Anthony Fernandez is an aspiring singer-songwriter from Dagupan, Pangasinan. And without doubt – he is packed with outstanding talent.
He traces his love for music back in second year high school SY 2014. “At first, I wanted to learn the piano but I didn’t push through because I cannot bring it anywhere. So I bought a guitar instead. At gusto ko talagang magstrive bilang gitarista. I am also a guitarist in our school organization called “Life’s Sound Society.”
During the pandemic lockdown, Anthony went full-time. “Nagka-pandemic so sabi ko – ‘paano na yan?’. Then nagtry akong kumanta and some of my online friends encourage me na ipursue ko.”
“Nagtry rin akong mag live sa iba’t ibang pages and grabe talagang doon ko nakita na naappreciate nila yung voice ko, although hindi ako ganun kagalingan. But still ginawa ko ito as my foundation in singing” Then time comes na talagang na nabuild up ko na yung foundation ko and style as a singer. ”
Anthony’s music influences are Noel Cabangon, Munimuni, Rey Valera, Frank Sinatra, Johnoy Danao, Bullet Dumas, Ebe Dancel, Apo Hiking Society and Michael Buble. “My type of genre are indie folk, alternative folk, jazz, blues, and funk.”
“These type of genre are my personal favorites kasi dito ako nakakafeel ng emotions and yung calmness sa sarili. Talagang I’m a oldies when it comes to music kasi grabe talaga yung impact sa akin ng mga songs na ginawa nila. Di man sila karamihan na magaganda ang boses but yung emotion andoon. Just like my type of singing kasi I let people know na ito ang gusto kong emotions na dapat ninyong mafeel.”
At the start of his career, Anthony has experienced challenges. “Okay naman although mahirap sa umpisa kasi I still need to improve on my craft and skills. Syempre iniisip nila kung paano ka diyan mage-gain ng experience pero natutunan rin naman nilang tanggapin. Second is wala akong confidence and sobra kong dina-down ang sarili ko. Lalo na yung voice ko na akala ko walang mararating.”
“Then everything changed nung madami na akong nakilala na online friends. They are the ones who supported me sa lahat kung bakit ko rin narating ito. Dumadami rin opportunities na natatanggap ko, kahit sa maliit na bagay still very thankful ako.”
Anthony extends gratitude to those supporting him. “Thank you sa family and friends ko. Most of my works and songs are kasama si Nicholas Castro, Reeve Aquino, Elli at iba ko pang online friends. They are the ones helping me along the way. And for all the people who believed in me nung wala pa ako sa music industry, sobra akong nagpapasalamat.”
His advice to fellow aspiring artists is to enjoy the moment. “Don’t let fear swallow you. If you want to do something, do it with love and enjoyment. Enjoy the moment na andiyan pa and claim ninyo lang lahat ng gusto ninyo dahil when time comes – masasabi ninyo na ‘pinaghirapan ko yan’ and you will be proud of yourself”
Anthony’s message for Mendira: “Thank you Mendira for giving artists the opportunity to share their talents. And thank you din dahil nabigyan ako ng chance mai-spotlight and maishare ang talent ko. God bless sa Mendira family. Sobrang laki ng tulong niyo po sa mga artists.”
Anthony’s social media platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/antoniii
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Antoniii-102576841531703
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniiiif
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntoniiiiF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Rfww0YhqFuVwjuncStwZy?si=e8ClNPbYRemf7yuOAd5cvA
