In an industry where there has been a huge explosion of mediocrity and carbon copies, as the dust settles, a blazing phoenix, nay, Anthony David has arisen from the ashes and is ready to take flight within the industry. Soaring on the wings of experience and success, working closely with Acoustic veteran India.Arie and being the first artist to break through on her newly established SoulBird Music label, David is set to present his first mainstream effort, ‘Acey Duecey’ (June 17). We at MCP set down with him to find out more about his music, his life, and why he has more than “Words” to offer to listeners.

Jamaur: Anthony, we would first like to say thank you so very much for speaking with us today, I’m more than sure that the rite hand man to India Arie could have been a million and one other places today-so we are truly appreciative.

Anthony: I appreciate you, I am sure you could be doing a million other things as well.

Jamaur: So let’s jump rite into it, it must be an honor to be the first artist to christen the newly established SoulBird Music, which is headed by musical soul veteran India Arie. Tell us what it’s like being the first man of a new label?

Anthony: (Yes). It’s exciting and it feels good, I get to set the tone. India and I are dear friends and have the same ideas about music and the expression of music, and I representing that.

Jamaur: So Anthony, tell us how you would describe your style of music?

Anthony: We call it “Millennium Blues.” I believe that Blues is the foundation of all music; you can hear it in everything. India (always) says that I express my emotion in ways that a lot of men do not.

Jamaur: I think that your expression of music is awesome, in that a lot of male artists (group and solo) are more about the sex, whereas you are more about the sound. I think that in it self is unique, because what you have is not filtered at all.

Anthony: Thank you man.

Jamaur: Many might guess that ‘Acey Duecey’ is your very first release; however, this is actually your third studio album (having independently released ‘Red Clay’ in 2006 and ‘Three Chords’ and ‘The Truth’ in 2004), coupled with the experience that you have garnered Ms. Arie as well as your experience within the industry, tell us what it’s like being one of soul music’s best kept secrets-what drives you and your music?

Anthony: Just the desire to be heard and the things that I like music is what drives me; the idea of being able to speak up and give people something new. I’m excited about it!

Jamaur: Now let’s talk about this music of yours, I really enjoyed your single “Words” featuring India Arie; your sound is so unique and eclectic, yet easy to relate to, and the words and music just flow like water. Tell us what was your inspiration behind such an awesome song?

Anthony: (Thanks). The funny part about coming up with the song, was that it was a stream of consciousness, which is the funny part. It started out as a specific thing, and it turned out to be and expression with action. India and I have a great respect for each other on a friendship and professional level, and we just jelled, it’s like we finish each others thoughts.

Jamaur: Tell us what does ‘Acey Duecey’ mean and just how and why did you decide to use this name for your third release?

Anthony: Well A.D. is my initials as well as my nickname, and one day a friend just called me “Acey Duecey,” and one day it stuck! The title is also represents a mix of the two albums which I previously released, in that one is Acoustic and the other is R&B, and this album is a mix of both.

Jamaur: In retrospect you’ve been on the scene for a while, and have much experience with your music as well as others (having penned India Airie’s “Part of My Life” from the 2001 Grammy Nominated ‘Acoustic Soul’), yet some are just now learning of your talent and hearing your sound. Tell us, what is the hardest thing about being an “Emerging Veteran” (Laughs)?

Anthony: There’s nothing hard about it (Laughs). I’m glad that I’ve got the chance to develop, and a lot of artists are not getting that opportunity, but I am glad that someone wanted to expose my talent-it’s a great opportunity.

Jamaur: Do you find it annoying to be sometimes seen as “India’s Rite hand man?”

Anthony: The best thing for me to do is to emerge and be who I am. I will always be linked to India, and for me the best thing to do is represent her and make her look successful.

Jamaur: What is your hope for your music?

Anthony: I want my music to reach people. I didn’t make it this far not to be heard, I want everyone to have a chance to hear my music and make up their own minds.

Jamaur: Well Anthony, we here at MCP really enjoyed vibing with you today, but before we go, I just have one last question. We here at MCP are all about the exclusive, so tell us something about Anthony David that others might not know?

Anthony: Wow, it’s hard to come up with something! I want others to know that… (Pauses-dog barks in background), that I have a crazy dog… (Laughs)…I was in the military, and I spent some time in Savannah, Georgia. (And) as far as my music is concerned, I want to give people the same thing as I did on my other projects, which is something safe that they can digest that wont kill them.

Jamaur: Well Anthony, It was a blessing, and we just want you to know that we fully support your single and the album, and we hope that you don’t forget about us once you score that Grammy (Laughs)!

Anthony: You know I’ve been exposed through websites like yours and the feeling is mutual.

Jamaur: Thank you again man for your time, we appreciate it, we hope to speak with you again real soon!