Meet Anthony Armas | Professional Trombone player and Event Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Armas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Not taking things personally. 80% of the work that we do in this life is dealing with people and obstacles. It’s unavoidable. So getting worked up over things within your industry that’s out of your control or not in your favor is a waist of energy and time. Focus and what you can control and pivot where you need to. But don’t take it personal. At the end of the day it’s just business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I think what really sets me a part from other creatives, specifically musicians, is my business mindset. In my earlier years performing with different bands I always got stuck doing all the “boring” back end work when it came to booking bands (contracts, invoices, sound calls, etc.). While the rest of the band was writing a new hook (which is equally as important) I was on the phone with venues and clients. Through MANY trials and errors I found my groove and was able to not only better support the groups I was working with, but provide a service to many in our community in a area that they had little to no experience in. Now I am incorporated and book artists and bands across the country while I am on the road touring and performing myself. It is alarming how they don’t address these kind of essential skills that all creatives need in school curriculums. We are in an age where you have to be your own manager, booking agent, accountant, and social media coordinator in order to survive in today’s entertainment industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely start off with a beach day, either Hollywood or Ft. Lauderdale beach. Take in that amazing South Florida sun. Then head over to my favorite seafood spot, Coconuts, to enjoy the best Oysters and their famous “Scooby Snacks.” Being a musician live music is a must. We will hit up all the liveliest venues to see the locals showcase their talent. Neme, Lagniappe, The Bandshell, and Savage Labs to name a few. A trip down the historic Calle Ocho would be next on the list. I take pride in showcasing my rich and vibrant heritage to the those who have never had the pleasure of visiting us before. Whether it is grabbing a mojito at Ball and Chain while a Cuban Trio is performing, or enjoying a delicious Cuban Sandwich at El Pub, Calle Ocho will never disappoint. Last day/night would definitely be spent in Wynwood. Art Galleries and graffiti tours by day, then clubbing and bar hopping at night. Best of both our cultural and party worlds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person that pops into mind is my closest friend on and off the stage, Alexander Coombs. I owe almost all of my musical growth to him constantly pushing me out of my comfort zones and forcing me to find my voice not only as a trombone player, but as an artist as well. As far as literature the Music Lesson by Victor Wooten really opened my eyes to new ways of approaching music and nature, how they are so closely correlated, and how you can achieve the same levels of understanding but through different points of views.

Website: https://www.tonytrombonemusic.com

Instagram: @soytonytrombone

Image Credits
Rodolfo Collazo (@rodolfocollazo) and Litus Music (@litusmusic)