The organic feel of classic rock continues to roll with new music fans. We have seen a resurgence in the sound, the look, and the vibe over the past ten years. A talent and substance over style approach that the heroes of our past have inspired is present in some of rock’s coolest new bands.
Greta Van Fleet, Rival Sons, and Dirty Honey started the revolution. That’s led to new artists such as The Band Feel, Dorothy, and Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown.
Another band that is on my radar is Ten Ton Mojo. Riff meets grit and groove with a shot of blues and attitude.
Ten Ton Mojo features Dave Anthony (Lead Vocals), with Scott Lano and Christian Realmuto (Guitars). Also Paul “Sugar” Kane (Drums/Percussion) and Kenny Madden (Bass Guitar). The band has been releasing original music since 2013, and their latest EP Rebel Heart, Gypsy Soul is everything we love about American rock and roll.
Drenched in raunchy riffs is where their New York sensibility shines. Pounding percussion alongside an infectious chorus. Ten Ton Mojo takes us back to the vibe of Humble Pie with a shot of Guns N’ Roses down the hatch. When you hear them, you head down the rock rabbit hole and get lost in the groove.
They have been hailed “The Best Band in NYC” by Aquarian Weekly magazine.
I’ve seen the band open for Scott Weiland and Ace Frehley. They have headlined shows across the country, including New Jersey’s Light Of Day Winterfest show. You’ll be transported back to 1976 and, trust me, you’re gonna love it.
I caught up with Ten Ton Mojo’s Dave Anthony, on my Carr Stereo podcast, where he gave me the Ten Ton Mojo 101 mantra.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
Terrie Carr – You have been called the best band In New York City. There is a New York grit, but Ten Ton Mojo brings me back to the Humble Pie Days. You bring me back to the days of Bad Company. Days where vocals, soul, melody, and riff was so important. Ten Ton Mojo is a different kind of NY grit.
Dave Anthony – We started out on the lower east side of Manhattan, but the band actually comes from all over. I’m actually the most southern on Long Island. Scott is living upstate, Paul is in Staten Island, Christian is actually in Manhattan, and Kenny is in Yonkers.
We practiced in the Lower East Side for years at Rivington Studios. Now our road manager found us our own studio in Yonkers, and it’s been a great place for us. Cheap rent, and we use our own equipment. We have been playing hard, writing good stuff, and trying to make the right moves. We’re working with Max Gorman, our producer, and working at nice studios like SST in Weehawken.
We’re spreading the word on our band. I think that’s a huge part of it.
TC– Rebel Heart, Gypsy Soul the song. You are the deliverer of these songs that are drenched in that classic sound. Talk to me about the writing process, is that something you do in the studio?
You guys are road warriors. Do you write together on tour?
DA– Our writing process is more unique than most. Everybody is involved.
Our guitar player or even our bass player will come up with a riff and bring in something basic like a verse and a chorus. Then we’ll get to work on it all together. There is definitely contribution from everybody in the band. It’s all hands on deck.
TC– You can fit on any bill when you tour. I feel like when I go to a Ten Ton Mojo show, I’m going to have a good time.
DA– As much as we are probably a 70’s kind of sound, the 80’s is 100 percent in there.
That’s a big part of classic rock, and even now the 90’s. However, we are definitely striving for that sound. Earlier you touched on a bunch of bands I really love. Greta Van Fleet, Dirty Honey, Rival Sons, and Crobot.
I’m so glad you mentioned Crobot too because I don’t hear them mentioned as much.
TC– They are so underrated. Brandon Yeagley is one of the best vocalists in rock, and he never gets the credit.
DA– So many new bands out there, for the most part, that you see are classic rock-style tribute bands now.
Unfortunately, that’s almost filling the market for that sound. You’re not seeing as many original bands of that genre. That’s something that’s been getting lost in music in the past ten years, and I think that’s starting to come back.
Some of the bands you mentioned earlier are really big pioneers who are bringing that sound back as well. We are trying to do the same!
Ten Ton Mojo is the real deal. Attitude, tunes, and fun. Pretty much the definition of rock and roll.
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