Local country singer aims high
Local country singer, Mr Anthony McGee, hopes to release his first album soon.
SECUNDA – Mr Anthony McGee’s star is on the rise.
What began with a bet at an open mic night when he was 16, has become a budding musical career and in true show-biz fashion, he wants his fans to “watch this space!”.
“My mate dared me to go on stage at an open mic night at a local mall.
“Not wanting to be called boring, I took him up on the challenge and preformed a well-known country song.
“Someone made a video and between that and the audience’s reaction, I realised I was not bad at all.
“Obviously, when I look back at those first performances, I realise I still have a lot to learn, but that was when the music bug had bit me.”
Mr McGee participated in a local musical performance competition and won.
“Taking part at that young age and winning, even if it was only a local competition, really boosted my confidence.
“That was a blessing.
“I can only thank my heavenly Father for this talent and the ability to perform and live out my dream. ”
Mr McGee continues to pursue his musical career, though he had to get a “day job” to pay the bills.
“It costs a lot of money to be a performing musician.
“I still remember that I bought my first basic sound system second hand, and it cost more than R12 000.”
He has shared the stage with many well-known artists and although his favourite genre is classic country music, he wants to increase his repertoire.
“I like to take my audience on the country train down memory lane, but there is so much opportunity or growth in Afrikaans music, that I am working on a number of Afrikaans songs as well.”
One of his greatest musical achievements was holding his own at the recent Super Sokkie that was held at Graceland where he performed with Kurt Darren, Die Campbells and DJ JazzyD.
Mr McGee has two young sons and hopes to be an inspiration and a role model to them.
“I can not express how much I love my children.
“I live for them and I want to make them proud.”
Mr McGee is particularly excited about his future and the growth in his musical career.
“People will be seeing a lot more of me.
“I hope to book a number of shows before the end of the year and I am already working on my first album.
“All I need now is a sponsor or a record label to give me a chance.
“I also hope to get a manager who can take care of the business side of my career, which will allow me to focus on the music.”
Although Mr McGee does not currently write his own music, he would love to work with a composer.
“I want to sit with someone, with a guitar, and work out what lyrics go with which melody.
“Our local music market appreciates an original song and I want to be able to deliver that.
“I live for music and the thrill of being on stage. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
Mr McGee can be contacted at antmcg2@gmail.com.
