It’s always a good time for some spiritual, uplifting messages of hope- especially these days.
308 Ghost Train is one such band releasing rock music with messages of spiritual hope and positivity. This original rock act from Cortez, Florida, harnesses a familiar contemporary rock sound, and delivers uplifting messages throughout their catalogue.
This quartet, led by Anthony “Train” Caruso, makes music for people of all ages who’ve become disenfranchised with modern day artists, and seek music with more substance than style.
POSI Award-winning songwriter and vocalist Caruso, a lively and spiritual performer, derives much of his own inspiration from higher powers. The music he writes is intentional, and seeks to unite and relate to all walks of life. Though the backing musicians vary, The Ghost and Train remain constant.
308 Ghost Train draws comparisons to that of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp to name a few.
The band recently release their new single, “Bleed Over Me,” which hit #1 on the South African rock charts, and has seen thousands of plays and Spotify playlist adds.
We shot some questions Caruso’s way, and he was kind enough to answer them.
So how did 308 Ghost Train come together?
The band came together from a vision that came to me one night in early March of 2019. I was in a really dark place in my life, and was contemplating giving up on life all together. That night, the Ghost gave me the beginnings of a song in my sleep- “I may be worn, but I’m holding on.” Later titled, “Worn.” That song saved my life, and was a direct message that spoke to my purpose. I’ve never looked back since that day.
And I usually don’t ask this question, but what’s the story behind the band name?
I pulled the name 308 GHOST TRAIN, from the Gospel of John 3:08 (“The wind blows where it pleases, no one knows where it comes from and where it is going but its in everyone born of the Spirit”), the Holy Ghost that moves in my heart, and the unstoppable vehicle whose name I carry. And I feel that the wind has been pushing me towards this project his whole life. Even though the backing musicians can vary, The Ghost and Train remain constant.
What kind of messages and feelings are most prevalent and important in your music?
The music I write carries a message of inclusion, spirituality, positivity, hope, love and patriotism that our world needs.
What artists would you say most influence you and your sound?
John Fogerty/CCR, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp. Our sound is organic and timeless, built upon artistry and the human experience.
So I see you have your new single out, “Bleed Over Me.” What’s the influence and inspiration behind this track?
I write a lot songs while I sleep, but this song was written fully awake. I believe I went from looking for love to actually finding love for the first time in my life. I always say the song was written “All because a guy (Me) fell for a girl.
Where was it recorded and who was involved in the production?
I record all my songs in Nashville at Chip Martin Studios. Chip is also my co-producer on all 308 GT releases.
Can fans anticipate it on an upcoming EP or LP?
Yes- summer of 2021 we’ll see all songs available on an LP.
How does the songwriting process work within the band?
I write most of the songs for the band, but I have recently started bringing songs to them to give them more creative inclusion.
What should people know about Cortez, Florida?
It’s a world famous fishing village made famous by the movie A Perfect Storm.
What’s been one or two pinnacle moments as a band?
Well, hitting 41 million streams in the last 4 months, and the success during the pandemic have been the pinnacle moments.
What can fans expect from 308 Ghost Train to close out the year?
We are releasing the new single, “Love You More,” Tuesday Oct. 13th, and “Something’s Goin’ On” on Nov. 29th. And as always, “Santa Bought a Yacht” will be in National rotation during Christmas.