MIKE ANTOSH
"TAKING ITS TOLL" - 6 SONG EP
LIZZIE ROSE RECORDS
Mike Antosh’s 6-song EP ‘Taking Its Toll’ is a cathartic release for a weary world
APRIL 17, 2023 | LOS ANGELES, CA — Breakout artist Mike Antosh has never been known to follow the rules — and we’re lucky for that — because his new 6-song EP “Taking Its Toll” pierces with a bold originality. With raw vocals, raw talent and raw subject matter, Antosh’s music is emphatically and unabashedly vulnerable. Though largely rock, this EP has touches of pop, blues, jazz, soul, reggae and a powerful sound that’s entirely his own. After all, Antosh’s fingerprint is on every instrument: vocals, drums, electric, acoustic and bass guitar.
Master sound-engineer Phil Brewster knows how to bring out Antosh’s diverse sound thanks to having worked with broad a range of heavy-hitters such as Jason Mraz, LeAnn Rimes, 2Pac, the Deftones, Gavin DeGraw and various artists on Death Row Records. Brewster’s brother, a longtime fan of Antosh’s live performances in South Florida connected Antosh with Brewster upon learning that Antosh had relocated to California. As Brewster is in high-demand, this EP was recorded as a passion project over several months in Brewster’s home studio in LA, ultimately becuase Brewster believes in Antosh’s music and message. This EP is the result of an impressive collaboration of two masters each working at the tops of their crafts’ and having the time of their lives. Of this project, Brewster has commented, saying "Musically diverse is the thing that made this project so fun. I looked at Mike and said 'How about reggae?' Bam - he instantly freestyled 'Alright.' Very fun project."
Each song is a daring exploration into the human experience delivered with equally daring vocals, guitar solos and crescendos that leave the listener somehow transformed after only four minutes. You almost need to stop and catch your breath right along with him as he belts his final notes, sighing with the kind of relief and catharsis that only comes from art that dares to “go there.”
And go there he does. The title track “Taking Its Toll” is an urgent, climatic ballad about getting back on track before it’s too late, easily becoming an anthem for our weary times. Whether it’s our own personal battles, climate change, the opioid epidemic, political division, financial instability or a litany of other timely problems, this song gives voice to that little voice inside all of our heads that knows when something has gone too far, that we could do better, that life doesn’t have to be this way.
The EP’s other tracks are just as probing with songs about the homelessness crisis and the enduring power of the human spirit (“Alright”); the risks of wasting one’s potential (“Throwing Yourself”); the allure of fading into oblivion instead of stepping up to the plate of life (“Blown Away”); career and commitment to an artistic path (“Only Way To Go”); and facing your demons to get back to yourself (“Better than Burning”). It’s hard to say whether his Berklee College of Music trained guitar riffs, his searing vocals or his thought-provoking lyrics are more captivating, but luckily we don’t have to choose.
Antosh’s original music is slated to be featured on the radio show “Music on the Menu” on 103.5 FM - The River in North Eastern Pennsylvania with host Alan K. Stout, a prominent music critic and journalist in Antosh’s home region.
Antosh is also planning a “Taking It’s Toll” tour this summer and plans to announce a U.S. lineup shortly. For any media or booking inquiries, please contact his management via the form below.
