Tony Belcastro and Christine Johnson (who contributes to some vocals and voice effects).
Influences
Way too many to list and at the same time probably none at all. However, for the sake of information, some include: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Weather Report, Mannheim Steamroller, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Supertramp, Pink Floyd, Enya, The Ramones, The Who, The Guess Who, Styx, Rush, Triumph, Electric Light Orchestra, Traveling Wilburys, Dire Straits, Stanley Clarke, Stanley Jordan, Mahavishnu Orchestra, John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Steely Dan... etc... etc... etc...
Tony is currently working on an all new Theory of Mind jazz fusion CD!!! Once Over the Edge and Wind Shear are early preview releases.
Two songs from the Theory of Mind debut CD Enter the Misfit are featured in the Normal Films documentary The Sandwich Kid. The songs featured in the film include Moonlight and part of Alien in My Shoes.
Tony also has mixed and mastered Sky Zito's new CD, My Kind of Pretty.
Guestbook
While you are here, please sign my guestbook!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Theory of Mind news and information.About Theory of Mind
Theory of Mind® (BMI) is the trade name used by Crater Rock Music, LLC artist and composer, Tony Belcastro, a high functioning autistic savant with Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) who plays guitar, bass, percussion, piano/keyboards and various other instruments when needed. His current focus is mainly on guitar.
Tony first began showing an interest in music before he was one year old, when he was humming notes of familiar songs in key; by one year of age he was twanging rhythms on spring doorstops. Tony began playing drums at the age of 10, bass guitar at 11 (which he played in his first band at the age of 12) and by age 13 he was teaching himself electric guitar. Tony wrote his first song in 9th grade. He tried forming many cover bands up until he left high school, but eventually decided to never play other people's music again. By the late 80's, after several failed attempts at keeping bands together, Tony began performing acoustic blues and improvisational jazz guitar. In the early '90s, not long after becoming a Christian, he stopped playing guitar to pursue a career as a freelance magazine photographer. He began experimenting with music again near the turn of the millennium and in 2006 his first CD with Crater Rock Music, ENTER THE MISFIT, was released. In 2007 Tony began to explore jazz once again and by 2009 he decided to focus mainly on recording improvisational jazz fusion.
Theory of mind, in psychological terms, means having an understanding that other people's minds are different than your own and having the ability to comprehend, or develop theories about what other people are thinking, or feeling, simply by observing them. It is often referred to as the ability to "walk in someone else's shoes." It is a common and somewhat controversial belief that non-autistic people develop theory of mind at an early age and are able to reciprocate emotionally, even when they are very young, while most autistic people do not.
Tony’s musical endeavor with Crater Rock Music has been named Theory of Mind because music is a natural form of expression for him. He is able to convey the emotions and experiences within himself to other people through his compositions more effectively than he can verbally. Because of Dyscalculia (a mathematics learning disability), Tony has had extreme difficulties trying to understand and learn much of the technical aspects of music theory; he firmly believes his musical abilities are spiritual gifts.
It is Tony’s hope that his music will help to cultivate the acceptance and appreciation of autistic people everywhere, as well as demonstrating that autism should be seen as a blessing instead of a curse, or a disease.
Theory of Mind uses Ibanez electric guitars and basses, Vox Valvetronix amplifification, Yamaha keyboards, D'Addario strings, percussion instruments by Pearl, Remo and Latin Percussion and recording software by Cakewalk.
The phrase "Theory of Mind" IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK (USPTO 78/896362) of Crater Rock Music and Theory of Mind, Hampton VA. All Theory of Mind music and images are owned exclusively by Crater Rock Music, LLC. UNAUTHORIZED USE PROHIBITED!
Bringing LoTs of RoCkiN LoVe to your page this weekend. You been busy? Pumped about my 1st Marshall amp. Got my Marshall amp blog and pic posted and ready to ROCK n ROll at band rehearsal this evening.
Are you ready to take on the week ahead?! I have a new video on my page of me and my race car @ Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway. I included a small taste of the my new tunes that are in the works. Plus working on adding "NAMES" and logos to put on my race car and helmet.
Make the following week the best ever... ; ) Much luv, Heather
To those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say to keep dreaming and make reality.
Hope your week is productive! Check out my new race car pics at the GM Plant :-) Plus I'm selling sponsor names on my helmet for $10 :-D Racing starts up May 9, just getting ready!
I just finished a book of coping with Asperger's Syndrome while navigating life on the road with MC Hammer. I was pretty blunt and honest and hope it helps folks see into the thinking process a little. Any support or encouragement is appreciated. Thanks!
Hey Tony, Just listened to the new track, sounds good, dig the bass sound, unique use of the snare to shape the groove in contrast to the ebow. Cool. Peace Sky
Thank you for your comment on my page. Actually, I agree with you to some extent. I have Asperger's, have a daughter with Asperger's, and have a son with autism. There is a very specific subset of kids that have a diagnosis of autism that is regressive in nature, not what we have seen years ago. Along with the autism diagnosis, they also have substancial medical problems that have a poor effect on their quality of life. I want to treat the medical conditions and allow these individuals to feel better. I don't want to do away with their brilliance, interesting personalities, and incredible gifts. If you had a child with autism that also had diabetes, would you not treat that, if it would improve the quality of their life and there was existing treatment? That's all we are looking to do. I am a strong believer that God created me to be just who I am. The gifts and talents that I have as someone with Asperger's, along with some of my quirks, are simply who I am. However, now that my medical issues have been addressed, I am no longer in bondage to the paralyzing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts that plagued me as a younger person. Because of that, my social skills and relationships have flourished and I have seen the same with my children. Again, my goal is to provide the best quality of life for these individuals and also to PREVENT the regressive form of autism from continuing full force. I value each and every individual as they are and completely accept wherever they are. Hope that helps you to understand!
Merry Christmas, Tony & Chris. I will give you a call when family goes back home and the buzz of the holidays quiets down. We still have a japanese restaurant to check out and mayhem to create. Hope you guys haven't forgotten me in the hubbub. =)
Hey man... thanks so much for the nice comment on "Baghdad Blues". I do hope you can make it out to the jam session this Sunday at Bayside Inn. The jam starts at 8pm.
