Farmville singer, Oliver Anthony, stated that he’s in no hurry to sign $8 million contracts and disclosed more about himself in a post on his Facebook profile.
After becoming a viral sensation for his song “Rich Men North of Richmond“, amassing over 23 million views on YouTube, he has continued to decline requests for press interviews.
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However, he shared an extended personal response for the first time since his song went viral on Thursday.
“People in the music industry give me blank stares when I turn down $8 million offers. I don’t want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers, and a jet. I don’t wish to perform in stadiums, I don’t want to be in the limelight,” Anthony posted on Facebook.
“I wrote the song because I was struggling with mental health and depression. These songs connected with millions on such a profound level because they were sung by someone feeling the words as they were being sung.”
Regarding a recording contract, Anthony earlier posted, “Everyone in the ‘industry’ is rushing me to sign something, but we just want to take things slow right now. I appreciate your patience.”
Oliver Anthony’s real name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford. His stage name comes from his grandfather who grew up in the Appalachians in the 1930s, he penned.
Anthony’s song is the latest in a long line of anthems addressing the challenges of the American working class. Musicians have been dedicating songs to working-class listeners, particularly those living in the Bible Belt and Appalachia, since the genre was founded.
