Above The Bar: Anthez
This week's interview is with ANOTHER super-talented, magnetic being I met when I lived in Atlanta. The multi-talented protegé of superhero/family man/songwriter/singer/producer/comedian j.Que Smith is a songwriter himself who also happens to be a model. At first glance, he is GORGEOUS. If you're lucky enough to hear him speak, you'll find his mind to be arguably more attractive than his "mug". He sings, he writes, he models, and he entertains. I met up with he and another of our friends in New York for dinner once, and we had THE BEST time. Honestly, business hardly ever comes up when we're together. A testament to his ability to win with people is the fact that he pretty much knows EVERYONE IN THE WORLD. He travels frequently, and still manages to remain no more than an arm's length from his friends. I love that about him. I mean, because his personality is so gosh darn DOPE, I am now able to say that I had a model to help me move out of my house in ATL, AND they listened to my hard core playlist the whole way. For that I, in turn, ride with him, from Buckhead to the Big Time. This is his birthday week, so I couldn't think of a better time to introduce you to
Songwriter/ Model
LL: How long have you been doing what you do for a living?
AW: Music has been a passion of mine since I can remember. I was the kid who knew every song on the radio, and watched every music video and every award show on TV. Initially, I wanted to be an author & write books. Later on (when I was about 11) I figured out that I could merge the 2 and voila! A songwriter was born. The modeling came after I was on a turbulent cross-country flight to Atlanta & was sitting next to a photographer who introduced me to the field, so I've been at that for about 7 years.
LL: What are the 2 most rewarding parts of your career(s)?
AW: Well in music, it's definitely the feeling that something that I created has been manifested and will never die. I don't have kids, so for now these verse, hook, and bridge sections will have to do! I also appreciate that I have this outlet; it is therapeutic for me to make songs of things I am feeling, or that others are feeling, or things that I want to feel. It keeps me sane...insane too, for that matter. :-P Modeling is more of an esteem/confidence builder for me. I wasn't one that thought of himself as a "knockout" when I was growing up LOL! I kinda had to grow into my look. I love being in front of the camera and being able to evoke an emotion with my face or body language in order to sell a product. That's pretty cool to me.
LL: What are 3 of your favorite things to do when you aren't working?
AW: I like taking walks to clear my head or to be alone with my thoughts, I LOVE to travel with a group of friends, and I have to admit that I am a victim of retail marketing. SMH I shop A LOT. Maybe too much, but hey, there's no therapy like retail therapy. #SueMe
LL: Name 3 people you are inspired by.
AW: David Geffen is the definition of a hustler. He's one that didn't allow his circumstances to be the governing factor in what HE wanted for HIMSELF. j.Que Smith leads by example and has taught me a lot by many actions and few words. He ALWAYS without fail offers a perspective that I hadn't given thought to because he wants to "see me win". My future self inspires me. The person I see myself becoming. I'm far from where I was but even farther from where I want to be, but with a positive attitude, drive, and hard work, the future that I deem fit for myself is inevitable.
LL:What are 3 things that someone in pursuit of a career in either industry should know?
AW: 1. It's the opposite of easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and focus. Multiply whatever you think it takes times ten and double that and you'll still have a balance to pay...but it's worth it.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH. There are so many websites, blogs, books, podcasts, panels, etc. devoted to literally EVERYTHING. It's just a matter of sorting through it all to find the information you need. The work doesn't stop at educating yourself, either. The application of this knowledge is what makes all the difference.
3. Be patient. It doesn't happen overnight & if it does, it's a one-night stand, and it'll be gone in the morning. Use the time that you're waiting to perfect your craft so that when your time does come, you'll already be prepared.
LL: What is the best meal you've ever made?
AW: A BOMB bowl of cereal! J/K :-) Nah but I pride myself on my shrimp fettucine with Texas Toast (cheese, please) and a glass of Pinot. Paula Deen and Chef Emeril don't want it with tha kid!
LL: What are 3 things you have changed your mind about since high school?
AW: First is that it's okay to be ME. I don't have to agree with things I don't really agree with just to fit in, or for people to like me (#NowPlaying Mary J. Blige 'Take Me As I Am' lol). Secondly is that pretty much everything grown folks told me about the "real world" is true; only the strong survive. Lastly, I realize that there is no such thing as a "free lunch". SOMEBODY is paying for it, even if it isn't you, so don't take those things or those people for granted. I've learned to be grateful for everything that I have.
...and for the bonus question,
LL: Of all the cities you've traveled to, which could you see yourself settling in?
AW: I could definitely see myself settling in Atlanta. It's low-key, and it's the first city I moved to when I left my homoetown (Houston). The A will always have a special place in this thug heart of mine. LOL
...funny...I feel the same way about YOU, Thez! :-D
Twitter shout-outs: @jquesmith @icontips @CheConnects @Attorney_EGK @BeanzBeanzBEanz @WardellMalloy @TheKlasix
For more on Anthez Williams, click the links below:
www.twitter.com/a10chun
www.facebook.com/a10chun
Anthez Williams
25
New York/ Los Angeles/ AtlantaSongwriter/ Model
"If you spend time getting better at whatever it is that you do, you'll be that much more prepared when your time comes."
-Anthez Williams
LL: How long have you been doing what you do for a living?
AW: Music has been a passion of mine since I can remember. I was the kid who knew every song on the radio, and watched every music video and every award show on TV. Initially, I wanted to be an author & write books. Later on (when I was about 11) I figured out that I could merge the 2 and voila! A songwriter was born. The modeling came after I was on a turbulent cross-country flight to Atlanta & was sitting next to a photographer who introduced me to the field, so I've been at that for about 7 years.
LL: What are the 2 most rewarding parts of your career(s)?
AW: Well in music, it's definitely the feeling that something that I created has been manifested and will never die. I don't have kids, so for now these verse, hook, and bridge sections will have to do! I also appreciate that I have this outlet; it is therapeutic for me to make songs of things I am feeling, or that others are feeling, or things that I want to feel. It keeps me sane...insane too, for that matter. :-P Modeling is more of an esteem/confidence builder for me. I wasn't one that thought of himself as a "knockout" when I was growing up LOL! I kinda had to grow into my look. I love being in front of the camera and being able to evoke an emotion with my face or body language in order to sell a product. That's pretty cool to me.
LL: What are 3 of your favorite things to do when you aren't working?
AW: I like taking walks to clear my head or to be alone with my thoughts, I LOVE to travel with a group of friends, and I have to admit that I am a victim of retail marketing. SMH I shop A LOT. Maybe too much, but hey, there's no therapy like retail therapy. #SueMe
LL: Name 3 people you are inspired by.
AW: David Geffen is the definition of a hustler. He's one that didn't allow his circumstances to be the governing factor in what HE wanted for HIMSELF. j.Que Smith leads by example and has taught me a lot by many actions and few words. He ALWAYS without fail offers a perspective that I hadn't given thought to because he wants to "see me win". My future self inspires me. The person I see myself becoming. I'm far from where I was but even farther from where I want to be, but with a positive attitude, drive, and hard work, the future that I deem fit for myself is inevitable.
LL:What are 3 things that someone in pursuit of a career in either industry should know?
AW: 1. It's the opposite of easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and focus. Multiply whatever you think it takes times ten and double that and you'll still have a balance to pay...but it's worth it.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH. There are so many websites, blogs, books, podcasts, panels, etc. devoted to literally EVERYTHING. It's just a matter of sorting through it all to find the information you need. The work doesn't stop at educating yourself, either. The application of this knowledge is what makes all the difference.
3. Be patient. It doesn't happen overnight & if it does, it's a one-night stand, and it'll be gone in the morning. Use the time that you're waiting to perfect your craft so that when your time does come, you'll already be prepared.
LL: What is the best meal you've ever made?
AW: A BOMB bowl of cereal! J/K :-) Nah but I pride myself on my shrimp fettucine with Texas Toast (cheese, please) and a glass of Pinot. Paula Deen and Chef Emeril don't want it with tha kid!
LL: What are 3 things you have changed your mind about since high school?
AW: First is that it's okay to be ME. I don't have to agree with things I don't really agree with just to fit in, or for people to like me (#NowPlaying Mary J. Blige 'Take Me As I Am' lol). Secondly is that pretty much everything grown folks told me about the "real world" is true; only the strong survive. Lastly, I realize that there is no such thing as a "free lunch". SOMEBODY is paying for it, even if it isn't you, so don't take those things or those people for granted. I've learned to be grateful for everything that I have.
...and for the bonus question,
LL: Of all the cities you've traveled to, which could you see yourself settling in?
AW: I could definitely see myself settling in Atlanta. It's low-key, and it's the first city I moved to when I left my homoetown (Houston). The A will always have a special place in this thug heart of mine. LOL
...funny...I feel the same way about YOU, Thez! :-D
Twitter shout-outs: @jquesmith @icontips @CheConnects @Attorney_EGK @BeanzBeanzBEanz @WardellMalloy @TheKlasix
For more on Anthez Williams, click the links below:
www.twitter.com/a10chun
www.facebook.com/a10chun
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