The story behind Anthony Appelhof's second album, Made in Cuba, is as vibrant and colorful as the streets of Santiago de Cuba where it was recorded.  It all started when Anthony's girlfriend, Lauren Driebe, traveled to Santiago de Cuba to take percussion lessons from a professor of Afro-Cuban music.  When she returned, her teacher stayed in touch, suggesting that on her next trip, she bring Anthony along to record his music.  That's when the idea for Made in Cuba truly took shape.

In October 2023, Anthony and Lauren headed to Cuba for a month-long adventure, and the magic began.  The recording sessions were far from easy, though.  They dealt with daily blackouts, unreliable equipment, and a studio that was more "makeshift" than professional.  Street noise, from roosters crowing to barking dogs to the bustling rhythm of Santiago, was a constant challenge, and the relentless heat didn't help.  Instruments and amplifiers needed constant repairing, making every recording session an exercise in patience.

But through the challenges came camaraderie and creativity.  After a few adjustments to the lineup, Anthony found the perfect band--musicians who shared his passion for rock 'n' roll and truly connected with his lyrics and sound.  In that first month, they managed to record five songs, capturing the raw essence of Anthony's vision.

In March 2024, Anthony and Lauren returned to Santiago to complete the album, recording six more songs to round it out to a total of 11 tracks.  Despite all the hardships, the time spent in the studio was filled with laughter, the scent of Cuban coffee, shots of the local Bacardi rum, and the warmth of homemade meals by Nairobi, the wife of Jorge.  Every day brought moments of joy and celebration as they spent up to eight hours a day in the studio, working hard when the electricity allowed.  

The making of Made in Cuba was more than just a recording experience--it was an emotional journey of perseverance, community, and creative expression, and it resulted in an album that pulses with the spirit of Cuba and the heart of rock 'n' roll.