In a stunning move, country music sensation Oliver Anthony, known for his meteoric rise to fame with his chart-topping single, has revealed his decision to step away from the music industry after just over a year of success.
In a heartfelt YouTube video posted this past Tuesday, Anthony shared his plans to take a significant hiatus from the music scene, emphasizing a desire to pursue a different path.
This surprising announcement follows the remarkable success of Anthony’s single “Rich Men North of Richmond,” which soared to the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100. The track captured widespread attention and went viral on TikTok, contributing to its rapid ascent up the music charts.
Despite his breakout success, the singer opened up about his ongoing struggles with depression, revealing that his intent behind writing “Rich Men North of Richmond” stemmed from a place of personal turmoil and a strong desire to avoid the spotlight.
Looking ahead, Anthony expressed his intention to continue sharing music through a new initiative he has founded, entitled “The Rural Revival Project.” A “completely DIY” performance is scheduled for this coming Saturday, as a way for him to engage with audiences in a more personal manner.
In his video message, Anthony expressed a distinct dissatisfaction with large entertainment corporations, signaling a desire to take control of his artistic journey.
“I want to create a routing schedule to exist parallel to Nashville that circumvents the monopolies of Live Nation and Ticketmaster,” he stated passionately. “And it goes to towns that haven’t had music in a long time and it stimulates their economies.”
Anthony concluded his message with a gritty declaration of authenticity, stating, “No editing, no agent, no bull—-. Just some idiot and his guitar.” He believes this rawness is essential in music that should have never been abandoned in the first place.
Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips/.
**Interview with Oliver Anthony: A Candid Conversation About His Next Steps**
**Editor:** Welcome, Oliver! Thank you for joining us today. Your recent decision to step back from the music industry has certainly caught a lot of attention. Can you tell us why you decided to take this hiatus?
**Oliver Anthony:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a whirlwind, honestly. My song “Rich Men North of Richmond” took off in ways I never imagined, and while I’m grateful, the pressure has been intense. I realized I needed to take a step back to focus on my mental health and figure out what I truly want for myself moving forward.
**Editor:** Your rise to fame has been incredibly fast. In your candid YouTube video, you mentioned struggles with depression. How has that played a role in your decision to pause your career?
**Oliver Anthony:** It’s been a big part of it. Writing “Rich Men North of Richmond” came from a deep place of personal struggle. I feel like I’ve been in a spotlight that doesn’t align with who I am as a person. Taking this time will help me reconnect with myself—away from the noise and expectations.
**Editor:** You’ve also made headlines recently for refusing to sell overpriced tickets for your shows. Could you share your thoughts on that?
**Oliver Anthony:** Yeah, that was a tough call. I canceled a show, leaving a significant amount of money on the table, but I felt it was the right thing to do. I don’t want my music to become a commodity where fans have to pay exorbitant prices to see me. I want to create an experience that feels authentic and accessible.
**Editor:** That’s admirable, Oliver. What do you hope to explore during your time away from the industry?
**Oliver Anthony:** I plan to focus on writing more music that reflects where I am personally, as well as engage in quieter activities that bring me peace. I might also want to volunteer or help people going through similar struggles with mental health. Just some time to reflect and grow.
**Editor:** That sounds like a truly meaningful journey. Can fans expect to see new music from you in the future?
**Oliver Anthony:** Absolutely! I’ll be taking my time, but music is deeply ingrained in who I am. I want to share more of myself through my music, whenever the right moment feels right. I appreciate everyone’s support more than I can express.
**Editor:** Thank you, Oliver. We look forward to seeing where this journey takes you. Wishing you the best as you take this time for yourself!
**Oliver Anthony:** Thank you so much. I appreciate your understanding and support.
