Tony Ann: The Maestro Behind the Toronto Raptors' Emotional Hype Videos
The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for the playoffs with a new approach to their hype videos. Instead of the usual high-energy beats, they are featuring emotional, piano-driven scores in their promotional reels on social media. Tony Ann, a Toronto composer, is the mastermind behind this new sound, which has been well-received by the city's sports teams. His pop-leaning neoclassical style is gaining popularity, and he draws inspiration from athletes like Vince Carter and Michael Jordan.
Tony Ann's music has been featured in pump-up videos for both the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Blue Jays during their post-season runs. He not only scores the videos but also stars in them, showcasing his piano skills on camera. The Raptors' hype reels show Ann in a jersey at centre court in Scotiabank Arena, playing his dramatic track "Rush of Life" on the keys. The collaboration with sports teams stemmed from Ann's passion for sports and his partnership with Universal Music Canada.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Raptors, partnered with Tony Ann to engage fans of all backgrounds and ages. They saw a connection between Ann's story of hard work and dedication to his craft and the Raptors' commitment to the post-season. Ann's massive online following, with over three million Instagram followers, also played a role in the collaboration. He gained recognition in 2017 after catching the attention of the Chainsmokers with a video cover of one of their songs.
Tony Ann describes his music as a modernized take on classical music with a pop music influence. His harmonies are simple, and his melodies are easy to understand, making his music accessible to a younger audience. He engages with fans through social media, with his #playthatword series going viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The Raptors will soon release a video featuring Ann improvising a melody based on the word "Raptors," following their guidelines for an energetic and optimistic piece.
As the Raptors gear up for the playoffs, Tony Ann's music aims to match the high-paced intensity of Raptors basketball. His fast-tempo, uplifting compositions are designed to create an ambiance of excitement and hope. Despite his success in Los Angeles, Ann made the decision to move back to Toronto a few years ago to continue pursuing his music career. His collaborations with sports teams and his unique musical style have solidified his presence in the music industry.