ABOUT
Kane is a musician, singer, songwriter, and audio engineer located in Pittsburgh, PA. Lead vocalist, Rob Kane, specializes in writing, recording, mixing, and producing melodic hard rock inspired by the sounds of the 70s and 80s. He serves as the lead vocalist for several bands, including XDB featuring guitar virtuoso Xander Demos, Love In Chains, Apocalyptic Lovers, and Love and Venom, a tribute to the Scorpions and Whitesnake.
"The silver bullet in Apocalyptic Lovers' arsenal comes in the form of vocalist Robert Kane. He possesses a refined tenor and silky timbre..."
- Brent Rusche Fireworks Magazine
Hailing from the Youngstown, OH area, Kane was raised on the melodic hard rock of the 70s and 80s. Primarily a lead vocalist, he crafted his own distinctive, powerful, vibrato-rich, melodic vocal style, drawing inspiration from singers like Robert Plant, Ian Gillen, Don Dokken, Tony Harnell, and Michael Sweet. He attended Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music briefly, focusing on vocal performance and enhancing his music theory knowledge. Kane fronted several local bands, including the original group Little Sister, featuring fellow local musicians George Allen (bass), Kurt Kretchek (drums), and Mike Vega (guitar), as well as Love and War (now known as Apocalyptic Lovers), which included Dave Hope (drums), Sean Magee (lead guitar), and Mike Nagy (bass).
Of his music roots, Kane says, “I remember the neighborhood friends and I would make cardboard guitars, put on the black and white makeup, blast the music in the garage and pretend we were KISS.” Kane recalls, “…my father was a junior high and high school art teacher. He used to create the sets for the school musicals and had a bunch of Broadway musicals on vinyl, like My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Camelot, and stuff like that. One day I was exposed to Ian Gillen, but not via Deep Purple, as Jesus on the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. My dad’s students would send him home with their records, so I was exposed to a lot of music, from Firefall to Air Supply to Foreigner, Journey, and KISS.” During his high school years, Kane pleaded with a close drummer friend for an audition to replace his band’s recently departed lead singer. He got the gig and hasn't stopped singing since.
A significant milestone in Kane's musical journey was marked by the release of Apocalyptic Lovers EP Redemption Vol I.. Recorded by Josh Roman at Mindrocket Studio in Pennsylvania, the record was expertly mixed over 12 days by the renowned producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener, at his WireWorld Studio in Nashville, TN. Meeting Michael, who has collaborated with iconic artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, Motley Crue, Poison, Alice Cooper, to name just a few, was both an honor and a thrilling experience. Evoking the era of arena rock and music videos, the album debuted on National Record Store Day, April 16, 2016.
Kane in some ways reminds me of a cross between Stryper‘s Michael Sweet and Dokken‘s Don Dokken with his high vocal register.
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-Sleaze Roxx
Kane joined forces with fellow Youngstown native and SteelCity lead guitarist Mike Floros. Together, they brought in Mike’s reliable production team of Ty Sims and Erik Johnson, to shape the sound that would evolve into Love In Chains. Multi-talented vocalist and instrumentalist Erik contributed powerful drumming and solid bass lines, while Rob and Erik’s harmonies completed a truly rock-solid sound. Drawing inspiration from bands like KISS, Europe, Dokken, and Stryper, their music is an unapologetic homage to an era dominated by heavy guitar riffs, explosive drums, soaring vocals, and beautiful harmonies. The band debuted with their album Everyday Heroes, followed by a covers album titled The Rust Belt EP, honoring local and national artists from their hometown, including Cleveland's own Michael Stanley Band, Beau Coup, Pittsburgh’s Donnie Iris, and Youngstown's Noisy Mama (White Noise).
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Kane crossed paths with Xander Demos and XDB while performing alongside talented guitarist and Pittsburgh native Dallas Perkins, who was supported by XDB. When XDB sought a new lead vocalist months later, Rob seized the opportunity, having enjoyed his previous collaboration with the group and recognizing their remarkable talent. Currently, Kane fronts XDB as they tour and work on recording a full-length album, alongside members guitarist Xander Demos, drummer Guy Cole, guitarist and keyboardist Brendan Callahan, and bassist Emily Stroup.
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Currently, Kane is in the process of writing and recording, featuring songs from his time with Little Sister alongside his recent originals and collaborations with musicians like Sean Magee (Apocalyptic Lovers) and Ron Williams (Lazarus). His music captures the essence of an era when rock was king, blending 70s and 80s influences into memorable, guitar-driven tracks with catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and powerful, melodic guitars. Infused with themes of love, heartbreak, anger, joy, despair, and hope, Kane's songs reflect personal experiences that resonate with the human journey.
Kane is an exceptional music artist and talented mix engineer, known for his unwavering passion for the craft. With a commitment to producing quality recordings, he brings a unique sound to each project. Kane's versatility shines through as he effortlessly navigates various genres, ensuring that every track resonates with audiences. His dedication to excellence sets him apart, making him a sought-after collaborator for artists looking to elevate their sound.
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