For over three decades, New York State-based artist Anthony Casuccio has been a staple of the music industry. An accomplished professional, his career has seen him excel as a producer, songwriter and performer, with a résumé that includes three Grammy nominations, gold record achievements and songs climbing the charts. His production work has seen him remaster legendary albums for artists such as Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett and Roy Orbison and his music has soundtracked everything from hit TV shows to major commercials.
In addition to his production accolades, his endeavours as a band leader with A&L brought him global success. The band earned nine top 20 songs on UK indie music charts, with their music played in over 70 countries across Europe and the United States. In recent years, Anthony’s solo career has become his focus, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing music landscape.
His solo journey began in 2021 with the release of his debut single, “Friends First” and building on its momentum, he’s since landed four songs in the UK independent charts. Among these, “Lighthouse” soared to #1 in 2023, confirming his status as a decorated artist in his own right. Last year, he released “Life Goes On,” a deeply personal tribute to his late mother, which reached #3 on European indie charts and won over audiences worldwide.
Now, Anthony Casuccio is returning to his guitar-focused roots with the release of his latest release, the aptly titled song, “The Rockstar.” Drawing inspiration from the energy of rock throughout the latter 20th Century, this epic anthem distils his 30-year journey in the music industry into a thrilling rock outing brimming with catchy writing and guitar performance flair.
Kicked off by the grit of crunching guitar chords and strike of drums, Anthony’s commanding voice enter to spin powerful melodic hooks above. Flowing with punching rhythm, the track launches into a dazzling chorus of infectious vocal leads, charging energy and dashes of colourful synth flutters, resulting in an epic and memorable listening experience.
Peppered with slick lead guitar flickers and a dreamy breakdown that erupts with a scorching solo, “The Rockstar” channels the golden era of stadium-ready rock through Anthony Casuccio’s unique sonic lens. Crafting an energising musical moment of enduring rock music, it’s a superb showcase of his songwriting talent that’s sure to impress listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
We caught up with Anthony to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “The Rockstar” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Anthony Casuccio below.
Hey Anthony, how’s things?
Things are good. It’s a new year and I have a new single out The Rockstar, so I am busy.
What’s your earliest memory of making music?
Probably playing air guitar in front of my parent’s big counsel record player listening to Beatle and Van Halen records.
Which artists do you draw the most inspiration from?
That is a tough question. It really depends on the song. As I mentioned, I am a huge Beatles freak, but I love all kinds of music. And if a certain song grabs me then it will have an influence on me. There are certain EDM artists that have been incorporated into my music as well as elements from new country music. I try to keep learning and having an open mind to expand my songwriting.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I pull from life, such as the passing of my mother. I wrote Life Goes On as a tribute to her. I also use technology. As new plugin or synthesizer sound will trigger an idea. I wrote the song The Rockstar after realizing that I did not have a strong song to open my show.
What was your highlight of the year for 2024?
There were two. First being inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. That is the city where I grew up. And second, hitting #3 on the European Indie music chart with my song Life Goes On.
What do you love about your local music scene?
That is a tough question. I am not in that scene much. It is not the most supportive scene for original music. I wish that it was, but it is not. It is not like New York City or Austin or Las Angels because they have a ton of venues that support original music and that support creates a scene.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
In the car or with Headphones on. I spend a lot of time in the studio adding a lot of layers and complexity to my recordings. But they are done tastefully so that they do not get in the way of the melody or cloud up the song. But I do want people to hear them after a few listens. I am developing my live sound, so that is the next place that I want people to hear my music.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Big time. That has been an issue of mine; consistency with style. In the past I did not care where my musical journey took me. But now that I am playing live, I need to make sure that there are some overlapping elements such as my guitar playing or live drums on all the songs.
Has your production process changed over the years too?
It has improved. I am a professor, and I have been teaching recording to college students. I have been bringing in higher level musicians to my classes and that has kept me on my game as well as introducing new techniques that I have incorporated into my own productions. I started in the business as a mastering engineer in 1991 in New York City and moved into mixing. I still run my own company Xtream Audio Mastering and have some well-known clientele. That keeps me up on musical trends and techniques.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Probably Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher or Liam Gallagher from Oasis. Or U2. A newer artist would be Gus Dapperton.
How did you find making your new single “The Rockstar”?
As I mentioned, it came around from me needing and opening song for my live show. It took a few different forms before I settled on the version that was recorded and released. In addition to various rewrites, the bad was able to rehearse the song and perform it before we went into the studio.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
This song does not have any deep meaning. It is somewhat autobiographical. Most of my friends and acquaintances don’t really know the extent of the rockstar life that I have lived while I was in New York and California. I have been blessed. This kind of highlights that and makes fun of it.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Wallows, U2 Foo Fighters.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I want them to enjoy it, sing along to it. I also want them to think of me as a professional. Someone that has perfected the craft of writing and recording. Plus, a kick-ass guitarist. Ha.
What’s been your favourite live performance so far?
Rush Clockwork Angels tour, U2 Jousha Tree 25th Anniversary tour
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
U2, Oasis, Foo Fighters
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Be prepared to work hard and network. It’s who you know in addition to having talent.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?
Promote my song, play some shows. I have another song that I will release in April and then start the promotion process all over again. When the summer starts, I will be on my boat!
Listen to The Rockstar below
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