ANTHONY GOMES – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW

Anthony Gomes is an amazing blues vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. The Canadian raised artist is a force to be reckoned with. His last effort is the titanic full length entitled High Voltage Blues which showcases Gomes dynamic songwriting coupled with his vibrant musicianship. The entire album features blistering guitar riffs and funky vocals. He easily meshes edgy blues with a groove-laden rock sensibility. Gomes‘ music tugs at the heart. Its fiery essence is highly propulive. The record is a treasure full of spicy licks and stellar textures. The following is an in-depth and fun interview Anthony gave to AMP.

AMP: Can you give us a little insight into your latest release, High Voltage Blues?

ANTHONY: It’s an interesting story because the president of Rat Pak Records out of New Hampshire just stumbled on my music on Amazon. He got in contact and explained that they have never approached an artist in this fashion. They felt I was being marketed as a blues/rock artist and by switching it around it would make a world of difference. His idea was to promote me in the rock arena as a blues artist.

So I put three new songs on the album and reworked some of my back catalogue. I got Billy Sheehan on bass and Ray Luzier from Korn on drums for a third of the release. It’s a great introduction for people who have never heard my music before and it’s turning a lot of heads to what I am doing now.

AMP: What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

ANTHONY: Man, I live for music. I wake up thinking about music and I go to sleep thinking about music. I try to be more present in the everyday world and not think about it. It doesn’t work. It has taught me everything about love, feelings, unity, brotherhood, faith, disappointment, etc. Music has taught me life lessons like no other art form. It was and still is my best friend. If you are a lifer in music, it can never be half way. My fans are the same way. My fans have the same passion. If anything, I try to be less passionate but it never works.

AMP: Your guitar playing is electrifying. Who are your early guitar heroes?

ANTHONY: Early on it was Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, B. B. King, Albert Collins, Ritchie Blackmore, etc. I really loved those older blues players and rock upstarts. I learned from all those players. Of course Eddie Van Halen for his technique. The guitar playing that spoke to me the most was when I could feel the sparks coming off a guitarist’s fingers whether they played a lot of notes or not. When Billy Gibbons plays you feel the electricity flying. These guys’ sparks can give you brain freeze. That’s how I always want to play.

AMP: Describe your songwriting process?

ANTHONY: Backwards! I usually come up with a general concept or title and work backwards from there. Also, I like to start at the big parts of the song like the chorus. Starting from the top and then working downwards seems to make the most sense to me. That’s how I write most of the time but I also keep bits and pieces of ideas that I’ve collected like some cool riffs. Once I start writing, I sneak some of those ideas in. It’s a fun way to create.

AMP: What is your favorite song to play live?

ANTHONY: I like a slow blues. A song that just brings out your emotions. Even when you’re happy it fits. It fits better when you are down. Keith Richards once said that the Stones knew they were road ready when they could pull off a slow tune. There’s no bullshit in a slow song. I also love the first song of the night. The audience is excited. You’re excited and then the curtain opens and off you go. Nothing better!

AMP: What are the worst and best parts of being a musician?

ANTHONY: A musician’s life has a lot of ups and downs. Living though covid brought me somewhat back to the real world. I became a regular person again. I was riding in the middle lane. When you are a musician, the middle lane doesn’t exist. It’s a lot of highs and a ton of lows. A great show gives you that adrenaline rush but then you realize you haven’t been home in two months. I know one thing for sure. This is the life I was meant to live. I’m in the right place.

AMP: If you could call in any one collaborator, past or present, who would it be and why?

ANTHONY: Oh my gosh, that’s a great question! I’m a huge Jeff Beck fan, So I’ve felt a sadness from his recent passing. I would love to sit around with Hendrix and talk about music. Somebody living would be Jimmy Page. We all know he’s a wonderful guitar player but he is also such a profound producer and visionary of music. Page would really be interesting to work with.

AMP: What is the one question you always wanted an interviewer to ask and what is the answer. Conversely, what is the one question you are tired of answering? 

ANTHONY: I hate answering the same questions most interviewers ask. You haven’t asked me one question yet that I’ve heard before. It’s usually “How old were you when you picked up the guitar” or “Why did you pick up the guitar”. Your type of questions are the ones I like because you have to come off of autopilot.

The one question I don’t get a lot is about the state of the music industry today. I finally believe it’s inspiring again to be a musician. For a while technology really sucked the music industry dry. Now it feels like the 60’s again. We are starting to use technology to our advantage. I’m excited for all the possibilities technology is bringing in furthering an artist’s career.

AMP: What a perfect segue! Do you feel the music industry does enough to promote the blues?

ANTHONY: I think the blues is the worst marketed music ever. All that is said is “listen to the blues because without it there would be no Stones, Zeppelin or Jack White”. They should say don’t listen to the blues. “It’s devil music and it will turn you into a heathen”. The blues music industry should do more to promote their artists.

Even though this may not be a popular statement, I believe the blues community is snobbish in what they consider the blues. The community divides the small percentage of record sales by arguing what pure blues is. The industry is trying to treat our music as a period piece. What we need to do is enlighten the public that blues is a vibrant and viable music genre. It’s full of life.

AMP: What’s next for Anthony Gomes?

ANTHONY: Write, record, tour, repeat. Write, record, tour, repeat. I am rounding the bases of a new album. It will probably be released in the fall or early next year. Super excited about it. Everyday I get emails and texts from new fans thanks to people like yourself getting the word out. And when this album is done, there will be another one right behind it. I’m full of surprises.

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To learn more about Anthony Gomes, Check out the Website!

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Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music 

Purchase: Amazon 

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