Style/Genre
Tony Mecca writes and performs songs about people and personalities. Real people that is, and genuine life experiences like love and longing, growing-up, working and watching life play itself out. But tedious and plodding reflection is not his forte, and rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities are injected at every opportunity to keep the proceedings vibrant, passionate and really fun. His music has been called Pop Rock, Singer-Songwriter Rock, Folk Rock and Americana among others. He calls it Heavy MeNtal, Urban Americana or “Americana from a city boy”. In reviews his songs and sound has been compared to Springsteen, Petty, Mellencamp, John Prine, Billy Joel, Cat Stevens and James Taylor. He was once described as “The bastard son of Huey Lewis and Joni Mitchell”.


Bio
A troubadour that rocks - really! Popular Philadelphia singer/songwriter Tony Mecca serves wisdom from deep in the inner city via a delicious storytelling based blueprint that successfully incorporates elements of Pop, Roots, Americana, Folk and plain old Rock 'n Roll. In the grand tradition of elite wordsmiths like Dylan, John Prine and Ray Davies (The Kinks), Mecca fuses equal amounts of humor and sympathy to thoughtfully examine everyday people dealing with ordinary and surreal life circumstances. But with his eclectic approach, robust delivery, and a gritty Philly twist, this music is quite different from that of his esteemed forerunners. Meet “Annie Helicopter"", ""Plain Jane & Average Joe"", ""Billy the Bully"" and a host of other characters and friends from Mecca's sumptuously eccentric neighborhood that laugh, cry, love and cavort on the mean streets and avenues of his beautiful Urban Americana landscape. As anyone more than a little familiar with Tony Mecca’s music will tell you, his infectious raspy voice and hook laden melodies may initially confiscate most of your attention, but it is his sage commentary on the beauty and failings of the ""human drill"" that will eventually permeate your head, heart and soul.


So what do you think of my Tony Mecca “Bio/Article?”
I’m flattered and a little embarrassed.


What can you tell us about yourself?
I was born and still live in Philadelphia. I’m 53 years old, married and have five kids and 5 dogs (currently). I own the Opera House/Ozone Recording Studio. I miss Frank Zappa terribly.

What style of music do you play?
Urban Americana

What’s that?
Storytelling Rock Music slightly altered by elements of Root, Pop and Folk – I’ve also heard my music called “Singer/Songwriter Rock” or
“Americana (from a city boy)”

Who do people say you sound like?
In reviews I’ve gotten Springsteen, Petty, Mellencamp, John Prine, Billy Joel, and Leonard Cohen among others. In a recent email poll through our web site here’s what our friends and fans said:
- “The bastard son of Huey Lewis and Joni Mitchell”
- “The Who fronted by John Prine”
- “Bob Dylan with a sack - and a sense of humor”

Where have you been and where are you going?
I’ve recorded three CD’s - Purple Monkeys (2003) / Princes of the New Dark Age (2005) / Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between (2007) - and I’m back out playing the bars – Over the past year I’ve signed eight of my songs with various publishing companies throughout the country. While I’m not disappointed being a local artist in Philadelphia, I do live in hope that my songs will someday reach a larger audience through higher profile recording artists. They tell me we’re getting close!

Quote Edits
“Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between” is the Everly Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp from a blender, poured into melodic Americana via street-level tales of everyboy and everygirl. A great slice of Americana” - John Collinge / Progression Magazine #51

“Beautiful east coast romanticism! Tales of life and love in his blue-collar South Philadelphia. A wonderful effort - Highly recommended”! - Jason MacMillan / Amazon.com / October 12, 2007

“Philadelphia balladeer Tony Mecca might best be described as an ""undiscovered talent"" who, in the hands of the right production team, could generate ripples on the Pop/AOR front. ""Purple Monkeys"" and “Princes of the New Dark Age” are rootsy pop a la Bruce Springsteen/Billy Joel/Tom Petty, etc., that is melodically accomplished, catchy and fun to listen to”. - John Collinge / Progression Magazine #50

“Mecca’s set on Saturday (3/22/08) – 22 songs in all clocking in at 2 hours - was filled with pleasant, easy on the ears music that deserves a shot with a wider audience. I recommend giving ""Hello Goodbye & Everything In Between"" a listen, an excellent album and one of the more underrated bodies of music I’ve listened to in the past year”. - Eric Cholminski “A Night at Cookies” (Live Show Review Blog)

	The Girl from the Sand uptempo, retro and fun summer beach thriller		Rock
	Suzie Lone Star Hero a rockin' story filled with suspense and surprise		Rock

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