As with a lot of great bands, when you really listen to Big Quiet, you understand the depth of its attendant members’ music fanship. These three know their source material, whether it’s Athens, GA, in 1982, Scotland in 1988, or New York right now. The Brooklyn trio’s knowledge of indie rock and post-punk history is real, and they’ll talk your ear off about it if you ever ask…

“We are a Cleveland Band that has a very original sound with lead stylings of electric mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar. With female lead vocals, a groovy bassist, keys, and drums, our sound mixes down into something most people find fresh and distinctive. We have been told we sound like Blondie, The Rolling Stones, The Talking Heads, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Aimee Mann, Skyler Stonestreet, the Cars, and the list goes on. People can hear parts of many different artists but can’t pin us down to a distinct sound besides Indie Rock.”…

Anchored by the sound of funk and soul masters including James Brown, Otis Redding, and Prince, SugarBad creates an uplifting sound spearheaded by the velveteen voice of Lisa Ramey. Unlike most typical funk-soul acts, SugarBad has all the intensity of a rock band, featuring anthemic vocals and horns, a powerful rhythm section, and funky guitar and organ based grooves. With beginnings as an instrumental house band at 169 Bar, SugarBad quickly evolved into a staple of the New York soul scene…

“While bands often spend their early days discovering their musical directions and vying for visibility, the story of Vancouver’s Dear Rouge is something unique and almost unheard of in Canada. The band is led by husband and wife duo Drew and Danielle McTaggart. Between the two of them, they carry years of touring and recording with multiple bands and different musical ventures. Drew and Danielle met in these days of initial musical exploration. Both driven by a passion to create energetic music with a creative backbone, they formed Dear Rouge and their debut EP Heads Up Watch Out.”…

“Wings for Armor’s emotion fueled lyrics accompanied by intense, heartfelt musical arrangements and crashing percussion characterize the sonic experience that drummer Christy and singer/guitarist Murph strive to create during their energetic live shows. Whether its themes such as anger and depression or those of alienation and transcendence, the subjects explored on Wings For Armor’s debut self-released 14 track album, “Chasing And Being Chased” create what many in their fan base have defined as ‘a soundtrack for real life’ due to the way the stripped-down revelations encompassed in their brand of experimental rock reveal the universals of the human experience.”…

Jacksonville Florida has its list of noteworthy artists and musicians like any city does, however if you manage to dig a bit deeper you’ll find an entire thriving ecosystem of bands like when you used to turn over a stones behind your elementary school when you were a kid…

“The members of KHeeS have been making music around the Pittsburgh area for the better part of the last decade, and members were an integral part of a mostly-faded Beaver County scene around the early 2000’s. Featuring ex-members of The Vacancy and Burning West, KHeeS came together last year with the goal of writing and playing energetic songs that remain emotionally moving. Since forming, the band has been playing around Pittsburgh pretty often and building a foothold in the
emerging Pittsburgh grunge scene.” – PITTPUNK…

Along with hosting a stage at the incredible Deutschtown Music Festival (much more on that soon), I am so excited to curate the stage at the fabulous Thunderbird Cafe…

“Blending together what music means to its members, Narrow/Arrow is a vibrant and visceral 3 piece band whose dynamics, playing style, and presence represent a fresh start in the music scene.”…

Of course, the quickest comparison one will make to the Howlin’ Brothers is Old Crow Medicine Show. They are the only other contemporary act to really ‘make it’ while putting out music in tribute to this dusty period of Americana. While that is a pretty easy bridge to build, the most interesting aspects of HOWL come from the ways in which this group deviates from the calculation. This is Old Crow Medicine Show for people that like a little more sweat on the microphone; the Delta Holler Funk, if you will…

Lucid Lung is an experimental pop band from Pittsburgh/State College who released their self-titled debut recently. I want to thank Tyler Haas and Patrick Coyle for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“The Nied’s Hotel Band is a powerhouse recording and performing rock-n-roll band from Pittsburgh, PA. (USA). NHB delivers the hardworking, blue collar, muscle that has made Pittsburgh a legendary rock-n-roll city. The band includes some of the best-known and respected players in the region, including singer John Vento (who is, perhaps, the hardest-working front man around), guitarists Tim Hadley and Jim McCullough, plus keyboardist Fred Delu and sax man Ed Jonnet, who last joined forces in the 70’s as members of Pittsburgh’s most beloved rock/soul band – The Rhythm Kings. Newest members Frank DeCarolis (bass) and Bob Fetherlin (drums) complete a stellar Lineup.”…

“Bridge City Hustle is the collaboration of four talented and innovative musicians, songwriters, and producers that are redefining soul in Brooklyn, NY. They’re quickly gaining a large following in the Northeast with their high-energy, virtuosic live performances built upon Johnny Burgos’s soaring vocals and the rhythm section’s heavy-yet funky groove.”…

Captivating audiences from an early age, Rachel’s ability to inspire and connect with her fans has always come naturely, this up and coming starlete will reel you in and leave you wanting more. After studying Classical Voice at Interlochen Arts Academy, Rachel fell in love with songwriting and various genres of music from Motown to new and classic Pop. She then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and moved to Los Angeles three years later…

Rebuilding Year is a melodic punk rock band from Pittsburgh who play tonight (6/8) in Braddock at Ink Division opening for No Tide. I want to thank Jeremy Voelker (Guitar) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last…

“Since coming together in 2012, the band has developed a unique style of kinetic lyricism, captivating melodies forged with authentic rock energy, and pop punk liveliness. Backed by their dedicated fan base upon which they have built their foundation, the band is quickly gaining ground and plans to make big moves in the very near future.”…

“Residing somewhere between Field Report and War on Drugs is Charlie Dakota & The Spirits. Awash in synths and pedal steel, the Mississippi quartet is in no hurry on the pensive “Glow,” the last song on their just-released Songs from Motel 43, indicative of the melancholy and spartan arrangements that inhabit the album.” – Bucket Full of Nails…

“The Boy & Sister Alma is the electro-pop project of Montana natives Jennifer Murphy and Lenny Eckhardt. Formed in late 2012, their music is a blend of nostalgic sounds and modern production – mixing styles of synthwave, ’80s pop and electro, italo disco, dreamwave and 21st century synth pop. While tapping into a variety of moods and genres, the group’s material consistently embodies a “new-retro” vibe with a cinematic flare. Their tracks have recently caught the attention of bloggers, producers, and remixers in the retro/synthwave scene, resulting in several remixes and a collaboration with UK producer Sunglasses Kid…