Tony Mohogany: a dark-colored hardwood native to America, known for producing warm-sounding musical instruments. Tony Mohogany: a soul-stirring, melodically gifted singer, a native of New Orleans, LA, known for making people care about love again. How does he make people care about love again?
By creating honest, personal reflections of the music that exist within him. Tony Mohogany is filling a void, one that has been vacant for some time. While most people have shifted their focus to the material side of living, not enough attention is given to the foundations that make us wake up in the morning… to love and be loved in return. Tony Mohogany is ushering in that return to where a song helped people say the things they wanted to but didn’t know how. A renaissance man for this new millennium, Tony takes the time and devotes the necessary attention to making eternal music meant to be enjoyed for ages, just like the music of his many influences.
Not too long ago, the airwaves were filled with the talents of Curtis Mayfield, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and the list goes on. Their songs defined relationships, whether beginning or ending. They spoke to our souls with passionate lyrics and eternal vocal performances. And a young Tony Mohogany was there to soak it all in. Digging through his uncle’s vinyl collection as a child, Tony discovered musical gems and found a passion that would guide his life’s steps for years to come. “Music was just always around me,” says Tony. “I can remember at a very young age, standing in my mother’s living room, listening to music and saying to myself, ‘I’m going to be an entertainer.’ It was that simple for me. I think I just always knew.”
Following a move to Champlin, MN, Tony Mohogany would find himself back in New Orleans at Delgado Community College. It was there that he steadfastly latched onto the music bug that had bitten him so long ago. After joining a harmony group at the school, Tony began entering and winning talent shows as a solo artist. In time, Tony Mohogany would be sharing his talents with local New Orleans artists, writing songs, and performing hooks, all while furthering his musical portfolio.
Currently, he is working on a mixtape to share his work with a larger sect of music listeners, and just as he’s done since the beginning of his musical journey, he will continue to push farther and harder to share his love with all who are willing to accept it.
We had the opportunity of sitting down with Artist Tony Mohogany to discuss music, passion and his creativity those go on behind the scenes:
When exactly did you realize you had a passion for music?
I would say since I was nine or ten years old. When I was nine, I started taking lessons. I do play the trumpet for my church, and I have been playing it on and off ever since. I’m singing now. I try to keep an open mind and listen to all genres of music, but my favorite is R&B.
Take us back to growing up in New Orleans, LA. Did anyone special introduce you to the sound of music?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. My mother kept the radio on AM 940 WYLD. That station played every gospel song there was, current and former gospel music. She would sing at home and traveled with various choirs singing solos in church and musicals. I began to learn that every song had a purpose or a meaning, like medicine for pain in a specific area, and she was the licensed physician who taught me how to use that medicine for whatever problem I had.
Who would you consider to be your musical influences?
My musical influences are The Cotton Twins, Darrel Coley, Tone’x, Tank, Joe Thomas, Stevie Wonder, Tyrese Gibson, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Prince.
If you could use four words to describe your musical sound, what would they be and why?
Meaningful, Soothing, Extraordinary, and Exciting. Why? Because it’s my life experiences, and it’s me telling you about them while living them. My music is different, and it is a powerful force that stands out. As I have those experiences in life, my goal is for it to help someone else who may feel alone and remind them that there is someone out here who’s relatable.
Tell us about your latest project?
My latest project will be more about life and the hard choices one has to make in the manner of life commitments. You might have lived life but not like I have. It will be fun in there, but some serious moments too. In this project, I’m going to try to put everything I’ve been through thus far in my life. We only get one shot sometimes to tell our story and make it matter to someone. This is my opportunity to make that happen.
What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Joy, satisfaction, and relatability.
What is next for you? Where do you see your music in the next 2-3 years?
I want my music to be more in film and radio. I also want to get into acting! I want to act in movies, TV, and theater. I love the arts and enjoy all aspects of live performance.
Listen to Tony: Apple Music | Itunes
