Catch Of The Week: Rob Bellamy
Meet Rob Bellamy from Westfield, MA
What do hockey and country music have in common? Actually, a few things. Among them: Passion, and Rob Bellamy. Country music fans are widely known for their passion. We devour songs, put our hard earned money on the line for it, and show up as often as possible. And we make noise. Hockey fans are also extremely zealous about their love of the sport. And hockey players… I mean, they get their heads bashed against boards and their teeth knocked out for the game, on a regular basis. Not just on Sundays.
Rob Bellamy was on his way to a hockey career when country music high sticked him. No penalty called. Just a new calling, for the Western Mass native. That calling lead to a move to Nashville, to writing original music, performing in front of crowds, and meeting his wife, and frequent musical collaborator, Ayla Brown.
Bellamy put his muscle into his music. His naturally gravelly voice pairs perfectly with his rock-tinged vibe. Rob’s lyrics are easily relatable, whether it’s relationships, parties, or dreams of which he sings. He can take things seriously, and deep, or leave it light, airy and with a comical twist. It’s always about the songs, first and foremost, and this hockey player seems to have a real gift for crafting. Perhaps Rob uses his experience on the ice to approach his songwriting, coming up with tactical plays, or maybe, it just flows. There has certainly been a lot of music flowing out of this singer/songwriter. He’s released 2 EPs recently; Starving Eyes, and Hungry Heart. Bellamy came up with the idea of his latest single, “If There Was No Alcohol” during the pandemic.
You can hear some of Rob’s original songs live this Friday, September 10, at “Local Country Comes Together” to benefit Dana-Farber at the Kowloon Restaurant, along with his new bride, and our morning show star, Ayla Brown.
Bellamy’s Melodies
Push play to hear Rob Bellamy’s clever, comical and seriously fun, “If There Was No Alcohol.”
Rob and Reason
NAME: Rob Bellamy
From: Westfield, MA
Grew up in: Westfield, MA
Now lives in: Weymouth, MA
Current single:: If There Was No Alcohol
What is your song about/how did it come to be: I had this idea/question, especially during the pandemic of “what would we do without alcohol? Then started thinking about all of these different scenarios that wouldn’t be as fun, or even possible if alcohol wasn’t involved.
What lead you to music: I was always drawn to it from a young age. I loved going to concerts and would always gravitate toward a live musician in any room they were playing. But it wasn’t til later on in my life when I actually started playing.
How old when you started: 23 years old
First country song you learned: I wanna say it was “The Truth” by Jason Aldean
Instruments played: Guitar
How would you describe your sound: A little more gritty for the most part. Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Rob Thomas
Who inspires you: I get inspired by going to live shows. I get inspired by all of the people who reach out and support what I am doing. I am also inspired by people who thought I was crazy for trying to become a professional musician. I’m also inspired by how far I’ve come. I can see and hear the growth. I’m still learning a lot and trying to get better. For me it’s all about progress and consistency.
Dream duet partner: I get to duet with my wife pretty consistently, but if was someone else I would have to say; John Mellencamp for a Male and Miley Cyrus for a female. I think they both have killer voices.
All- time favorite country song:: Really tough to pick. Honestly, anything by Eric Church and Chris Stapleton. I feel like those guys are in a league of their own lyrically.
First country concert: Eric Church in Guilford, NH
What songs do you like now on Country 1025: Forever After All – Luke Combs
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I’d probably be involved in hockey in some way, either still playing or coaching.
Day Job: Videographer/Editor & Business Development for a sports media company called TorchPro.
Most proud moment: Probably witnessing my sister Kacey win a gold medal in Pyeongchang, South Korea. She played for the United States Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Opening up for Charlie Daniels with my wife Ayla.
Other things you like to do: Travel, Ski, Play Hockey, spend time with family, go to the beach, go to concerts,
Fun Facts: I was drafted in the 3rd round of the NHL by the Philadelphia Flyers, I didn’t consistently start playing live music shows until I was 31. I managed to graduate from high school with only carrying around a pen or a pencil.
Rob on the Road
UPCOMING DATES: 9/8 – Rivershed – Braintree, MA
9/10 – Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus – Local Country Comes Together for Dana-Farber
9/11 – Hampton Beach Seafood Fest – Hampton, NH
9/12 – Bull Spit Brewery – Winchendon, MA
9/14 – North Hampton Band Stand – North Hampton, NH
9/15 – Rivershed – Braintree, MA
9/22 – Rivershed – Braintree, MA
9/24 – La Cantina Winery – Franklin, MA
9/29 – Rivershed – Braintree, MA
The Bellamy Network
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]
