Get to know... Anthony Carty

If you spend any time at Guitar Center in Johnson City, you're likely to run into Anthony Carty, who has been an employee there since it opened a few years back. Anthony is a guy who knows guitars - and a guy who knows how to play them. Having studied classical styles and having played in a multitude of country, Southern rock and metal bands throughout the area, his background is well rounded. He has the ability and he has the chops, and he loves the chance to get out and play live music. If you're lucky, you can catch him out with one of the bands he's playing in, find his solo work online, or find him at this year's NAMM show repping Ibanez guitars with guitar hero Matthew Mills. Before you do any of those things, though, spend a few moments to get to know Anthony Carty. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I began playing guitar when I was 13 or 14 years old. Something about the look of the guitar and the way it felt in my hands drew me to it. Around age 16, I decided that this was what I wanted to do with my life and started studying classical guitar with Dr. Robert Trent, who would later become my professor at Radford University." Is this current project the first, or have you been involved in other things? "I've been playing in bands for nearly 15 years. I started out playing 80's and classic rock but always wanted to push the envelope. I took some time off from contemporary groups while studying classical guitar for my degree and picked back up doing country and southern rock when I moved to Johnson City. I had a lot of fun and worked with some incredible musicians, but I definitely feel the most satisfied with my current groups, Dying Oath, Candeloria and my solo project." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "When I was a teenager, I could put on one of my favorite songs and just escape. Music is something you can't see or touch, but it's still powerful enough to impact your entire outlook and emotions. Having the ability to do that for others is why I continue to perform." How would you describe your music/band/project? "Most of my projects are on the heavier side these days. Dying Oath is a female-fronted metal group, Candeloria is a punk/ alt group fronted by Tim Nave, my solo project is instrumental shred. I probably cover the most ground with my solo project, going from fusion to metal. I do still occasionally sit in with my friend Aaron Walker on some country/southern rock gigs as well, so I definitely cover a lot of ground." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Music is 100% the career I want. I couldn't see myself doing anything else." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I played pool competitively in college. I still love watching pool tournaments, though I don't have the time to play as much as I'd like these days." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "There are so many incredible musicians, each with their own voice. Some of the biggest influences on my playing are Matthew Mills, Jason Richardson, John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. The things those guys can accomplish with a guitar continues to wow me. I also feel that my electric playing is influenced by my classical studies and romantic composers such as Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "The one thing I would like people to know about me is that my goal is to show perseverance and passion through my playing." How can people contact you about booking and information? "I can be found on Facebook under the name Anthony Carty, on Instagram as anthonycartymusic and via email at anthonycartymusic@gmail.com"