How long have you been playing?

Anthony “Tone” Retka is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Michigan is often seen fronting his band, Tone & Niche, and has spent the past 15 years writing and performing throughout the country. He has independently released two solo albums and has released four full-length albums, a live double CD, two singles and two EPs with his band Tone and Niche. Anthony’s latest solo album, Empire, was released in February 2010 and features a stripped down sound and some of his most personal lyrics to date. The release was celebrated with a sold out performance at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens. The eleven track offering was recorded by Adam Leroy (Murder Mystery, Ell and the Fonts) and received a four star review by Real Detroit Weekly, stating that Retka balances the delicate and the devastating in a nostalgic folk style. This is music stripped down to just a voice, some plaintive poetry and warm, acoustic guitar. In addition to the release of the new record, Retka’s song So Long, from the 2007 Tone and Niche record Rust, was recently featured on the Discovery Channel’s Dr. G’s Medical Examiner. He’ll be spending the next year performing in support of the new Tone and Niche record, Everything Is Good and plans to go into the studio to record his third solo effort due in late 2012 or early 2013. QUOTES “Anthony uses an immaculate blend of great songwriting, vocals, and guitar. He plays melodic numbers with full vocals and introspective lyrics, many of which are about love. Retka is a master of dynamics, moving between rich, strong heavy guitar bits and gentle, barely-there strumming. The diversity of his octaves is astounding; he conjures images of Radiohead one moment and Jeff Buckley the next.” - Springfed Artists “Anthony is a true singer/songwriter – he never stops writing. One of the more poignant vocalists in Detroit. His easygoing acoustics cut to the heart, mingling with looped electrics full of yearning yarns and confessional ballads.” - J. Milo – Real Detroit Weekly

What gear do you use?

Fender Tele and Vox ac30

Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?

The Bealtes

Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?

Yes. Tone and Niche. tonenandniche.com