Hello! I'm
French Antonio

I sincerely thank you for visiting my crowdfunding page.

Though I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I’m currently based in Osaka, where I wear many hats—singer-songwriter, performer (vocals and violin), translator, interpreter, podcaster, and TikTok influencer. Yes, I do it all!

Now, I’m excited to take on the challenge of creating my debut album, and crowdfunding feels like the perfect way to make this dream a reality.

Through this album, I aim to increase my recognition as an artist, take my music career to the next level, and deepen the understanding of both Black American and Japanese cultures.

I’d love for you to join me on this musical journey. Your support means the world to me—thank you so much in advance!

– French Antonio

I want to contribute!

Who is French Antonio?

Music & Japanese Language: My Lifelong Companions

At six years old, the enchanting world of music and the lyrical beauty of the Japanese language would forever change me. My journey began with the violin, introduced through my aunt’s non-profit, Sweet Strings, and karate lessons that my parents enrolled me in. As I practiced, my ears sharpened to the distinct sounds of Japanese, compelling me to study the language for over 15 years out of sheer curiosity and infatuation.

From 2011 to 2015, I would enroll at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, majoring in music education and studying Japanese of my own free will. I used ear training to hone my ability to imitate “standard” Japanese and the intricate Kansai dialect, deepening my connection to the culture.

My Encounter with Japan

In 2014, I visited Japan for the first time as an exchange student at Osaka University. That experience became a pivotal turning point in my life. The friendships I formed and the invaluable experiences I had there were the driving force behind my decision to move to Japan permanently in 2017.

Now, after living in Japan for seven years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an English Language Assistant (ALT) through the JET Program, while also gaining experience as a translator and interpreter at Knowledge Capital in Osaka’s Grand Front. Currently, I work as a translator for a well-known Japanese manga company.

These experiences have not only shaped my professional journey but also deepened my connection with Japan and its culture.

Passion for Music

Every day, I am fully immersed in creative endeavors as an independent artist. In addition to the work I mentioned above, I perform as a singer and violinist at the 5-star Conrad Hotel Osaka, collaborate with some of the Kansai regions’ most accomplished musicians, and write my own music.

My experiences living in Japan have equipped me with a wealth of cultural and linguistic knowledge that informs my approach to music-making, which plays a crucial role in writing songs and lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.

The prospect of becoming a full-time artist drives my passion, igniting my creativity and inspiring me to share my vision with the world.

I’m truly excited to share the journey of producing and releasing my first album with you! Join me on this adventure that’s only just begun!

French Antonio performance Conrad Hotel Osaka

I want to support you on your journey!

My philosophy as an artist

My philosophy as an artist revolves around three principles: self-expression, collaboration, and exploration.

The Importance of Self-Expression

There’s something magical about expressing yourself authentically. Unfortunately, the world has yet to make space for people to do so equally and free of consequence. It’s for this reason that showing up as who I am—a gay, foreign, multilingual Black male—is urgent and important. By communicating my identity to the world through music, I can inspire hope within my community and transform misunderstanding into newfound curiosity and understanding.

When I create music, I reflect on both the positive and challenging experiences my identities have brought me, drawing inspiration from them to create music that reveals the diverse nature of the human experience. My goal is to share music that speaks to people, creating music that is both relatable and meaningful to the masses.

The Power of Collaboration

Working with people from different cultures and backgrounds to promote goodwill through music is something that brings me immense joy. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, my desire to collaborate has only grown stronger.

Through music, I hope to share the richness of Black and Japanese culture from fresh perspectives, fostering mutual respect for the representatives of said cultures. I’ll know that my work is having an impact when my music becomes a place listeners want to return to. Let’s make this happen together!

Exploration & Curiosity

I deeply value the spirit of exploration and I’m always seeking new perspectives to help enrich my creative process. Working with diverse artists in Japan and abroad has helped me foster this curiosity. I’m constantly inspired by this pursuit, which ensures that my artistic journey remains purposeful.

I’m especially grateful to the artists mentioned here who have played a significant role in this crowdfunding project: Nagoyaslim, Eddie Atom, Diverse KCox, Elephant Beatz, Marcorosso, and Mayumikiller.

In exploring new creative perspectives, my art grows as it engages with a different way of seeing the world. Sharing my life through music is a privilege which allows me to connect with you, the listener. When we connect through the power of music, that in and of itself works to revolutionize how we think and interact with one another.

*Please check out each of these artists’ messages of support to me at the bottom of this campaign!*

French Antonio performance LOSER store Osaka

I feel inspired to contribute!

About the album

Title

Mood

Genre

Neo Soul, Alternative Hip-Hop/R&B, Japanese Hip-Hop and City Pop

# of tracks

Release date

2025

Producer

French Antonio, Nagoyaslim, Eddie Atom

Mood will be my first full body of work, showcasing my talents as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and lyricist. Steeped in the sounds of Neo Soul, Alternative Hip-Hop/R&B, Japanese Hip-Hop, and City Pop, Mood has a little something for everybody.

You’ll experience storytelling that will take you on an imaginative journey, and music that just feels good!

The trademark French Antonio sound which seamlessly blends English and Japanese in intriguing ways is one that you’ll never get enough of!

Album details

Title

Mood

Genre

Neo Soul, Alternative Hip-Hop/R&B, Japanese Hip-Hop and City Pop

# of tracks

Release date

2025

Production

French Antonio, Nagoyaslim, Eddie Atom

Past works

Peek into my musical journey.

Overcome w/ Elephant Beatz (2023)

GenreR&B

Secret (2024)

GenreAfrobeats

Nero (2023)

GenreAfrobeats

Help me create more music!

Project schedule

Mood is a team effort, requiring collaboration across fields with multiple professionals. Here’s a look at the projected timeline from conception to completion:

Start

April 2024

Starting album production (composition and recording)

July 2024

Ending album production

August 21, 2024

Starting album post-production

December 25, 2024

Ending album post-production

January 16, 2025

Starting crowdfunding campaign along with social media marketing and album promotion.

February 2025

Completion of the album's mixing and mastering, along with the beginning of CD production.

April 2025

With the completion of the crowdfunding campaign, beginning of shipping the returns to supporters.

May 2025

Album listening party + album live performance

Continue

Start

April 2024

Starting album production (composition and recording)

July 2024

Ending album production

August 21, 2024

Starting album post-production

December 25, 2024

Ending album post-production

January 16, 2025

Starting crowdfunding campaign along with social media marketing and album promotion.

February 2025

Completion of the album's mixing and mastering, along with the beginning of CD production.

April 2025

With the completion of the crowdfunding campaign, beginning of shipping the returns to supporters.

May 2025

Album listening party + album live performance

Continue

Crowdfunding Financial Breakdown

Creating music is by no means a simple task, and it requires a significant amount of funding. Renting studios, hiring producers, and working with engineers is how music gets recorded. Planning, team collaboration, strategy development, and marketing is how music gets heard.

Music for me is not just a pastime; it’s a crucial means to impact the world around me. I need your support to get my music out to as many people as possible.

You’re visiting this page because you believe in my vision, and for that I thank you. Please see your contribution as an investment in me, French Antonio, the artist of and for a more inclusive future!

I believe this project can reach the masses with your support.

Production costs related to music creation

¥800,000 JPY ($5,200 USD)

Studio fees, engineers, post-production, mixing/mastering, CD pressing, album design, etc.

Promotion and advertising costs

¥400,000 JPY ($2,600 USD)

Social media marketing & management, advertisements, branding, design, etc.

Project support fees

¥650,000 JPY ($4,200 USD)

Team formation, salaries, project planning & execution, project management, etc.

Merchandise production costs and shipping fees

¥200,000 JPY ($1,300 USD)

MotionGallery service fees, etc.

¥250,000 JPY ($1,600 USD)

I want to support you!

Messages from collaborators

Nagoyaslim

The word expression seems to have been created for French Antonio, as his songs are filled with a variety of emotions. Mood is like a tapestry created by combining what I felt when I crafted the beats and the feelings that arose when Antonio listened to them in the moment. I want people to hear this music and know that the two of us, though in different places at different times, shared the same feeling, internalized it, and expressed it through music.

— Keyboardist, Music producer, Mood music composer, Nagoyaslim

Check out Nagoyaslim's YouTube channel with beats & performances

Eddie Atom

I'm truly honored to be part of French Antonio's album. He is a highly skilled and original singer-songwriter who brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to his songs. Mood is a beautiful blend of upbeat, uplifting, and hearfelt songwriting with a passion for Japanese language and culture.

— Guitarist, Music producer, Mood arranger, Eddie Atom

Check out Eddie Atom's Spotify and music video to UFO's Over Pine Creek

Diverse Kcox

Since we met in 2019, French Antonio has been an artist who commits and invests in his art. His talents go far beyond music, and his grind and focus pushes me to be a better music producer and businessman. It's always a pleasure working with GREATNESS.

— Producer, beatmaker, 1002 Records co-founder/business partner, DiverseKCox

Watch the DiverseKCox produced Japanese-Afrobeat music video to Secret.

Elephant Beatz

I first met Antonio during a collaborative live performance with the hip-hop band that I lead, Elephant Beatz! I remember being very impressed by his versatility as an artist. When we first worked on a song together, I recall how effortlessly we created an amazing track, Overcome, in no time! I hope his music makes it to stores and that as many people as possible get to hear it.

— Drummer, Takanori Hiraoka of Elephant Beatz

Watch the Overcome music video.

Elephant Beatz and French Antonio after Takatsuki Jazz Street

Marcorosso

Antonio is my friend, bursting with vitality like the sun, and an incredible musician. I hope his soulful work gets packaged and displayed in stores.

— Rapper, Marcorosso

Listen to Heart, a song produced by DJ ikipedia with original lyrics by Marcorosso & French Antonio.

Mayumikiller

Antonio's music is one-of-a-kind and it positively touches the hearts of all who listen. He loves music and is truly a wonderful musician who brings happiness to his listeners. I hope many people can experience his music...

— Legendary DJ, Mayumikiller

Watch French Antonio's live show at Mayumikiller's flagship store, LOSER.