Official Statement

For many artists, staying connected to their audience is essential—but for an introvert like me, it has always been a challenge. Over the years, it took plenty of cajoling from my publicist and manager to keep me engaged with the public. The familiar refrain, “You need to post more,” echoed the childhood reminder, “You need to be more sociable.” Life has a way of repeating itself.

While I’ve always deeply appreciated my audience, maintaining that connection has never come naturally to me. That said, I continue to receive messages asking when my next album will be released. And so, I feel it’s time to make a public statement and bring clarity to that question—once and for all.

I’ve been privileged to work in the arts from a very young age, and even more so to have had artistic parents who encouraged my creative path. After years of acting, I entered the music business in my early 30s and embarked on a rollercoaster ride that lasted nearly two decades. I achieved more than I ever hoped for, but it came at a cost. This industry can be grueling, demanding, and relentless, and many colleagues—past and present—reach a point where they must decide what comes next.

For much of my life, I lived surrounded by other people’s expectations. As artists, our work depends heavily on the audience, reviewers, critics, sales, and a host of other pressures that can be incredibly draining. Yet, being an artist is part of our very nature, and we constantly seek balance so we can follow our true calling.

For many of us, the privacy we desire remains elusive. Becoming a public figure inevitably means surrendering a measure of privacy, and that loss can sometimes be deeply uncomfortable.

Beyond all that lies one’s own personality. Some artists need popularity to thrive—that was never me. Even as a child, I was never “popular,” nor did being part of the “in crowd” ever matter to me. The entertainment industry can often feel like one big bubble where everyone is expected to think alike, especially politically. It’s almost taken for granted, and many are surprised when they discover you hold different views. That pressure takes its toll.

Many artists choose to carefully walk that fine line to protect their careers. But that was never my path. I’ve never been comfortable being told what to do, what to think, or what to believe. I’ve always encouraged others to embrace independent thought and conviction—no matter how unpopular it might make them.

I was fortunate enough to find success in my music career—an achievement that, sadly, not everyone attains—and I have always felt that success carried a responsibility, especially to myself as a human being. There comes a moment, a crossroads, when you must ask yourself, “How far do I want to go, and what am I willing to sacrifice?” Or, as my manager once tactfully put it, “You have to make choices, and at the end of the day, hope you get to keep your soul.”

Over the years, I’ve met incredible people and mentors in this business—but also some I would rather never hear from again. It has been quite a ride. In 2019, I decided it was time for me to get off that train. Since then, I have retired from the music industry, although I still do some work behind the scenes. I believe this is the time for me to explore life away from the noise. The art I create now is for myself and for the sake of art—not for business—and I find that deeply fulfilling.

I will always be grateful to my audience—the people whose lives my work has touched and who, over the years, have reached out to share their appreciation. Their support and love sustained me through difficult times, and it was always for them that I created nearly 100 songs featured in my albums and other projects. I loved telling those stories, and it is my sincerest hope they continue to captivate and inspire. 

Al Conti - 2020