David Anthony also known as Drumphunk and “The D.A”, Anthony is a music maestro, production wizard, and label honcho of planet Hum, an eclectic range of artists and genres today. Writer, engineer, producer, musician, and remixer to the likes of RKelly, Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Rhianna, Alicia Keys, Yolanda Adams, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Latoya Luckett, Busta Rhymes, Babyface – Anthony is clearly in demand, and his body of work clearly speaks for itself.
A surprising interest many might not know is David has also shared his talents with film and TV. Amongst his most extensive clients list includes Director/producer Tyler Perry. The film’s soundtracks: Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, and Meet The Browns, credit David for producing and mixing many cuts for the critically acclaimed and highly successful releases.
Growing up in New York City’s Upper West Side, David was immersed in a melting pot of diverse cultures allowing him to be open to all styles of music. As musicians consistently surrounded him, he soon took an interest in playing drums and guitar at the age of 12. He soon began interning at recording studios around the city while still in High school and was known as “the guy with the Casio CZ101 keyboard”. To gain more experience, Dave joined church bands that toured Correctional Facilities and Festivals and were even selected to play at CBGBs. By age 20, he was invited to join a band called “The Truth” and was soon signed to Big Beat Records, which is how David became exposed to the Studio Recording Process.
In life, other than my family, the creative process is the thing that keeps me going. Having an idea in one’s head and taking it from thought to completion is amazing to me, especially in assisting artists to do the same. Seeing the expressions on their faces when they hear the melody or demo of the song in the tangible form, not just in the voice in their head, it’s just priceless! My loves are writing songs and playing guitar, but I’m equally infatuated with being at the mixing board mixing down a record.
One of David’s cataloged hit-making records is the remix of Aftershock’s “Slave to the Vibe,” which won Best New Single at the United Kingdom’s “Top of the Pops.” Another recognized attribute comes as winning the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Award. Part of David’s international yearly trifecta honoree, he won the Canadian Juno Award for “Deeper Shade of Love” for Best Dance Record. Most recently, David can be credited for producing and co-writing to R&B mega-hit “On the Ocean,” which shot to Number 1 on the Billboard Urban A/C Chart for a staggering nine weeks. Produced Song “All the way” for R kelly’s Black Panties Album Featuring Kelly Rowland.
The love of making records is something David vows he can never give up. “It’s an outlet for my soul, and just like air – I need it to survive,” he states. Making music is his life’s work, he is a musician; playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums, so when he’s producing as well as mixing, David knows what the music is supposed to sound and feel like, making sure that it sounds right when it leaves his hands. “R&B, Dance House, Progressive House, and Hip hop: whether it’s mixing, producing or remixing, I’m going to be all over it, having the time of my life, doing what I love and enjoy the most in life.” David’s closing comment reflects one of Henry David Thoreau’s greatest sayings “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
