10 NOVEMBER 2023 (TORONTO, ON) — After generating hundreds of millions of views across platforms and attracting a fervent global audience, piano virtuoso, multiplatinum songwriter, and social media sensation Tony Ann will release his third EP, EMOTIONALLY RED, on November 10, 2023 via Decca Records/Universal Music France/Universal Music Canada.
Tony has captivated listeners everywhere online. Following stints at both Cleveland Institute of Music and Berklee College of Music, the classically trained solo pianist has consistently unveiled viral content at a prolific pace. His online imprint consists of nearly 2 million total followers, while he has generated several million total views. Along the way, he has instituted fan favorite series such as “play that word” where viewers suggest words, and he crafts his own original compositions with letters on the keyboards.
Continuing on a brighter note, with “EMOTIONALLY RED”, Ann explores romance through a free flowing and spirited performance that effectively expresses the ubiquitous emotions associated with love. The main theme passes effortlessly between both hands showing Tony’s brilliant technique and ability as a composer to create compositions that are both simple and sophisticated simultaneously.
“LOVE” is a piano ballad from Ann’s third EP EMOTIONALLY RED. Ann delivers a free flowing and spirited performance that brilliantly depicts the ubiquitous emotion that connects us all as humans. The theme gracefully passes between the left and right hand with a simple yet moving single note melody carrying the piece forward. A piece built on arpeggios, Ann evokes a new found romanticism compared with previous releases that makes for a refreshing sound on a project that tugs at the heartstrings.
“DESIRE” continues to build the sonic fabric of the EP through a passionate exploration of form and melody. Released as the lead single in tandem with Ann’s debut music video, a beautiful and expressive visual directed by students at the Institut Français de la Mode, the composition weaves through musical chapters ebbing and flowing with the rise and fall of each section. The contemporary dance paired with Ann’s piano fervidly displays the many moods of desire delivering a cathartic response from the listener as a result of the multi-sensory experience. Previously previewed too fans online as “Untitled” this piece and its accompanying video are sure to be well received by Ann’s global audience.
“PULSE” is another piece that originally was discovered by fans across the world on social media via its original title “Car Alarm”. Tony had the idea to turn what many would consider noise into a hypnotic and pulsating composition, writing a piece that perfectly fit with his new found metronome – a car alarm. Beating as one, Ann brilliantly weaved his piano magic around the monotonous drone to create something unique and musical that soon after sharing received millions of views online. After receiving many requests to hear the full composition without the alarm, Ann happily obliged and recorded a studio version to his fan’s delight. A fun and boundless addition to the EP.
“COURAGE” continues upon the themes of passion and devotion with an expansive and idyllic piece. The main theme feels flickers gracefully, dancing around a strong root motion in the left hand that anchors the boundless energy of the melody. The piece builds to a soaring climax with virtuosic melodic lines ascending and descending – Ann’s performance awe-inspiring and majestic.
“MEMORIES” pensively closes Tony’s 3rd and final EP of the “EMOTIONALLY” trilogy. A controlled and introspective performance feels an appropriate end to this 15 track project with the piece bookended by a single note motif that flickers between the tonic and the leading tone.
“EMOTIONALLY RED” sees Ann doing what he does best – evoking emotions through sophisticated simplicity – familiar harmonic progressions beneath memorable melodic writing with an artistic prowess steeped in virtuosity and compositional maturity. This 15 track trilogy of EPs is a remarkable debut project for an extremely gifted artist, pianist and composer. A maverick that is sure to continue to leave audiences marvelling at his works in the neoclassical space and beyond.
ABOUT TONY ANN:
A virtuoso by trade, Tony Ann is a solo pianist with big ideas. Hailing from both a classical and contemporary background following short stints at both the Cleveland Institute of Music and Berklee College of Music, Ann fuses the styles of both the new and the old to breathtaking effect. As a self-proclaimed harmony connoisseur, Ann is always thinking of ways to not only push the boundaries of neoclassical and instrumental music but also popular music. While Tony may be limited to music without words he successfully uses all eighty eight keys to his advantage with original compositions steeped in emotion, technique and range. Recently, Tony has navigated social media with great success introducing younger generations to neoclassical ideas through his “play that word” series in which using letters on the keyboard he would create original compositions based on words pitched to him by his audience. Away from his solo work, Tony loves collaboration in which he has enjoyed working with many artists in the pop space, including The Chainsmokers, having a hand in co-writing both the platinum US singles “Sick Boy” and “Call You Mine” (feat. Bebe Rexha) as well the gold US single “Side Effects” (feat. Emily Warren). Ann also had the pleasure of touring with them as their official keyboardist for their “Memories: Do Not Open” North American arena tour which also included performances on SNL and Good Morning America. Ann is preparing to release his debut project early next year in which he is very excited to bring his world of harmony and emotions to a stage near you.
TRACKLISTING
- LOVE
- DESIRE
- PULSE
- COURAGE
- MEMORIES