Blog

First/Last – Standard Broadcast

February 14, 2017

“Formed in 2014, Nathan and Leland set out to create more dynamic, catchy music, without the traditional guitar/bass ensemble. After six months of songwriting, the guys went on to add Holly’s pop/hip-hop driven beats. Add that to Nathan’s rhythmic piano skills and rock-inspired vocals, along with Leland’s classically trained cello experience, and their music developed into an indie flare. After awhile, Holly went on to play her preferred instrument, the guitar. Then added on the talented Jeff Skalyo on drums. Check Standard Broadcast live around the Pittsburgh area!”

Standard Broadcast is a chamber rock band from Pittsburgh who recently put out their debut full length self-titled release which incorporates various seemingly disparate elements to form a unique genre busting sound. I want to thank Nate Jay (Keyboards/Lead Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

  • The first album you ever bought?
  • EMF Schubert Dip.
  • Your last album bought?
  • Dan Getkin and the Twelve Six (Local PGH Band).
  • Favorite album of all time?
  • George Winston December.
  • Least favorite/most disappointing album?
  • Primitive Radio Gods Rocket.
  • First concert attended?
  • The very first PGH Lollapalooza 1992 – Star Lake.
  • Last concert?
  • Native Alloys – Black Forge Coffee.
  • Favorite concert ever?
  • Local Natives.
  • Least favorite concert?
  • Blues Traveler – Hartwood Acres.
  • Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
  • Born and raised in Glenshaw/Shaler (where my wife and I incidentally bought a house and settled down to raise our family-two boys) the first suburb north of PGH. I was raised by two art teachers and my parents always made it a property to expose us to all of the amazing cultural/artistic aspects this town has to offer, I’ve lived all over this country (including LA area) and couldn’t wait to move back. I can honestly say I live in my favorite city in the U.S. The music scene here is thriving so much right now with so many talented artists/acts and I really feel we’re right on the cusp of getting some national exposure… you can just feel it when you attend the number of open mic nights & local shows… the crowds are vibrating with THAT energy. Couple that with the increasing support of some amazing DJ’s such as Cindy Howes (91.3 WYEP) and Stacy Walter (105.9 The X) really trying to get the word out and I really think it’s just a matter of time until one of us (musicians/bands) breaks onto a bigger scene. The best part of that is when that happens… said act will just bring the rest of us along for the ride. That’s the one thing that makes the PGH scene TRULY unique… the camaraderie, I’ve been around different towns music and true to the blue collar roots of PGH, everyone just wants to help each other out… I love that!

Thanks, Nate. I am in agreement that their is an amazing amount of support between musicians here in Pittsburgh. However, I do see some natural ‘cliques’ amongst the scene as others do and I would love to see how we can work to bring those barriers down more.