Mark Anthony Anderson
knows music. He’s worked in radio as a radio announcer since he was 19-years-old, starting in Fargo/Moorhead. That's the same area that turned out Johnny Lang and Shannon Curfman. He’s been a radio announcer, program director and music director. He’s listened to thousands of hours of music and has the pulse of what is good music. But Anderson didn’t start his love for music there. He was born in Minneapolis, MN, (Home of Prince, Soul Asylum, and Bob Dylan among others). His love for music began when he started writing songs dealing with love, life and the world around him at the age of five.

"I was always more mature than my age," Anderson laughed. "An old soul. I felt a lot as a child and I also loved trying to impress the girls. I wrote songs to win their hearts."

Anderson started taking piano lessons at eight and, at the age of 12, got his first guitar from his parents for Christmas. "I fell in love with that guitar," he noted. "I carried that guitar with me everywhere. I got the nickname 'Elvis' from some of my friends," he laughed.

He played his first professional gig at 17 as a solo artist. "I think I made $100.00 that night," he noted. "To a 17-year-old kid that was a lot of money for four hours work."

He took time out to go on to college and major in journalism. He also picked up another degree in communications/history. He also studied photography for a year in New York, worked as a model and also worked on his pilot's license. He is currently finishing up his Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology and is working on his Master’s Degree in Humanities.

"I love to do it all," Anderson smiled. "I want to experience and accomplish as much as I can in this life."

Over the past several years he’s worked radio in Minneapolis, MN; Fargo/Moorhead, ND; Grand Forks, ND; Ames/Des Moines, IA; Indianapolis, IN; and Joplin, MO. He’s been a morning show host in radio, a TV weatherman/meteorologist and an anchorperson/reporter. Along with doing his radio and TV "thang," Anderson has kept his hand in the world of music, too, over the past few years. He’s opened up for John Waite, The Flock of Seagulls, Jim Brickman, Michael Damian ("Rock On") and has worked with the Grammy nominated group Ambrosia.

Anderson has a new CD called "Danger (In Her Eyes)" on WB Records. His music has been compared to everyone from The Crash Test Dummies, Shaun Mullins, Edwin McCain to the male version of Alanis Morrissette or Jewel. His songs can range from the angst driven song such as "Stupid Me" to the tender tribute to the lasting love of his parents "Where There’s Still Love." Other cuts include "You, Only You," "Fast to Fall," "Point of Passion," "Hard to Hold," "It’s Over" and "It’s About Time." (a duet with Latin artist Deborah Franco). The CD includes 13 songs. Appearing on the CD is Tim Pierce, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Elton John, Jewel and John Waite. Also offering background harmonies were Larry Weir, Burleigh Drummond of Ambrosia, and his wife Mary of Tin Drum. It’s a star-studded project.

"I have had a chance to work with some great producers over the past year-and-a-half putting this CD together," Anderson said. "Larry and Tom Weir have been instrumental in helping me out and I can’t thank them enough. They are both very talented producers, managers, record promoters, and friends. I met their brother, Michael Damian of "The Young and the Restless", and was hoping that he might perform some of my songs on the show and help establish me as a songwriter, but his brother, Larry, heard my stuff and said no one should do my songs but me. They invited me out to LA to their studio to record, and the rest is history as they say. I have also had the pleasure of working with Burleigh Drummond of the Grammy nominated 80s band Ambrosia. He also helped produce several of the cuts on the CD. He, too, is a marvelous talent and great friend," Anderson said.

Anderson also has many friends in the record business and radio business.

"I have had the pleasure to meet, interview, and work with the likes of John Waite, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Casey Kasem, Sarah McLachlan, Taylor Dayne, Jewel, Christopher Cross, Peter Frampton, Ambrosia, The Beach Boys, Carole King, John Tesh, and Michael Damian among others," Anderson said. "I feel lucky to have had the chance to meet with some of today’s stars and some of my childhood heroes in the music biz."

Anderson also extends a great big thank you to everyone in radio.

"I know the radio business having been a radio announcer and program director/music director," Anderson said. "I know the great work that they do. I want to thank them for their support."

Anderson also wants to thank all of his friends in the world of record promotions.

"These guys are the ones that make it happen," beamed Anderson. "People like Tom Mazzetta, Mike Martucci, Tom Callahan, Larry Weir, Mark Barnowski, Steve Gibson and Kevin and Jill McDonald have not only very been supportive, but also great friends. I can’t thank them enough for being there for me."

One last thing from Anderson.

"I want to thank my parents and my five brothers and sisters for their support and putting up with me over the years playing my music," Anderson laughed. "We are the true Brady Bunch—three boys and three girls. I was the youngest so I was Bobby Brady! They had to contend with me playing guitar at two or three in the morning. It must have been tough!"