Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Mere
Hi Antonio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started making music at the age of 2 and instantly knew I wanted to dedicate my life to it. Growing up as a black queer man, I didn’t have many outlets to turn to or avenues to express myself. Music became that for me. I started performing for private schools, and eventually, I got into a performing arts middle school and Akron School for the Arts High School in Akron, Ohio. I started as a self-taught Songwriter and producer and used my classically trained singing, piano, and drumming abilities to help enhance my artistic journey. I am a senior at Cuyahoga Community College, studying for my Audio Engineering Degree in Recording Arts and Technology. I am a pop artist who fuses genres such as R&B, Vintage Soul, and Jazz into my singer-songwriter-esque writing style.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, the road has been smooth. However, I have had financial obstacles along the way, as well as discrimination from peers about my sexuality and lyrical content.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a self-made independent musician from Akron, Ohio. I exude the elegant side of music with a nostalgic and warm sound that takes droplets from the mid-80s Soul, 2000’s Rhythm and Blues, and today’s Modern Pop. I am a well-rounded Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Performer with influences in music that have helped me develop a sound that leaves listeners craving for more. By combining elements of Pop, Jazz, Alternative R&B, and Reggae soundscapes and having the lyricism sharper than a two-edged sword, I’m confident my music will leave a scar on the hearts of my fans.
Since I was young my love for music and passion for pursuing music sprouted from inspirations such as Michael Jackson,
Stevie Wonder, and Mariah Carey.
I knew that music was something I was destined to do, and I hoped writing about my experiences in the LGBTQ+ community would help others as it helped me at the time.
My first venture into making music would lead to me making my first song Antonio Mere – I Confess which was released in late 2019. Created on Garageband for the iPhone, this would start my passion for music production.
I created a Record Label called Toni Records
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have taken many risks, especially related to music, a recent risk of mine was adjusting my education to fit my music marketing needs. I had a cruise I planned on partaking in for the promotion of my new Reggae EP. However, this was scheduled right during finals week. I had two options: either I canceled the cruise, or I adjusted my finals to get them done earlier with less time to practice. Of course, I chose the cruise, so I had to buckle down and commit to my plan. This was one of the most stressful points in my life. It was like choosing one career over the other. Although I prevailed, I think it’s important to acknowledge failure and accept it as a part of the journey and as a consequence of risk-taking. I look forward to taking more risks in the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antoniomere.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniomeremusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antoniomeremusic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-mere-445031246?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theantoniomere
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/antoniomere
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/antonio-mere-667384028
Image Credits
Antonio Mere
