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“Following the break up of their band Sylvania. Zachk C. Kyle P., and Nathan O. decided to continue their music careers by forming a new band. Thus Catatoneya was born.”
Catatoneya is a Pittsburgh based progressive alt-rock trio who recently released their debut banger entitled Growth. The band is steadily playing around town, making an appearance at 222 Ormsby on the Southside next Saturday (12/7). I want to thank Zachk Cain (Guitar/Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
The Beatles – Let It Be (Naked).
Your last album bought?
Lotus Flower by Prince.
Favorite album of all time?
It’s really hard to pick, but top 3 rock would be Placebo by Placebo, Alkaline Trio Goddamnit, and Radiohead In Rainbows. Top three rap would be Forest Hills Drive from J. Cole, good kid, m.A.A.d. city by Kendrick Lamar, and Views Drake. Too much good stuff to just pick one.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don’t really have a least favorite album. I don’t like “Old Town Road” or that Lizzo song “Truth Hurts.”
First concert attended?
When I was very young my mom got free tickets to a Jimmy Buffet concert that ended up being my first ever concert. The first one I went to on my own was Anti-Flag, The Cancer Bats, and The Holy Mess.
Last concert?
I think the last show I went to was a Halloween show at The Bushnell, the last bigger show I went to was Streetlight Manifesto, and Dan of Alkaline Trio at The Roxian.
Favorite concert ever?
The recent Grant Charney release show at Lavender Town.
Least favorite concert?
I don’t really have a least favorite concert. I love all kinds of music so most concerts I go to are enjoyable in some way.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’ve lived around Pittsburgh all of my life so there are really too many to list. I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of good people around here. I’ve really enjoyed getting to go to local shows over the last couple years though.
Thanks, Zachk. Nice to see that you are discovering local music more within the last couple of years. I am telling you, there is no better time to do so with the amazing wealth of talent around.
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“James and Skero are the only permanent members and songwriters, with their live performances being rounded out by musicians on the basis of mutual compatibility and availability. The band has played over 1,000 shows together since forming in 2008.”
Shiva Skydriver is a rock duo from Pittsburgh who have two albums in their discography and are now taking the ever more poplar route of releasing new music intermittently as singles, rather than a full album at once. They also play out regularly having no less than six shows coming up to end the year as the next one is a Rolling Stones Tribute set on November 30th in Greenburg. I want to thank Kelsey James (Bass/Vocals) and Ed Skero (Guitar) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Kelsey James: A lot of the music that I’ve loved my whole life came from finding CDs in the basement and garage as I was growing up, during an era when lots of “best of” CDs were floating around. I remember that the first new music I discovered on my own, that I got very excited about was The Spice Girls. My first album was Spice by the Spice Girls when I was about 5 years old.
Ed Skero: Rock and Roll Over by KISS.
Your last album bought?
Kelsey: Easter is Cancelled by The Darkness on orange vinyl.
Ed: Banker’s Hill by El Ten Eleven.
Favorite album of all time?
Kelsey: Of course this is a difficult question to answer, but right now, it’s Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. There is so much music and so much to process with this album, so it is one of my favorites to listen to when I have a long drive by myself.
Ed: Favorite album of all time… that changes every few weeks, but this year, that title has gone to Disintegration by The Cure, Ghost in the Machine by The Police, Station to Station by David Bowie, Sketches for My Sweetheart The Drunk by Jeff Buckley, Everywhere at Once by The Plimsouls, Solo Anthology by Lindsey Buckingham, and maybe 5 or 6 others.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Kelsey: Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell by Meat Loaf because the sequel never compares to the original.
Ed: Some of the albums that I didn’t quite get when I first heard them have ended up being some of my favorites over time. A few of these would be Tusk by Fleetwood Mac, Marquee Moon by Television, and Surfer Rosa by The Pixies.
First concert attended?
Kelsey: Britney Spears on November 9th, 2001 at the Gund Arena in Cleveland.
Ed: I always tell people that it was ZZ Top because that was the first weed cloud arena show that I saw, but a few years before that, I saw Surf Rock legends, Jan and Dean.
Last concert?
We both saw Thom Yorke in September, and saw Buddy Guy in Greensburg at The Palace Theatre.
Favorite concert ever?
We have seen so many shows where we walk out saying “that was the greatest show we’ve ever been to,” but…
Kelsey: U2 at Heinz Field in June of 2017 for the 30th Anniversary of The Joshua Tree.
Ed: Van Halen on the ‘Diver Down’ tour.
Least favorite concert?
We have both seen lots of shows, but not one in particular stands out as a “least favorite.” Sometimes the crowd energy isn’t so great, or the sound quality of a room isn’t as good as others, but there has never been a show that we haven’t enjoyed or appreciated in some way.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
While answering your questions and thinking about all of the shows we’ve seen, we are reminded what a great area Pittsburgh is for concerts. Pittsburgh has venues of every size to accommodate for so many different types of artists, so we are lucky that when a lot of our favorite artists are touring, Pittsburgh is usually on the schedule. There are also so many cool things to do before and after shows, so it makes for an all-around great concert-going experience in the city… and we have the Andy Warhol Museum.
Thanks, both. Great point about the available venue options that seem to have sprung up in the last several years. Not only a better resource for touring bands but such a crucial advantage to local bands who have even more opportunity to play. I love it!
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“Heather and Kegan have been making music together on and off for over twenty years, taking breaks to explore projects in photography, classical singing, computer programming, and multimedia collaborations”
Hemlock for Socrates is Pittsburgh based (originally from Texas) experimental alt-pop duo who have been making music for over 15 years and are prepping their latest album entitled Paper Animals with a release show on Thursday, November 21st at Spirit with blog friends Action Camp and Swampwalk along for support. I want to thank Kegan Heiss (Bass/Vocals) and Heather Shore (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Kegan: Blue Oyster Cult: Club Ninja. My older brothers had already purchased all the good Blue Oyster Cult albums. And the so-so Blue Oyster Cult albums. And the bad Blue Oyster Cult albums. So all that was left for me was Club Ninja.
Heather: Huey Lewis and the News – no idea which one – on cassette. We can blame that on my older sister’s obsession with him.
Your last album bought?
Kegan: Light by Dakhabrakha. Super-awesome Ukranian folk-hip-hop.
Heather: Little Dragon – Machine Dreams. We’ve been making an effort to actually buy the albums we’ve been listening to for awhile. Sadly, the systems in place make it easy to have any music at our fingertips without actually supporting the artists.
Favorite album of all time?
Kegan: What is time? Has it ended yet? Who was I before? Am I the same person? All that notwithstanding, The For Carnation’s eponymous album made a huge impact on me, and still feels vital every time I listen to it. Also ditto everything Heather says, except for Erasure and Elektra. I mean, I like them both, but I never obsessed over them.
Heather: Um, this is ridiculously hard to answer. I move through phases of favorites. I loved Erasure – Wild as a Kid and Depeche Mode – Violator. DM was a longtime love. Then I heard PJ Harvey – Dry and Faith No More – Angel Dust. I associate those with learning to drive and freedom. Codeine – The White Birch was a watershed album for me. My LP of this is maybe one of the most cherished in the collection. Like Kon-Mari style – I love the physical object. It’s just so beautiful. Portishead – Dummy blew my mind- the beats! There was a big chunk of time where I listened to mostly classical – Richard Strauss – Elektra is my favorite opera. Then I’d say The Knife – Shaking the Habitual – every time “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” comes on, I get chills and want to cry or roll on the floor or punch things, it’s just so good. Cibo Matto – Hotel Valentine – such an awesome mood, hilarious, serious, spooky all together. Deerhoof – Breakup Song – their songwriting and production are simply amazing.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Kegan: Club Ninja.
Heather: Gorillaz – The Fall. Nothing on there is a song. They’re just half-finished ideas. One I wish I hadn’t spent money on.
First concert attended?
Kegan: I think the first one that counts would be the Melvins at the Knitting Factory in NYC in, like, the year 2000. I got a late start.
Heather: Milli Vanilli! They may have been faking it, but damn, they were sexy.
Last concert?
Kegan: Huntress and Holder of Hands with Action Camp. Great show!
Heather: Swampwalk playing a soundtrack to “Plan 9 from Outer Space” at Spirit. Her music gave that terrible movie depth and even magically transformed it in some spots.
Favorite concert ever?
Kegan: The Captains from Japan! I’m cheating a little because we opened for them in a different band Heather and I were both in at the time. That show was awesome. We had no idea who they were, they were a total mismatch for the venue, and they performed to an audience of twelve with explosive energy and charisma.
Heather: Another hard one – I can think of quite a few performances where the people on stage swept me up with their incredible focus and emotional depth. Some standouts – The Tindersticks at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC – we had just gotten to meet them so were totally star struck. It felt like Stuart Staples was singing right to me. Aldous Harding at her recent show – she’s a fascinating performer. What is going on in her mind? Fugazi and Blonde Redhead together on the same bill – so much energy.
Least favorite concert?
Kegan: Einstürzende Neubauten. I hate all their shows because they’re amazing, I’ve never gone to one, and it tears me up inside.
Heather: Radiohead at some park in New Jersey. So many people – we were like herds of cattle. The park made us throw away our umbrellas and water bottles, we were so far away that all we could hear was the crowd singing around us. So not the band’s fault, but the reason that I hate large shows.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Kegan: Maybe it’s the angle at which we’ve approached Pittsburgh, but it feels like the music scene is so full of surprises. For every exciting new band or venue that pops up, we discover another band or venue that’s been around for years but slipped under our radar.
Heather: I love Pittsburgh’s twisty, hilly, secretive streets. I don’t think anyone knows how they all connect. I was a little shocked when we moved here that you could actually drive on some of them. I love that Pittsburgh feels small without feeling limited. Also, after living in Texas, it’s fun to live in a state that might matter politically.
Thanks, Kegan and Heather. Having never been there before, I imagine that Pittsburgh is the exact polar opposite of Houston in almost every way. Geographically, musically as well as politically. It is nice to know that you have ‘adapted’ and thrived here!
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Soulios is a ska punk band from California, PA who are currently working on the follow up to their debut Jamisun EP which was released in 2016. Playing out often this fall, you can catch them at Howler’s next Thursday, November 14th as they support The Scotch Bonnets from Baltimore along with fellow locals The Burnsides and The Slobberknockers. I want to thank Nicholas Linder (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
…And Justice for All by Metallica.
Your last album bought?
Salad Days by Mac DeMarco.
Favorite album of all time?
Dookie by Green Day.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Mystic Truth by Bad Suns.
First concert attended?
John Couger Mellancamp.
Last concert?
Periphery.
Favorite concert ever?
Warped Tour 2019.
Least favorite concert?
Warped Tour 2016.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The culture to population ratio is wonderful. For being not as big of a city, we have everything that a bigger city has. Major league sports, world concert tours, top notch hospitals, great secondary education institutions, economy, it has everything. It’s a big city with a small town vibe. America’s most livable city!
Thanks, Nicholas. There are a ton of great things about Pittsburgh and I do love this city as much as anyone can. There is however much we need to improve on and I find myself increasingly confronted with that fact. Yes, let’s celebrate the awesome but recognize and fix the not so awesome.
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“Exploring this thing called life.. expressing our interpretations through sounds and lyrics.“
Merz, Miller & The Wolves are Pittsburgh based alternative folk rock band who formed last year to showcase the songwriting of Isaac Merz. With a full band, his acoustic based tunes can really stretch out and fill a room with Leslie Miller providing clarinet, flute, banjo as well as having guitar, bass, and drums.
With one single out entitled “Gold” streaming below, the band is woking on releasing more music and play out around town regularly. In fact, to celebrate Halloween tonight, they will be at of all places Howler’s in Bloomfield putting on a show with costume contest and prizes. I want to thank Isaac for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Vanilla Ice — Ice Ice Baby.
Your last album bought?
The Great Divide — Central Plains.
Favorite album of all time?
Graceland — Paul Simon.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Guero — Beck. I always have loved Becks musical instincts… that album did nothing for me.
First concert attended?
Huey Lewis and The News
Last concert?
The Bouquets.
Favorite concert ever?
Béla Fleck and The Flecktones opening for Dave Matthews Band in 1999. My friend and I had our seats changed to front row center stage. This was a mindblowing experience!! Watching all that talent from such a close perspective sent chills down my spine.
Least favorite concert?
Our Lady Peace. For unknown reasons they came out played 2 songs and then left the stage. At the time, I was really excited to see them. Pretty disappointing experience to say the least!
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Growing up in Pittsburgh has been a truly fantastic experience. I have traveled away a couple of times. Lived in other cities for periods of time. Romanticized about leaving, never to return. But, it’s a part of my identity and I now cherish that. Being reconnected to the Pittsburgh music scene has been so wonderful and inspiring. I left for New York City eight years ago thinking music was impossible in Pittsburgh. But all that I learned and experience by playing in NYC for multiple years was that music was not impossible in Pittsburgh. I had to readjust my mindset and raise my work ethic towards that goal. The music projects that I am in now have my fullest drive and attention. My support for others that want to share their talents is stronger than it ever was. Giving more than you expect to receive goes along way in Pittsburgh, PA!
Thanks, Isaac. Love your journey back to Pittsburgh with the realization that putting yourself out there and supporting other artists is a goal unto itself and the rewards that come are the icing on the cake.
Discover Merz, Miller & The Wolves
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I am thrilled to announce the return of HughShows Secret Santapalooza!
These are ‘office parties’ for the members of the Pittsburgh music community and you are invited as bands play quick 4-5 song sets incorporating cover songs of other Pittsburgh musicians into their own originals.
These shows have become legendary and after a few years off, I couldn’t be happier to have it return.
Sponsored by the Deutschtown Music Festival and Misra records, the event is totally free for the first time this year and we recommend you bring cash for the club’s full bar and to consider making a donation to assist me in continuing HughShows.
Without further ado, here is the super fun and badass lineup we have put together this year, consisting of my dear friends, old and new alike.
This is a free show.
21 and over.
No smoking.
Bring cash for the bar and to consider a donation to HughShows.
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Photo courtesy of Zim Syed
Bruiser Beep, aka Seven Dee, is a Pittsburgh-based experimental composer and performance artist who uses hyperbolic performance to explore themes of inner-child healing, delusions and psychosis, rapid observation, and romanticism of failing and learning. She composes swelling epics of dissonant electronic soundscapes with loose, deconstructed melodies and dramatic vocals that are as playful as karaoke and as anguishing as the opera. She performs around town at various venues, galleries, and basements and will be on the bill next Wednesday (10/30) as part of Experimental Guitar Night #10 at Hambone’s in Lawrenceville for her first guitar performance in two years! I want to thank Dee for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
My dad was a radio/party DJ. Most mornings my alarm was records being blasted on huge speakers in the tiny upstairs apartment I grew up in. I loved being present while my dad curated his set lists. I learned so much about music listening and grew very fond of records and tapes. As a kid I felt like my dad’s music hoard was partly “mine”, favorites of which were Autobahn by Kraftwerk, Trans by Neil Young, She’s So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper, and Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf.
Your last album bought?
The last album I bought myself was, Vessels by NosawwasoN. But All Bitches Die by Lingua Ignota was recently gifted to me.
Favorite album of all time?
This is always such a difficult question for me to answer because there are so so SO many albums that deeply effect me! But here are some that always come to mind:
1990 Daniel Johnston
Simple Man Klaus Nomi
Le Berceau Du Chat Ericka Irganon
Hermit Songs Samuel Barber
Commercial Album The Residents
1/2 Gentlemen/Not Beasts Half Japanese
Fright Makes Right Coughs
Big Science Laurie Anderson
Suki Suki Daisuki Jun Togawa
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Hmm… there’s definitely a lot of music that I don’t care for. But I think listening to and analyzing music we find challenging or just plain crappy can teach us just as much as the music that moves us. There is a massive amount of music one can easily access now and while this is great, it can make it difficult to sort through. Listeners have to be smarter and pickier. So me personally, I prefer music made by non-hobbyists. I’m more likely to be disappointed in releases that lack authenticity and sincerity.
I’d also say that it takes a lot for any sort of standard rock band format music to impress me.
First concert attended?
While I perform at and attend local/underground shows all the time, I have not been to very many “concerts” at all. Just a Peter, Paul, and Mary concert with my parents when I was 12, one of the last tours while Mary was still alive. Peter kissed my forehead and gave me a Yiddish blessing.
Last concert?
I saw my boyfriend’s band (Microwaves) open for Daughters at the Rex Theater last June. Being at big concerts reminds me of going to my sister’s swim meets as a kid. A lot of people in a hot, moist, echoey building.
Favorite concert ever?
Some performances I’ve seen in Pittsburgh recently that I LOVED were Bromp Treb, Marcia Custer, Spires That in the Sunset Rise, Period Bomb, Blood Club, and Unicorns in the Snow. These were all on different shows of course.
Least favorite concert?
In general, I’m not very fond of shows with ridiculously late start times and I have a limited allotment of bar shows I can tolerate.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love how much I have grown in the two years I’ve lived in Pittsburgh. Arriving here homeless and defeated, I’ve been able to exceed well beyond my expectations in what I’ve been able to experience and achieve. Pittsburgh is a big-small city, and sometimes that makes it possible to decide that you want to do or see something and make it happen. If you’re not someone born into certain privileges and wealth, it can simply be your perspective of what happiness is that determines how you wish to integrate yourself into a community where you feel understood and useful, enjoy being with the people in your life, and enjoy being yourself.
I love that I see people in Pittsburgh making things happen to build community, and people carving out their own happiness.
Thanks, Dee. Experimental music is a genre that I really need to explore more as I am slowly discovering some amazing performances artists that our city has to offer. I literally heard of just three of the artists you mentioned in your responses and even then, I know hardly anything of their work. I appreciate the intro!
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“Something for everyone is how you could describe the nostalgia-punk of Swiss Army. Fury. Mistakes. Empathy. All of the ingredients of personal growth as told through blazing riffs and deep lyrics.“
Swiss Army is a punk band from Pittsburgh on A-F Records who’s latest release is the barn burner “On Top of the World” featuring Garrett Dale of the band Red City Radio out of Oklahoma. Continuing in the collaborative vein, the band will be ‘Host’ing a cool event tonight (Friday, 10/11) at Dancing Gnome Brewery and Mr. Smalls Funhouse as they unveil a new beer, new song, new artwork from Marika DeLozier and support from friends Jack Swing, and Hearken. The fun starts at 4pm and lasts all night. Details can be found here. I want to thank Brandon Lehman (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
‘Mortal Kombat’ movie soundtrack.
Your last album bought?
PUP – Self-Titled.
Favorite album of all time?
Wild Man Fischer – Lost & Found Pep.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Boston – Boston.
First concert attended?
Dezeray’s Hammer in Spartanburg, SC 2001.
Last concert?
Slipknot.
Favorite concert ever?
Jenny Lewis Rabbit Fur Coat anniversary show Lincoln Theater in DC.
Least favorite concert?
Swiss Army LIVE in York, PA at The Depot.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Being able to collaborate with other musical and non-musical projects to create better shows, experiences and content.
Thanks, Brandon. This is such an awesome idea for a show tonight. I love your out of the box thinking of presenting your music to the fans in town in a totally unique experience. Gonna have to try that brew soon.
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“Music can bring you closer to someone else, and when you’re family, it can strengthen an already unbreakable bond. Natalie Flango and Jason Duty formed Surefire as two musician/songwriters (and in-laws) getting together to merge passions and communicate stories via chords and lyrics.”
SUREFIRE is a pop duo from Pittsburgh who have and EP and several single releases under their belt. Their latest single entitled “Cars” was put forth to the world just last week and the band plans on celebrating that and all the music they released in 2019 with a special show on the Southside with blog friends Revival Choir next Thursday, October 10th. I want to thank half the band Jason Duty (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought was Nirvana Unplugged, that is because I wasn’t allowed to buy Green Day Dookie because it was parental advisory… or else that would have been my first!
Your last album bought?
Just bought The Living Street new album It Won’t Last and it is awesome!
Favorite album of all time?
So I had a long ‘emo’ music phase, some might say I’m not even out of it yet. Fall Out Boy Take This to Your Grave is my favorite of all time. So good, start to finish, and probably has had the biggest impact/influence on my song writing.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I bought a Rage Against the Machine album as a kid based on their radio songs… and ended up only liking the radio songs. Probably wasn’t worth the $18 bucks and the challenge of getting the plastic wrap off the CD 🙂
First concert attended?
I saw Brand New, Taking Back Sunday and Rufio at Club Laga in Oakland in 2002. Sold out, place was packed and it was the coolest experience for a young 8th grade me. From then on, I wanted to play music on stage.
Last concert?
Went to Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World. They both still got it! Awesome outdoor show (despite a little bit of rain)!
Favorite concert ever?
Ben Folds with the PSO. His musically abilities are beyond my comprehension. To see him interact with the symphony was incredible. Interesting mix of musical talent/genres blended really well together.
Least favorite concert?
I saw Something Corporate play with Pittsburgh’s Juliana Theory at Club Laga as well… the show was AWESOME, but I forgot to drink water at all, seemingly for weeks, and passed out (completely sober) during the Juliana Theory’s set. So, worst concert only because of the passing out.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Everything. I’m born, raised, educated in Pittsburgh. So as is typically for those from here, I’m all in on PITTSBURGH. I love, now trying to make our way into the local music scene, seeing how many talented artists there are. Truly a great pool of musical talent that I’m not sure I had an appreciation for before trying to get into it ourselves. It’s a special place 🙂
Thanks, Jason. I am in total agreement about your assessment of the music scene in Pittsburgh. There are countless talented musicians who are more than willing to support new bands and artists. It is so much fun to witness that as a fan.
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“Drawing inspiration from their own struggles with love, life, and mental health issues the group bares their souls for all to see as they take listeners on a musical journey of faith and optimism that is bound to get heads bobbing, toes tapping, and hearts beating.”
The Anxious Hearts is a Christian genre-busting band from Pittsburgh who combine elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock to provide the listener with hope and positivity through their songs. Formed in 2017 by the husband and wife duo of Jordan and Jessica Oberrath, the band has extended it’s membership to fill out their sound in anticipation of their debut full-length entitled Too Crazy for Love coming soon. You can preview some of those tunes live as the band will be playing a free show after Unblurred on Friday, October 4th happening on Penn Avenue. I want to thank Jordan (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Tom Petty Damn the Torpedoes.
Your last album bought?
Twenty One Pilots Trench.
Favorite album of all time?
The Beach Boys Pet Sounds.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
N/A.
First concert attended?
Metallica Load Tour, 1996.
Last concert?
The Anxious Hearts on August 23rd.
Favorite concert ever?
Foster the People
Least favorite concert?
N/A
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Awesome city that needs to support its own musicians a little more.
Thanks, Jordan. I am curious as to why you feel the city needs to support musicians more? I am not disagreeing but was wondering exactly how that can happen?
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Take Me With You is an electro synth wave band from Pittsburgh who released their debut full-length this past summer entitled a building, a dreaming. This album immediately takes me back to the early eighties when punk gave way to new wave and the first generation of alternative music. You can catch the band this Sunday (9/22) at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls supporting Rose of the West from Milwaukee along with local blog faves Emily Rodgers Duo. I want to thank Liz Fein (Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Stacey Q, Better Than Heaven.
Your last album bought?
Emily Rogers and Her Majesty’s Stars.
Favorite album of all time?
I don’t know if I’ll ever love any album as much as I loved the B-52’s Wild Planet when I was 12 years old, but probably the album(s) with the most lifelong influence is Distant Plastic Trees/The Wayward Bus by the Magnetic Fields.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I tried to get into the Tears for Fears reunion album but eventually had to accept that I just like Roland Orzabal’s solo work better.
First concert attended?
My parents are classical musicians, so I’ve been going to concerts with them since I was a fetus. The first concert I ever went to out of my own interests was Suzanne Vega, in Melbourne Australia, when I was nine years old.
Last concert?
The Paul Cosentino Trio, in August at Kingfly.
Favorite concert ever?
The time we got to open up for Men Without Hats. Every time I’ve seen them live has been totally great but this was bucket list.
Least favorite concert?
One time I tried to go see Nick Cave when I was feeling really depressed. I couldn’t even bring myself to go in because everything was so annoying and difficult. I just remember sitting in the stairwell weeping along to “The Weeping Song” and thinking “well, this is uncomfortable”.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Since coming to Pittsburgh I’ve been exploring kinds of music that hadn’t been a big part of my life before. Jazz shows, acoustic fingerstyle guitar, contemporary classical, experimental stuff. It’s helping me grow as a musician and a person. I moved here from Chicago five years ago, and Chicago is such a huge city that you can always find something that caters to your particular tiny little niche, so a lot of people never leave theirs. Pittsburgh is different – the music community here is very diverse and very welcoming and there are lots of links between the little subgroups. I love it here.
Thanks, Liz. Your music really does remind me of my high school days when hair was big but cool music was to be found beneath the those exaggerated coifs.
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“I am a young Artist from Pittsburgh trying to get a message across and hope to spark a mind.“
RonManGone is an up and coming Pittsburgh based hip-hop artist who’s message of positivity and hope in these dark times is a refreshing take on the genre when it is most needed. I first met Ron judging a talent show at Rivers Casino over the summer and was immediately struck with his amazing attitude which is reflected in his thoughtful lyrics. I want to thank Ron for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
I never bought an album.
Your last album bought?
See above.
Favorite album of all time?
J. Cole – 4Your Eyez Only.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Chance the Rapper – The Big Day.
First concert attended?
Wiz Khalifa.
Last concert?
J. Cole.
Favorite concert ever?
J. Cole.
Least favorite concert?
Jay-Z.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The constant energy of good vibes and hard working people is such a rush in small city especially in Pittsburgh. I think this city is beautiful and has come a long way. My thoughts about Pittsburgh are always the same which is to own it one day.
Thanks, Ron. Really looking forward to seeing you own this city one day. I love your message, and if it was up to me, you would have won the talent show… although second place isn’t too shabby.
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Photo courtesy Crawfo Productions
“C’mon guys…It’s punk rock. Maybe you need a refresher course.
Between the late 16th and the 18th centuries, punk was a common, coarse synonym for prostitute; The term eventually came to describe “a young male hustler, a hoodlum, or a ruffian”
The Richard Move is a brand spankin’ new punk band from Pittsburgh. They have one single and one show in the their history and are doing some cool things at their newly adopted home base of 222 Ormsby. I want to thank Paul Neil (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
“Valley of the Damned” by The Richard Move
The first album you ever bought?
The first album that I remember buying is All Shook Up by Cheap Trick, on cassette probably in the early eighties.
Your last album bought?
I have been buying older vinyl recently so most recent was probably Apocalypse by Mahavishnu Orchestra. For current, I bought the album by Hash Redactor when I recently saw them play at Government Center.
Favorite album of all time?
Marbles by Marillion.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I remember being really disappointed by Antenna by Cave In when I bought that CD when it was released in 2003. I recently listened to it and still don’t like it very much
First concert attended?
Scorpions with Bon Jovi opening at the New Haven Coliseum (CT) in 1984.
Last concert?
Zero King at 222 Ormsby on 9 Aug. I played 2 shows since then, but that doesn’t really count.
Favorite concert ever?
Tragically Hip at Bill’s Bar in Boston 1998. Incredibly hot but magically good
Least favorite concert?
The Mars Volta in Munich Germany, probably. Deadly boring and uninspired. Probably around 2004.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I moved here from the Chicago area in early May. I have been in many bands and have played in Pitt many times over the past 12 years including my band from Germany (Doping the Void) and really fell in love with the city and the whole punk rock scene. I have never met a truly shitty person in Pittsburgh. My wife and I decided to move here so we looked around and ended up buying a place in South Side Flats! There are so many places to play and so many good bands that it is truly amazing. I run a very small label (katzulhu.com) and am partnering with 222 Ormsby to record a live show and release it on short run vinyl regularly. First show recorded was last Friday with Crooked Cobras!
Thanks, Paul. Really love what you are doing with your label and the live album recordings. You would think being in three bands was enough for you!
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Streaming at the bottom of the website for a limited time is the exclusive never before heard full set Brooke Annibale Live at Eide’s from May 2014.
Thanks to JVega for this wonderful recording.
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Photo courtesy of Nicolette K.
INEZ is a Pittsburgh based singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and audio engineer who is quickly gaining attention in the local music scene. Unapologetically breaking down barriers and refuting long held stereotypes by bringing out front and center the discrepancies between artists and opportunity while becoming an essential collaborator in the exciting and burgeoning local R&B/Soul community. Working with and not against is an attitude and way of creating that INEZ understands fully. I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Hmmm. It’s a blur. I think it was Musiq Soulchild or Beyoncé.
Your last album bought?
Chapter One by Sinéad Harnett — I stream a lot but the last purchase was Chapter One.
Favorite album of all time?
3-Way Tie: Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace – Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Stevie Wonder Songs In the Key of Life.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The last few Alicia Keys albums to me have fallen flat. I really looked up to her in my formative and developmental years. Her first 3 projects are special to me. Every album has a message and a purpose and of course as you live life, your writing tends to evolve, but I’m still looking for the soul she once had in earlier projects, even if sonically she evolves.
First concert attended?
Usher / Kanye West / John Legend (2003)
Last concert?
Smino in Philadelphia (2019)
Favorite concert ever?
Jazmine Sullivan at TLA for NYE 2016; her encore of “In Love With Another Man” still gives me chills.
Least favorite concert?
I wouldn’t say least favorite, but the balcony acoustics at the Roxian, paired with loud talkers ruined the Snarky Puppy show for me.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh’s Very Own 2 Show with Sierra Sellers, Leila Rhodes, Simone Davis, myself, DJ Femi and Clara Kent was an amazing experience. I am proud to be part of a growing moving of Black femme musicians, producers, djs, singer-songwriters and artists, here in Pittsburgh. It was a very special moment for all of us to share a big stage in support of Blues, R&B and Soul. Our chemistry and energy together is beautiful. As the Pittsburgh City Paper article stated, “Solidarity over competition” — we really are working hard to keep creating a unified space here for our voices and gifts.
Thanks, INEZ. I love your attitude and willingness to be a part of a much needed and growing impetus to identify and correct problems within the musical community. Solidarity is so important and I am thrilled that artists like yourself are willing to represent that.
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Attention Pittsburgh (and surrounding areas) musicians:
I have created a public Pittsburgh Music Database on my website.
Being the curator for the Deustchtown Music Festival, we get hundreds of submissions to perform on our site each February and we are privy to a wealth of information on bands and musicians at our fingertips. I always thought that making it public would be a great idea but was adamant not to do so as I felt that was not what the participants were signing up for.
That is when I decided to open up this voluntary process to be public, starting from scratch.
This information could be used by local bands looking to fill a bill, promotors looking for an opener, fans looking for new discoveries… the possibilities are vast.
This will be a long and ongoing work in progress as more musicians find out about it and sign up and as I continue to tweak the actual look and formatting of the database (hopefully with the generous help of people who know how to do so) as well as adding a search function and the ability to sort the database.
Any comments, suggestions and assistance will always be welcome.
PLEASE VERIFY AND CHECK ALL SPELLINGS AND INFORMATION before hitting that submit button. I cannot tell you how many people put in the wrong letters to a website. Believe it or not, there is no .CON domain extension as many fumbled-finger musicians think there is. My hope is that I don’t get any emails asking me to edit any submissions once they are in.
**You must include https:// for web addresses to be hyperlinked.
All that being said, I would appreciate any and all local bands and solo musicians to dive in and and submit.
Submit to the database:
https://www.hughshows.com/pittsburgh-music-database/
View the database:
https://www.hughshows.com/pittsburgh-music-data…/submissions/
“A thoughtful, honest songwriter with a unique voice ranging from mellow to full, balancing between traditional folk and outsider.“
Berry Breene is a folk musician who also is an accomplished visual artist. Her vibrant work ranges from commissioned portraits and landscapes to public murals dotting Western PA public spaces. Her solo music reflects her art in a simplistic, traditional folk manner, as well as being a member of the band Her Ladyship where her harmonies and musicianship blend into a beautiful, ethereal sound. I want to thank Berry for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Ace of Base : Happy Nation/The Sign. I listened to it on repeat all summer. I was lucky to be the youngest with two older siblings who loved music. Tom Petty Wildflowers and REM Automatic for the People were two of the first hand-me-downs from my sister. I stole Weezer Blue Album from my brother.
Your last album bought?
Waxahatchee : Out in the Storm.
Favorite album of all time?
(self imposed rule of not including greatest hits or “essential” artist collections):
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
Weezer: Pinkerton
Neutral Milk Hotel: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Rilo Kiley The Execution of All Things
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I wanted to get into Father John Misty but couldn’t.
First concert attended?
The Allman Brothers Band (it could have been Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, but I was a young fool and didn’t know any better and regret the decision to this day).
Last concert?
Nelsonville Music Festival: Julia Jacklin, Mandolin Orange, Mavis Staples, Oh Sees, Sun June, and (of course) Michael Hurley, were memorable
Favorite concert ever?
Built to Spill in 2013. They knocked my socks off. Aretha Franklin at Heinz Hall in 2015, I was in tears.
Least favorite concert?
Warped Tour 2000 at the now-defunct IC Light Amphitheater. I wasn’t wearing proper footwear and lost my sandals; my friend gave me a piggyback ride over the bridge. The music wasn’t memorable.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love the rolling hills and river valleys and viewing them from my kitchen window. I am enamored daily by the way the atmosphere changes the colors of the hills rolling into the distance. In visual art we mimic the color-change phenomenon using atmospheric perspective; it’s one of my favorite things to paint. I am grateful to witness this nature in an urban setting everyday. I love Pittsburgh’s age, history and scars. I love her old brick buildings and houses from millworker row homes to mansions showboating the spoils of the industrial revolution.
I also like making music with my bandmates in Her Ladyship!
Thanks, Berry. There are always regrets in who to see when the chance was there. Mine will always be Stevie Ray Vaughan at The Decade. What was I thinking when I passed on the offer?
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“Star Wars, head banging, ancient video games, destroying every vehicle we tour in.“
Sarlacc is a grind/doom metal duo from Pittsburgh who incorporate science fiction (particularly Star Wars) into their vibe. As stated in a recent post, “We didn’t turn on Star Wars. Star Wars turned on us.” Aren’t we all kind of feeling that after The Last Jedi? The band plays out in and around Pittsburgh, so keep eye out for the next show as I thank Philip Harrold (Guitar/Vocals – who also happens to be the drummer for fuck yeah, dinosaurs!) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Toxicity by System of a Down.
Your last album bought?
World’s Blood by Wayfarer.
Favorite album of all time?
Plastic Surgery Disasters from the Dead Kennedys.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Legend of the Seagullmen.
First concert attended?
I was too young to remember my very first concerts, but the first I can remember is Petra.
Last concert?
Last show I went to was at Howlers, Sarlacc opened for But, Pyrite from NY. They were intensely fun!
Favorite concert ever?
Even without Wayne, I had the most fun of my life at the Static X Anniversary show.
Least favorite concert?
Least favorite band live is Lacuna Coil. I’ve seen them 3 times and literally napped through their set 3 times.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is great because it isn’t overrun by any one group. Things are so spread out that it keeps the city’s cultural tilt pretty balanced, and I like that. It produces different-flavor options for places to watch or perform music, options that have been very limited until recently.
Thanks, Phil. I don’t think I ever fell asleep during a show. Doing it three times for the same band is actually quite impressive!
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“four pals making hazy tunes for hazy days“
Drauve is a brand new dream pop band from Pittsburgh who are playing out all over town promoting their fantastic debut single “Haunted”, which was released last month. Catch the band tonight (Friday, August 2nd) as they perform at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls with The Vics and The Sane. I want to thank Vic Morgan (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
First album I ever bought was Avril Lavigne’s Let Go. My first live solo singing performance was actually singing “Complicated” at my first grade talent show.
Your last album bought?
Sundries by Flower Crown. Supporting local music!
Favorite album of all time?
Tom Tom Club’s self titled album. So extremely innovative and inspires me to push musical boundaries.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I was a huge fan of the band Bad Suns until their most recent release Mystic Truth. They completely lost their unique sound with their new record, and traded it in for something more conventional & corporate. Huge bummer.
First concert attended?
Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown Tour at Mellon Arena
Last concert?
Men I Trust and Belle & Sebastian at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland
Favorite concert ever?
Favorite concert ever was the 1975’s Halloween Show in 2016. They are one of the most incredible live bands of my generation for sure, and they went all out with a Star Wars theme for that show.
Least favorite concert?
Least favorite concert was seeing Two Door Cinema Club at Firefly Music Festival because I got kicked in the head by a crowd surfer & had to leave the show.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Although I’ve lived near Pittsburgh almost my whole life, this is my first year living in the city, not the suburbs. I just love how each Pittsburgh neighborhood is so distinctive, and has so much to explore. I feel like I have yet to make my best memories here because I still have so much to discover about Pittsburgh!
Thanks, Victoria. Getting kicked in the head and having to leave a show because of it sounds just awful. Crowd surfing is so stupid anyway.
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“Chris Hannigan is a nationally touring singer/songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, he’s playing shows locally, working on his new record, and working on living the good life.”
Chris Hannigan is an indie folk singer-songwriter who is currently just beginning to produce his next album. A regular fixture at Acousticafe at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls on Monday nights where I met him recently, Chris has a few gigs lined up later next month. I want to thank Chris for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
August and Everything After from Counting Crows. I got it on CD through Columbia House’s old scam-deal back in the 90’s, where you could get 12 CD’s for a penny or something like that. I remember tearing open the packaging, enjoying the handwritten lyrics on the disc, and listening to the album all the way through. My brother and I really loved “Omaha,” which we played on repeat and which I still think is a great song. And then there was the Saul Bellow-inspired “Rain King” and of course their beloved, overplayed radio hits from that record, “Round Here” and “Mr. Jones.” Adam Duritz is some kinda genius. Poetic, cathartic, and dynamic rock n’ roll.
Your last album bought?
Recently I picked up Ruston Kelly’s Dying Star. Highly recommended. I’ve also been enjoying the Cordova’s That Santa Fe Channeland the Brandi Carlile’s The Firewatcher’s Daughter. I have a thing for ATO records. Oh, also Jackson Emmer’s Jukebox. We did some cowriting this year, and I appreciate his humor, voice, and sensibilities.
Favorite album of all time?
It’s hard to pick a favorite. I like Dylan’s Self Portrait. Deja Vu by CSNY. Revolver by the Beatles. The self-titled red album by the Cordovas. And Jude’s No One is Really Beautiful. Lastly I’m listening to Floyd’s Wish You Were Here right now, and that has to be in my top ten of all time. And Joni Mitchell’s Blue. I could go on and on…
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Speaking of ATO, I remember being disappointed by Dave Matthews Band and their Stand Up record. In hindsight, I can definitely appreciate it more and really like the cover art.
First concert attended?
I’m reaching here, but I think it was Goldfinger at Club Laga back in the 90’s. It was awesome. Also bands from my high school used to play at the old Melrose Hall on Babcock Boulevard. The first time I crowd surfed was during a performance of “Pawn Shop” by Sublime. Good times.
Last concert?
Because I play most weekends, I don’t get to catch a lot of live music. That said I opened for Josh Rouse a little while ago and he put on a great show.
Favorite concert ever?
There are two that really stand out. The Cordovas at Americana Fest in Nashville was soul-shaking. I’d played with those guys five years ago, so I knew a bunch of the songs inside and out, but they had evolved so much and brought so much life and energy to that show. I was just floored. They brought out Daniel Danato (the telecaster-wielding cosmic country rising star) for a jam. It was transcendent. The other was seeing Ben Harper and Dave Matthews at Three Rivers Stadium before it was demolished. Rain, fireworks, and lots of dancing in our seats.
Least favorite concert?
I guess I’m a little optimistic when it comes to live shows. I don’t have any least favorite concerts.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
You know, Pittsburgh is a diamond in the rough. I love the Arts Fest, libraries, the Carnegie Art Museum, kayaking and fishing on the rivers (especially at night), and going out foraging and hiking in the wilderness in and around Pittsburgh. I enjoyed living in California in my twenties, but Pittsburgh will always be my home.
Thanks, Chris. Looking forward to the new record. Your songs at Acousticafe were so good, man.
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