Meet Anthony Covatta | Singer Songwriter, Actor & Performer

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

Hi Anthony, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think that connecting on a personal level has been paramount in growing an audience for myself as a performer. I have found over the years that people identify with your journey equally as much as your voice or the work. So many of my supporters have sent me messages telling me that they identify with my struggles and that it helped them get through theirs as well. It has served as a major motivator for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m not just a singer. I’m not just an actor. I’m both. I’m an entertainer. I think so often people will try to force you to choose between your passions almost completely ignoring the fact that they can go hand and hand. I wouldn’t be half the musician I am if I hadn’t done theatre. I wouldn’t have half the stage presence I do in a musical if I wasn’t a musician.

I think that is an important conversation to cultivate. Why is it frowned upon to chase more than one dream? I think my reluctance to choose has cost me some opportunities throughout my career but at the end of the day, I’m very pleased with the art that I create. I’m very pleased with the stories that I’ve been able to tell both with music and with acting and when I’m lucky, with both at the same time.

I am where I am by years of relentless work, passion, drive, wins and losses. Tale as old as time right? We continue to struggle until we put ourselves where we feel we belong. I belong on stage, so I keep putting myself there. I audition, I hit the studio, I collab, I create and I evolve. This journey is never really easy, it just is what it is and if you love it, you’ll be happy to do it.

The lessons that I’ve learned is never to let rejection or losses stop you from believing in your gift. Never let someone else’s limited dreams limit your own as so often people are intimidated by someone even trying to achieve great things. Make sure to enjoy every moment that you’re in the zone and feeling it because that is what it’s all about, the thrill of performing can get you through that hardest pain in your life. Most importantly I think, always do your best to practice gratitude,

I think what I’d like people to know is that I’m never going to stop because I love what I do, it makes me happy and that nobody limit their dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Cleveland: Tremont, Ohio City, Little Italy, Gordon Square, Coventry, Lakewood. The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Rock Hall and the Science Center

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The LGBTQ Plus Communities of CLE, CBUS, AKRON & Toledo. Throughout my career witnessing the talents within the LGBTQ+ communities in Ohio I have been so lucky to find inspiration. I have had the opportunity to work as a Promoter for various LGBTQ+ establishments and work with some of the best show hosts, comedians, drag entertainers and artists.

I also have been celebrated and nurtured by the acting & theatre communities of Cleveland and Toledo. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing directors, actors, theatres and choreographers. I have taken inspiration from performing in RENT, Grease, White, This Is Where We Came In and more recently Next To Normal and the upcoming film MEAT The Movie. Having the opportunity to work in this capacity with such wonderful talent has truly helped me grow and evolve as a performer.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention my beloved music community, specifically in Cleveland & Columbus. I’ve witnessed so many artists in Cleveland, this small big city grow and collaborate. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in so many festivals, events and shows. I’ve collaborated with countless artists and I have taken inspiration from each and every single one that I’ve worked with.

From Pride in the CLE, open mics at Edison’s Pub in Tremont to Don’t Tell Gretta Piano Cabaret at District West in Columbus. Each gig helps me grow. From playing at the CLE Human Rights Campaign Annual Dinner to being featured on the series Happy Hour Session hosted by Cleveland musician George Chase I continue to be grateful to this thriving music town and just so happy to make music and perform for a living, especially when working with my band including Britton Roberts on guitar and John Ventura on drums and percussion.

Instagram: instagram.com/anthonycovattamusic

Twitter: twitter.com/anthonycmusic

Facebook: facebook.com/acovatta

Youtube: youtube.com/acovatta

Image Credits
Perrysburg Musical Theatre Company Amanda Farrenholz Every Angle Photography Jamz Photography Roger Conners