Actor & Musician ANTHONY DE LA TORRE Discusses Working with Johnny Depp in Pirates of The Caribbean, His Latest Music and More!

Anthony De La Torre is an actor and musician. His most recent project- landing the role of “young Jack Sparrow” in the new blockbuster film, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. He also portrays drummer Hellhammer from the Norwegian black metal band, Mayhemin Jonas Akerlund in Ridley Scott’s upcoming biopic thriller, Lords of Chaos and he plays drums in Metallica’s music video for “ManUNkind.”

As far as his music is concerned, Anthony co-writes with and is produced by hit-maker Desmond Child in Nashville. His newest single, with his band, De La Torre, “Paradise,” was recently released. As the front-man of this group, he has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on the band’s debut album called “Matador.”

Learn more about Anthony in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What are some words you would use to describe 2016? How has 2017 been treating you so far? Musically, did you approach this year any differently then you did last year? 

The words I would use to describe 2016 for myself would be “Exciting, New Chapter, Hope.” 2017 has been a complete blast. I have 3 films coming out this year and we opened for Bon Jovi in San Diego at the Viejas Arena a few months ago. This year has been so good to me. I have definitely approached this year differently, musically. The band has recorded some super-aggressive tracks like “Paradise” and a couple that haven’t been released yet, which I’m so excited for everyone to hear.

Where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What kind of music do you listen to when you are working? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood?

Actually, as we speak, I am jamming out to Halsey’s new record. Totally obsessed with it. But last night on my drive home I was rocking out to System Of A Down. I’m all over the place with my musical tastes. I love listening to some Flyleaf when I’m down in the dumps.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician AND an actor? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to pursue both. I remember going to nursing homes with my mom when I was 5 years old, and I would sing and dance some Latin Salsa music for the elderly.

If you weren’t acting and playing music today, what else could you see yourself doing? Or could you really not see yourself doing anything else?

My mom owns a cleaning business that I worked for awhile in high school. I think if I wasn’t pursuing this life I’d probably be there helping her run it.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your hometown has shaped who you are as an actor/musician and the art that you create?

There were a lot of people in my town that didn’t believe in me. Which is great because I had a real sense of wanting to prove people wrong that pushed me to take risks and got me to where I’m at right now.

I’m curious to know how you think your acting and music careers balance each other out and how you are able to do them both? Do you enjoy doing one more than the other?

It’s interesting. I think that I’m in a constant state of doing both. So when I’m acting, some song’s always going through my head, like I’m writing my own soundtrack to the scene, and when I’m singing I start acting out different characters. You know, it’s been fun getting to do both. The work is nonstop and I love that.

OK, let’s talk about your role in “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” What was it like being a part of it? How did you get this incredible role? Have you been a fan of this franchise since the beginning?

I have been a massive Pirates fan since day one, which led to my obsession with Johnny Depp. I worshipped him and Jim Carey growing up so needless to say, when I got to meet Johnny I was completely star-struck. I tried to play it cool, though, you know. It was surreal getting to be a part of this franchise that I’ve grown up with and play one of the most beloved characters of the 21st century.

What has it been like working with Desmond Child in Nashville? How did you first get the chance to work with this hit-maker producer? What do you think he brings to your music? 

I had a YouTube channel back in high school, and my uncle Freddy Garcia had worked with Desmond previously, so he began sending him my videos. Long story short, he reached out to me and the rest WILL be history… I hope.

What was the inspiration for your single, “Paradise” that was recently released? When can fans expect your debut album, “Matador,” with De La Torre to be out? How does “Paradise” prepare your listeners for the rest of the collection?

“Paradise” is a song that can be interpreted in so many ways. For everyone that took part in the creation of this song it has its own personal meaning and connection. For me, this song is about a very close family friend that committed suicide when I was 11 years old. It shook me to the core. That time in my life has impacted me to this day and will be something that I don’t think I’ll ever really get over. It’s about feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders and finding an escape. A way out. For my friend it was death. It’s not a song that’s easy for me to sing, but it means a lot to me.

We still don’t have an official release date on Matador. “Paradise” is its own beast on the album. Matador is definitely not 11 “Paradises,” but I think if you like “Paradise,” you’ll most likely love the rest of the album.

Who are some of your very favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I grew up listening to Linkin Park and 30 Seconds To Mars. I’d love to work on some music and maybe someday tour with those guys… hell, can I just bring them coffee in the studio?!

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

I love all kinds of genres, and it’s all reflected and coming together in your music… that’s the journey.  I think we all have songs in our life that the moment we turn on it brings us back to a moment. A single moment. The moment we lost a loved one. A moment we tried our hardest but failed. I wanted the record to feel real and not be cookie cutter, so that my songs could be a song like that for people. Everyone is suffering in the world. We live in scary times. I want people to be able to connect to our music whether they are going through a breakup or headed into war.

What do you have planned for this summer? Will you have any time to play out live at all?

Right now I am developing a script with a few friends of mine. We hope to shoot it by the end of the year. DE LA TORRE will get to doing live shows again in August, which we are very excited for.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started on this music path? Or even to someone young that is thinking of becoming a musician one day?

Keep working on yourself. Grow and become better every day, that’s the only way. I guess there’s a million people out there that want to do this, and truthfully I’m just one of them. I’m still at the beginning myself trying to figure it all out, but they say if you want it bad enough, it’s yours.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I hope everyone digs “Paradise,” and I can’t wait for you guys to hear the rest of the album!