Rob Stroup and the Blame

It wouldn't be hard to imagine the members of Rob Stroup and the Blame kicking a tin can down a dirt road on a hot summer day. This Portland-based, roots-rock / Americana quartet is armed with compelling, kinetic songs that pull the listener into their tapestry of dusty, rolling plains; bittersweet relationships; and poignant introspection. Led by founder Rob Stroup, these musicians have the spirits and talent of much older souls, invoking sounds reminiscent of Bob Dylan and JJ Cale.

Stroup, now a veteran of the music industry, got an early start in fame with his first band, The Baseboard Heaters. His continued song-writing craft has consistently picked up steam, and his music has reached the airwaves in many forms—including radio rotation, commercials, and even an NBC sitcom.

The whole band has spent their entire collective lives immersed in music. And although each member has his own success story of bands past, it wasn't until Stroup brought them together that the musical-synergy of The Blame elevated them to their current vantage point.

On the heels of their successful debut album, "Glass Ceilings," Rob Stroup and the Blame have been greatly expanding their horizons, playing to larger audiences and creeping up the indie charts (for instance, they are currently number 7 out of over 500 bands on ReverberNation).

So, if you happen to see them walking down that dirt road... No, they don't need a ride. These guys know exactly where they're going.