Meet Anthony Conley of Tempe, AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Conley.

Hi Anthony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story as the local Vegan Straight Edge artist HANDSXFEET began in my teens. After losing my close cousin to suicide at age 13, then my father 2 years later to an intentional drug overdose(he miraculously survived but abandoned the family afterwards), I decided to dedicate my life to suicide prevention and mental health services. Growing up in the local music/hardcore scene, that was naturally my starting point. What first started as performing spoken word poetry between sets at hardcore shows, has transformed into music covering multiple genres such as rap, trap, hardcore, metal, grunge rock, and post-punk/goth rock.
I am certified in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. I work full time as a Behavioral Health Technician, helping equip the youth with necessary tools to live healthy lives. I have also given mental health lectures at local high schools, speaking on overcoming depression, finding your passions, serving your community, and my journey of sobriety/Straight Edge.
Whether it’s through the lyrics in my songs, performing on stage, speaking at schools, at work, or my day-to-day life, everything revolves around suicide prevention and helping the world around me heal, grow, and flourish. All of this encompasses everything that makes up HANDSXFEET.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My life has been quite the journey. I could’ve easily followed the footsteps of my cousin and father, and no one would’ve blamed me. But with the help of my mom, stepdad, and many dear loved ones, I pushed through and overcame the struggle and pain. Overcoming wasn’t the end, though. Dedicating my life to this, I knew my purpose was to help others heal. To do everything I can to prevent others from feeling a similar pain to what I felt. Suicide prevention is a heavy, heavy weight. It has taken me to the darkest depths of what life can come to. I have met Death a thousand times. But walking through the darkness, I have always found the light. And I have learned that flowers need rain to grow. There is no joy without sorrow. And the joy makes it all worth it. Thank you to all those who carry the weight with me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
HANDSXFEET/Suicide Prevention/Mental health services are every aspect of my life. To speak on the artistry of it, I never want to be put in a box or stick to one genre. My inspirations come from every corner of music, from The Cure, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, Gvllow, to Have Heart, Orthodox, Blistered, Job for a Cowboy, to Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, Wicca Phase and GBC, Corbin, Ski Mask, Denzel Curry, and everything in between. If you know me, you see all of these bands/artists and so much more within the heartbeat of my music lyrics. I create first foremost for myself and my healing. It has always been a positive outlet for my life. And secondly with the goal of helping anyone who listens, to heal and grow. HANDSXFEET is so much more than the music. My most proud moment so far has been any time someone comes up either on tour, at a local show, or at a school to tell me that because of my music and the words I’ve spoken, that they decided to continue living another day to seek help/healing. I have been so incredibly blessed to have this happen multiple times. Therefore I have already exceeded in my goal and purpose. Everything else is a plus.
My music may sound completely different every release, but the heartbeat and intention will always be the same. And my hope is that the genuine love and healing will always be tangible.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Before anything else, credit goes to God and my mother. She raised me to be unapologetically myself. To be emotionally intelligent. She has always led by example in genuine love and care for the world around her. As well as my Stepdad who came alongside her and raised my sister & I as his own. I love you both more than words can express. Next is my best friend/producer Tre aka LAV KAI. He has produced/mixed/mastered/co-written every single piece of music I have released. We have been best friends since we were 15. There is no one I want to work with more than him, and I’ll continue to do exactly that. I can’t thank you enough, brother. I love you.
For those who know me from the specialty coffee scene, a huge shout out to my mentor/best friend Eric. I’d be lost without his guidance. As well as my dear friend Kimhak of Pair Cupworks, and my coffee madre Julia of Peixoto Coffee, which was my home/career for the last 7 years before transitioning into behavioral health.
There are so many others to list, my sister, my brother, Jay aka IIWAA, Stephen and Gabby aka De La Luz Vintage, Juan, Ozzy, my coworkers, Jessi, Kolbe, and last but not least my beautiful partner Lonnie, you are the first person I go to at the end of my day to talk about all that happened. Your love, support, and encouragement does more than you know. I love you, darling.
HANDSXFEET does not exist without these amazing humans. I am forever blessed to walk alongside you all in this life. Thank you for helping me carry the weight and celebrating every win.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sorrowcircle.com/collections/handsxfeet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xhandsxfeetx/
• Facebook: https://www.tiktok.com/@xhandsxfeetx
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sorrowcircle
• soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6meeNR13qYqptEi8NoXLhP?si=QcFAS8adQ0ehYj1ND-qPMw
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/handsxfeet/1489128259 

Image Credits
Main Photo: Desire Demise Secondary Photos 1,2: Desire Demise 3: Xavela Photography 4: Sleepless Photos 5: Juan Zavala 6: Ben Zappa 7: JTH Visuals