Robert Leo Newton (Guitar, Vocals) Rob was born in 1986 in Buffalo, MN. Drawn to music at an early age, he played around with several musical mediums, learning to play the drums in fifth grade, followed by bass guitar and eventually, the electric guitar. From that point on he has continued to write and perform music of all styles, usually with his voice and guitar. In his senior year of high school he was granted several blocks of the day to study music and compose with the theory program, Finale. He studied music at the MacPhail Center of Music from the fall of 2005 to the summer of 2007 under the instruction of Craig Anderson for guitar, Ruth Mackenzie for voice, and Paul Renz for a jazz ensemble, he learned to write, read, and expand his chord vocabulary. On a side note he was the first to audition at level 12 in the St. Thomas guitar program, as well as the first to pass. He performs in a rock band called Blood Root Mother. He continues to pursue a deepened understanding of music, both theoretically and creatively.

Robert Kanawyer (Bass) Bob got into Primus when he was 13 years old. Incidentally he fell in love with the bass guitar, and his life was improved vastly on Christmas 2002 when Christ gave him the greatest gift of all…the funk. He literally played that bass until his fingers bled. He quickly developed a very percussive slap bass technique which later evolved into a more melodic, however rhythmic style. In 2006 and 2007 he attended MacPhail Center for Music and completed jazz classes. His largest influences are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primius, Alice in Chains, P-Funk, Tool, and his Mother. Robert enjoys showering to the smooth grooves of the Ohio Players, and reading books by his favorite author, sci-fi artist, Kurt Vonnegut.

Elliot Weiner (Drums) Born in Minneapolis in 1986, Elliot Weiner began formal piano training at age six. His study of the great works of classical piano literature gave him a strong sense of melody, harmony, and composition from an early age. But it was the primordial force of rhythm that was the source of Elliot's deepest calling. After being swept up in the sound of 90's Grunge Rock and the visceral power of bands like Tool, Sound Garden and Alice in Chains, Elliot was inspired to take up the drums.

Anthony Ellis (Guitar) Tony was born in 1989. He was exposed to the rock scene immediately. Gun s N’ Roses and Alice in Chains were among his most familiar bands. Having not picked up a guitar until the age of twelve, he picked it up quickly, starting with the classic tune, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”.  After playing alone his basement for several years, rockin to the tunes of the current bands, he grew a deep appreciation for classical music and began to study both music theory and the classical masters of the past. In the winter of 2006 he was invited into Blood Room Mother. Bringing his knowledge of music to the table, he and Rob composed their first piece together, “Snares Flower”.

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BAND BIOGRAPHY

Blood Root Mother is an emerging rock band from Minneapolis, MN. Though fairly new to the scene, the group has evolved tremendously and made quite an impact over the last year.  In March of 2008, we released our first album, The Rabbit Hole. Two tracks on this album were recorded with members of Evanescence and Future Leaders of the World.  Six months later, after a period of intense practice and listening, we recorded Act I, which received rave reviews.  The band continues to write music and grow daily, and we will be recording another EP at Winterland Studios this Spring.  In addition to recording, BRM has been consistently building a following with high-energy performances throughout the Midwest. The group won the Minneapolis Battle of the Bands at Trocadero's, and is now playing regularly at great Twin Cities venues, including: Fine Line, Hard Rock Cafe and O'Garas.

The members of BRM are longtime friends, whose diverse tastes coalesce into an undeniably unique sound.  Ryan Gaskill, who croons like a lark and bellows out a powerful roar, reminds one of Jim Morrison at his pinnacle of psychotic Shamanism. Tony Ellis' approach to guitar recalls the best moments of stadium rock, with a deeper shade of blues and a touch of Tchaikovsky. Bob Kanawyer fills the sound with syncopated, funky bass lines, a strong melodic sense, and he always pushes the limits of our sound into fresh territory. Elliot Weiner was a music composition and jazz performance student at the University of North Texas, before returning to MN to make face-melting rock. His dynamic drumming and deep groove is the foundation of the group's hypnotic sound.  Our founding member, Rob Newton, is the fearless leader who brings it all together onto common ground with his songwriting vision and telepathic ability to make musical
conversation.

Though BRM always pushes for something fresh, our sound is primarily a rock vibe that utilizes elements of blues, electronica, and psychedelic music. There is a heavy influence of classical and Indian music. Many of our tunes reflect the pop song form that dominates the airwaves, yet our songs also tend to include surprises, along with peaks and valleys of intensity.  If you are at home with artists throughout rock history that have challenged the status quo and defied convention - groups like The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden and Tool - you are cut from the same mold as Blood Root Mother.  This band seeks only to carry on the torch of that tradition, in whatever way possible.