As listeners and music lovers we are always hungry for new music or even maybe looking for that next artist to follow. Sometimes we may even stumble across artists we've never heard of or who are barely making their debut in the music industry. While I was rebuilding and making changes to my blog website and making an Instagram entirely dedicated to my blog posts, I not only discovered a talented and humbled, up and coming artist named Antonio Woodard but I also had the chance to interview him to bring forth his story of how he became interested in music and how the journey in his career as an up and coming artist has been.
DKS (Da Kine Scoop): You mentioned that you graduated from graduate school. Talk about your majors and why you chose to major/study social work and criminology. What do you want to do or plan to do with your knowledge in your studies?
AW(Antonio Woodard): I received a BA in Criminology with a minor in Theatre and an MSW in Social Work as a backup plan if pursuing music full time does not work out for whatever reason. Until I am able to do so, I am a counselor when I am not working on music which is what I am also passionate about as an advocate for mental health. I was unable to major in music as it was not compatible with athletics, track and field, in college.
DKS (Da Kine Scoop): In depth, tell me about your investment in the Church while growing up and how that inspired your love for music.
AW (Antonio Woodard): Growing up, hearing and singing a range of gospel songs was inspiring to say the very least. The fellowship, the energy, the faith and the passion all combined together was an out of body experience that just made me feel emotionally full and satisfied. I was surrounded by such powerful and graceful singers that I knew early on, I wanted to have that same impact on others the way they had on myself. I would mimic their styles and tones which eventually led to my own sound and voice.
DKS: What was it about the Church and gospel music that you feel has a big impact on music? Is it the message in the songs performed in Church, the feeling or something else? What does it mean to you?
AW: The gospel genre is like many others where a message or story is being told. With gospel, it feels much deeper than that. It is a testimony of oppression, joy, sacrifice, gratefulness and a unique relationship with God like no other.
DKS: You talked a little bit about being a part of vocal jazz groups and choir, how would you say they shaped your journey in music and as an artist?
AW: The vocal jazz and various a cappella groups that I was a part of were excellent ear training and confidence boosters when it came down to my stage presence. You have to be sure of every note you sing because every part is important and if one minute detail is off, it will stick out like a sore thumb. It also enhanced my ability to collaborate with other artists and musicians. Being exposed to those with varying backgrounds was exciting and inspiring. I am a team player so I love being able to bounce ideas among the greats.
DKS: How did you know that music was something you wanted to pursue?
AW: Dating back to growing up in church, I saw the singers as performers and I saw myself becoming an entertainer and performer too.
DKS: Who is someone, your idol or idols that you look up to or inspire you and why?
AW: Additionally, I grew up listening to my grandparents’ music, 'The Silvergate Quartets'. My grandpa always played it in the car wherever we went. My grandfather was a powerful tenor 1 and my grandmother was a raspy soprano 1. I also studied/study artists such as Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Jessie J, Celine Dion, Ne-yo and Smokie Norful, just to name a few. I studied them for hours and hours growing up to figure out what the best of the best is doing. I look at their music journeys, their backgrounds, their recording and writing process and how that translates to live performances.
DKS: Talk about your exposure as an artist. You mentioned you performed in Church, at sorority parties and corporate events. What was performing live like?
AW: Performing live always gives me an adrenaline rush. I am much more confident and comfortable now than ever before.
DKS: How did you feel?
AW: I would get so nervous and anxious no matter how small or large the audience was. It took me putting myself out there and practicing permanence, not perfection. I always tell myself that 9/10, the crowd is going to react to me so how I choose to present myself is everything. Rather it is a paid performance or not, I want to leave a lasting, memorable impression. I want every performance to be as if folks have paid hundreds of dollars to see me perform and walked away feeling like it was well worth it.
DKS: Where did you first perform live that made you nervous because it was your first live performance? Especially since it was out of the Church in front of strangers who you did not know and who did not know you?
AW: The first time would have been singing the national anthem at the University of Iowa’s Men's Basketball game. There were well over 10,000 people in the stands all focusing on me as I sang.
DKS: Again, it might sound repetitive to ask but how did you feel before and after performing then at that moment?
AW: It was an exciting and exhilarating feeling. I love performing under pressure and it feels even better to deliver. I was stoked to have an opportunity to showcase my talent in front of that many people not to mention those watching on TV. It was a challenge to step into new territory that I had not been in before. Afterwards, I received so much love and appreciation and that meant the world to me; knowing that I am doing my God given talent justice. I knew right then and there that I was right where I needed to be. That performance led to many opportunities moving forward.
DKS: Being an artist comes with a lot of pressure from fans, haters and the media. How do you stand your ground and remain humble?
AW: I thrive off of pressure and I also focus on my lane and my lane only. I used to be someone that cared entirely too much about what people may say or think of me. I stay grounded by focusing on what I can control and feeding my energy to those that are genuine supporters. I look at it this way, if you are hosting a party you should be catering to the needs of those that actually showed up and are thoroughly enjoying themselves and your company/hospitality, opposed to stressing and focusing on those that did not want to be there.
DKS: What do you hope your music does for other artists and fans?
AW: My main goal(s) for my music is for folks to appreciate my vocal agility, stylistic choices and most importantly to relate to it and feel wholeheartedly captivated.
DKS: What kind of messages do you want others to receive from your music? Or do you let them interpret what feelings they receive on their own?
AW: My music can be anywhere from showing a soft intimate side of vulnerability to a side of empowerment and high energy and everything in between. I want my music to get people through hardships and tough times. I also want my music to ride out their highs as well. I pray for longevity in my music career.
DKS: Do you write your own music or work with others to help you?
AW: 9 times out of 10 I write my own music along with a few co-writers at times to bounce ideas off of and tap into areas of growth that I was unaware of.
DKS: Where do you get your inspiration for your songs?
AW: My inspiration comes from memories, personal experiences or whatever mood I am in while writing.
DKS: What does music do for you, your life, and overall what you go through in life?
AW: Music gives me a peace of mind and allows me to express and articulate myself by word, painting through song.
DKS: Why is music important to you? How do you feel music helps the overall human race?
AW: Music is where I know I am most impactful and where I can move mountains in someone's life. That will always be enough for me.
DKS: Why do you feel a lot of people depend on music?
AW: Oftentimes a song is what depicts exactly how someone is feeling or thinking but do not know how to phrase and process it.
DKS: You have a song titled ‘Worth it’ what is the meaning behind it?
AW: 'Worth It’ is euphoric and hits home for anyone feeling stuck, needing that extra push to move forward. No matter what barriers, obstacles, and circumstances are in our way, if we want it badly enough we must fight for it and keep pushing through it all while pacing ourselves and being patient with our progress and not comparing our growth and dreams to our neighbors whose trajectory is not in sync with our own.
DKS: What about your other song ‘Commit’ and ‘Trust Issues’; Which are all great songs by the way! Really like ‘Trust Issues’!
AW: Thank you bundles! I appreciate that. ‘Commit’ is an upbeat happy go lucky song about being in love and wanting to settle down and commit with the right person. ‘Trust Issues’ is exactly what it sounds like. [Laughs] Putting your everything into someone and wanting nothing in return other than the effort to be reciprocated. Also, knowing how to create, set and maintain healthy boundaries so that we are not being walked all over and giving someone multiple opportunities that are not deserving of what we have to offer. Who wants to be in the company of someone who does not appreciate and respect them?
DKS: You have an album called ‘Interchangeable,’ talk about the music, production of the album and what was going through your mind when making it.
AW: Interchangeable was a massive step up from the first album ‘I Do’, as far as production, writing and the delivery. Certainly room for growth. That album was all about expressing, processing and accepting unfortunate circumstances and experiences. Again, I was singing about exactly how I felt during that time.
DKS: If I told you you fit in the R&B/Jazz/Pop category with artists like Anthony Hamilton, PJ Morton, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Mario, Vedo, Khalid, Ari Lennox, Kehlani, how would that make you feel? This of course is a compliment. You really have talent and a voice that the world deserves to hear and know just as these other artists as well as many other artists that fall under the same genre of music. You have that 90s/early 2000s R&B soul feel and I admire that, it brings a nostalgic feeling. You’re the definition of the modern 90s/2000s R&B, hip hop and pop genre.
AW: If I were told just that, my heart would melt like fondue and my eyes would water like the Nile the way they are right now answering this question! It is a blessing and honor for my name to be placed in a conversation with those talented folks that I either grew up listening to and admiring or am now a fan of. I would also tell you that I absolutely think I have what it takes to thrive and sit at the table with those folks - not just sitting at the table but having an active voice there as well!
On Monday January 3, 2022, Antonio performed live on television on Indy Now to perform his newest single 'Worth it'. Not mention he killed it on live television and you can definitely see how comfortable he looks singing, just like a pro.
Check out Antonio Woodard on Spotify and subscribe to his YouTube channel and show some support for this talented artist! You can also follow him on Instagram @theantoniowoodard and on TikTok @theantoniowoodard. I already have a favorite song and am calling myself an Antonio Woodard fan. I cannot wait to see where his musical career and his musicality goes as an upcoming artist. To Antonio Woodard, my friend, I wish you nothing but the best on your journey and am rooting for you!
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