Anthony Q., better known as Que from Day26, is a changed man. Since being kicked out the group in 2009, the R&B singer has been on his grind as a solo artist. He released two mixtapes in 2010, “The Q Files” and “Guitar Her.” Both projects received rave reviews. In fact, the latter mixtape received an impressive 723,000 downloads and hits to date.
RatedRnB had the opportunity to interview Que to see what he has been up to lately. During the interview, Que dishes on his name change (Anthony Q.); how he’s grown and matured as an artist and person; how Cuba Gooding, Sr. became his industry mentor, and his direction for making new music. In addition, Que sings a few tunes for us, gives advice, and shares his thoughts on Day26 taking a break.
Read excerpts from the interview.
On recent name change…
I wanted to recreate myself, so it wasn’t like a major name change. My middle name is Anthony. My full name is Qwanell Anthony Mosley.
On growth & maturity…
I definitely matured a lot. The last three years, I’ve been studying different styles of music. I have this situation with [Cuba Gooding, Sr.] and he had me studying like 70’s era music [such as] The Main Ingredient, Blue Magic, The Manhattans, The Bee Gees, [and] Funkadelic. So, I would say I’ve grown musically and grown spiritually… I just matured a lot…
On how Cuba Gooding, Sr. became his mentor…
Long story short, my mother met him at a concert. They exchanged information. I showed him my EPK and he was very interested in my project. May 11 [2012], he had a concert in New York City. I was supposed to perform, [but] didn’t perform. Instead, he had me watch the show. That’s when I first saw different styles of music of his era and where he came from…It humbled me a whole lot…I like learning and listening…
On going pop…
I love all genres of music, so I wouldn’t mind crossing over to pop. I’m a fan of all genres…
On his experience from being signed to a major to now being independent…
The experience was incredible, besides all the messy business stuff. The experience being in a group with four other members, winning awards, doing red carpets, making music videos…all that stuff was amazing. [It] was everything I dreamed of…being signed with a major record label…walking into the building and seeing artists that you grew up to, on the wall and then your picture is right next to them on the wall. It was so magical and it seemed like a dream…and I don’t regret anything from being in the group and being signed to a major record label…I just have a passion for singing…it feels normal…I’m very happy (laughs) even though I got kicked out the group…I still feel like I have a chance and my fans support me and they’re anticipating my music. That’s what keeps me motivated and going.
On his next project…
I have some things that are coming that are really, really big that I’m excited about. I don’t want to talk too fast, but hopefully the next project will be an album. I don’t have a concept, yet. But I’m in the studio and I’m putting it together because I think it’s time to give fans what they really want. Hopefully it will be out really, really soon…hopefully by next year.
On being a positive person…
I don’t like to be around negativity. If you really know me, you would know that I am a very happy person. I just always try to tell people to stay positive and happy. For instance, if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and you wake up angry, you have to go to work…everything is going to make you upset…the red light, stop sign, traffic (laughs)…but if you wake up with a good mindset and a good attitude, good things will happen. When you think positive, great things happen. When you think negative, negative [things] happen.
Advice for those seeking mentor…
If you’re seeking a mentor, read your bible. Grab your faith from there. You have to believe in yourself. Anything is possible with faith and a good attitude
On Day26 taking a break…
Honestly, I don’t have anything to say because I moved on three years ago. But like I always say, in the future, if they got back together, I wouldn’t mind singing with them if everything was positive. I wish them the best.
Listen – Anthony Q. Interview (Part I)
Listen – Anthony Q. Interview (Part II)
