Introduction

> "I’m just a guy who sings about the everyday struggles of folks who feel overlooked and forgotten." I feel a deep responsibility to amplify the voices of those in the working class, pouring their hardships into my music, and it’s been incredible to connect with so many who relate to that experience.

> "My grandfather’s story of hard times is woven into my identity." Choosing the name Oliver Anthony is more than just a tribute; it represents the resilience and grit of my roots from 1930s Appalachia, reminding me of where I come from and the struggles that come with it.

Open mics

> I love the raw authenticity of musicians at open mics, like that big dude giving it his all without seeking fame, just playing from the heart. It's the pure artistry that draws me to open mics.

> Johnny Staats' joy in playing music while working full-time resonates with me. His dedication and humble approach inspire me to stay true to my passion for music and enjoy the process without pursuing fame.

Mainstream country music

> I feel like the heart of country music has been lost in the chase for commercial success. “In commercialized country you only really get what sells, and a lot of what sells isn't necessarily what matters.” It’s like a machine over-polishing everything, stripping away the raw, unique soul that makes art meaningful.

> There’s an overwhelming pressure to not rock the boat, where many of us become “robots,” just going through the motions. “It’s hard to be a human and be a good little corporate employee at the same time,” and in the end, it's that very disconnect that drains the passion and motivation from our lives, both in music and the workplace.

Fame

> It's intense to realize the impact of your words and music on people's lives, both positively and through the challenges of being attacked and misrepresented, which can be disorienting and lonely.

> Managing relationships and friendships, especially with the shift in societal position due to fame, brings changes in interactions, but maintaining the banter and deep connections with friends is crucial for support and normalcy in the evolving landscape.

Music vs politics

> Stepping into the political arena feels like navigating a storm where “there needs to just be a tornado through politics,” as too often we’re caught arguing over symptoms rather than tackling the root problems affecting our quality of life. It’s about breaking free from the confines of social media echo chambers and getting back to the truth.

> The reaction to my music revealed a deeper unity among people across different beliefs, reminding me of the collective vulnerability we all share in a corporate-driven society, feeling like “we're just robots, we're not allowed to be ourselves.” This connection, despite division, shows that there’s something profoundly human beneath all the rhetoric.

Rich Men North of Richmond

> The inspiration for my song came from years of working in blue-collar environments, where I soaked in the raw truths and struggles of everyday people. It was about capturing the essence of what I observed and experienced firsthand, reflecting not just my own feelings but those of many others as well.

> I recorded my songs on my phone, often through multiple takes and iterations, before they eventually made it to platforms like Spotify. The evolution from those raw recordings to the final polished versions was a journey of perseverance and authenticity, culminating in the support and recognition that changed my life.

Popularity, money, and integrity

> The surge of messages from listeners has revealed a raw truth about shared struggles like "suicide, addiction, unemployment" that really hit home. I never realized how deeply my music could connect with people who feel lost and hopeless, and it’s a powerful reminder that there is strength in our shared humanity.

> Turning down those million-dollar deals felt like a test of integrity; I felt like I would have been betraying the people who connected with my music. I just want to make decisions that feel right, even if I’m not always sure what that is. There’s a voice inside all of us that knows the difference between right and wrong, and it’s crucial to listen to it.

> My music is a call to arms against the structures that hold us back, reflecting the desire for real change. We shouldn’t wait for permission to fix the issues we see around us, whether it's in music, food, or society. If we're unhappy, we need to take action ourselves, because the revolutionary spirit of this country is still alive in all of us.

Blue-collar people

> The guest emphasized the importance of shining a light on the lives of blue-collar workers, expressing frustration that these individuals, who play a critical role in society, often go unnoticed and underappreciated. They highlighted the rich stories and struggles of these individuals, contrasting them with the spotlight placed on less significant figures in mainstream media.

> They reflected on the depth and value found in mastering a skill, such as coal mining or engineering, praising those who tackle challenging and demanding work. The guest expressed a desire to bridge the gap between different cultures and bring recognition to the trades and professions that are often overlooked in today's society.

> The guest shared their vision of rebuilding authentic communities that embrace controversy and turmoil while working towards common goals like basic well-being and providing a decent life for future generations. They highlighted the need for genuine connection and support for those facing despair and isolation, recognizing the diminishing role of traditional institutions like the church in providing that support.

Depression

> Life's struggles and my own pain led me to a point where I just "quit believing in myself." I ran away from responsibility, dropping out of high school and ending up in a cycle of jobs with no real direction. At my lowest, I felt "an overwhelming sense of numbness," where nothing mattered and my own self-worth just vanished.

> I’ve come to realize that depression is more than just a bad day; it’s a relentless cycle of negative self-reflection and neglecting the responsibilities that pile up around you. It creates a mountain that feels impossible to climb, and, sadly, many men face this alone, hiding their suffering until it becomes overwhelming.

> Finding faith in something greater than myself, coupled with the strength to face my challenges one step at a time, has been crucial. Quitting drinking helped me look in the mirror and confront my reality. "You can push them out side with that," that little glimmer of hope is a powerful motivator for anyone stuck in that dark place.

> The essence of life lies in our connections with others. Relationships, love, and shared experience are what truly make life meaningful. Material things don’t bring happiness; it's "the people you love in your life that make up the essence of what makes life worth living." It's essential to hold onto those values amidst the chaos and seek genuine, face-to-face connections.

Nature

> Nature has a profound impact on mental well-being, offering a sense of reconnection and tranquility. By immersing oneself in nature and being part of the natural system, one can find restoration and joy.

> Technology, while valuable, has the potential to engulf us in a detrimental way. The rapid advancement of technology, with its immersive and addictive qualities, can lead to a disconnect from the real world and the erosion of society's fabric.

> Human connections and real-life interactions are crucial for healing and problem-solving. The internet can breed loneliness and division, making it essential to prioritize in-person experiences to mend societal issues and bridge ideological gaps.

> Those in positions of power, whether left or right, often prioritize their own interests over those of the working class. It is vital to recognize the humanity in all individuals, maintain a healthy skepticism of authority, and remember that ultimately, the power dynamic is determined by the collective will of the people.

Three-legged cat

> There's something profoundly beautiful about compassion, whether it's for a three-legged cat or a fellow human. "I couldn’t just let this little guy go," I realized, as we rescued that cat named Hop. It strikes me how that irrational love we show to animals, despite all the suffering in the world, mirrors the potential for the same kind of care we can extend to each other.

> Life can bring us to our knees, just like that cat. It's about the struggle and the will to keep moving forward, much like Bukowski's tale of resilience. "We're all just creatures," I thought, and amidst all our differences and opinions, we have so much more in common. We need to tap into that love, especially for adults who often feel lost in this chaotic world.

I Want to Go Home (live performance)

> "I Want To Go Home" is such a personal song for me, reflecting on the longing for a simpler life and the loss of connection to our roots in today's society.

> The lyrics capture a sense of yearning, a feeling of being lost in a world that's moving too fast and losing touch with what truly matters.

Guitar backstory

> That guitar carries a lot of history for me. It’s the one that literally saved my butt when everything blew up. I was using a little Gretsch resonator, and while it got me through those initial gigs, it was just a makeshift setup with a suction cup rig. I ended up connecting with Paul Beard, who not only fixed my Gretsch but also gifted me a handmade resonator that really represents what my music is all about. It’s heavy, sturdy, and made with love, which mirrors the heart I try to put into my songs.

> My roots run deep with the music from my family's Virginia lineage. I have a real fondness for that old bluegrass and folk vibe, and the resonator’s sound brings me back to that era, almost like a ghost from the past. I’m drawn to the imperfections of those old tunes – dull strings, out-of-tune notes, and all – because they resonate with the authenticity I aim for in my own music. Oliver Anthony music is more than just me; it’s a tribute to that timeless feeling of music from the 1930s, channeling the spirit of my family and their stories into every chord I play.

Playing live this year

> I believe in creating new music spaces outside the monopoly of corporate giants like Ticketmaster and Live Nation, making concerts more accessible to everyone, especially those with limited means.

> Traveling the world, meeting different people, and exploring nature on psilocybin has given me a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and a sense of peace that transcends human constructs and limitations.