The music industry is clearly not for everybody. It didn't even seem like it was for Oliver Anthony either. "Rich Men North of Richmond" blowing up the way it did felt antithetical to what he wants out of his music. He shot the video for it out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but an acoustic guitar in hand. But conservative types aggregated it so much to the point where he felt like he needed to state his side of things. Ever since, Oliver decided to retreat inward, rubbing some people in the music industry the wrong way. Instead of backing down, he's double down on it now.
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Recently, Anthony announced his first ministry event, The Rural Revival Project. At this year's ARC Conference, he shares his intention to leave the music industry and bypass the system entirely. "I'm in the process of getting out of the music industry. It's a big joke," Oliver states. "The plan is to eventually change my entire focus to traveling ministry work. It's all part of this Rural Revival thing. I just have to go at it in baby steps since it's completely DIY. No, I'll still be releasing music just like normal, I'll just be set up legally as a ministry."
Oliver Anthony Plans to Set Up Ministry Work Instead of Working in The Music Industry
Anthony is very aware that he doesn't have the same resources that big companies like Live Nation or Ticketmaster have. However, his ultimate goal is to work in a local, rural space to truly connect with people. "I'll never put a dent in Live Nation or Ticketmaster," Oliver declares in a promotional YouTube video. "They'll have millions and millions of dollars, but if I can find a way to do it better, that cuts the middle man out and gives a rural space that's never had music in it before long-term economic impact and brings cultural relevance back to a town that's basically forgotten about and dying. It's like, wouldn't I, you know?"
Oliver Anthony's ministry event will take place Saturday April 5th in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Currently, the ticketing website says they've sold 2,358 tickets out of 2,750 available and they're going for $30 a pop.
