Oliver Anthony has, with a creative burst, captured the angst and heartbreak of living in modern times while holding onto old-fashioned American ideals. Oliver Anthony wonders in a plaintive way what has happened to his country. He watches the world spiral out of control from the farm that he owns, located in rural Virginia.
Oliver Anthony’s soulful vocals resemble American icons like Levon Helm or BB King.
Oliver Anthony’s statement “I want to go home” is something we can all relate to. Oliver Anthony wants to return to an America where everything makes sense. Oliver Anthony wants an America without government or mass media messages.
Oliver Anthony thanked others for their contribution to the Appalachian Sound in a YouTube comment. Oliver Anthony reminded people that he represents Piedmont, not Appalachia.
Appalachian Music does not fall under my responsibility. I love all the talented people west of me.
He is not Oliver Anthony. In a social media post, the musician revealed that his real name is Chris. Oliver, his grandfather, is the name he holds most dear.
It’s strange to be in this position in my life. Draven from RadioWV and I recorded the songs in my backyard in the hope that they would get 300k views.
People in the music industry give me blank stares when I decline 8 million dollar offers. I do not like being the center of attention. I don’t want to play in stadiums. My songs were written when I was dealing with mental illness and depression.
I have never been able to introduce myself. This is my official introduction.
Christopher Anthony Lunsford, my legal name, is what I use. Oliver Anthony, my grandfather, was the inspiration for the song Oliver Anthony Music.
He goes on to say he dropped out of high school, got a GED, worked in paper mills, and suffered a fractured skull in a work accident. Since then, he suffered from mental health challenges and substance abuse. He’s a normal guy. “There’s nothing special about me,” he says. “I’m not a good musician, I’m not a very good person. I’ve spent the last 5 years struggling with mental health and using alcohol to drown it. I am sad to see the world in the state it’s in, with everyone fighting with each other. I have spent many nights feeling hopeless, that the greatest country on Earth is quickly fading away.”
So many of us feel exactly the same way, Chris.
