BIOGRAPHY

Anton Roolaart is a Dutch-American solo artist whose musical journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and artistry. Renowned for his contributions to the symphonic and art rock genres, Anton has crafted a distinctive sound that blends atmospheric soundscapes, symphonic rock elements, lush keyboards, and intricate guitar riffs. His evolution as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist—rooted in the emotive strains of his primary instrument, the guitar—has been a lifelong pursuit.

Anton’s path to recognition has been anything but ordinary. With two critically acclaimed albums—“Dreamer” (2007, Umbrello Records) and “The Plight of Lady Oona” (2014, self-released)—he has solidified his place within the progressive rock community. His music resonates with both complexity and heart, a reflection of the decades spent honing his craft.

To bring his vision to life, Anton has collaborated with an array of talented musicians, most notably Rave Tesar of Renaissance, who co-produces his albums. These collaborations, coupled with Anton’s artistic direction, have resulted in richly textured compositions that captivate listeners.

Performing solo acoustic sets and full-band shows alike, Anton has taken his music to audiences across the USA, Canada, Spain, and The Netherlands, gracing progressive rock festivals and intimate venues with equal fervor. His performances are not mere concerts—they are immersive experiences, inviting the audience into his sonic world.

Currently, Anton is nearing the completion of his highly anticipated third album. His dedication extends beyond his own music; he has been a vital supporter of progressive rock artists and the broader prog community. As the founder of ProgRockRadio.com, an online streaming station dedicated to the genre, Anton championed both emerging and established prog acts for a decade until the station’s closure in 2016. His efforts have strengthened the ties within this niche but passionate musical realm.

Anton’s musical roots trace back to his childhood, when his family moved to the US. Raised in a household where classical music echoed thanks to his father’s love for the art form, Anton’s ears were also drawn to the progressive sounds of the 70s—Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, and Neil Young. Witnessing his older brother play in a rock band lit a creative spark, and at 13, Anton began classical guitar lessons, his mother gifting him his first instrument.

Even as his love for music deepened, Anton’s curiosity for science and technology grew in parallel. In his teens, he explored sound engineering, merging his technical interests with his artistic ones. By 18, he had written his first song, “Shipwreck,” and was performing in coffee houses around Charlotte, NC. Determined to understand the mechanics of sound, Anton studied Sound Recording Engineering in a 16-track studio, laying the foundation for his future work as a producer and composer.

His musical journey took him across continents—spending time in Spain and The Netherlands—before returning to the US to complete his Electrical Engineering degree. It was during this period that Anton discovered MIDI technology and began experimenting with keyboards. He built his first home studio, blending analog and digital sounds, inspired by the layered, ambient works of Jon Anderson’s “Olias of Sunhillow.”

Anton’s path was never a direct one. While pursuing his professional career and raising a family in New Jersey, he never stopped writing, recording, and performing. He played with local bands, often more interested in original compositions than covers, and continued building his studio, collecting guitars, keyboards, and sound equipment.

In the early 2000s, a chance series of events led Anton to establish ProgRockRadio.com, a platform that not only introduced him to a broader prog audience but also connected him with like-minded artists. It was during this time that he rekindled his collaboration with bassist Vinnie Puryear and began working with Rave Tesar—an alliance that would shape his debut album, “Dreamer.”

The album, released in 2007, showcased Anton’s intricate compositions and sonic depth. It featured studio musicians like Rich Berends (Mastermind) and Charles DesCarfino on drums, with Rave contributing to the keyboard arrangements. The striking cover art by Michael Phipps added a visual dimension to Anton’s ethereal music.

Though it took several years for his sophomore effort, 2014’s “The Plight of Lady Oona” expanded his sound even further. Collaborating with musicians like Kendall Scott, Michael Frasche, and Pieter van Hoorn (Knight Area), the album’s title track featured a guest appearance by the legendary Annie Haslam (Renaissance), blending Anton’s modern sensibilities with a nod to the classic prog rock sound.

Today, Anton continues to walk the fine line between technical mastery and artistic expression. With his third album on the horizon and a legacy of both musical and community contributions behind him, his story is one of relentless creativity, a long journey to recognition, and an unwavering commitment to his art.

Anton Roolaart remains a vital force in the progressive rock landscape—an artist driven by a lifelong passion for music and a profound connection to the genre’s ever-evolving spirit.