Strangebreed- Best It’s Ever Been (Band)

Edition Three- Week Three:

By: Mercedes Barreto / Photography by: Joe Mack’s Event Photography

There is nothing less strange and more entertaining then the music by the band Strangebreed. We learn more about Anthony, and his bandmate’s aspirations in this incredible story and guided article, for your rising talent insights.

What is the initiation of your band? Can you describe what that moment felt like, and what it means to the band?

“I started a new job at Muzak back in 2005 and my good friend, Paul Reinike, was already working there. He asked me if I would like to try out for his band called Strangebreed. So I went to their rehearsal and sang a few songs. I was asked to do a gig at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center for a benefit, and the band said they would do it. So, we played the civic center, and the Chance in Poughkeepsie, which was before I was told that I was in the band. Lol. Strangebreed has been around for 25 years. I’ve been their lead singer for 17 of them. It is an honor for me to play with these guys. Paul is the only original member of the band so we’ve gotten to play with some really good musicians over the years. The lineup we have now is the best its ever been.”

Is there a song that you have played, possibly original, that you feel resonates most with your crowd, most times? Why and how so?

“We have a rule in the band that everyone has to like a song or we won’t play it. We don’t always do the popular songs but we play songs that we love and the crowds seem to love it. My personal favorites are the GNR songs and the Zeppelin songs.”

Why did you pick the band name Strangebreed? What is the significance of the name, and if you could describe its potential in terms of the iconicness of the brand, so to speak? How iconic will the band be in the future, and how does the name contribute to this, if applicable?

“Paul Reinike came up with the name Strangebreed from a book of potential bands names. There were no computers back then. It seemed to fit the band perfect because we have definitely had some strange breed of musicians over the years. I think people like to come see us because we are raw and rockin’. We put 100% out at every gig.”

What is the ideal venue to play, perform, chill to some tunes and have a great time overall? What makes this venue special, and have you already been there?

“I would have to say my favorite place to play is The Chance in Poughkeepsie. That place has had so many national acts on that stage. You just feel like a rock-star when you play there.”

Where is the place that you feel is your main source of inspiration, or who is that person or thing? Why so?

“Robert Plant and Axel Rose are probably my two biggest influences. Their music is what made me want to be a singer. Oh, and Elvis. That goes without saying. Never forget the King.”

Where can we hear the band, and why should we? What makes Strangebreed unique? Why should we know about that?

“We are gonna be doing a lot more shows this year. We have a new kick ass lead guitar player (Gordon Robinson), which had stepped up our show a lot. People come to see us to rock, and to “forget about life for a while”. We always get great responses from the crowds, as well as from lots of friends and family that come to see us. It’s an event every time. The energy from Strangebreed gives me goosebumps, and I hope everyone is feeling the same way in the crowd. I think what makes us unique is that we don’t play all the typical cover band songs. We definitely do some of them, but they have to touch us, or else there’s no reason to do them.“

Anything to add?

“In closing, I like to say that Strangebreed is gonna be out there kickin’ ass and having a great time doing it. You don’t wanna miss it.

Questions For The Photographer-

What is the vibe here and the sensation when filming and taking photos for Strangebreed? How did you feel, and is that feeling a unique one?

“I shot the band at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY, where they made good use of the stage with their theatrics, the lighting was amazing, and they put on a great show… Very exciting band to watch and listen to, as they are well seasoned.”

If their music went global, what is the one picture or scene that you feel would be the representative picture in their gateway to fame, in your photos?

“Most likely the photo of the full band on stage, where the drummer was standing on his drums and was waving to the crowd.”