“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!”…

“Strictly instrumental, with no vocals to muddle the message, the songs on Wilderness Tales are typically slower, sprawling, meditative, and sparse- a mood sometimes contrasted with the occasional outburst, dense arrangement, or driving repetition. The music sits comfortably in the experimental and alternative rock categories while occasionally incorporating elements of desert, drone and post rock reminiscent of bands like Earth, Grails, and OM.”…

Rainbow Machine is a post punk trio from Pittsburgh who are taking part in the Roboto show tomorrow (Saturday 2/11). As they diligently work on new music to hopefully be released later in the year, I want to thank Ryan Hilberg (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“Formed in 2015 after hundreds of years of suffering, Lewd Tuna emerged from the depths of the Monongahela River to tell whoever was dumping oil and trash in his home to quit it. Upon discovering a corrupt, polluted, and ignorant country, he found the only outlet that could help, punk. After centuries of unrest, Lewd Tuna has taken his place on the stage to tell the world what’s wrong, and inform everyone to wake the fuck up.”…

“Growing up scattered throughout the South and Midwest, cousins Landon Milbourn, Brandon Qualkenbush, and Tyler Baker had longtime plans of forming a band. Then in June 2005, Baker’s brother was tragically killed in a car accident while home on military leave. “It wasn’t until after Shane passed away that we decided to finally make this happen, and to focus on writing music that felt really meaningful to us,” notes Qualkenbush. Having chosen a name to mark the month of Shane’s death, Goodbye June soon forged a heavy, soulful sound that fused Milbourn’s ferocious vocals with Qualkenbush and Baker’s brilliantly gritty guitar work.”…

Fortune Teller is a brand new fuzz rock duo from Pittsburgh (consisting of two members of The Incandescents) who are releasing their debut single “Face” exclusively on the blog and celebrating tomorrow Saturday (2/11) playing a gig at Roboto. Much thanks to J.J. Young (Drums) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“Funk-upon-a-time, the people anointed themselves in a mighty force called The Funk — writhing under the moonlight in a great furor whenever its celestial glow blanketed the land. The ONE, the omnipresent embodiment of man’s relationship with The Funk, energized both the celebration and life-forces of the people. It was truly a great time to be alive.”…

“Yes. We can and will play most weddings.”The Petals are an ambient indie rock band from Pittsburgh who are busy working on their sophomore album to be released this year. Catch them live this week at Second Saturdays at The Space Upstairs in East Liberty this weekend. Many thanks to Aaron Sheedy (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“Meg Duffy hasn’t stopped moving, working, or growing since she left her quiet childhood home in upstate New York. You can find her in the back of the van reading a book, quietly warming up backstage with some guitar workouts, or waiting tables at a neighborhood pizzeria. Though Meg didn’t pick up the instrument until she was seventeen years old, her intuitive, naturalistic musicality and commitment to the craft of guitar playing have made an in demand collaborator and guitarist for countless indie acts (Kevin Morby, Mega Bog, Weyes Blood) and kept her between the road and the studio for almost three straight years.”…

CHOIR is a noiserock quartet from Pittsburgh who have some demos out and play shows. The next one probably March 1st at The Shop so go. Derek (Throat) and Trevor (High) recently sat down with SIKES for the Start the Beat podcast. I want to thank them for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“The Matchsellers is a bluegrass duo that began in the streets of former East Germany and now crisscrosses the US Interstate system year-round. Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City, Missouri, and Andrew Morris grew up playing electric blues guitar in the dive bars of Warsaw, Indiana.”…

“We changed our name from The Running Men to The Lone Pines. This is because when we named ourselves The Running Men, we were in a bit of a time crunch to come up with a name. We think The Lone Pines sounds cooler.”…

“The story of two old friends fighting in a strip-mall parking lot.”

Ancient History is an indie fuzz rock band from Pittsburgh who are dropping their sophomore release entitled Good Friend Electrical on Saturday night with a banging lineup featuring fellow Wild Kindness labelmates at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. with the first 150 through the door getting a complimentary copy. Much thanks to Donald Ducote (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“String Machine is the solo project of musician David Beck, a Pittsburgh area native whose neo-folk music can be described as eclectic, philosophical, experimental, sincere, and diverse in texture and emotion. String Machine’s debut album Threads from the Youth Fossil is a mosaic of sonic textures and poetic imagery, with lyrics drenched in the visceral wisdom of lost youth.”…

“guitar / bass / drums / dreams”

Honey is an Pittsburgh based rock trio who are steadily gaining a following based on their early releases and energetic live shows. discover yourself what the buzz is when they host thier annual Holiday blowout lovingly called ‘A Crustmas Miracle‘ this Friday at Brillobox with newcomers Jiant Eagle and Good Sport…

Kevin Stiffler is a Western Pennsylvania based photographer who has been consistently documenting and supporting the local music scene for awhile now. Kevin suffered a bad break recently when a fire destroyed everything he had…

“Eric Gadola, also known by his stage name “Crazy Eric” formed the grassroots of Red Room Effect in the summer of 2013. Working as a golf pro by day and struggling singer/songwriter by night, Gadola approached producer/drummer, Paul Jay with songs he had been writing with hopes of forming a band. Impressed by his songwriting abilities, Paul Jay and Eric began to mold the the majority of songs that would later appear on the “Frame of Mind EP.” Hendrix, Clapton, Jack White, The Black Keys, the RHCP, Nirvana, Prince, Rick James, & Outcast have played a significant role in Gadola’s, songwriting, playing style, and vocal delivery.”…

“Racing Heart makes music that is both complex and catchy, with lyrics that are not afraid of taking on bigger issues in a personal way. Helped by some of the best and most noteworthy musicians from both Norway and the US, such as Jenny Hval, Hanne Hukkelberg and previously members of The War on Drugs, St. Vincent and Sufjan Steven’s band, these songs aim to mean something to you.”…

”A talent-packed trio whose musical compatibility and genuine enjoyment of what they do is obvious to everyone who watches them. Their blues rock sound is equal parts powerful and heartfelt, energetic and nuanced, straightforward and skillful.”…