The Three Fire journey starts with singer / guitarist Rob Rossi, who grew up in a sports-oriented family. Despite his early focus on athletics, Rossi harbored a passion for art and music, and loved performing. High school presented challenges though. During this time, Rossi connected with the emotive lyrics and vocals of grunge rock - which only deepened his love for music and inspired him to buy his first guitar. Although he initially hid it due to fear of disapproval, his college years marked a turning point. There, he learned the instrument, sang in a couple bands, and immersed himself in fine-art and rock history. He began songwriting, painting and taking piano classes as well.
Wanting to combine his visual and sonic art, Rossi’s girlfriend encouraged him to move to Hollywood after graduation and study motion graphic design. The road trip was transformative, and the western landscapes would prove hugely impactful to the sound that would later define Three Fire. After establishing himself in his graphics career with two Emmy Awards, Rossi married his girlfriend and returned to Naperville to start a family. By chance, they bought a house right next to his brother’s childhood best friend, and former Shoeshine Boy guitarist, John Houston.
The musical chemistry between Houston and Rossi ignited the spark for what would become Three Fire. Soon Rossi met local bassist Greg Tatkowski and asked him to join. Former Rubyfish drummer Billy Keeling, who had been playing with Houston and Rossi's brother (Tom Rossi) in their local cover band, then came along. Keeling's influence was epic. He clicked with the vision for the project - and with the help of their friend, sound engineer/mixer Jeff Springer, and guest appearances by Eric Torcasio (guitar solo on “Clocktower”) and Lara Bruce (violins), the quartet released their debut EP, Raising Ghosts in September of ‘21. The record was a testament to their revived dreams and musical ambitions. Featuring both simple and complex arrangements, and layers of complimentary guitars from Houston, it successfully evoked the openness of the western frontier - where Rossi had initially freed his creative spirit.
After that, Three Fire experienced some lineup shifts. Houston stepped back due to time constraints but remains a contributor. Edgar Gutierrez stepped-in in Houston's absence but then was relocated to Canada, and was replaced by Stony Hallenbeck. However, both Gutierrez and Hallenbeck's work can be heard on the band’s new EP, Like The Sun, as well as that of Keith Barnett. Barnett, who had played for years with Keeling, replaced Tatkowski on the bass after Greg’s creative aspirations took him into jazz.
Despite these shifts, Three Fire’s vision remains and their sound is more dynamic than ever. With Barnett consistently grooving in the pocket, Gutierrez’s luscious tones, and Hallenbeck’s polished solos, Like The Sun delves even further into old western soundscapes, but retains its integrity as a rock project. Featuring standout tracks like “Can’t Saddle Me,” “Ghost Town,” and “Dreamcatcher,” Three Fire’s ability to craft honest, artistically unique rock is on full aural display. The full project is available now on all streaming platforms!