His musical style is reminiscent of a dieing breed of vocalists: the ones whose voice pulsates in our souls, leaves memories on the heart that will last throughout the years, and will be recalled to the mind time and time again generations later. As he crones and serenades not for the love of money but for the love of his fans, Anthony Cruz remains at the forefront of this dieing breed.
I sat down with this humble vocalist who hails from this rare breed, and unearthed some of his unique visions… like his ever evolving creations, his latest business venture, and how he survives in the ever changing world of Reggae music.
Lia T: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do the interview. wejamaicans.com appreciates it a lot.
Anthony Cruz: no problem at all, glad to help out
Lia T: Well, for those of us who may not know…. where in Jamaica were you born?
Anthony Cruz: Born in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica
Lia T: ..and what age did you discover your love for music?
Anthony Cruz: At about age 16 or there about.
Lia T: Is there any genre that you related to the most..?
strong>Anthony Cruz: Well I relate to all kinds of music…reggae, R&B, hip hop, just about everything
Lia T: Are there any artists who have influenced your musical style?
Anthony Cruz: Well my uncle Garnet Silk had a great influence on my style, but I also get inspiration from Sanchez and Beres Hammond
Lia T: Solid inspirations if I may add that..
Anthony Cruz: true
Lia T: You have a different birth name.. Why did you choose the name, Anthony Cruz, as your stage name?
Anthony Cruz: Anthony is my middle name and Cruz defines my style…laid back and cruising
Lia T: You write your own songs: what are some songs that you wrote/co wrote?
Anthony Cruz: Some of them are ‘Turn It Up’, ‘Mama Blessing’, ‘Too Bloody’ (with Buju Banton) and quite a few others
Lia T: You recently toured Europe. What was the experience like for you and what did you enjoy the most about performing there?
Anthony Cruz: It was a wonderful experience and the crowd support was incredible…meeting new fans from across the globe was very enjoyable for me personally
Lia T: that is beautiful. It is truly amazing how far reggae travels.
Anthony Cruz: You are so right about that, Reggae is indeed much bigger than a lot us realize, and [it is] only getting bigger
Lia T: Reggae is evolving.. the industry is changing: how do you see yourself keeping up with these changes
Anthony Cruz: Technology is the way forward, that’s a major part of me keeping up to date with the latest trends…also I read and listen a lot to learn about the latest changes, not only in Jamaica but around the globe. That’s why my site http://www.jahcruz.com will play a major part in my future
Lia T: You chose the name ShanShan for your Record Label. Why did you choose that particular name for your label?
Anthony Cruz: My daughter’s name is Shanice and Shanshan is my nickname for her
Lia T: aww.. that is cute, and so is she by the way!
Anthony Cruz: Thank you…
Lia T: So what inspired you to form your own record label?
Anthony Cruz: I wanted more creative freedom, my own label allows me to do whatever I want without restrictions
Lia T: You mentioned before of ways in which you intend to keep up with the constant changes of the industry.. but how have YOU changed as an artist, in say the last 5 years?
Anthony Cruz: I have learnt about the business side of the industry so that has enabled me to become a much better artist and a better person…I have matured quite a lot over the past five or so years
Lia T: In what way/s would you like to influence Jamaican youths, through your music?
Anthony Cruz: By doing good quality conscious music and just being positive about lifeLia T: There has been an increase in crime in Jamaica.. how do you think artist could help alleviate this problem?
Anthony Cruz: By doing songs promoting peace, unity and most of all by living a positive life for all to see
Lia T: Who would you like to work with in the near future?
Anthony Cruz: I’d like to do something with Kanye West for sure…Diddy or Baby Face would also be nice
Lia T: Are you currently working on an album in the studios?
Anthony Cruz: Yes…I’ve completed one that’s going to be put out by Jetstar in England…the name is Mama’s BlessingLia T: any release date?
Anthony Cruz: sometime in November 2005
Lia T: we are looking forward to it.. you have a beautiful voice
Anthony Cruz: thank you
Lia T: most welcome. What’s next for Anthony Cruz?
Anthony Cruz: Well we are working on another album and recently shot the video for the brand new single “Half Way Tree” that’s ripping up Jamaica right now…doing real well out here and it has not been officially released as yet!!
Lia T: wow. that is wonderful!
Anthony Cruz: Thanks
Lia T: Before we close the interview, is there anything that you would like to add, or let your many fans know?
Anthony Cruz: To all my fans…you’re always number 1 in my book, thanks for the support and continue listening out for bigger and better things from me. Please feel free to visit my site http://www.jahcruz.com Leave your messages and comments, and I will respond promptly!
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About the Author: Lia Thomas is a freelance writer who works in the New Jersey area. To contact her, please email at: durceliathomas@peoplepc.com.
