1: How did you decide on the name, “Tony & The Kiki”?
Well obviously the universal nickname for Anthony is Tony and a kiki is slang for a queer hang. But to make a short answer long I never really identified as a Tony… I’d correct people if they’d call me Tony even affectionately. But with my band I felt like I needed something outside of the everyday Anthony to be… and thus Tony was born. Kiki is what I called my Uncle Jimmy as a baby because I couldn’t pronounce his name. Kiki was my mom’s big brother and best friend as well as being an out and proud gay man in the 70s/80s… we lost him to AIDS complications… I feel like I’m meant to carry on that queer legacy... to continue to break generational curses and to blaze a path for the future legendary children.
2: What inspires you to create?
Beauty, joy, and rage are my biggest inspirations to create.
3: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a creative profession?
To have a strong sense of yourself, what you want, and why you create and to hold onto all three with all you got.
4: Do you feel open minded about what you listen to? Do you like going out of your comfort zone?
Oh absolutely. I pride myself on my eclecticness lol I always feel like I just go to my “go to” genres, artists or records so when something new comes along it’s like a breathe of fresh air. A new flavor for my day/night.
5: What outlets do you find out about music from? (Record stores, magazines, samplers, etc.)
Honestly, my friends. Word of mouth and like random things on social media.
6: What is your favorite format to listen to music on? (CD, Vinyl, etc.)
Vinyl DUH!
7: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
It's kinda whack attack. Streaming services have a monopoly and artists are at their total mercy, especially indie artists… just ghetto IMHO
8: Who was the first band/artist that became your favorite band?
Spice Girls… I was OBSESSED… and probably still am.
9: Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
I like to cook but not as much as I like to eat. Also sleeping is just the best, isn’t it?
10: What was the inspiration for your song “Light It Up”?
I wanted to create something funky and fiery. Something that was a rager but also something you could shake your ass too. Phoenix energy was a major inspiration… the thought that the ashes fertilize the earth. That systems within society, the world, ourselves must burn in enchanted flames for the new and the fresh vibrations to ring out.
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