EVAN WEISS
Anthony Raneri found himself in familiar territory last Saturday at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. The New York-born singer/songwriter is constantly on the road with Bayside, but his January has consisted of the 4th annual “Where’s the Band?” acoustic tour, alongside like minded-frontmen Ace Enders, Evan Weiss, Matt Pryor, and Chris Conley. Armed with his musical comrades and his debut solo release New Cathedrals, the beloved crooner is getting ready for an intimate evening of inspiring sing-alongs for his music old and new.
Popping in and out of their small backstage dressing rooms, Raneri and his tour brethren, all close to or in their thirties, enjoyed each others company with the exuberance of new college roomates. With a cigarette in hand and a big smile, Raneri sat down with me to talk about New Cathedrals, as well as what it’s like to be on a musical road trip with some of your best friends.
Being in a band or group is cool, but who really wants to share the spotlight, or even the free M&M's provided backstage? Many artists reach the stars on their own, whether its after former musical adventures or years of grinding their way to the top. Here are some of modern music's best and brightest who prove that going it alone isn't such a bad thing.
While his allegiance with rising hip-hop collective Odd Future may have put his name on the map, prodigal R&B crooner Frank Ocean is no slouch by himself. He's written songs for Justin Bieber, John Legend, and Brandy, and recently made a guest spot on Jay-Z and Kanye West's mega-collaboration Watch the Throne. With a hit single "Novacane" and an inevitable full-length record coming, expect Frankie to stay in the spotlight, whether it's with or without his buddies.
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