Antonio Liranzo’s latest EP, “Lover Boy,” is a bold exploration of love, sexuality, and self-acceptance, it radiates pure energy, unapologetic confidence, and a fearless acceptance of love.
The New York native, now based in Los Angeles, has transitioned from poet to singer-songwriter. Drawing inspiration from artists like Britney Spears, he has crafted a unique blend of retro pop and dance music that channels the nostalgic sounds of the 80s and 90s. His
“Lover Boy” showcases Antonio’s ability to create a fresh and exciting take on contemporary pop music. Highlights are the provoking pop dance anthem “To All My Lovers,” the unapologetic “Hot Gay Summer” where Antonio embraces his sexuality, and “The Boyfriend Experience,” where he takes cues from George Michael’s musical book.
Antonio Liranzo took some time to chat with us in an exclusive interview. We will discuss the details of his career, his recently released “Lover Boy” EP, and his plans for the future.
We’d love to start this interview by getting to know more about you. Tell us about your background. What role has music played in shaping your journey, and what are some of the key influences and inspirations behind your creative process?
Absolutely! So, I grew up on Long Island wanting to be a performer, it’s all I ever dreamed about. My brother and I were raised by our amazing single mother, unfortunately, we didn’t have any money, so I couldn’t afford to pursue the arts or dance schools. A lot of my training came from watching music videos and live performances, especially from artists like Britney Spears. I will never forget listening to “Baby One More Time” and thinking, “This is what I wanted to do.” When Britney debuted “You Drive Me (Crazy),” I was at home listening to the song on the radio, and something just clicked. There was a spark that was ignited in me, I knew this was my destiny. Fast-forward to high school and college. I was in theater productions and on a dance team when I decided it was time to perform. I was always scared to sing and use my voice as a solo artist until this year. It took 32 years to grow the courage, but now I have the confidence and knowledge of who I am through my music. Music is my expression and strength.
After publishing 4 poetry books, you made the transition from poetry to music. How did that journey unfold, and what inspired you to take the step to transform your written words into a musical form?
So, funny enough, when I was writing all my books, I would imagine them as songs. I would write them in this form that was sassy and emotionally deep as well. After my fourth book, The Art Of Loving Myself, I decided to hang up my poet title and transform these beautiful stanzas into music. That’s actually how my first single, “Lover Boy,” was crafted. I had it as a poem and realized, Wait, this would be catchy as a song!
Let’s talk about your new EP, “Lover Boy,” which is a bold and sassy exploration of love and sexuality. What inspired the themes of this project, and how important was it for you to create music that celebrates sexual identity and vulnerability?
So, I had this running joke about who I am, a “lover boy,” haha. In my 20s, I learned a lot about myself, as one does, and I had a lot of patterns and cycles of dating, always looking for the one, but also getting caught up in self-expectations of what a “cool gay guy” should be. Throughout that decade of exploration, I was trying to analyze why I had toxic dating habits: why was I so codependent?, why did I fall in love so quickly?, why am I trying to be someone I am not?! This EP celebrates that experience. I take you on a journey from my personal experiences, from feeling sexy with your girls and gays, to falling in love, to falling out of love, to having sex in a different country haha, it’s all part of the human experience! I also wanted to pave my own way for an artist like me. Yes, I am a gay pop artist, but I am also Antonio Liranzo. No one sounds like me or has my experience, it’s about time the world catches up!
Is there a particular song on “Lover Boy” that resonates with you the most, or one that stands out as your favorite? What makes it special to you?
Ah, good question, um, I would have to say right now I am obsessed with “Body Heat”, it truly could be a single, it’s just so catchy and fun. If I had to pick which song would be my “sound”, it would be “Body Heat”. It’s a retro dance-pop song, it’s about going out in NYC with your girls, feeling sexy at the pregame, dancing with no expectations, meeting a hot guy on the dance floor, making out, and grinding. Such a simple, joyful experience in life that I wanted to capture that moment/feeling into a song. “Body Heat” perfectly describes my nights out in New York City.
What do you hope your fans feel when they listen to your music?
I hope that my fans can relate and also vibe to this EP. I am representing the underdogs in my community and the people who are vulnerable lovers, who are sometimes scared of being so vulnerable. There is strength in our love and eagerness, it’s about damn time we are seen. We aren’t weak, we are brave because we love and are passionate. My fans are lovers, they are lover boys, lover girls, and lover theys.
What are your plans for the future? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations?
So I was going to take a break and just enjoy the EP, but as a true artist, I am already writing new music. I am focusing on performing as well, I love being on stage, and I am aiming to do big shows next year!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to say thank you for having me! Also, thank you to my family, friends, and fans who are riding along with me on this journey! As an indie artist, this support means so much to me! I have invested so much into this project, your streams, merch purchases, and support at my shows, mean the world to me! Keep running it up, Nanas! MEOWWWWW <3.
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