Edward Anthony (formerly Josephine Relli) is an American recording artist, actor, and activist who’s grace the red carpet of the Music industry’s most renowned award ceremony, the Grammys, and captured the attention of such media outlets as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Edward is currently working on an upcoming album titled “Them.” The project, poised to be unlike anything he’s previously released, will feature a collection of duets with his former self, serving to seamlessly realize the manifested changes in both his life and music. We caught up with Edward to pick his brain about his approach to this unique and unprecedented project.

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your career that have shaped you as an artist?

I feel like the things that have Shaped me as an artist are the little things that add up. Going back even to my first opportunity to write and record music, the freedom of being able to just create and enjoy the process is a piece that has shaped how I go about approaching music now. All of the people I’ve been able to meet and work with have also had a large impact on who I am personally, professionally, and artistically.

Could you describe the creative process behind your upcoming album, “Them,” and how it represents your artistic evolution and self-expression?

This album for me is a huge piece of expression. It’s exploration and letting go of a lot of old things while beginning the new. It’s significant in that it’s the first creative project I’ve done since [my] transition, but it’s also the first creative project I’ve done since lockdown. It’s a renewal of a lot of things in my life and for that reason it’s also the most meaningful project I’ve done.

The idea of duetting with your former self on “Them” is incredibly interesting. What message do you hope to convey through these collaborations?

That change is okay and should be celebrated. I can look back on who I was and appreciate it, but still move forward. Also, that there’s a lot to be said [about] and celebrated in the journey. It’s a bunch of things wrapped in one. I am simultaneously celebrating, mourning, and sending off my older self while incorporating who I’ve become.

You’ve graced the red carpet at the Grammys and been featured in publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. How have these experiences impacted your career and artistic vision?

I’m very grateful I was given the opportunity for those things and I hope to get the chance again in the future. The biggest impact for me was being around so many other great artists and creators. It’s very inspiring as well as intimidating. 

Your musical influences include classic artists like Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. How do you incorporate their style into your own music while maintaining a contemporary edge?

Most of my writing process is shaped as it happens. I tend to let whatever I’m creating dictate the direction I go in. A lot of the genre choices that end up occurring do so freely. I think my own taste in music and that I listen to classic artists as well as contemporary fairly equally ends up impacting what I create naturally.

Your music evades the confines of a single genre. Can you elaborate on your eclectic musical style?

This comes back to writing wherever writing takes me. I usually don’t set out on a project with a sound in mind, although there are exceptions to this. Most of the time, however, it shapes itself which can garner a pretty eclectic sound occasionally.

How do you balance your roles as a songwriter and producer while working on your music projects?

The help and input of others does wonders. It’s easy to get stuck in your head about a project and especially get stuck in a role, so having an outside perspective is really helpful. Other people I’ve worked with have been able to give me objective advice when my perspective is skewed and they’ve also been able to hear and see a direction for things I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Having a bunch of hats to wear in a project is fun and I wouldn’t change it, but having a solid team is key as well.

How do you envision your music evolving going forward, and what goals do you hope to achieve in your career?

I don’t have a specific vision at the moment, but to be honest I’m happy with that. I’m ready to let things move at their own pace and find their way. I spent a lot of time pushing for a specific place and the pressure of that lessened the enjoyment of the process. My main goal is to enjoy the journey and continue creating.

Are there any specific artists or collaborators you dream of working with in the future?

There’s definitely too many to name. Sam Smith would be a dream come true, considering I’ve been listening to them for years. I grew up listening to Jason Mraz and Michael Bublé, so either of them would also be amazing. Kolohe Kai, Lovejoy, Vulfpeck, Darren Criss, Chris Stapleton, Radio Company. I could go on and on, honestly.