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Houston, we have a problem…

Music Review and Interview with Ant Watts

“The struggle, the struggle defines me.” That is his response when asked, “What defines you, who is Ant Watts?”
Anthony Watson, aka Ant Watts, grew up on both the north and south sides of Houston, Texas, giving him diverse exposure to the varied styles of southern rap that shape his unique personal sound. But, Ant’s love of music was borne from more than just the extensive presence of music in his surroundings. Throughout his early childhood, Ant never truly knew what it was to have a steady place to call home. From rundown apartments to living with relatives, at age 7 Ant’s grandfather suffered a stroke causing his family to lose their home in Northwood Manor on the Northside of Houston. Making every effort to bear through the tragedy, Ant’s family lived in a hotel for a short while before finally settling down in what would soon be the place he spent most of his childhood, Northwood Forest Apartments. For Ant, music quickly became a way for him to cope; he would often daydream and lose himself in the lyrical content. Music was his escape from the outside world.
Growing up Ant and his 3 sisters were raised by his mother, grandmother and stepfather who did everything they could to provide for the maturing artist. But, even with the abundant support of his household, Ant always longed for a meaningful relationship with his father. The times they did spend together are often marked in Ant’s memory by a song; like the fond recollection of a 11 year old Watts riding with his dad in the sticky heat of the Houston summer, jamming Ja Rule’s 1999 album Venni Vetti Vecci. “I think thats when I knew what kind of rapper I wanted to be. I just want to tell my story. I just want to spit some real heartfelt rap,” Ant explains.
Honest, talented, and always humble, Ant Watts has already assembled a strong following and is well on his way to becoming a powerhouse in the music industry. In 2011 he linked up with Elvis Escobar, CEO of DreamSOON Music Group, and affiliate members Chris Trejo and David Rodriguez. Ant was able to increase his fan-base and bring a new sound to the Houston music scene with 2014 mixtape releases Something Real and self-titled Ant Watts. Recently, in 2015 Ant Watts joined forces with Gbenga Yemidale, President of Storm Music Circle LLC, an independent Hip-Hop label based in Houston, TX, to release a new project titled #WattsWednesday.
Currently, Ant Watts is working on the new music for his fans, which is inspired by real life experiences. He has no intentions on slowing down and knows that with faith and hard work, he will soon reach his ultimate goal of making his city proud.
Ant Watts just finished a month long FM Radio Play Campaign via Exposed Vocals FM Broadcast Partners – You can check out his radio plays below and tune in to Kiss 104.7 FM (U.S) and Phoenix 98 FM (U.K) – Still in full rotation.

Radio Play on Phoenix 98.0 FM on June 14th, 2015 – From the Bottom

Radio Play on Phoenix 98.0 FM on June 14th, 2015 – Number One

Radio Play on Kiss 104.7 FM on June 14th, 2015 – From the Bottom

Radio Play on Kiss 104.7 FM on June 13th, 2015 – Number One

Radio Play on Kiss 104.7 FM on June 11th, 2015 – From the Bottom

Radio Play on Kiss 104.7 FM on May 31st, 2015 – Number One and From The Bottom

Houston… We have a problem…

Houston doesn’t always get the respect it deserves when it comes to music. Few people may fully realize the major role our city has played in influencing popular music–multiple times. Throughout the last century, Houston has been home to a wealth of talented artists, big and small, that were pivotal in defining American music for generations to come.

So let’s talk about Ant Watts, a hip Hop artist hailing from Houston, Texas – represented by Storm Circle Music, has his name ringing bells from texas to New York and now making waves over the big pond to the U.K!

“I got the world on my shoulders / stress building up…

I’m just trying to keep my composure”

When you sit down and read Ant’s back story, lyrics like the ones above hit a sensitive note. From a broken home to an international spotlight – the struggle is real with this one. His ability to continue to break down doors and push his career forward is a testament to his work ethic and drive to succeed.

Overall, this is a powerful piece of modern hip-hop that packs a real punch. This is also a great choice for a single – it’s insanely catchy, very well produced and showcases Ant Watts as a hip-hop artist with a strong personality and style. It also has a strong summer vibe, so it’s the perfect time to put it out!

As long as his sound stays fresh – he will continue to grow as an artist, gaining a large, devoted following in time. Check out our Exclusive Interview with Ant Watts below!

By HBdidit – Exposed Vocals Music Reviewer and Breaking News Contributor. 

A NYC fashion designer, music reviewer and lover of life!

 

Exclusive Interview:

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Ant Watts: My manager stays up to date on resources that champion up and coming artists and found Exposed Vocals to be a great one.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Ant Watts: I grew up in Houston, TX. My passion for music started at a really young age, it just seemed natural. I can’t really say it was a decision, it feels like more of a calling.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Ant Watts: I actually didn’t come up with it. People always called me by my last name in High School. There were so many Anthony’s that people just started using last names, so one day in the studio a friend just stared calling me Ant Watts and it stuck with me.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Ant Watts: Yes pretty much everything I have put out has been free, I’m all for music sharing at this point in my career. It’s great when you’re trying to build a buzz.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Ant Watts: Take anything you can get, don’t turn down any opportunities.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Ant Watts: Luckily I haven’t had any huge mistakes, I might have missed a word or two but that’s an easy fix. You just keep performing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Ant Watts: I’ve only toured in Texas from Houston, Mcallen and Austin. One of the dopest things that happened is that I was booked for a show to perform at SXSW with one of dopest artist in Houston, at least in my opinion.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Ant Watts: I find inspiration in anything. I’m just inspired by life. It doesn’t matter if I’m happy or depressed or whatever… I’m still inspired to write. My song writing process is simple, it just flows naturally. It’s not tough at all.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Ant Watts: Yes we do: stormmusiccircle.com. I mainly use Youtube, soundcloud, and post short clips on my social media too, and you can find links to all of those on the stormmusiccircle.com website.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Ant Watts: lol, well I listen to everything, so you might find some Justin Bieber on my phone.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Ant Watts: I have to think about that. I’m just not impulsive so I would have to really think about it. I mean, my ultimate goal would be to make more money off of that half a million dollars so I’d have to come up with a way to invest and accomplish that.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Ant Watts: Actually, my label is completing a studio right now but right now. For the time being, I’m just recording in different studios. All with great sound and great equipment.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Ant Watts: The best way of promotion is the fans. You put the music out there and you get them to share it and then their people share it. I just think word of mouth is the best way to promote.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Ant Watts: Ooohh, that’s a good one! I would want to perform with Notorious B.I.G. in Madison Square Garden. He’s just my favorite artist. His music is inspirational and he was a great lyricist.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Ant Watts: Yes… I’m releasing a project soon called “#Watts Wednesday” and I’m starting a full studio album right after that. The #WattsWednesday project is a compilation of singles that I’ve dropped bi-weekly with a few bonus tracks.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ant Watts: I have no clue. That’s a tough question. I probably would be an actor. I always had a passion for acting. Cheerio Mate! Lol!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Ant Watts: It was Lil’ Wayne “The Block Is Hot”. It was a tape actually, that was back when tapes were still out, and I remember begging for the tape and crying because my mom couldn’t buy it for me. We were with her friend and her friend bought it for me. What was even more dope was that they gave me the one with the ‘Parental Advisory’ note.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Ant Watts: Man, life can be very hard. If you’re gonna do this, you have to be a strong minded person. I mean, I think I’ve only had about one break down since my journey but I’ve been pretty consistent and I’ve been able to maintain it or at least try my best. A great support system has been there for me too… my team, my friends, family… they don’t allow things to get too bad on me so I’m blessed and grateful.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Ant Watts: The breakthrough of Ant Watts. Plain and simple. You’re gonna see more of me. You’re gonna hear more of me and I’m just gonna continue to deliver great music.

Randy Morano

Since 2008, I've been passionately dedicated to fostering unsigned artists through ExposedVocals.com. Over nearly 15 years, my mission has evolved from creating a platform to immersing myself in the world of independent musicians. Beyond showcasing music videos, I delve into undiscovered talent with music reviews, aiming not just to display but to understand, appreciate, and amplify their voices. Additionally, I've had the privilege of interviewing music industry legends, bringing their insights to unsigned artists globally. My overarching goal is to bridge gaps, provide invaluable knowledge, and empower the next generation of musical trailblazers.

→ Randy Morano

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