New to Nashville is Anthony Quaid, a young and talented vocalist who also possesses a knack for writing and producing Pop songs with a crispy fresh modern flair. So far, Anthony has graced us with three singles which are all available for your listening pleasure at the usual streaming services. Give a spin to his latest single “Melt” and bounce to the groove of the electronic rhythms that set the foundation for Anthony’s gifted vocals.

Thanks, Anthony, for taking time out to visit 11 Questions and for widening the spectrum of sounds coming out of Music City. Keep the songs coming and we look forward to your Nashville performing debut! Wherever it is, I’m sure that the dancefloor will be plenty busy!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from Baton Rouge, LA, but I’ve had the opportunity to live all over the Southeast. I moved to the Nashville area in the summer of 2020 not long after the first COVID-19 shutdown occurred. Before the Pandemic, I was living in Orlando, FL performing at the parks and resorts as an independent act. After the shutdown though, I moved to Tennessee to be closer to my family and to find more opportunities as a recording artist and songwriter. I also began working at my local hospital to support the healthcare industry and am still working in the healthcare industry today.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

As far as I can remember, the first record I ever bought was Adele’s 21 (2011). I was in high school at the time, and I was invited to play cello for a classmate’s cover of the song “Someone Like You.” It caught my ear immediately, and after listening to the rest of the album, I went out and bought the CD as fast as I could. Adele has had a huge impact on my musical life ever since. The latest album I purchased was Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next (2019) on vinyl. I fell in love with Ariana Grande’s music ever since her One Love Manchester concert in 2017, and I’m working on collecting all of her records on vinyl.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

I saw many various Jazz, Rock, and Classical concerts growing up in Louisiana, but the first Pop concert I ever saw was the 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour featuring Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson in Chicago in 2013. I am a huge Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson fan, and my best friend surprised me with tickets for my birthday, so it was an absolutely incredible night. The latest big live show I’ve seen was Ariana Grande’s Sweetener World Tour in Orlando in November 2019, just before the COVID-19 Pandemic began. I was seated up in the nosebleeds, but it was still an amazing concert!

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I think Carrie Underwood should make this list! Her sound is more of a cross between Country and Pop, but she’s received eight Grammy Awards so far, and has topped the charts since 2005 with “Inside Your Heaven.” She’s a big vocal and songwriting influence of mine as well!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I love Nashville Coffees on Music Valley Drive near the Gaylord Opryland Resort, and Frothy Monkey is another personal favorite. For pizza, honestly my go-to has always been Papa John’s since I was a kid! They served it to us occasionally in school, and I fell in love with their garlic dipping sauce.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Taylor Swift’s album Fearless (2008) has always been one of my favorites, and it’s one of the reasons why I’ve dreamed of one day recording at Blackbird Studio in Nashville. I’ve had her songs “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me” stuck in my head for a long time now!

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

I love going to Bar Louie in the Gulch for their late-night burgers and loaded tots! I’m not much of an alcohol drinker, but their cocktails are really good too.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Some of my favorite local songwriters are Kelley Cole (Alt Pop), Victoria Rose (Pop), and Megan Barker (Country/Pop). Kelley and I have worked on several records together (one of which is “Melt,” which just released!), and I’ve heard Victoria and Megan showcase their work at the Durango Songwriters Expo in Ventura, CA. They’re all super talented and you should check them out!

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

I haven’t performed live in Nashville yet, but I’d love to perform at the Listening Room Cafe, EXIT/IN, and Bluebird Cafe. The Ryman Auditorium would also be amazing to perform at one day!

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

This’ll never happen, but I’d absolutely love to see Max Martin move to Nashville! I’ve adored his work for my entire life, and it’s been a dream of mine to one day write and produce a record with him. I actually didn’t realize who he was for the longest time, until I started researching the credits for my favorite records. To my surprise, his name appeared on almost everyone and I’ve been following his work ever since!

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Currently, I’m working on writing and producing several additional singles, and am collaborating with other songwriters to produce songs for sync. I’m also looking to begin performing my originals around town soon, so be on the lookout for some show announcements! I’ll be attending the Durango Songwriters Expo in Denver, CO this fall as well.