Rob Bellamy shares new record 'Northern State of Mind'

Rob Bellamy’s journey from professional sport to songwriting continues with the release of Northern State of Mind, recorded with his band The Rebel Hearts.

Bellamy spent seven years playing professional hockey after being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers, travelling widely across North America and later joining the Nottingham Panthers in Britain. He did not begin playing guitar until the age of 23, but the instrument eventually became the foundation of a new career.

His latest album reflects that unusual route. Songs explore family, personal purpose, endurance and the meaning of home, framed by the towns and winter landscapes of the northeastern United States.

The lead track, “Cold Country”, pairs prominent guitar lines with a broad country-rock arrangement while presenting a regional identity rarely placed at the forefront of the genre.