| Deep Roots |
“After years playing in various bands and contributing to more than eight albums' worth of material, he's stepped out on his own and is creating some of his most personal, impactful work to date. Greto's solo career began in a deeply personal place. After the tragic loss of his son in 2017, music became more than a passion; it became a lifeline. That emotion is poured into every track of his 2022 debut solo album, ‘Blue Roots (Vol. I)’. The record is a heartfelt blend of acoustic guitar, cello, and mandolin, with songs that explore love, loss, and everything in between. Fast forward to his latest release, ‘In Florescence (Vol. II)’, and there’s a definite shift in tone...this new batch of songs feels lighter and more hopeful. The rhythms carry him, and the listener, to a happier, more optimistic place. It's music that still acknowledges life's fragility, but celebrates the gift of life, too. Whether you're looking to reflect, reconnect, or ride the wave of beautifully crafted songs, Mikeal Anthony Greto’s music is well worth a listen. “ - Brent Porsche (93.3 WMMR)
| Starting Out |
Mikeal Anthony Greto is a multi-instrumentalist who started writing songs by the age of fourteen. 3 years prior to that, he began his musical path as a drummer. His beginner drum set had skins that couldn’t be replaced so duct tape was often used to patch the holes he tapped into them. Once those drums were beyond repair, Mikeal purchased a new drum kit with money he had saved up from his newspaper route. The guitar started shortly thereafter and as soon as he could put a few chord changes together, Mikeal was writing songs that helped him deal with his parents struggling relationship. By age 17, he joined the Electro-Pop band 'Swoon' as front man/guitarist and the band began touring with over 250 shows a year throughout the U.S. The band would release 3 albums over the next 6 years before reinventing themselves with a new sound and name. The newly formed band, 'Manic', featured UArts alum Christopher Miller on drums. This change would lead Miller and Greto to form a lifelong bond and to the creation of 2 new bands, 'The Flood' and 'The Silent Signals'.
| Musical Shape Shifter |
Greto and Miller formed 'The Flood' in 2005. The band, whose name was derived from the Peter Gabriel song, “Here Comes The Flood”, released their first album in 2006 and began touring over the next 3 years highlighted by in-studio performances on Radio 104.5 and 93.7 WSTW and a show in support of Counting Crows in 2008. Greto and Miller then regrouped with Flood bassist/keyboardist Matt Tenaglia as 'The Silent Signals' with a sonic shift that would lean the band towards a more Electro-Rock sound. 'The Silent Signals' released their first full length album in 2011 and performed in support of the album at such venues as The Trocadero Theater, Milkboy and The Queen Theater as well as a spot at the Dewey Beach Music Conference. Their EP and single, “Caught in the Current” was released in 2013.
Photo Credit: Jesse Brittell
| Tragedy and a Lifeline |
Craving a change, Mikeal moved to Atlanta, GA in 2015 to pursue a solo career. Unexpectedly though in 2017, tragedy struck when Mikeal and his wife lost their 15 year old son to brain cancer. Music was put on hold while he and his family tried to pick up the pieces until Mikeal’s lifelong friend and fellow musician, Michael Crist helped him find his musical voice once again. The 2 Mike’s formed The Brothers J.A.(Jay) in the hopes of healing through music and an EP entitled “The First Draft” was released in October of 2018. The Brother’s J.A. followed the release with shows at World Cafe Live, Burlap and Bean and Xfinity Live in Philadelphia.
Photo Credit: Josh Carr