Bob Antone

When the ideas flow and you don't have to try very hard, it's because you're living true. 

I find the best songs come from nowhere. If a composition sticks in your head the first or second time you've heard it…that's a good song. Even more impressive…you can play it forty times and never tire. The melody gets better each time you hear it. This is the goal of a great composer no matter what culture or background.

Some say compositions like this come from a higher dimension of reality…

Reach for the shiniest apple at the very top of the tree! It's so worth it!

Love,

Bob

I just composed a fiddle tune called “The Long Road Home” inspired by the Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington and Concrete Washington. 

Recently my wife Laura and I revisited this particular road and had some personal encounters with something otherworldly. Let's just say that when you finally realize that what you were meant to do or become is actually becoming, even after a long wait, it's like you've finally reached home. 

Just like a bird knows it's song, we are all born with a blueprint to our lives. Children often know exactly what they want to do later in life. Never doubt a child's happy instincts or overt joy when it comes to knowing themselves. Listen and learn. The more we find the road home to ourselves, the more our art and music and quality of life improve and become complete.

Hey take it easy and be kind to yourself! 

Love,

Bob

You can always tell when music or lyrics are truly from the heart! You can feel it in your nervous system or perhaps chills up your spine, hairs standing on end. You can't fake true expression. If a person has something to say and are coming from a place of soul, the art will speak for itself.

The more you care about other people and help someone outside of yourself, the more energy will glow from within you. By listening to another person, you will be listened to. By singing out of true compassion for your friend or family or loved one…or a story that moved you…your voice will grow stronger. Your clarity increases as your service to others unfolds. God or creator or the Holy Spirit…or whatever you call it…rewards love and generosity with more generosity.

So, if you want to play music and do it long term, play and sing from the heart, help others, listen and do the right thing. 

I've known many musicians who think by smoking weed it will increase their creativity and confidence. While that may be true short-term, vocalists will find their control is limited long-term. Vocal cords get damaged by chronic pot smoking. Emotions are stunted by regular drinking and getting stoned. You will never move beyond that first sophomore attempt at songwriting if you never move beyond a true-life challenge. Your maturity will stay young and therefore your songs will never evolve.

Say no to drugs and alcohol folks! So many fine musicians I've known were completely destroyed by substance abuse. Get sober, stay clean, get your mind right and welcome a good spirit into your lives!

can I get an Amen?

Hi folks,

many of you are curious regarding the history of our group, how we've managed to stay together for over ten years and the secret behind producing four albums. Fans have asked how we're able to play together for so long (sometimes three hours straight) and work as a team. 

First, I want to give a shout out to the current members who have stuck with it through and through. Ryan Donnelly goes back the earliest days of Tinkham Road in 2015 and currently plays upright bass, mandolin and sings harmonies. Guitarist Jason Knight joined the group in 2022 and has been a loyal and dedicated player bringing a plethora of skills to the band. Kandin Neri started playing sax with us 2021 ish at Sigillo Cellars in Snoqualmie. Occasionally we are joined by Owen Thayer (since 2021) on guitar or pedal steel which is an amazing treat in itself! Scott Swanberg started with Tinkham Road in 2016 while Anthony Chanita added drums and percussion in 2022. Current membership is Bob Antone, Ryan Donnelly, Jason Knight, Kandin Neri, Owen Thayer, Scott Swanberg and Anthony Channita.

To top things off, the beautiful and talented Sheyenne Leonard arrived in late 2024. What a voice! Thank you, Sheyenne!

Keeping the balance in this group has always been about acknowledging each member and helping everyone shine! A great example of this is during our recording project “Tomorrow Brings Another,” recorded at Jack Straw Studios in Seattle. My father had just passed away on March 10th, 2022, and seven days later on March 17th we started recording. A devoted fan offered to foot the bill $$ and the group was excited. One prior band member proposed a theme song, yet because the chorus sounded too much like John Denver's “Country Roads” the song was not selected for the album. On the first Tinkham Road album, “From Mountains to Sound," it was pointed out by more than one listener that one certain chorus track was 99 percent identical to Phillip Phillip's “Home.” Dozens of people would say…"Wait…that sounds exactly like Home!"

So long story short, we made the decision together to choose original songs that were distinct and very unique to us as a group. All of this was happening seven days after my father had passed away and I was still heavy with immense grief. Even so, everyone came together and recorded the album in record time. I felt so much love and support and understanding from each and every one of the band members. The way you all came together to finish the album in memory of my father Tom Antone will not be forgotten. I love and respect every person who took the time to understand and show respect. I will never forget you.

Furthermore, I am so proud of each and every person who has ever played with Tinkham Road. Even if you have moved on to your own career somewhere else, your friendship is felt forever. My wife Laura has worked behind the scenes for many years. She too is thankful and proud of our musical community. Please feel free to send us an email or drop by the house if you are ever visiting North Bend!

much love,

Bob Antone

Hello again,

I just couldn't resist writing another blog entry…because I'm excited to have one!

So today we made an EPK press kit for booking shows. During my entire lifetime I've never used a website or advertising to arrange live performances or to find gigs. It's always been word of mouth. From a special custom velvet painting for Uncle Frank's living room to banjo lessons or being on a panel of speakers during a Bigfoot convention, it's always been behind the scenes conversation without the need for formal advertising.

That being said, I thought I'd try something new. I expect my overall visibility will increase and perhaps business too, though I am content with occasional shows when they come my way. 

I guess you could say I've kept things in balance all of these years without burning out or falling apart so what the heck…let's turn it up to eleven!

See you in the trees!

 - Sincerely, Bob's second blog post

Hello fine people!!

Many of you know my work, whether it was a live performance you caught years ago, a podcast interview, a sculpture you'd commissioned for your grandmother or something else. With social media well established I decided to create a website where my music and storytelling (as well visual art and writing) could reside all in one place. 

Currently, I have two completed books which I plan to add links for purchase on this site. My first book, “The Odd Man Up” was co-written by my lovely wife Laura Antone. It has since been re-vised to expand upon the main characters and their strange journey beyond. For this reason, we decommissioned the original KINDLE version on Amazon. When the time is right, our book will make its way to physical print. The great news is…it exists! (and amazingly good!)

My second book, “By Candlelight: Stories for the Dark,” is a solo writing venture with an emphasis on short stories shared during a windstorm after the power goes out. Currently, a “hot site” is underway with the end goal of physical copies and wide distribution. Right now, we simply take the book out on a cold stormy night and read to each other around the fire. Hey that's good enough for me!!

Book number three, “Seattle Bound” showcases the history of my family violin from 1893. Almost finished, this anthology of tales explores our heritage instrument gifted to me in 1988 and my resulting performance journey. With celebrities in tow, the book remains lighthearted and true with a touch of true-life tragedy. I know you're saying “where are the links to purchase your books? I'm interested!!”

The answer is…"In due time…yes…it will happen…"

In the meantime, be kind and do nice things for your neighbor!

My first blog post...signing off….

• Bob Antone