Forest Hills native, Anson Li, released his first EP album, “Go My Way,” in April. It is available on iTunes and Amazon. Photo Courtesy of Charles Li.
Forest Hills singer and songwriter, Anson Li, could be on his way to stardom . The nineteen-year-old released his first EP album in April, “Go My Way,” and has developed a national fan base of thousands through the use of social media and live shows.
To date, the Pop-Rock singer has more than 5,000 followers on Twitter and 3,500 likes on Facebook. The teen has also toured 15 states and opened for Teddy Geiger at the Vibe Lounge in Long Island and appeared on ABC’s Good Morning Arkansas.
Li’s five-song EP album, “Go My Way,” is heavily influenced by his bittersweet experiences with teenage romance. He admits that love can be “tough sometimes” but he has learned many valuable lessons that he enjoys sharing with fans through his songs.
“ It’s one of those things you have to cherish and be grateful for having,” he said. “Not many teens understand what love really is and because of that we can abuse it. When I write my songs, it’s about the hardships of relationships but at the same time it’s about learning a lesson.”
And while the teen confesses that his love life has been a major influence in his song writing, he says there’s one thing that gets his creative juices flowing – his Queens upbringing.
“My songs are heavily influenced by where I live,” he said. One of his favorite places to go to for some clarity is Yellowstone Park. “ I like to do a couple of laps around that park and think about what is there to write about,” he added.
Although the teen has been busy touring the U.S. since he was in high school, he still considers education a top priority. He attended the California State University of Long Beach for his first year in college, where he earned a 4.0, and transferred to Baruch College in Manhattan for his second year.
“Balancing school and my career is next to impossible but, at the same time, when there’s a will there’s a way,” he said. “In my case I figured I could do both and I hope to continue to succeed in both.”
Li maintains he’s always had a true passion for music.
“ I’ve been playing guitar since I was five years old and singing since preschool,” he said. When he was ten he began performing at local talent shows and by the fourth grade he was writing his own songs.
“There’s nothing like performing,” he said. “It feels amazing – the feeling of the sense that you belong somewhere. The stage was definitely a place where I felt at home,” he added.
Back in his hometown in Forest Hills, Li will be performing at the Forest Hills Library on September 15 at 2:30 p.m.
“I actually grew up in that library, from elementary school to middle school” Li told The Forum. “It means a lot to me to go back there and perform.”
For additional information about Anson Li’s performance you may reach the Forest Hills Queens Public Library at (718) 268-7934.
By Natalia Kozikowska
