Turn It Up!

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank it up with Anthony Gomes and his electrifying track "Turn It Up!" from the 2015 album Electric Field Holler. This high-octane song sets the tone for the album with its bold declaration of Gomes’ musical ethos. In the track, he sings, "Don't try to stop me once I start, 'cause I've got a blues soul and a rock n roll heart," a line Gomes himself said embodies the spirit of the album, aiming to blend traditional American blues with the raw energy of British rock influences like Cream and the Jeff Beck Group. The song’s infectious energy and searing guitar riffs make it a perfect fit for THE ZOO’s vibe, capturing the free-spirited, rebellious heart of the Zoo Crew’s playlist.

Digging into the trivia, "Turn It Up!" was crafted with a clear mission. Gomes shared in a 2015 interview with Legendary Rock Interviews that the album, including this lead track, was designed to be a "timeless blues rock album" with "no holds barred, unapologetic blues on fire." The song’s production, handled by Beau Hill, was praised for its polished yet gritty sound, highlighting Gomes’ blistering guitar work and whiskey-soaked vocals. Interestingly, the track’s lyrical confidence reflects Gomes’ own journey, as he’s often spoken about staying true to his roots despite commercial pressures. On X, Gomes once posted about the song, encouraging fans to “turn it up loud” to feel the raw power of blues-rock, a sentiment that resonates with the Zoo Freaks’ love for music that hits hard and feels free.

Now, let’s rewind to how Anthony Gomes got his start. Born on May 14, 1970, in Toronto, Canada, to a Portuguese father and a French-Canadian mother, Gomes was drawn to the guitar in his early teens, inspired by blues legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as rock icons like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. While honing his craft in Toronto’s blues bars by night, he pursued a Master’s Degree in the ‘Racial Evolution of Blues’ at the University of Toronto, showcasing his deep academic and personal connection to the genre. In the late ’90s, he relocated to Chicago to immerse himself in the city’s rich blues scene, briefly playing as a sideman for Magic Slim and the Teardrops. In 1998, he formed his own band and won the first annual Buddy Guy’s Legends “Best Unsigned Blues Band” competition, a pivotal moment that launched his career. That same year, he released his debut album, Blues in Technicolor, marking the start of a prolific journey that’s seen him release over a dozen albums and tour extensively across North America and Europe.

Today, Gomes calls St. Louis, Missouri, home and continues to electrify audiences with his fusion of blues, rock, and soul. You can keep up with him on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, music, and more. Connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, check out the Anthony Gomes Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where fans share their love for his music, post concert photos, and discuss their favorite tracks like "Turn It Up!" There’s also Anthony Gomes Fans, a dedicated fan website with discographies, reviews, and fan stories, perfect for diving deeper into the world of this blues-rock powerhouse.