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“Some people say there is no truth in advertising. They’re wrong. The truth is Truth in Advertising has been hanging around the Pittsburgh area since 1999. What started out as a group of friends hanging out and making each other laugh has evolved into a beloved acoustic act with two full-length albums, years of performing experience and a love song written for a cat.”
Truth in Advertising is a folk rock duo from Pittsburgh who have been performing on and off in the area for almost two decades. Their latest release from June is called Another Wanderlust Melon via Monkey Corner Records.The band is kinda quiet lately but expect some possible solo stuff next year. I want to thank Fred Betzner (Harmonica/Accordion/Vocals) and Seán O’Donnell (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Fred Betzner: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles.
Seán O’Donnell: U2’s October on cassette from Ames.
Your last album bought?
Fred: Whiteout Conditions, The New Pornographers.
Seán: Finally found an LP of Eno’s Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy).
Favorite album of all time?
Fred: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Neutral Milk Hotel.
Seán: Tough one. Contenders are Spiritualized’s Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space, Blur’s 13, and Radiohead’s OK Computer. Time is relative, though, and so are my choices. Oh, and what Fred said.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Fred: Pure Guava, Ween. Seán: Amazing Grace by Spiritualized. Anything would be hard to top after Ladies and Gentlemen….
First concert attended?
Fred: Michael W. Smith (it was a Christian thing). Seán: They Might Be Giants at Metropol, 1998 or 1999.
Last concert?
Fred: Phish. Seán: Phish, 12/29/2017 at Madison Square Garden.
Favorite concert ever?
Fred: They Might Be Giants. Seán: Sparklehorse and Mercury Rev at Graffiti, 1999.
Least favorite concert?
Fred: John Adams Conducts a Series of Discordant Notes he Strung Together While the Names of 9/11 Victims are Read Thereby Insulating it From Being Called Terrible at the PSO.
Seán: Devo, at the Amphitheater at Station Square in 2010, because I had center, front-row tickets and VIP passes to meet the band and they had to cancel the show.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Fred: I love this city, but if I had to pick the best thing The Pickle Barrel on Carson Street used to have ridiculously amazing fries. Then it apparently burned down. COINCIDENCE?!?!? WAKE UP SHEEPLE!
Frick Park. I’m really lucky to live very close to it.
Thanks, fellas. Damn, that Devo story sucks, Seán. As a music fan, nothing is more frustrating than to be all psyched to see a particular band and have them cancel a gig. I’d rather see a terrible performance than not see one at all.
“This Pine Box was founded in March of 2016 by Jake Knight (Lead Vocals/Guitar) and original member Sean Warpenburg (Bass). The band released its debut EP in July and were featured as Firenotes artist of the month on Bandcamp. This Pine Box is currently recording at Ultrasuede Studio with John Curley of the Afghan Whigs. They are WNKU’s artist of the month for January and have released a single called “Point of View” in promotion of their first full length album. The current line up of the band is Jake Knight, Sean Warpenburg, Joe Tellmann (Guitar), Braden DeVine (Piano/Keys), Tony Parsons (Drums), and Carsen Holaday (Vocals).”
This Pine Box is an Americana alt-rock band from Dayton, OH who’s latest single “Way Out” is available now via Old Flame Records. The band is gearing up for a big 2018 which maybe includes a debut stop in Pittsburgh? I want to thank Jake Knight (Guitar/Lead Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
It was when I was 6 or 7. I bought the Brother Bear soundtrack and always listened to the Phil Collins song “On My Way”.
Your last album bought?
War on Drugs’ most recent album called A Deeper Understanding.
Favorite album of all time?
That is a tough one. I’d say that it is probably Let it Be. Ever since I was a kid, my dad would always play “Get Back” in the car and now that album is just timeless to me.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
It’s hard to choose a disappointing album, I’d say i was somewhat disappointed by Radiohead’s Kid A. I discovered Radiohead pretty late in high school and started off with Pablo Honey, and pretty much listened to them in order. I got done with OK Computer and was expecting the next album to be like Muse’s Origin of Symmetry with heavy guitars and weird spacey transitions. With that said, all of Radiohead’s more synth heavy stuff has grown on me quite a bit recently. Instead of driven guitars, the synth drives the song which makes them really thick. It’s pretty awesome.
First concert attended?
It was actually Elton John, and it was pretty incredible.
Last concert?
I saw Billy Joel in Indianapolis which was also great.
Least favorite concert?
Probably this Christian Screamo band I saw open for someone, I can’t remember who. I was running the lights for the show and couldn’t catch a break to go outside it was miserable.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I actually have only ever driven through Pittsburgh, but my uncle is a huge Steelers fan! I hope to bring the band to play more shows up there! I’ve heard it’s a great city!
Thanks, Jake. I am right were you are in terms of Radiohead, except the part where the ‘synthy’ stuff has grown on me. After The Bends, I am done.
“Fences is something new for our band Bombadil. It is more than just an album; it is a new path, a reset after several challenging years. The path began in January 2015, when a longtime member of Bombadil unexpectedly left our band. Daniel Michalak and I sat down to discuss our next steps. It was a time for soul searching. A duo of a bassist and drummer did not feel like a band. Moving forward seemed daunting, but we both felt like there was more to say with the band. We wanted to make music. So we began simply by making some. Writing and recording the Still Bombadil EP was fun. A fast and dirty exploration of a creative idea, no room for fiddling, deadline looming. Our last album, Hold On, had not been like that. It had been an ordeal.“
Bombadil is a folk rock pop trio from North Carolina who will be swinging through Pittsburgh this Wednesday (11/15) supporting their latest release via Ramseur Records entitled Fences. Opening up for the band at the always cool Snake Hill will be local duo and blog faves Scott & Rosanna. I want to thank James Phillips (Percussion/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
“Former Foxygen drummer Diane Coffee (aka Shaun Fleming) just released his PEEL 7” on Polyvinyl. Often described as “psychedelic Motown,” Fleming’s music has caught attention from notable outlets like SPIN, Pitchfork, Uncut, Magnet, Interview Magazine, and more. Of Diane Coffee’s live show, NPR Music raved, “Diane Coffee gives the kind of live performances you talk about for weeks after seeing. Conjuring both Mick Jagger and David Bowie, Fleming swaggers and shimmies on stage.”
Diane Coffee stops in Pittsburgh this Sunday (11/12) at Spirit for a tour ending show supporting the 7″ Peel with locals Wreck Loose and THOUSANDZZ OF BEEZ. Word is, this will be the last show (this year) of the ultra-cool installation The Vault by artist Ian Brill. I want to thank Shaun Fleming (Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
With more than 700 sets of steps throughout the city, Pittsburgh employs an Inspector of Steps whose responsibilities include maintaining and inspecting all city-owned steps and public stairways that comprise approximately 15 miles, nearly double the number of steps in San Francisco and Cincinnati. Its Inspector of Steps is essential to preserving Pittsburgh’s more than 100 major stairways, roughly 44,645 risers and more than 712 individual stairs that help city residents navigate the region’s extremely uneven topography. Pittsburgh’s steps are so iconic to the city that a book titled “The Steps of Pittsburgh: Portrait of a City” was written by Bob Regan, a geophysicist with the University of Pittsburgh. In his book, Regan reveals that, when combined together, Pittsburgh’s steps equal more than four miles in height, greater than the height of North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. Denali, by nearly 4,000 feet… so that’s pretty cool.
Thanks, Shaun. We do have steps EVERYWHERE. A bunch of those seem to go nowhere… which is actually kind of cool when you stumble upon them.
“Sewickly native Seirra Sellers grew up on a steady stream of R&B, rock, country and gospel thanks to her family’s eclectic taste. She found herself gravitating towards neo-soul artists like Jill Scott, India Arie and Lauryn Hill. Sellers found encouragement in a very good group of friends she’d met throughout her life, especially at St. Vincent College, where she recently graduated.” – Cindy Howes (WYEP)
Sierra Sellers is an up and coming Pittsburgh based R&B/Soul songwriter who recently released her latest single “Gimme” produced by Washington D.C. based K-Ron. Sierra will be bringing her festive vibe (along with a who’s who of local musical talent) as part of the 7th annual Holiday Hootenanny presented by WYEP on December 7th at the August Wilson Center. I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
Tears of Joy is a Pittsburgh power pop band who recently dropped a ‘mini-album’ called Fat Money Summer. The band recorded with Jake Hanner of looooongtime blog faves Donora and it’s hard not to hear the influence he had on the proceedings. I want to thank Evan Kadan (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
The first record I really remembering picking out in a store and buying with my own money was the self-titled The Clash album, I think was in like the fifth grade.
Your last album bought?
Goths by The Mountain Goats.
Favorite album of all time?
This one is really hard but as far as my favorite record to hear in one sitting, it’s Madvillany by Madvillan (MF DOOM + Madlib).
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I bought Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division on vinyl because I thought I was into it and got home and threw it right on and had this epiphany that it was just awful. Still my least favorite album.
First concert attended?
Bob Dylan did a tour of farm team baseball stadiums and I caught him when he came through Frederick, MD where I grew up.
Last concert?
The Gorillaz at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Favorite concert ever?
My mom took me and some friends to see The Cure for a 14th birthday present. They played for like three hours and did so many encores we left before it was over because it was 2:00 am. That ruled.
Least favorite concert?
I saw A$AP Rocky at PPG when it was Consol and some twerp got sick on my new shoes.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
It has been cool to move from the DMV to another area with a good music scene and history, I even got to see shows at Garfield Artworks and 222 Ormsby before they closed down.
Thanks, Evan. There are many ‘beloved’ bands that just I never got. Joy Division might be at the top of that list.
“With a combination of a soft yet powerful vocal style and the gently flowing music behind it, Brad manages to take you back to the 90’s. Best described vocally as a mix between John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and Jason Wade from Lifehouse, his 90’s influences show vividly in his music.”
Brad Abbott is an alternative acoustic singer-songwriter from Irwin, PA who’s debut EP called Memories was released this past week. You can snag a free copy this Saturday (10/21) as Brad will be playing The Radioactive Events Center in Kittaning. I want to thank Brad for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
“I put a lot of thought into each song and everything about this project. Except grammar. I am terrible at grammar, but that is besides the point. Everyone has their own beliefs and or thoughts and it is very important to be aware of those things. Without questioning ourself or our existence we would never be able to progress as individuals or as a whole. Although just listening to music to hear noise is very very enjoyable to myself, I want to make it mean more than just a pattern of frequencies that keep myself and others entertained for a few minutes. I want the music to be the trigger that sends your brain exploding with thought and positive growth and hopefully inspire you to become aware of yourself and everything. You will never be able to find every answer in this world, but you can learn a lot along the way just by being concious that there is more to life than what society promotes. In this world there are two kinds of people, you either get it, or you don’t. Kind of like grammar. “
Kahone Concept is the moniker of Pittsburgh based alternative songwriter Ben Orvick who has independently been releasing music for a couple of years now. His latest EP is called Towers. You can expect some very cool things from him in the future. I want to thank Ben for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Oh geez… growing up I didn’t really buy albums I basically stole from my dad’s CD collection. One of the earliest CDs that comes to mind is Green Day’s Dookie but as for me personally buying I think it could have been a Van Halen album.
Your last album bought?
I don’t usually buy albums unless they are super good then I’ll go back and buy them after I listen. I normally just use a streaming service. The last album I downloaded was Pinegrove’s Cardinal.
I’ve just been getting into them lately.
Favorite album of all time?
This is a really hard question. I can’t name a certain single one but I can rattle off a few that I think are fantastic, Coldplay – A Rush of Blood, Bastille – Bad Blood, Bon Iver – For Emma Forever Ago, Catfish and the Bottlemen – The Balcony.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don’t know that I have a least favorite. Maybe an album I haven’t heard.
First concert attended?
My family never really went to shows so I never got to go to one until I was like 17 and could drive myself. Anyways my first official concert was Twenty One Pilots.
Last concert?
I think it was Kings of Leon this summer at KeyBank. I went with a friend ‘cause he got us free tickets. Although I woulda ended up paying for tix and going anyways because I really like KOL. “The Immortals” is one of my favorites. The chorus gets me every time especially with the bass line.
Favorite concert ever?
I really enjoyed seeing Smallpools. It’s a mixup between them and Twenty One Pilots ‘cause it was my first.
Least favorite concert?
One time I went to see Milky Chance with some friends and a few drunk older ladies kinda ruined the show for us. They kept grabin’ us and being a little overly friendly if you know what I mean. I just wanted to watch the show and they wouldn’t back off. I think I made one cry ‘cause I might have told her off a lil bit. In the end I felt bad for being mean and gave her my spot and left ha-ha.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I genuinely love Pittsburgh. Every time I come around the bend and see the skyline I get a little fuzzy feeling. It’s ridiculous but I don’t care I love it. I like how small it is yet so diverse. Walking down the street you’ll hear 5 different people speaking 5 different languages. It’s just a nice place to be and learn a little bit about different cultures all in one city.
Thanks, Ben. I am totally with you (as many people are I am sure) about that skyline of ours never, ever getting old each time I see it.
vireo is a lo-fi psych folk band from Pittsburgh who’s excellent debut release vireonidae dropped last year. The band is finishing up a mini state-wide tour this Thursday (10/19) opening for out of towners Esme Patterson and SUSTO at Cattivo. I want to thank Chris Beaulieu (Guitar/Vocals/Loops) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Oh boy! I think the first album I ever bought was the soundtrack to the Fellowship the Ring. When I first started developing a taste in music as a youngster it was mostly all symphonic soundtrack music. It wasn’t until I was about 11 until I started really listening to solo artists and bands.
Your last album bought?
I just bought Julie Byrne’s first album off of iTunes. She makes such gorgeous and lush music. The last physical album I purchased was Deerhoof’s Friend Opportunity.
Favorite album of all time?
Gosh, this is always one of the toughest questions. I feel inclined to list a whole bunch but I’ll just say that every winter I end up listening to Greetings from Michigan by Sufjan Stevens at least a bajillion times.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
If you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all!
First concert attended?
Ha! My first concert ever attended was a ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic show. I was probably 12. I’ll never forget feeling amazed by the amount of spit being sprayed into the air while he sang. It was great.
Last concert?
I went to see Deerhoof a little bit ago and it was incredible! They didn’t bring any background sets or extra lighting rigs, no bells or whistles, just the four members standing in a line and rocking out. The entire band looked like they were genuinely having the time of their life on stage. Satomi, the lead singer/bass player, is such a gem and by far has the best dance moves of any front person I’ve ever seen.
Favorite concert ever?
Another toughie. tUnE-yArDs puts on a really fun, unique show with a refreshing stage set up, I had a blast seeing them. Fleet Foxes and Animal Collective also put on fantastic shows as well. In high school I saw the band Mutemath and they put on one of the most energetic and interactive live performances, I’m not the biggest fan of their music anymore but seriously one of the best live shows ever.
Least favorite concert?
I saw Lady Lamb play in Portland, Maine and the show was really lackluster. I was pretty bummed out because she is one of my favorite singer/songwriters and I had pretty high expectations. However, I saw her again here in Pittsburgh about a year later and it sounded wonderful! I guess it just goes to show that everyone has off performances now and then, even your inspirations.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’m constantly being blown away by the amount of talent that’s in this city. There are so many artists (both musical and visual) that I would still be a huge fan of had they come from anywhere else! It’s really inspirational. I also love spending time walking in Frick Park and Schenley Park. Lastly, the voices that tell you when to cross at crosswalks fascinate me. Why do some parts of the city use different voices? To whom do the voices belong? How does one be selected to be a crosswalk voice? So mysterious!
Thanks, Chris. I have never once noticed the ‘crosswalk voices’ enough to realize that there were different ones? That is kind of fascinating!
“In September of 2015, drummer Marc Martinka started putting together a live band to support his recent solo album, River Rat. In order to do that, he called on former bandmates Brian Swed, Richard Stanley, and Martin Connolly. This iteration of the band quickly realized that they were on to something bigger than the River Rat material, as they quickly began to develop new material and work up their own unique sound. As fall progressed to winter, the foursome rounded out their line up with vocalist Nick Guckert and keyboardist Andrew Van Treeck, finalizing the Cisco Kid lineup.”
Cisco Kid is a psychedelic-soul rock band from Pittsburgh who just released their full length debut this month called Beautiful Day to Die. Out of the ashes of the late great Pittsburgh band, River Rat, and (still going strong) My Friday Slacks comes a new ‘supergroup’ who are quickly making their mark on the local scene. This album is really good and you shouldn’t miss them live. I want to thank Martin Connolly (Bass) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
Thanks, Marty. I experienced a similar bummer as your Avett Brothers experience with Steely Dan at Star Lake. The band was so hard to hear that normal chit chat on the lawn made it unbearable. I think a bunch of people complained and they actually turned up the band but not much. Crazy!
“On December 10th, 1999 at 7:30 PM in Santa Cruz, California, the bassist for Kaelber, Tabor McLeod, was born. Two hours later and 2,700 miles away in Morgantown, WV, lead guitarist/lead singer for Kaelber, Noah Myers, was born. Who would have guessed that 15 years later these two would meet and form the nucleus of Kaelber. During the summer of 2016, the addition of Matt Reese on drums was the final piece to Kaelber and sealed the band’s hard driving, yet fluid sound.”
Kaelber is an up and coming alt rock band from Greensburg who infuse their sound with eclectic elements of funk, psychedelia and thrash metal. They tore it up at the Deutschtown Music Festival this Summer and the sound tech from the venue they performed at, made it a point to let me know that these dudes were the best ‘young’ band he has seen in a long while… if ever! Come see what he was gushing about as the band takes part in The Skyline Party at 2pm, sharing the stage with God’s Green Apples (Noon), Old Game (4pm), and Dinosoul (6pm). Be sure to check out the adjacent stage with performances by London Johnson’s Magnificent Street Entertainment (1pm), Colonel Eagleburger’s Highstepping Goodtime Band (3pm), and Timbeleza (5pm) rounding out the all day festivities hosted by your’s truly. I want to thank Noah Myers (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
I got to play with Marty Friedman of Megadeth on stage at Altar Bar on 9-11-15. There is a video of this on YouTube titled “Me Jamming with Marty Friedman (9-11-2015 Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA). Also, I have seen several of my favorite bands at the awesome Pittsburgh venues (i.e. Gary Clark Jr, Opeth, Dinosaur Jr., Lucky Chops at Rex Theater, Marty Friedman at Altar Bar, and Buckethead at Altar Bar.)
Thanks, Noah. Jeez, you are a youngin’. First show in 2014? I was a decade into HughShows by then. Looking forward to hearing you rock out, man!
“4 piece alt rock band from Pittsburgh that began playing thorough out the tri state area back in the early 90’s. Recently re united and playing live while writing new material for release.”
God’s Green Apples will be opening up the festivities this Saturday at Noon for The Skyline Party that I am thrilled to be serving as host at. I never heard of these guys until I listened to their music as they submitted to be included in the Deutschtown Music Festival and was blown away. I cannot wait to see them rock out live. I want to thank Michael Evans (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
12” Village People debut, I remember it distinctly. I was spending the evening with my grandparents; we went out for the dinner and afterwards off to K Mart where I convinced them to put it in the buggy for me.
Your last album bought?
The Horrible Crowes – Elsie. Pretty much had the Brian Fallon solo stuff repeating, I’ve been re visiting some of the Gaslight Anthem material as well.
Favorite album of all time?
That’s a tough one, probably should list a Beatles record which would hold true. Going to go with The Replacements – All Shook Down. Everything is perfect from the song writing to the production and arrangements, probably into it even more based on the evolution of the band from the early records that I love as well.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The National by The National, it comes to mind right out of the gate for some reason.
First concert attended?
Hall and Oates, at the Civic Arena in the early 80’s. My Mom took me; I remember the grand scale of everything and smelling funny cigarettes for the first time.
Last concert?
The Shins last month.
Favorite concert ever?
I guess that’s a tie with my first concert of Hall and Oates and seeing 7 Seconds at the Banana in 89’ I believe. Pretty cool experience when you first start attending club shows and the intimacy of it all, nothing like seeing a band you’re totally into playing a few feet away from you, then getting to chat with them afterwards.
Least favorite concert?
I don’t think I’ve come out of any show really that disappointed, probably just have to say politely that any show out at Key Bank Pavilion can be a little “disappointing”. If nothing else it’s the logistics and the venue, I’d be fine with it if I could teleport in or have access to a helicopter.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love the civic pride the Pittsburghers have, we’re always quick to point out a new award or distinction and put it out there. The music scene is tremendous as well, with getting out and seeing/playing more shows, I’m blown away by all of the bands and artists that are in the region these days and how muchtalent there is, it’s truly awesome to be a part of. Pittsburgh probably doesn’t get enough credit for being a smaller city that has all the amenities and options just like a bigger town, the art and culture along with a great musical community and of course great sports teams to boot, ha-ha.
Thanks, Mike. I have to reiterate how excited I was to discover your music this past Summer and I am so looking forward to your set.
“For a while there, it was just Cameron writing songs, mostly about travelling, trying not to be a shithead, and the looming inevitability of death–you know, the things you worry about in your twenties. He released a couple of lo-fi solo EPs, a split with Boston’s The Michael Character, and shouted in a lot of basements throughout the midwest and northeast.
Towards the end of 2015, Lawn Care went full-band to record the high-energy, three-song EP “Out of Sorts.” The new lineup, featuring Harrison Thurman on bass and John Paul Zigterman on drums, honed their live sound, playing shows with Chris Farren, Emperor X, Mal Blum, Sinai Vessel, and Koji.”
Lawn Care is a Pittsburgh based mathy pop punkish emo kinda of quintet who dropped their debut full length entitled Replacement Therapy a few months ago. From what I hear, the band is already working up new tunes for their follow-up. I want to thank songwriter Cameron LeViere (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
The first album that I ever bought with my own money was Europop by Eiffel 65. Disappointing, I know. The “cool” answer would be Dookie by Green Day, but truth be told, it wasn’t until a few years later that my dad would give me that one.
Your last album bought?
I got a Diana Ross & The Supremes anthology and a live Miriam Makeba record. More recently, I received Magnolia Electric Co. by Songs: Ohia as a gift.
Favorite album of all time?
The Monitor by Titus Andronicus.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don’t know what happened to Joyce Manor, but BOY HOWDY I just can’t stomach their new stuff.
First concert attended?
Ehhhh, I think Streetlight Manifesto. I don’t think I’ve seen a band with more stage presence since.
Last concert?
Not counting ones that I’ve played, the Ratboys show in Oakland.
Favorite concert ever?
Probably one of the ones I booked on the roof of Spider House. We did an 8-band show last year and called it “Fuck It, It’s a Fest.” A lot of our good friends from Ohio and Massachusetts came.
Least favorite concert?
Aw I dunno, I saw Foghat and they played “Slow Ride” for like 45 minutes, but even that was kinda sweet it its own way.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I don’t know where to start, really. Our next album is going to be all about Pittsburgh; suffice it to say that I never thought I’d feel truly at home in a place until I lived in Pittsburgh.
Thanks, Cameron. Yeah, I really don’t see anything that wrong with a 45-minute “Slow Ride” jam. Something to see at least once in one’s life.
Farm Aid returns to the Pittsburgh area this Saturday (9/16) with a stacked all day lineup that promises to be an amazing time. Prior to that there are several events associated with the show that highlight the need for this ongoing charitable program now on it’s 32nd year.
A full list of happenings can be found here, although if you are into music as much as I am, you want to head on over to Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse Friday night for the official Farm Aid Eve Pre-Show catered by Kimberly Ashlee utilizing food from local family farmers and featuring a performance with Bloodshot recording artists Banditos.
Long a fave of this blog, the Birmingham/Nashville honky tonk,rock band is touring behind it’s fantastic sophomore full-length, Visionland.
“Three artists from three extremely different ends of the music spectrum, inspired by technology and the constant pursuit of innovation, have combined to form little good bad ( + – ). A soulful pop singer, a punk rock drummer and an electronic producer make up this hybrid pop group of musical misfits.”
little good bad (+ -) is a new musical collaboration from Pittsburgh who have just released the video from their debut single today entitled “No Regrets” which you can download for free at their website. The band will be releasing a new single as a free download every month. Expect some very cool things to come.
There is a cool benefit show going down tomorrow (Saturday, August 19) at James Street Gastropub for the American Heart Association featuring a bunch of blog faves including Heavy Chest, Essential Machine and The Petals. Opening the night will be an acoustic set from some members of reggae jamsters Brahctopus. I want to thank lead ‘Brah’ Ethan Kovalcik (Ukulele/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is how the local music scene is coming together. It’s really starting to flourish for all genres of music. Everyone is working together to set up gigs, festivals and we’re starting to see a huge burst of combining the visual arts with the music. It’s a great time to be a Pittsburgh Musician!
Thanks, Ethan. Should be a sweet time tomorrow. So tell me how you define ‘minor’ run in?
Some Kind of Animal is a Pittsburgh based neo-folk band who released their latest eponymous album this Spring via the Get Hip Records Folk Series.
After killing it at the Deutschtown Music Festival a few weeks a go, this week they are all over WYEP as the featured band on The Local 913. as well as cover band to this month’s print edition of Sound Scene Express.
Today I bring you the music video to my bud’s Ben favorite track on the album, “Midnight.” Created by Nick Francis and starring actress/dancer Hannah Vassallo, the images match the mood and atmosphere to the song perfectly.
The band has been a blog fave for awhile and I am really looking forward to what they do next.
“The hardest working band in Pittsburgh. The Beagle Brothers have been Pittsburgh’s premiere country
band for over 10 years. They are the foundation of the “Bloomfield Sound,” which mixes honky-tonk and classic country with an accelerated, high energy performance.”
The Beagle Brothers area Pittsburgh institution. Don’t believe me? They have their own day in the City of Pittsburgh (December 12th, 2015.) They are the house band up in Punxsutawney during the annual Groundhog Day festivities. They even made the cover of the City Paper to mark the release of their 4th album, Dancers of the Drunken Two-Step. Now the Brothers are set to release their latest offering entitled Hearts Go By this Friday (8/4) with a banger at Howler’s bringing along blog faves André Costello and the Cool Minors and Kayla Schureman for the ride. Much thanks to Ezra Smith (Drums), Gabriel Smith (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar). Kyle Kline (Bass), Noah Smith (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), and Read Connolly (Pedal Steel) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
Thanks, fellas. Very cool resume there, guys. Friday should be a blast. Here’s a fun fact, I technically saw you for the first time in 2006 as I walked in Belvedere’s during the last few seconds of your final song. To this day, I am still miffed that I missed your set.