“ANTI-HERO: The 21st Century Answer to Nirvana”
To label London/Toronto, Ontario-based ANTI-HERO a grunge or alternative
band would short change anyone who loves pure rock ‘n’ roll. These three
inspired performers - Rose, Nic, & Jesse - are providing fans of a myriad
of music genres with a cauldron of constant creative inspiration. It’s
evident in their début CD, Unpretty, and it’s visible during their
exhausting, exhilarating performances. ANTI-HERO may be at an early career
juncture, and each member may borrow from a diverse musical background
ranging from punk to opera, but their love and respect for the roots of rock
‘n’ roll shines brightly, whether on stage, or in studio producing
priceless, timeless pieces.
A female-fronted band, ANTI-HERO brings together a cornucopia of cool sounds
- punk, pop, alternative - all in the name of rock ‘n’ roll. Listen closely
to their music and lyrics, and you hear hints of the Sex Pistols and Ted
Nugent, with just the right mix of soul from lead vocalist, Rose Perry.
In fact, when Perry and lead guitar player Jesse Tomes formed ANTI-HERO,
they had a clear vision for the group, one shared heavily by background
vocalist/bass/guitar player Nicole VanHaverbeke. Each member wishes to
inspire listeners through their music, and through the band’s unparalleled
dedication to combining their talents for the good of the group - and for
rejuvenating appreciation of true blue rock ‘n’ roll.
Like Perry, VanHaverbeke is a stunningly beautiful woman, but look closer:
behind those hypnotic eyes is a marvelous musical mind - plus the ability to
create a death metal sound that will bring you to your knees. One listen to
her bass sound and you realize why she lists Pantera, Slayer and Tool as her
musical influences. Her hard-hitting background vocals affectionately termed
"backing balls" by her counterparts, are the perfect twin to Perry’s lead
sound. Throw in Tomes’ guitar and you have the unique sound of ANTI-HERO.
The Canadian Unpretty Tour 2005 lists destinations including: Club 279/Hard
Rock Café, Toronto; Wakefest, Ottawa; Call The Office, London; and Warped
Tour, Barrie. The American Unpretty Tour 2006 will be making stops at Club
Rock & Roll, New York; The Arena, Philadelphia; The New Tralf, Buffalo;
Station-Four, Minneapolis, and HighHorn Records' Noisefest; Chicago.
ANTI-HERO has already had the opportunity to share the stage with such
notables as Money Money, Staylefish, CJ Sleez, Robin Black, The Flairs (ex
Tuuli/Bif Naked), The Black Donnellys, 63 Monroe, Scratching Post, and
Rockit Girl (ex Veruca Salt). And, they’ve won accolades from the local
music community, receiving a nomination for Best Punk/Alternative Band at
both the 2005 and 2006 London Music Awards, but it doesn't stop there!
Entirely based upon the votes from their local and fans abroad (over 20, 000
votes were registered), ANTI-HERO was the recipient of the award for Best &
Most Popular Local Rock Band of 2006 through SCENE Magazine's London Music
Awards. ANTI-HERO has been selected to showcase for Canada's leading A&R
reps and record labels at Canadian Music Week 2006 and NXNE 2006 (The
Canadian equivalent of SXSW).
ANTI-HERO's success is spreading coast to coast with their Reader's Choice
Award for Best Band of 2005 from The Cover Zone Magazine, a publication
based out of Connecticut, and as well, a nomination for The Best Indie Rock
Band of 2006 by Triple X Radio, a internet radio station founded in Germany,
not to mention the exposure they are gaining worldwide from the successful
internet launch of both their debut album and music video for the title
track Unpretty. More and more people everyday are getting bitten by the
ANTI-HERO bug.
Not surprisingly, one of the tracks off of ANTI-HERO's debut album was
selected for usage as the entrance music for a rising wrestler of the
Heartland Wrestler's Association (the recruiting site for the ever-popular
WWE), which was once a home to big name fighters such as Shawn Michaels, and
Eddie Guerraro. With ANTI-HERO's aggressive take no prisoners attitude and
music, it's not hard to see why their music would be complementary to such a
fantastic opportunity.
Currently filling in on drums for this dynamic trio is Todd Stewart
(formerly of Ripped & Mary5e), a true veteran and lover of hard hitting
music who has a flair for working with female fronted rock bands. With a
background in everything from jazz to southern rock to heavy metal, he's got
all angles covered.
A drummer of over 20 years - his talent cannot be debated. Stewart was able
to pick up ANTI-HERO's tunes within a day and half when their previous
drummer decided to call it quits in the middle of a tour. There is no
question that Stewart has the talent, dedication, and experience to make
ANTI-HERO's 2006 touring endeavours a success.
Unpretty is winning ANTI-HERO new fans in cities around the world. Produced
by highly-regarded Rob Sanzo of Signal to Noise Studios, Toronto (Sum41,
Controller Controller, Treble Charger, Joydrop, Bedouin Soundclash) and
mastered by Roger Lian of Masterdisk , New York City (Nirvana, Smashing
Pumpkins, U2), Unpretty is a magical mix of 10 tunes, each one worthy of
radio play. Perry writes the basic song structures, works with Tomes’ riffs,
solos and strumming patterns, then collaborates with the entire band before
creating the unique ANTI-HERO sound. From the heavy-metal title track, to
the melodic tune, Lullaby, ANTI-HERO has no boundaries - and no fears.
Due to the incredible buzz this band has generated throughout it's short,
but productive career, ANTI-HERO has secured a worldwide internet and
Canadian retail distribution deal through Addictive Record/Fontana
North/Universal Music. Their debut cd, Unpretty is being re-released on the
4th of July 2006 and will be available for download on popular programs such
as iTunes, and sound clips will be released for cell phone ring tones.
Intertwined with their extensive 2006 summer US touring, ANTI-HERO still
managed to not forget about their home for too long. They will end off their
incredible summer experience by partaking as special musical guests for this
year's Rock the Wake 2006 (Haliburton, Ontario), the Don't Call Me Dude All
Girl Skate Jam (Peterborough, Ontario), and select Canadian dates on Warped
Tour 2006 once again rocking out on the Shiragirl Stage (a stage dedicated
to promoting female performers in rock'n'roll).
If you're looking for a hard working band in the music industry, you've come
to the right place. Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay. So is ANTI-HERO. Watch
out world, here they come.