Rising Stars: Meet Anthony Caruso

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Caruso. Them and their team share their story with us below:

While it would be fair to describe 308 Ghost Train as a reincarnation of the best-loved classic rock bands from the late 60s, 70s, and 80s, based on their sound and musical vibe, Anthony Caruso- the singer, songwriter, and front-man of the band –is an original and refreshing new force on the rock scene, yet still manages to bring the old-school rock voice back to life, and back into fashion.

While the name ‘308 Ghost Train’ is a pretty unconventional name for a band, it’s undoubtedly fitting- they’re no ordinary band. While the classic rock sound tolls from every song the band produces, the songs’ messages are far from their rock-era counterparts, which glorified ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll.’ Anthony Caruso, and the sound of 308 Ghost Train, are like whisky and wine; they have improved with age. The wisdom and experience that accompanies getting older, losing your naïve young feathers, and gaining a strong, mature plumage, is intertwined into all of Caruso’s songs in their catalog, From their first EP ‘Born in the Wild’—then rolling into “Somethin’s Goin On” which had released singles starting with “Bleed Over Me” on Jun 3, 2020. It was full steam ahead from there with Next Stop No Brakes was released on Jan 14, 2022, with the highly popular Little Miss Misunderstood and CHAOS. Now it’s sheer barreling down the tracks with the new single Paper Ships, which dropped on May 13. The music has garnered over 50 million plays on Spotify and SoundCloud alone in the past 2 and a half years. The undeniable result is a mature, sophisticated, expertly cultivated collection of songs, in which every song has been immaculately crafted (to perfection, in my opinion). While the wisdom of age can account for some of the perspectives that define the music, there is another significant, underlying influence that serves as Caruso’s inspiration for writing the songs. If you’re an exceptional analyst, you might be able to work it out from the band name.

The ‘Ghost’, referred to in and sandwiched in the middle of the band name, is the Holy Ghost, and the number 308 refers to a passage in the bible. This passage (John 3:08) describes the Holy Spirit as a force similar to the wind, flowing through the world to where it’s most needed. Likewise, the feeling you get from listening to this album and the band themselves is that they want their message-oriented music to flow throughout the world, finding (and helping) the people who need it most.

Aside from the important messages that 308 Ghost Train propagates, they have an incredible sound. Anthony Caruso’s voice has been compared to that of Aaron Lewis, John Mellencamp, and John Fogerty, and his voice more than lives up to these big names (dare I say that he might have the edge). His voice is pure, husky, rock goodness.

At the beginning of any band’s career, it can be challenging a band usually doesn’t have access to quality recording equipment or if they can’t use it to a high standard, not so with 308 Ghost Train. New bands, in particular, often fall victim to the affliction of sounding like amateurs. Already, this band sounds like they’ve been in the game for years, and the result is, frankly, impressive.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all it’s a hard grind day after day. The commitment to this level of achievement is arduous. It requires tenacity and relentless pursuit like no other combined with a gentle, less aggressive approach to the people you meet, with its complete dichotomy. The biggest struggle is standing out amongst 60K songs a day that are uploaded to platforms and make a real impact. It’s a tribute to the songs if you rise above the pack.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the Songwriter and Lead Singer of the US Alt/Rock band 308 GHOST TRAIN. It’s an original rock act with a sound based on the best of rock’s past and uplifting and inspiring artistry for people of today. We call it “Fresh Retro.” Its Alternative Rock with a Classic Vibe”. 308 GHOST TRAIN makes music for music fans of all ages who’ve become disenfranchised with current trends and long for music with more alignment to the mainstream rock genre, music with substance and memorable style.

The band was founded in 2019. I Have been told that I’m an intense and deeply charismatic performer. I pulled the name 308 GHOST TRAIN from the Gospel of John 3:08 (“The wind blows where it pleases, no one knows where it comes from and where it is going, but it’s in everyone born of the Spirit”), the Holy Ghost that moves in my heart, and the unstoppable vehicle whose name he carries. The music he writes carries a message of hope, love, inclusion, spirituality, positivity, and patriotism that our world needs, and I feel that the wind has been pushing me towards this project my whole life. Even though my backing musicians can vary, The Ghost and I remain constant. Regardless my versatile and wide range of musical influences has helped Myself and 308 GHOST TRAIN draw comparisons to John Fogerty/CCR, Bon Jovi, Aaron Lewis, and John Mellencamp. I believe my sound is organic and timeless, built upon failure, mastering my artistry and the human experience.

I am most proud of 16 Nominations for awards in the last 2 and a half years as an artist and writer, with 4 wins. Every writer/artist aspires to have their work validated by their peers and fans. Also, we are finalists for 4 ISSA awards, a red carpet event to be held Aug 6 in Atlanta. I think what sets me apart from others is that I spent 20 years on the business side of the biz. I’ve worn the hats of a manager, publisher, promoter and producer, and indie label head, so a deep understanding and a serious contact list that spans a decade in 3 of the 4 major music meccas gives me a distinct advantage over most artists.

What characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to if you had to?
They call me “Train” because you either get on board or get the hell out of the way. So my tenacity and relentless pursuit of this endeavor, combined with my knowledge and understanding of the biz, have been paramount to my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.308ghosttrain.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/308ghosttrainband/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308ghosttrainband
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/308GhostTrain
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOtiP7o8UoVaFSk1EZPLYA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-153508539
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4a6GiutTJU07hUg0wQFy7G?si=qAzmlZwoTPyNqYFxsys8sA

Image Credits
Amanda May Angel Soto