Biography

Making their debut in 2012, The Next is a perfect combination of experience, talent, passion and drive for audiences who crave the party rock and dance atmosphere. American Idol top 24 finalist Tyler Grady partners up with renown national award winning drummer Anthony Baker to deliver the most innovative, fresh, in your face performance. With Joe Berndt on bass and lead vocals and Jordan Demarest on guitar, keys and lead vocals, this lineup equals one of the most talented from a standpoint of musicianship, vocals and on-stage personality.

The Next is a top tier act that consists of lead vocalist Tyler Grady, drummer Anthony Baker, guitarist Jordan Demarest, and bassist Joe Berndt. Started in January of 2012, The Next is set to bring powerhouse talent, and rocking beats to clubs and venues up and down the east coast, and all over the country

Anthony Baker
Drums, Vocals

Anthony Baker was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. Coming from a family of musicians, Anthony got his first drum set when he was 5 years old from his father Freddy Baker. Some of his greatest influences include John Bonham, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Tony Royster Jr, Chad Szeliga, Mike Portnoy, and Terry Bozzio. Largely influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Rush, Aerosmith, Yes, Kiss, and Tower of Power.

Recently, Anthony was declared Best in Drums Regional Winner - Lower North East in the Best in Drums national competition, sponsored by Sam Ash Music. The finals of the comptition were held in Las Vegas, where Anthony got to meet and play in front of one of his childhood heroes, Mike Portnoy. Both an honor and a privilege, this competition revitalized Anthony's resolve, and upon his return to Pennsylvania, he founded The Next.

Anthony loves playing drums, collecting drums, recording music, and spending time with family and friends. He's excited to be the Drummer in The Next, and is looking forward to a new journey with a great group of guys.

"God is a force in every being, deciding if it's a higher entity or part of your own consciousness is up to you."

Jordan Demarest
Guitar, Vocals, Keys, Drums

Jordan Demarest comes from an extensive musical background and has dedicated his life to delivering great performances both on stage and as a recording artist. He started as a classically trained pianist at the age of 6 and added the guitar at age 13. The youngest finalist in the Jimi Hendrix National Guitar Competition just a few months after picking up the instrument, he performed on stage for the first time in front of a packed audience that included Jimi Hendrix's father and sister, at Aerosmith's Club "Mama Kin" in Boston. By age 14, Jordan was playing weekly shows in clubs around the tri-state area with various groups of older, more experienced musicians as he honed his talent.

He continued on his path for years, playing with various original bands and gaining a reputation as one of the area's premier musicians, wowing audiences with technical proficiency and performing ability that were far beyond his years. After a few summer stints at Berklee College of Music, he was courted by popular Philadelphia rock band, Octane. He joined the band in 2005, raising his profile even further as he found himself on stage with such international acts as Disturbed, 3 Days Grace, Buck Cherry, Staind, KISS, and many more, as well as recording music that became a staple on Philadelphia rock radio.

Following the split of Octane, Jordan continued playing in different groups until he was approached to form The Next with long time friend and "partner-in-crime" Joe Berndt, also formerly of Octane, along with renowned drummer Anthony Baker and talented vocalist Tyler Grady. He is thrilled to be a part of this project and is looking forward to bringing the dynamic and energetic performances with The Next that he knows they will bring each and every night!

Tyler Grady
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Drums

Joe Berndt
Bass, Vocals, Drums

Joe Berndt grew up in Chadds Ford/Kennett Square PA. At the suggestion of his best friend, "T" Leounes, He started taking bass guitar lessons from Taylor's Music in West Chester PA at 14 years old. He and "T" formed a band called Trawler along with Nick Peters and Brian Kelly and began practicing and playing at back yard parties, open mic nights, talent shows, and high school dances.

After high school, the band went their separate ways and Joe attended West Chester University. Joe played with a couple various bands before landing the position of bass player for an up and coming band called "Octane".

Octane went on to be one of the most respected and successful cover/original bands in the Philadelphia area. Their original music was played in regular rotation on the Philly radio station 94.1 WYSP. They shared the stage with national bands such as Kiss, Staind, Chevelle, Hinder, Trapt, Fuel, Three Days Grace, Three Doors down, and Breaking Benjamin. Joe went on to win "Best Bass Player" and "Best Rhythm Section" at Philly music awards.

Joe and guitarist, Jordan Demarest, stuck together after the split of Octane and eventually joined The Next. With prominent Philly drummer Anthony Baker and American Idol Semi-Finalist Tyler Grady, The Next is sure to be a giant success. Joe intends to make sure of it.