Artist description Described by critics as "Millennium Eagles with a touch of Mellencamp," and selected as one of Milwaukee's Top Ten Original Bands by the Shepherd Express Metro News, Rob Anthony has released his 2nd CD Where I Belong. This is a follow up to his critically acclaimed debut CD Hard to Believe, with the title track named the Top Pop/Rock song of 2001 by Songwriters of Wisconsin International. In addition, Rob's song "Just Me And You" tied for First Place in the Annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Songwriting Competition for 2001, and was named the Top "Adult Contemporary" song of 2001 by Songwriters of Wisconsin, International (SOWI). Stylistically, Rob crosses some barriers. Described as either AAA or Americana, Rob uses his legacy as an alternative artist to his advantage, creating a sound that is as comfortable lying next to classic Eagles as it is next to Tonic or Matchbox Twenty. Rob Anthony's music rings with the kind of open honest vibe found in the music of Ryan Adams, Wilco, Golden Smog, or the Jayhawks then roll in some Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, and early Poco.

Music Style Acoustic/Americana/Soft Rock

Musical Influences Eagles, Matchbox 20, Mellencamp, BoDeans

Similar Artists John Mellencamp, Neil Diamond, Ryan Adams, Wilco, The Jayhawks

Artist History Anthony first made a whirl-wind rise to national prominence with Acrophet, an alternative thrash band on the Triple X Records label. Now, with a voice compared to the likes of Neil Diamond and John Mellencamp and a superb six-string proficiency to back it up, the former thrasher continues his musical journey and is bringing an entourage of new fans along for the ride. With roots of hard rock, pop rock, alternative, country and classic rock, his career took an unusual twist twelve years ago. Triple X, based in Hollywood and the home of bands like Jane's Addiction, Bo Diddley and 7 Seconds, held a nationwide audition for a new lead guitar player in 1990 when Anthony had just graduated from high school. He won the coveted slot as Acrophet's lead guitarist by learning almost 40 new songs in two weeks. At the time, Acrophet had already released two critically acclaimed albums, 1990's Faded Glory and Corrupt Minds in 1988, and was slated to return to the studio for a third. Instead, Acrophet ended up widely touring the U.S. and Mexico until different musical directions pulled the group apart in 1993. At that time, Anthony quickly moved to start his own band with Dave Baumann, Acrophet's former lead singer. As a songwriting team, they called themselves Soul City and self-produced a collection of original and exceptionally high energy acoustic rock songs akin to that of Days of The New. However, in 1995, Soul City was forced to shift gears. "People as they grow older find their niche in life," said Anthony. "Mine was to keep touring and being involved in the music industry while everyone else's focus was on their families and there availability to be closer to home with them. Being on the road takes quite a toll on these types of relationships." Anthony decided to head back to the studio and spend some quality time finding himself as a songwriter and learning production techniques. He also admits, "I did a 360 back to roots rock," and has returned to many of the same styles of music he was raised on. He describes his current tastes as "Americana" & "Hot AC," a variation on adult contemporary music with a "roots rock," Midwestern style akin to that of John Mellencamp & The Eagles". Just as time has changed this thrasher into an acoustic rocker, his voice has changed as well. His first solo CD Hard To Believe surprised Anthony himself that he could combine lead vocals as well as lead guitar. "Never knew I had it in me," he said. "I've just been a lead guitar player all my life and never even tried to sing." Critics admit "Anthony's strong and pleasantly raspy voice sounds like he was born with a microphone in his hand." Other critics acknowledge he has a "voice of gold." Now with the release of his second CD Where I Belong Rob is sure to win many many new fans by putting forth a number of radio friendly heartfelt songs. Some may say its "Hard to Believe" that the lead guitarist for an alternative thrash band can return to his roots and belt out passionate, soulful acoustic rock in the tradition of the masters. But he can and he does, which makes the musical journey described in his WAMI-award winning song to "travel the world making his dreams come true" remarkable, indeed.

Group Members Rob Anthony-Lead Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitar / Dave Baumann-Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals / Tommy Greywolf-Electric & Acoustic Violin / Barry Jaeger-Drums

Albums Where I Belong - 2002 / Hard To Believe - 2000

Press Reviews Where I Belong is another exceptional effort that gives listening pleasure and emotional stimulation. Anthony's songwriting is cleverly direct, sprouting tendrils that gently work into your heart to loosen the bindings a bit. Anthony's lyrics paint a picture of a young man who has gained a lot of worldly experience yet still is on a journey, searching for a deeper fulfillment in both earthly and divine love. The music is full of pleasant melodies that at times turn a forlorn glance toward the listener. Anthony's smooth voice has a good range with a bit of grittiness and will occasionally bring to mind a youthful Neil Diamond. When Anthony plays his acoustic guitar, the chords float off the strings like a kindred singer engaged in a duet. -- Michael Hopkins, The Scene Magazine, ValleyScene.com Professionally arranged, recorded and produced, Rob Anthony is sure to win many many fans with this new record Where I Belong, as he has since he left the thrash metal world of the industry praised Acrophet. His debut release, "Hard to Believe," left us with the promise of an exciting new artist developing his skill as the heir to heartland Americana based rock. -- Chris Kresg, Former Program Director, Music Director and Programming Consultant/Vice President, Colorado Musicians Allied Promotion www.GodsofMusic.com On Rob Anthony's bio, it states that his sound is "Millennium Eagles with a touch of Mellencamp". Well, that nails that description. His guitar sounds are exactly what you'd expect to hear in a Don Henley tune and his vocals are as hearty sounding as Mr. Mellencamp himself. Rob Anthony is truly a talented artist. -- Broadjam.com

Location Appleton, WI - USA

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