We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Larry Antonino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Larry, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
One of the ways II got my resilience from was watching my Mom and Dad always finding solutions to the problems that came up. I learned there is always an answer. Also by following my heroes in the music world. They overcame many obstacles in their careers, and I knew that was just a part of it. They inspired me with their tenacity and drive to keep growing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Bass Player, Singer/Songwriter. Also Recording Engineer, and Producer. I have recorded and toured with Ronnie Laws, Air Supply, The Crusaders, Al Jarreau, Jeff Beck, Bobby Caldwell, Angela Bofill, Barry Manilow, and Pablo Cruise, just to name a few. Thought the years I have been writing and singing my original songs. Early on I learned how to record and produce these songs. Now I am engineering and producing many Artists, and bands. It is a passion I came into after performing with other Artists for years. In the past year I have re-united with Darryl Scotti. He managed my first band in Santa Cruz, CA. Now he is founder of Big Yard Nation. I am thrilled to be writing and recording with Darryl again. I released a contemporary Jazz album called Village Strut. It features Bass melodies and features many of my contemporaries including Rob Mullins, Steve Oliver, and Freddie Ravel. I had the opportunity to play on the soundtrack to the Tom Hanks film “That Thing You Do”!, which ended up being awarded a Gold, and then Platinum record. While in the studio recording, I was asked to audition for a part in the movie. I ended up playing a character named Scott “Wolfman” Pell, who was the ringer replacement bass player for the band “The Wonders”. That was a real fun experience. So, the music I have co-written and co-produced with Darryl Scotti, and Aaron Howard for Big Yard is set to be released soon, and I am getting very excited to watch it get out in the world in the new year 2025!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well, I believe you need to know in your soul that music IS your calling. By the way, it literally picked me. When you have that sense, then you can dig into it whole heartedly. If you play an instrument, learn how to read music. It will help you immensely in this business where time is money. Master ALL styles of music, then you will be in demand. Show up early and learn to get along with people. The studio and the road has many wild characters, and you need to stay in your lane. The personalities that cause problems will be let go. Now, there is one more thing, just remember nobody knows it all. I am always a student and am willing to learn. If you adapt this attitude you will go far.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The challenge these days is discovering new ways to get you and your music out there. There used to be record companies that, if you got signed, would sell and promote you. Today you need to be an Entrepreneur and create your own destiny. Meaning, writing and recording your music using all of your resources, getting someone to promote you, and use the internet to target an audience that is for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: larryantonino.com
