Artist description MODERN ROCK ARTIST; AVANT-GARDE;6'3" STATUESQUE, WITH STRONG LYRICS AND UNIQUE VOCALS, AND OUTSTANDING STAGE PRESENCE. AND HE IS A SINGER AND SONGWRITER WHO PLAYS KEYBOARDS AND GUITAR. REX WRITES, ARRANGES, AND PRODUCES HIS OWN ORIGINAL SONGS.

Music Style Modern rock fused with electric hooks and surprising jabs.

Musical Influences DAVID BOWIE; MARILYN MANSON; THE CURE; GRACE JONES; BOB MARLEY; STING; JIMI HENDRIX; PETER GABRIEL; TALKING HEADS; SOUXIE AND THE BANSHEES; EURYTHYMICS; PARLIAMENT; SEAL; SARAH VAUGHAN.;

Similar Artists DAVID BOWIE

Artist History B I O G R A P H Y In an era of copycat bands and sound-alike singers, a performer who dares to buck the trends is like an oasis in the desert. For those longing for a refreshing change from the usual musical offerings, take heart: your thirst has been quenched. Rex Anthony's progressive brand of modern music is an original blend of synth pop, guitar rock and electronic funk. Having lived in both the United States and Europe, Anthony combines musical influences from both sides of the Atlantic. His songs of life and love reflect the diversity of people he has met and the places he has been. Born and raised in the quiet suburbs of Houston, TX, he credits his current sound with the eclectic music he heard as one of the youngest in a family of eleven children. From playing the Jackson 5's “ABC” on his red and white Playskool record player to raiding his older brothers' collections of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Parliament/Funkadelic and Rick James, Anthony remembers music as an important influence in the household. Several members of the family were musicians that included his grandfather, two brothers, a brother-in-law and a cousin, famed gospel singer, Inez Andrews. Although he studied viola and is a talented visual artist, it was after he started piano lessons in his teens that he discovered his true means of expression. He eventually purchased his own piano. "I began playing by ear and learning every song ever made by Prince, teaching myself how to write lyrics and develop hooks," Anthony recalls. "I also became very antisocial. All I did was play my piano." It was during this period that Anthony developed an affinity for Grace Jones, ultimately relating to her as a fashion model, clothing designer and musician. They shared the musical roots of funk, reggae and rock, and later, influences from European culture and popular music. Says Anthony, "The greatest benefit from my obsession with Grace was realizing that there was no other way to be as an artist but different. Nobody likes the same thing over and over." In addition to honing his chops on the keyboards with various bands around town, Anthony also worked in Houston as a fashion model and completed a college degree in fashion design. In fact, he has created costumes for Broadway and other theatrical productions, as well as designs for numerous fashion shows and entertainers. While returning from a modeling assignment one day, he spotted a man who looked remarkably like Prince, standing at a bus stop. The Prince look-a-like turned out to be a local guitarist and leader of a band called Lust. Anthony was asked to join the group, taking over keyboard and songwriting duties. When the band dissolved (due to certain members spending more time in the jailhouse than in rehearsal), he tried his hand as a bandleader, forming a band called Rex Anthony and the Alien Slaves. The band quickly became widely known on the local club scene. Writing and arranging all of the band's music, Anthony also developed the striking look and memorable sound that continues to draw people to him. Anthony explains, "I lived in Houston, the "Space City," so I've always been fascinated with space. Looking like an alien being was different to me. Many people used to ask me why I painted my face white. Actually, I've worn a black face, a multi-colored face and sometimes I’ve even gone natural. As an artist on stage, I’m a totally different person. Audiences are very excited to see something different – people that are bizarre. So, I like to capture their attention by being avant-garde." Fully embracing the spotlight as both a bandleader and front person, Anthony met a husband and wife performance/production team. They were so impressed with his presentation that they offered to record his composition "Let's Go Back to Mars" in return for designing a stage costume. Feeling that Houston was getting to be too small for his ambitions, Anthony moved to London to experience the legendary music scene. There, he developed business contacts, met new friends and walked the streets that had produced some of his favorite British acts. Such acts as David Bowie, The Cure, The Police, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Smiths, Seal, and even German techno, played a major role in his European education. After several months abroad, Anthony returned to Houston. He changed producers and eventually moved to New York City, where he acquired the guitar and began writing the songs that comprise “I AM”. Written, arranged and produced by Anthony, the record is an intimate portrait of the experiences, emotions, changes and excitement that have made up his life. A sound sample from "I AM" can be heard at www.mp3.com. Anthony's natural artistic and dramatic talents are readily apparent in his dynamic live performances - actually four rotating "acts" containing different songs that reflect a unique aspect of his musical personality. Whether it's the synthesizer-laced rock of his "Total Shock" set, the personal lyrics of the "I AM" set, the funk rock of the "Retro" set or the electronic beats of the "Future" set, each show is a new experience for the audience. NEPTUNE MUSIC 80 MONROE ST. #1, BROOKLYN, NY 11216 (212) 592-4051 e-mail: purplehalospaceboy@yahoo.com

Group Members REX ANTHONY @ WAYNE LIVINGSTON ~ MARK ANTHONY + RICH KOLSAR & BLUE !!!

Instruments REX ANTHONY on keys and guitar,lead vocals ; WAYNE LIVINGSTON on guitar; MARK ANTHONY on bass; RICH KOLSAR on drums; TY BLUE on bkg vocals.

Albums I AM

Press Reviews Buy Rex Anthony's "I AM" CD at these fine music stores: Bleeker Bob's 118 West 3rd Street in Manhattan, NY and Sound Track 132 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY

Additional Info 13 original tracks

Location NEW YORK CITY, NY - USA

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