Published on December 13th, 2015 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is Tony Tonite? #OfficialHype

28-year-old Russian musical wunderkind Tony Tonite built his empire entirely by himself. In his teenage years, Tony applied the lessons of self-discipline, motivation, and drive he learned from his grandfather, a former military official, towards teaching himself how to create all aspects of his music. As he left middle school and entered high school, he channeled his love of Missy Elliott, Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, and even U2 and The Prodigy into producing beats for other musicians
and starting his own foray into singing and rapping.

As you see your self, who is Tony Tonite?

Tony Tonite is a peaceful hooligan and a rule breaker at the same time. Not afraid to speak up and stand up for what he believes. Tony could be full of surprises, because being predictable is a sign of boredom. Following trends for him is not an option, but setting them is.

Tell us about your current project?

Well, even as a rapper and neo-soul/urban pop singer, I have always had a thing for dance music, especially jungle house tunes and trap house, of which I can relate to the music by Diplo, Skrillex and a few more. I am definitely working on some collaboration proposals at the moment with some of Russia’s top leading producers in the dance scene, which I’d rather leave as an intrigue for you for the meantime.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

Well, I have always loved music as far as I remember. Right from my young days as a teenager, music has always surrounded me one way or the other wherever I went. I did a couple of tunes here and there, performed in a few underground shows and featured in a few songs, so being noticed by Russia’s number one artist label, Gazgolder, wasn’t much of a coincidence, which I am thankful for.

Why music specifically?

I was born into it and practically grew up around it. My granddad always chanted war songs every morning, I was made to learn texts and narrative essays through short raps and short poems from kindergarten and surrounded by elder cousins who admired Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson and Prodigy. I had no choice but to go with the flow.

What makes you the next great happening?

Tough one. Well, I truly believe in the saying “empty barrels make the loudest noise,” which makes me try to withdraw from making loud statements. All I can say is that greatness is nurtured in a focused mind, and being a young kid from another continent, I am as focused as it gets!

Are your currently signed to a label or have any situation in the making?

Yeah, I am signed to Russia’s finest, Gazgolder Records (www.gazgolder.com) – which became the best-selling Russian label on iTunes in 2013. Holding its title today as one of the country’s biggest artist management groups, its leading artist is Basta aka Noggano, a profound artist and one of the judges in the American-adapted talent show The Voice. In 2014, the Gazgolder label movie was premiered in Los Angeles MGN Five Star Cinema 20th of July, so I can say that I’m definitely in the right family.

Who and what are your influences?

Right from my childhood, different artists have helped to mold my perception of music in general, from the likes of Pink Floyd, Prodigy and Michael Jackson. As time passed my interests broadened into hip-hop music as I listened to legends like Tupac, Easy E, and Notorious BIG, and R&B/soul music artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and may others. I am a product of the true music I grew up on, of which hip-hop definitely has the lion’s share.

The streets of Brest, where I was raised, my folks and the contrast of Moscow have also contributed in creating the mood for writing new songs. My songs are reflections of my environment, where I grew up and the people around me. I speak my mind through my music.

What should people expect from your upcoming 2016 projects?

First thing on the pipeline is the release of my long-awaited debut LP! And then we’ll see! One thing is for certain, Tony is looking to blow up big.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

Yep!….love my French fries with mayo and I am terribly scared of heights so I prefer not to visit friends who live approximately above the 12th floor.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

My “Where they do that at?!” moment… A very good incident 3 years ago, I would say, was when I was driving back from the movie theatre, tuned in to my favorite city radio station and heard the Gangnam style song for the very first time. I was like, what on earth is that?

I was even thrown off balance to get home and realize that the music video was all over the music channels. I have never been able to come to terms with the music nor the video nor the dance moves. Jeez, still asking myself how that got viral.

Interviewed By: Just Jay

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