Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Antony, but as a child I would say Antinny, so I was nicknamed Tinny. From a very early age (about 2) I showed interest in music, so I was bought a guitar. I have been playing ever since.
How did you come up with your artist name?
Originally, I was a solo artist so just used my name Tinny Bennett. When I decided to start a band, we decided to just call ourselves The Tinny Bennett Band as most of the songs were recorded and were being performed already.
How long have you been in the music industry?
Over 30 years
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
I was always playing music from an early age but joined a band when I was 16 as a guitarist. I spent many years in different bands as a guitarist and bass player, but about 15 years ago I decided to work on solo stuff which led to our band.
How would you describe your latest single?
Reaching out is quite an emotional song, as it is about how we as human beings need to feel love and acceptance from our parents. The tune is slightly melancholy but optimistic at the same time.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
The video is available on YouTube here.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
My inspirations range from John Lennon, George Harrison, The Manic Street Preachers and Jimi Hendrix.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
I sort of relate music to colours, waves and shapes. I also feel emotions in the same kind of way, so when I feel a strong emotion, I convert the feeling to chords and melodies. The words usually come later.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
I am currently working on new material, and I am pretty much working the same as I always do. The main themes are personal experience, emotional experience and concerns on how we as a species treat animals, other people and the planet.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
Before the lockdown we were playing all around the North of the UK, but with the lockdown we have taken a break.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
A packet of guitar strings, with not much change left over.
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
Apart from our instruments, Plenty of drinks (non-alcoholic) , with a happy and peaceful environment.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
Play music for the love and passion. Don’t expect anything from it and if nothing ever comes of it, at least we have good memories to cherish.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
We have no plans, but we never say never
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
As a solo artist, I have supported Luke Concannon of Nizlopi and Mark Morriss from the Bluetones. They were very surreal and humbling experiences, these artists were a big part of my musical journey. Listening and being inspired by them when I was playing in bands in the 1990’s and early 2000s, it was such a pleasure to perform in front of them and chat with them after the gig.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
Lewis Capaldi or James Blunt. I love how their songs project the emotion.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
I hope both as I try and fit words to the emotion and melody of the music. I personally get more emotionally moved by the music, but hope people can listen to the words and relate to them.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc..)
I struggle with promotion. I am quite an insecure person and struggle to sell the bands material to people.
What’s your all-time favorite song?
Mr. Brightside by the Killers or 7 Years by Lukas Graham.
What was the last album you listened to?
Do It Yourself by The Seahorses.
Your favorite artist of all time and why?
Jimi Hendrix. His guitar playing expresses emotion in every note and chord. I like musicians and bands who think outside the box and create new and different sounds.
Whose your fav five artist right now?
Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Lewis Capaldi, The Manic Street Preachers.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
The Manic Street Preachers. A lot of their songs are timeless and songs like ‘If You Tolerate This’ is appropriate in todays climate
Who have been some of your favorite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
One of my favourite songwriters of all time is a local musician (Hartlepool UK) called Peter (Lit) Hope and I had the pleasure of working on an album with him; we called the band/project The Coffee Monsters.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
I feel a lot of talented musician do not get the exposure they deserve due to the commercialisation of the current music industry.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
Any that would consider us, no matter how big or small.
What is your main goal as far as music?
To play to people who appreciate original music and hope they enjoy what we have to offer.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
Love and hope. Our main topics are about personal experiences, love and the hope of living in a better world.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
I think most songwriters have a lot in common, but we try and create melodic structures that are original, that hopefully make us distinctive. I suppose a lot of artists do that though
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
Spend time with my children.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
Our last EP was recorded at the Cluny Studios in Newcastle and were extremely happy with the overall experience and final result. We will probably be working with them more in the future.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Supporting Mark Morriss from The Bluetones.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
The O2 Newcastle
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
I am dyslexic so don’t tend to read much apart from children’s books at bedtime for my little ones. The last book I read was Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae.
What’s your favorite sports team and why?
I am not a sports fan, so I have no idea about any teams or sports personalities.
Whose your favorite actor or actress and their best movie?
Jason Statham Wild Card or Hummingbird.
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Jimi Hendrix – his creativity and his desire to push the boundaries to create new melodies and riffs.
What can we expect from you in the future?
More new music and more gigging
Where can the fans check out for your music?
All major streaming platforms, stores and my website here.
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Is My Music Fire 🔥 