Behind a mask and a character created with AI video tools, WE ARE THE ANTHEM has built a pop/rock/metal universe where 80s melodies meet heavy guitars. His track « Do It All » was recorded at 190 BPM, the fastest song he has ever written, and comes with a wild music video that winks at the world of Mad Max. The solo musician plays guitar, drums, bass and piano on every track and sings, while Gxldenblue handles the mix in Cape Town. For Slash Music, he tells us where his name comes from, how he really uses AI, and what he has planned for 2027.
Also read: We Are the Anthem and “Hungry Eyes”: love at first glance, 2.0
1. Hi WE ARE THE ANTHEM, and thank you for agreeing to this interview, which we were particularly excited to do! Before we dive in, why did you choose this artist name?
WATA : The name “We Are the Anthem” comes from a song title by the band Trivium. The other reason is that my goal is to write songs that are anthems.
2. How did you get started in music? What was the turning point that made you want to pursue it?
WATA : Since high school, I have always played in rock bands and written music. After living in the real world and realising that it’s not easy, I decided to first make money and have stability, and then one day I would try again.
After writing and recording about 250 songs in my home studio, I decided to try again by releasing songs while wearing a mask and also using AI to generate my video content and create a character, as I wanted to remain anonymous.
3. Tell us about your music video for « Do It All ». Both the track and the video really caught our attention, and we found the video absolutely wild! What inspired you to write this song?
WATA : My inspiration behind the song is mostly about mind power and believing that nothing can stand in the way of your success. This is how I live in my business and personal life.
This song was also recorded at 190 bpm, which is the fastest song I have ever written. It’s also a combination of 80s and rock/metal.
4. As for the music video, we sensed a little nod to the world of Mad Max. Were we onto something, or not at all?
WATA : Yes, absolutely. When generating the videos, I had a concept. And I also find it applicable to today’s world.
5. What’s your take on the arrival of AI in the music industry? Can you understand why some people might be reluctant to embrace it?
WATA : My take is that I dislike AI music, as it removes the authenticity of musicians and lyricists.
AI makes it too easy and removes the human factor and creativity in people.
6. As an artist, what does your creative process look like, and how do you use AI tools to create your music?
WATA : I don’t use AI to write or record music.
I write and record the full songs, and I also play guitar, drums, bass and piano on all tracks, plus vocals.
The songs are mixed in Cape Town by another artist called Gxldenblue.
After the song is in the demo phase, I start working on video content, using the Grok video generator.
The AI I use is to generate backing vocals, which are always female, and sometimes I also generate saxophone solos.
7. What are your goals for 2027 as an artist? Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline?
WATA : For 2027, I will be working on an 80s cover album like what I did with « Hungry Eyes ».
I’m also integrating an 8-string guitar into the music. The music might be a little bit heavier, but the goal will still remain to keep the pop/rock/metal sound.
8. One final word before we wrap things up: if you could send a message to people discovering your music for the first time today, what would it be?
WATA : If you like a pop/rock/metal/experimental sound, you have to hear WE ARE THE ANTHEM.
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