, I was close to considering it. I gave up a lot in pursuit of this, but there is nothing else I’d instead do. I knew it was worth the sacrifices. Being an artist who values honesty and vulnerability is scary because it’s like writing in your diary, thinking no one will ever read this, and then sharing it with your friends, family, and the entire world. But I know that’s where the real magic happens and the only way to make any art that inspires or helps people.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
I’m a songwriter and producer. I write songs about the human experience and hope they can help anyone listening.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am still determining what will happen and need attention to it. If I make music that resonates with people, work hard at it, share it with the world, give it good intentions, and never give up one day, it will work out. If I thought about it, my head would explode, and I wouldn’t be making the music I know I should be. Or thinking about how AI will make music a million times better than me, and that terrifies me, haha.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/awinrecords/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXKk0POjx39iBe-8_MauUw
Image Credits
Emma Ruby
