NATIONAL ACT AGGRESSIVE POWER POP/ROCK FASTLANE RECORDING ARTISTS
~BAND BIOGRAPHY~ In the late Spring of 2003 brothers Cliff and Christy Calabro joined forces with Joey Andriaccio creating a distinctive hard pop/rock sound that has enticed audiences across the nation.
Originating in Los Angeles, California, AMERICAN ANTHEM hit the road with Poison front man Bret Michaels in the Fall of 2003 on a National Tour to support the album "Songs Of Life" which they had been creating together since 2000. The "Songs Of Life" tour would not only ultimately define and establish Bret Michaels as a bonafide solo artist but would also introduce audiences to a "NEW SOUND" that would quickly gain AMERICAN ANTHEM acclaim and a multitude of fans.
"FRESH" and "INNOVATIVE" were just some of the words used to describe the "AGGRESSIVE POWER POP" sound of the self-titled EP first released by AMERICAN ANTHEM during the "Songs Of Life" tour. THIS WAS ONLY A SAMPLE OF WHAT WAS YET TO COME!
Each member of the band has worked on a variety of projects in different facets of the music industry prior to coming together to form AMERICAN ANTHEM.
Cliff and Christy have been working together all their lives, be it on projects of their own or lending their talents to other musicians in the studio and on stage. Prior to AMERICAN ANTHEM, the Calabro brothers garnered International praise and success with BLACK ON BLOND. After touring in the United States and Asia, BLACK ON BLOND performed for the last time in January 2003. After a brief break, Cliff and Christy brainstormed about beginning a new band and shortly thereafter AMERICAN ANTHEM was born.
With Cliff on lead vocals and guitar and Christy on lead guitar, all that was needed was a bassist and a drummer. A mutual friend had introduced Cliff to bassist Joey (DYNAMITE) Andriaccio as he was putting the band together for Bret Michael's solo tour. Joey at the time was wrapping things up with his long time band "ELK" and was doing studio work with Michael Jackson. The three immediately clicked and began looking for a drummer.
With time running out before they were to leave on the road, Cliff called every ad for a drummer that fit the bill. "John Medina was the only one that called me back!" "Most of the guys I contacted didn't believe I was calling to offer them a national tour with Bret Michaels."
It turned out that John Medina was a good fit at the time but unfortunately upon returning from the tour he decided to leave the band to pursue his own musical direction.
Presently, AMERICAN ANTHEM are anticipating the release of their debut full-length album "HIT REPEAT" that was completed in 2006, has been sitting in a holding pattern since late 2007 and will hopefully be released this year. "BOMBASTIC" and "HOOK LADEN" are the phrases that best describe the long awaited album which includes the vibrant version of the Beatles classic "Help" (a fan favorite) and several bonus tracks as well.
Additional albums featuring AMERICAN ANTHEM have included the critically acclaimed tribute to the New York Dolls entitled "Jetboys of Babylon" released in 2005 on Fastlane Records. The band contributed their "HIGH OCTANE" version of Johnny Thunder's track "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory." The tribute to Butch Walker entitled "Ready, Tribute, Go! released in 2007 on Rock Island Records that included AMERICAN ANTHEM'S version of "Cold As Hell" and the Rick Springfield tribute "Working Class Dogs" released in Europe in 2008 and scheduled for release in America in early 2009 on Fastlane Records. The album opens with the band's "ELECTRIFYING" rendition of "Jessie's Girl". Rick Springfield bestowed his personal seal of approval after hearing AMERICAN ANTHEM'S version of his legendary hit!
Other projects, which include producing new and upcoming artists, are currently in progress, all to be culminated by AMERICAN ANTHEM hitting the road to promote "HIT REPEAT" and bring their music back to a rapidly growing legion of fans that are awaiting their return to the stage.
"We want to bring our music and energy to our fans." says Christy, "We hope our music is perceived as energetic and uplifting because that is the essence of what rock and roll is”…
i just saw that you have a facebook page. hope you guys are doing well. Christy thanks for the birthday text. I loved it made my day. Love to all and most of all Happy Thanksgiving.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox. from the bottom of my heart
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. I have included a video talking about the record, hope you enjoy it! Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
Just thought I'd stop by to send you guys some love from Pittsburgh. Hope that all is well and hope to hear from you soon! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
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