Performing and recording music has always been an important part of Tony's life. Growing up in a musical family there was always some type of music being played or listened to around the house. Tony's influences came from a vast selection of musicians like Hoagy Carmichael, Eric Clapton and his favorite band Little Feat. Writing music is what he spends most of his spare time doing. For almost twenty-six years Tony performed regularly with "The Blue Collar Band" around the Midwest area. In January 2002 he left the band to pursue his recording interests. In November of 2003 he finished his first CD project. Digital Wav's two years in the making all of the songs were written and played exclusively by Tony with the exception of "Jealousy" which Ellis Kell played lead guitar on. Copies are available through this web site. Currently Tony is doing a Single act and teaming up with other musicians for performances. Bookings can be made through this web site by emailing thoeppne@aol.com  News Update Tony is also performing with Ellis Kell and Mike Franks in the Whoozdads an all acoustical group.

"It's Elliott Smith without all the self-pity, it's Charles Bukowski without the self-destruction, it's Bob Dylan without the nasal, and Radiohead without the British dry wit." --Broose Tulloch, Stylus Magazine

"Unknown Component is already receiving rave reviews in the United States Midwest and it shouldn't take long for his music to make its way through the States, over the Atlantic and find some kind of place in Britain." --Dave Scott Glasswerk