Seattle-born artist Anthony Koenen, better known by his stage name “Eddie Anthony,” has embarked on a compelling journey marked by perseverance, identity exploration, and self-expression through music. Eddie Anthony’s artistry stands as a tribute to his resilience, with roots that dive deep into the foster care system and his eventual adoption by a white family. Originally known as Lamondo, Eddie was renamed after being adopted, marking the beginning of a profound and transformative journey. Embracing his middle name in honor of his adoptive father, whom he fondly calls “Pops,” Eddie Anthony uses his identity as a source of creative inspiration.
“I grew up in the foster care system as a foster kid, going by Lamondo before being adopted by white parents,” Eddie shared. “I never met my biological father. ‘Eddie’ is my middle name, named after my Pops.” With the dual influences of his past and his present, Eddie’s music reflects his experience growing up as a Black child in a predominantly white neighborhood. His latest single, “Adoption,” directly addresses these experiences.
For “Adoption,” Eddie collaborated with Detroit producer Jake Bass, son of Jeff Bass from the legendary Bass Brothers, who are best known for their work with Eminem. Eddie recalls the start of this unique partnership: “I walked into FBT Studios in Detroit and told Jake that both my parents are white. He responded by saying, ‘Eddie, both my parents are white too.’” The result is a deeply personal track layered with Jake’s signature piano melodies and Billy Patron’s timeless snares—a sonic reflection of Eddie’s upbringing, marked by raw vulnerability and an invitation for others to see into his world.
Seattle remains home for Eddie, where he’s been working with an impressive range of producers, including Billy Patron, Angel Cotto, Third Coast Chris, and female rapper Muuy Mal. For Eddie, collaboration is not just a step in the creative process; it’s an adventure. “Working with other producers and artists is always fun. I enjoy writing my own records, but it’s the joy of collaborating with different minds that is so crazy to me,” he explains. Producers Lawrence Wilder, known as “illoquint,” and Zach Barakas are integral parts of his musical process, frequently encouraging him to find his authentic sound. “Every time I walk into the studio, they tell me, ‘Make something that sounds like Eddie Anthony,’” he says with a laugh.
With new projects in the works and a commitment to authenticity, Eddie Anthony’s career is only just beginning. From his experience in foster care to growing up in a different cultural environment, his life story breathes authenticity into his music. Through his collaborations and powerful storytelling, Eddie Anthony is making a name for himself as an artist who uses his past to fuel his passion and creativity, proving that his journey—from Lamondo to Eddie Anthony—is one well worth following:
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