Aug 21, 2024

Tony Ann performs at the AGO

The pianist performs an original composition and discusses his creative process

Tony Ann, 2024. Photo: Tracey Owusu © AGO

Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, Tony Ann is a talented musician, self-proclaimed harmony connoisseur and social media phenomenon. Introduced to the piano as a child, he fell in love with music and performing on stage. His internet journey began when friends encouraged him to post videos of him playing the piano. After uploading hundreds of videos where he covered songs by popular musicians, he was discovered by electronic duo The Chainsmokers and became the official keyboardist for their Memories: Do Not Open North American arena tour in 2017.

2023 was an explosive year for Ann as he focused on his own solo career, releasing four EPs, three singles, one vinyl and three collaborations with Don Diablo, Wrabel, and L.Dre. In 2024, he has garnered over 25-million global digital music streams, completed his first European tour and is touring worldwide until early 2025.

With a classical and contemporary background, Ann blends neoclassical and instrumental music together with popular music. Taking advantage of all eighty-eight keys, Ann creates original compositions that breathe deep emotions, technique and range. Through social media, Ann has been able to introduce younger generations to neoclassical music with his famed #playthatword series, where he uses letters on the keyboard to create original compositions based on words pitched to him. Always thinking of ways to break barriers, Ann hopes to inspire the next generation of pianists and composers.

Having moved back to Canada from the US, Ann stopped by the AGO for a special visit and produced a composition inspired by the art museum.

Take a listen to his AGO original. During his visit, Ann discussed his creative process, current projects and how public spaces influence his performances.

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Foyer: Where do you draw inspiration from for your music? Where do you go for visual inspiration?

Ann: A lot of my inspiration comes from my constant travels all over the world. The people I meet through work and daily life all fuel ideas in my mind for music. I love hearing stories from people who have followed me throughout my musical journey, especially those I encounter during meet-and-greets.

As for visual inspirations, those come quite naturally to me through visiting landmarks and architectural gems worldwide. All art relates to one another, even when in different forms. I take inspiration from many things – from paintings to sculptures.

But for me, I make music through imagination the most. Rather than beginning my creative process by seeing something, I introspectively create from within. My own desire to create something that sounds good organically tends to triumph over starting from an outside inspiration first. So, for my AGO composition, I imagined myself walking through a gallery and thinking about what that feels like.

For your #playthatword series, how much preparation do you do in advance to create the composition? If any?

The time varies. It can be anywhere from two minutes or more. They don’t typically take too long as it all comes out of improvisation. I don’t really edit my work so whatever comes out first to me is the best and most truthful.

What about the piano continues to interest you?

In my opinion, the piano opens the doors to many ways of expression. It’s an incredibly diverse instrument that allows me to produce music in all shapes and forms. For example, adding synthesizers changes the way I can create. The piano grants me the ability to express myself in countless ways and learn an array of different genres.

You have a project titled 360° where you create a song for each star sign. How do you go about crafting each song in relation to the signs?

360° is my ongoing 12-song album focused on the 12 horoscope signs. The theme is to relate the emotions and personalities of each star sign with the language of music. I bring out those qualities through harmonies, melodies, dynamics and rhythms. Each song is in a different signature key, encompassing the 12 key signatures in music at different meters and tempos.

For my song CANCER I made the song more sweet-sounding to emulate the horoscope’s personality of being nurturers and caretakers. In contrast, I made LEO to sound stronger and fiercer, bringing out a stronger set of emotions through using certain sounds.

You often perform in public spaces. How do your surroundings influence you?

The locations always inspire me – whether that be the setting or the people watching. When I perform in front of a crowd, their vibe and overall reaction to my music influences my energy. The applauses bring out my desire to entertain. At airports, if there is a kid watching, I might switch to playing a children’s song or rhyme. If I’m at an outdoor venue, I may take more time to consider how I perform under certain weather conditions. I also like to cater my performances to each country I’m in. For example, when I’m in Seoul, I’ll play K-pop. When I’m in Taiwan, I’ll play Mandopop. When I’m in London, I’ll play music from the Beatles or Queen.

What do you hope to convey in your composition AGO? How do you want people to respond?

The intention is to create something that is more suitable for the location I’m playing in or focusing on. So, for the AGO, I want the sounds to be more reflective, dynamic and more colourful.

Learn more about Ann on his website and follow his Instagram and TikTok to watch more of his #playthatword series. Currently on his world tour, he will be performing in Toronto on December 14, 2024.