Anthony Frijia

"I hate when I hear people say that they don't play music because they aren't musically talented", Anthony says; "Neither am I, which is why I write songs. If there was no challenge, there would be no reward. But I love the challenge of writing a compelling song." In his original work, singer-songwriter Anthony Frijia blends a variety of traditional styles including folk, rock, blues, hip-hop, and pop, focusing on socially and globally significant lyrics that seemingly float over top of his rhythmically-driven acoustic guitar. Coming from Fallston, Maryland, a not-so-suburb in the hills outside of Baltimore, it is his desire for the current moment, rather than the next, and a strong dislike for rushing around, that influences him most. Baltimore-area music-blogger Alicia Kelch says, "In a world that emphasizes the importance of time, change, and planning our next move, Anthony Frijia makes us stop and remember that the little things, like a good cup of coffee or watching the sunset, are still the important things. Creative and honest lyrics paired with uniquely-complex guitar phrasings create a sound reminiscent of days when anything was possible and all your worries were far away." On stage, Frijia seems to dive in and out of his own skin, pouring limitless energy into each song, then flipping the switch at song's end to interact with the crowd. "Audience interaction is really important to me. I've heard some people say that they 'just want the musician to play' but I want to form some sort of relationship with whoever is watching each night, and I feel like telling stories and interacting with people is part of that." Despite his comfort on stage, Anthony hasn't always known that he wanted to be behind the microphone with a guitar. "I started out recording rap songs with some friends when I was 14 or 15, and that was lots of fun" he says, trying to recollect chronologically, "and then I got a drum set. I think that kind of started my tendencies to favor rhythm more than melodies in music. But I never felt like I was getting as good as I wanted to be as a percussionist. A couple of my really good friends were playing guitar, and it seemed really cool to write and sing songs- so I went that direction. It's much more portable too. I found more of a niche with the guitar." Fast-forward to now. At the age of 23, four years after he first picked up a guitar and one year removed from his first gig, Frijia has penned an extensive catalog of songs, supported by the growing list of covers that he has made his own. Since the start of 2013, he has performed tirelessly at countless venues along the east coast, from New York to South Florida, focusing on his home venues around Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Featured heavily on Ocean98's Live Lixx radio show, based in Ocean City, Maryland, Anthony has also brought his energetic live performances to traditional venues, bars, outdoor music festivals, and even the streets. And as if his first year on the road wasn't jam-packed with highlights, 2014 is kicking off with even more excitement. Anthony and acoustic-duo partner/guitar virtuoso Sean Larichiuta are currently working on their debut EP "Respect The Day", and are set to perform at the world-famous Rams Head Live! in Baltimore for the highly-anticipated Frozen Harbor Music Festival this month, featuring several bands who they have previously shared the stage with, including Pasadena, Bumpin Uglies, Bond & Bentley, and Skribe. Frijia remembers the first time he took the stage at Rams Head, this for the 'Maryland's Finest Vol. VIII' showcase. "I had played quite a few gigs leading up to the showcase, but I had never really be in awe of the moment like that before. During my sound check, when I was playing for an audience of zero, I had a memory from only a year prior to that, when I was in the crowd watching Robert Randolph and his band on that same stage. So to think right then, that I was about to play on the same stage that some of the greatest musicians in the world had played on- that was a feeling I'll remember for a long time." Just like always, he submersed himself in his music- in the now- the essence of his songs and the essence of his performance. The shows keep coming, so be sure to come see Anthony perform wherever you can. NEW ALBUM "Respect The Day" available NOW at www.cdbaby.com/anthonyfrijia Find summer tour dates at www.anthonyfrijia.com