Anton Commissaris is a solo artist. 'Have You Ever' is about finding a harmonious relationship with someone as there’s great strength in it. It’s also about being respectful towards nature, and it will nourish and protect you. All of this blends with childhood companionship memories, which are often the purest and most natural emotions. The music is based on an Afro-Cuban cha cha cha rhythm with traditional jazz harmonies. Anton Commissaris thought this was going to be a straightforward Jazz romantic ballad. However, as the lyrics came to him and the story unfolded naturally, He realized it was more about childhood companionship memories and the wonder of nature.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
My mother said I was always singing and dancing as a child, so she signed me up for piano lessons to encourage my love of music. That’s where it started. Later, as a pre-teen, I started listening to my older brother’s albums, and I discovered new music that I realized moved me emotionally and helped shape my identity.
What do you think your role is in this world?
That’s a big question. I like to think of myself as a compassionate, creative person. The world, needs more compassion, so I try to practice this daily. I feel energized when I’m creative as something new is about to be born. When I can inject some compassion into my creativity, that’s satisfying. If my music helps someone else, even for a moment, that’s humbling.
Your latest track is 'Have You Ever'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
It’s another tune that came to me out of the blue, at least the initial melody and lyrics for it did. I thought it was another romantic-style Jazz ballad. Still, as I developed the lyrics, I realized it was more about the memories of childhood companionship and the enduring wonders of nature to the young mind. It’s lovely to discover how a tune unwinds from initial conception to completion. I often have to stop and ask myself, where is this going? What am I writing about? Then I realize, and the song settles into its destined shape. Then to distance it even further from a ballad, I considered some stylistic options and decided to infuse the tune with an Afro-Cuban cha-cha rhythm. I go Latin whenever I can!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Keep listening!
How do you spend your time?
Half of my day is spent on music - composing, practicing, playing, recording, and promoting. And I listen to a broad spectrum of what other musicians are up to. There are some real cool cats out there. I like to spend time with family and friends and cook, hike, and travel. I also read whenever I can get my hands on a good book.
What are you most proud of?
My children, for being unique personalities and navigating life in their ways.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
A tough one, but here goes: Ray Charles, because he was an enormous and diverse talent adept at the Blues, R&B, Gospel, Soul, Country, and Jazz. I think I would try and bring some of that as a warm-up to the real thing!
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I try to push the boundaries on composition to deliver unique tunes each time. Then, I try something different in each of them. In my lyrics, I’m also opening up to more poetic expression and vulnerability. Finally, I’m trying to develop a more relaxed yet emotionally expressive vocal delivery. These are mighty challenges.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Yes and no! We often can do things faster and in hitherto unfeasible ways with technology. On the other hand, the world needs to slow down and chill sometimes.
What are your plans for the future?
To live as much in the present moment as I can.