Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs are an eclectic 4-piece rock collective formed by frontman Joe Normal. Based in East LA, Joe Normal is joined by Tony Babylon on bass, Michael “Lucky” Lockwood on guitar, and Tony Snow on drums. With a familiar yet individual Brit-Pop/American Rock inspired sound, Joe Normal & The Anytown'rs blend their expansive musical knowledge to create a sound and experience like no other. Comparable to legendary artists like Paul Westerberg & The Replacements, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Sir Paul McCartney, The Anytown'rs’ lyrics focus on working-class life and inspire listeners to keep pushing for their dreams. Their electrifying live shows aim to form personal connections with their fans and will keep you coming back for more. Self-proclaimed “America’s Best Kept Secret”, you don’t want to miss out on Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs.
Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs have a brand new single entitled “Don’t Hurt Me”, a hard-hitting pop-rock anthem. The emotive lyricism, pummeling guitar, tight rhythms, and Joe’s powerhouse vocals fuse to form an undeniably infectious hit! This absolute smash will have you headbanging and rocking out wherever you may be. Despite the high energy delivery, “Don’t Hurt Me” holds a message with the heavy subject matter. The single aims to raise support for Domestic Abuse Awareness. Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs chemistry, confidence, and finely-calibrated sound is impressive. Jow Normal is unapologetic with his musical ability and we can’t get enough! The collective of Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs is delivering nothing but hits and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the table next!
Listen to “Don’t Hurt Me” here and keep scrolling to read more in our exclusive interview!
Hey there Joe Normal! Welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re really happy to be featuring your song “Don’t Hurt Me”. It’s very catchy, but also incorporates an integral message within. Can you explain to our readers the truth that is embedded within the track?
Yes, “Don’t Hurt Me” is an anthem for Domestic Abuse Awareness disguised as a break-up song. You can take its message either way, but this song is especially important to me because my sister suffered a domestic violence beating that ultimately led to her death. Domestic violence and abuse impacts the whole family. Please end the silence, stop the violence. Get help at 1(800)799-SAFE.
We’re always curious to learn more about how bands form! How did Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs officially come to fruition? Did you know the other band members prior to creating the band?
I’m originally from New Jersey, and met each of the guys on the old Hollywood scene when all our bands used to play together. We’ve connected again recently through the various projects we’ve played with. Bands like Izzy Stradlin (Guns n Roses), Dramarama (Anything, Anything), Aimee Mann, and Sammy Hagar.
I began putting together The Anytown’rs after seeing Bruce Springsteen for the first time in 2016. I was ready to quit the music business, feeling totally defeated and lost, but I was so uplifted after that show that it gave me the confidence and determination to keep going. I’ve assembled the finest band of musicians and friends, and together we raise the torch for classic Rock ‘n Roll music high and mighty. Rock ‘n Roll is… Alive ‘n Well... in Anytown USA!
Who has had the biggest influence on your life musically thus far? Can you describe the impact this particular individual has had in terms of your new song “Don’t Hurt Me”?
The artists that have had the greatest impact on me are the ones who have not only written great songs, but have used their celebrity to help others, to speak up and speak out, to draw attention to causes.
Artists like John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Bono. They are my Rock ‘n role models. So even at the indie and local level, I get involved with causes that are meaningful to me such as the Autism & Special Needs Community, Workers Rights, Homeless Aid, and American Veterans.
What are some of your ultimate goals as a group? Are any of these goals currently being put into place/being worked on?
As a Singer-Songwriter who fronts a Rock Band, my goals are to continue telling my own story through the music and to create a body of work that will remain relevant for generations. We don’t follow what’s trendy, we just play organic classic guitar based songs for everyday regular people that can be sung in any setting from pubs and coffeehouses, to theaters and arenas. I want to swing between gigs at all levels while putting out records and continue making an impact in the lives of many more people who need an uplift and reminder to never give up on your dreams despite your struggles.
It was great having you here on BuzzMusic! Tell us more about what's next for you after this song release? Any shows in the near future?
We are partnering with The Ed Asner Family Center to release a fundraiser single to promote hope among Special Needs families and their loved ones through the enduring power of rock and roll music.
As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I want to give back to organizations that have a direct impact on families like ours.
Meanwhile, I wish to continue being of service by performing larger benefit concerts and related events to the causes I mentioned earlier. Interested parties may contact my management to book us HERE: RockinRollersUSA@gmail.com
Thank you again for taking time to talk with me today. Cheers!
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