Antonio Musse

Antonio Musse was a shy, reserved child but at 27-years-old, he picked up the saxophone and today, his sultry, soulful music can be heard at venues all over southeastern Michigan.

“I grew up on R&B and rap music,” he said. “When I was in high school, I’d walk by the music class and I’d think, ‘What a bunch of nerds.’ I had no idea how beautiful other music was. But I started paying attention and I realized that I really liked the saxophone sound. Now, I’m the nerd.”

According to Musse, he initially lacked rhythm and skill. He had a saxophone teacher who doubted that he would ever succeed with the instrument because he started playing late in life, but he never allowed that to dampen his passion or his resolve.

“I was like, watch me,” Musse said.

Throughout the years, Musse has had several saxophone teachers.

“You can pick up a lot from different teachers,” he said. “They all have different styles.”

For Musse, the saxophone is more than just an instrument; it is an opportunity to move audiences on an emotional level.

“I love that you can touch people’s hearts with the sound,” he said. “Even if you’re having a bad day, or you are sad, the saxophone will take that away from you.”

Musse isn’t limited to playing any one genre.

“I have to know everything,” he said. “I play pop, jazz, blues, rock and country. I have to be very diverse to serve the audience.”

Musse’s musical stylings can be heard at all different types of venues.

“I play at weddings, night clubs, house parties, private events and festivals,” he said. “I love playing at festivals. There’s a large crowd and it’s very moving. You get a lot of energy from a large crowd.”

Sadly before the age of 40-years-old, Musse lost both his parents, but he was fortunate to be able to share his passion with his mother.

“I was 21-years-old when my dad passed away,” he said. “My mom did get to hear me play before she passed. When she was sick, I got to perform at the home she was in. She was very proud that I came and performed.”

Musse’s brother and sister play a big part of his life and have been supportive of his musical career. “My brother and sister come out often to hear me play.”

Breaking into the highly competitive business of music is arduous, but Musse never allows that to break his spirit.

“It is challenging every day,” he said. “You have to hustle to keep your name out there. Word of mouth really gets my name out there, and also Facebook. I have to stay focused on keeping the bookings coming in and I stay pretty busy. I’m actually playing 29 gigs this month.”

To keep his sound fresh, Musse practices his art daily. “Without a doubt. I’m constantly practicing scales.”

Through hard work and determination, he is able to focus solely on his musical career.

“I’m doing music full-time,” he said. “I’m mostly solo, but I’m on call for other bands if they need a saxophone.”

Situated in Bloomfield Township, the entertainer’s locale is ideal to reach the masses.

“I love my location,” he said. “I’m accessible to many different types of venues.”

Musse’s dream going forward is to reach a more vast audience. “I would love to see my music on the Billboard,” he said. “And, I’d love performing on even bigger stages.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent