Tony Mena

" During his tour in Iraq he was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal with a V for valor for multiple acts of heroism while under fire" - http://www.gerardomena.com/.

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

Tony: I enjoy the freedom of being an indie performer. I’m only as successful as the amount of work I put into it.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?

Tony: I would sign with a major because so much of my music deals with the theme of war and my experiences in Iraq and I want as many people as possible to know and remember my friends that didn’t make it back.

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

Tony: My “it” factor is that I write my own songs so I convey genuine emotions when I sing/perform them.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?

Tony: My fans are guaranteed a genuine emotion in a song. They are guaranteed to get the best of me every show. I always put 100% into every performance. I’m not saying I’m perfect and that I will hit every note as it was intended to be played, or that I don’t get sick, but I guarantee that no matter what, I will give 100% for the fans. You will never get a half-ass performance.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

Tony: Well, I completed my military enlistment and returned home and began playing a lot of songs on an acoustic guitar on my front porch. I met several cool dudes from playing outside and we began jamming a lot and formed a rock/funk band. I still have a lot of fun playing with them but recently I needed to branch off on this solo project so that I can explore deeper themes and meanings in my music and approach the lyrics in a more poetic style.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Tony: I feel I relate most with the band Manchester Orchestra and I was inspired by their front man, Andy Hull, when he branched off and did his own solo project, allowing him also to explore some more mature themes in his music.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Tony: I feel that Indie music is slowly climbing the ranks, or maybe mainstream music is slowly falling. More and more people are creating their own music, and because recording equipment is finally being produced and manufactured at an affordable cost, self-recording is easier than ever.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Tony: I would promote more originality. Following an overdone formula for pop songs does not equal good music.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Tony: I’ve received great feedback with a lot of warm comments. People appreciate my service in the military and my poetic songs. Positive feedback always motivates me to keep creating and writing.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Tony: I would continue to create. I have an inner desire to constantly write and grow in the skill of songwriting and poetry. I do not need fame or fortune to validate my music. All I need is a few people in the audience that are genuinely interested in listening and an acoustic guitar in my hands and my soul is happy. That’s also why I love house concerts so much. There is an intimacy there that you can’t get on a big stage.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Tony: Well, I haven’t really received “negative” feedback yet, but I’ve had my share of rejections, just like any other artist. It takes a thick skin to keep putting yourself out there. It helps to meet regularly with other musicians or artists to keep each other motivated and keep honing the songwriting craft.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Tony: My friends and family play a huge role in my pursuit of a music career because they constantly encourage me to press forward. They believe in me and that’s all an artist really needs in my opinion.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Tony: My music can be found at www.facebook.com/tonyidigmusicmena and my poetry can be found at www.gerardomena.com.

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Tony: Well, I guess more than anything I’d like to impart these final words: believe in yourself. If you want something bad enough you need to make it happen. You are only limited to the amount of work you’re willing to put in. If you want to better yourself as a songwriter, take a poetry class, voice lessons, guitar lessons, and hit the open mics around town. Never stop setting goals for yourself. Join the Indie ranks and empower yourself, together we can take back the music industry and put the emphasis on well written original music, where it belongs.