“The story goes that the young Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could, honing his craft and developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road.”
Daniel Champagne is a folk singer-songwriter from Brogo, Australia who is currently in America, touring behind his latest release, the beautiful The Heartland Hurricanes. The finger-tapping beast that he is has his tour stopping in Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh Winery on Wednesday (6/8) for an 8pm show. I want to thank Daniel for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Post by Paul Kelly (a great Australian songwriter).
Your last album bought?
Views by Drake.
Favorite album of all time?
Are You Experienced? Hendrix.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Most of Dylan’s 80’s work.
First concert attended?
Xavier Rudd at my local town hall.
Last concert?
Ben Harper.
Favorite concert ever?
Buddy Guy, every time he’s come out to Australia.
Least favorite concert?
Probably a few tough gigs of my own I’d rather forget.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I haven’t been yet but feel like I’ve spent half my American tour life driving through Pennsylvania. Can’t wait to check it out.
Thanks, Daniel. And if you really want to feel at home in Pittsburgh, you can try talking yinzer and say, “Can’t wait to check it aht!” Ask Tim to help you aht.
Songwriter J. Trafford says, “To present the new Suavity’s Mouthpiece music video for “Chassis” has me swinging on a star. In spite of having a band CD without a band, I tottered toward Pittsburgh filmmaker Chris Mason to make something visual happen. While “Chassis” seems a rather short song in duration, Chris’s verve and vision was grand and very much with the heart of the song. Unstoppably, the release of this video presently sees Chris on the eve of a journey to Cuba where filming will continue for her highly-anticipated documentary on the long-established Guaracha Latin Dance Band. When she returns, Carnegie Museum of Art will debut a new collaboration between Mason, myself, and Tom Moran of The Five and The Deliberate Strangers. Renaissance woman.”
You can catch J. Trafford solo at the Deutschtown Music Festival on Saturday July 9th at James Street Restaurant Acoustic Stage.
There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are
worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our
traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!
“With an equal love and influence from a wide variety of genres, Meghann Wright’s songs of love, liquored memories, heartbreak, and resilience resonate with anyone listening. The Brooklyn-based Singer/Songwriter is a songstress that finds her way into all of our hearts, traveling a path paved with lost loves through a life of contrasts that can be felt and heard the moment you push play.”
Meghann Wright is a country pop singer-songwriter from Brooklyn who is wrapping up this leg of her Nothin’ Left to Lose tour this weekend and hits Pittsburgh on Friday (6/3) at Diesel Club Lounge on the Southside. Compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt and Pasty Cline, Meghann brings a fresh approach to the alt-country genre with her stunning harmonies and grandiose choruses. I want to thank Meghann for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Michael Jackson’s Dangerous.
Your last album bought?
Austin Lucas’ Between The Moon And The Midwest.
Favorite album of all time?
Braid’s Frame & Canvas.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Smashing Pumpkins’ Machina, it was basically rehashed Mellon Collie, I am a HUGE SP fan and was seriously heartbroken when it came out. I think I only listened to it twice.
First concert attended?
Jimmy Page + Robert Plant at Blasedell Arena in Hawaii, my dad took me when I was 7.
Last concert?
Besides these shows we are playing on tour – Baby Metal at Playstation Theater in Manhattan right before we left New York.
Favorite concert ever?
Weezer + Flaming Lips at an outdoor arena in CT, instead of each playing their own sets, they were both set up on each side of the stage and took turns playing songs, it was awesome.
Least favorite concert?
I go to a lot of underground hardcore, metal and punk shows and sometimes those are pretty bad.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Low rent, cool bridges, and french fry sandwiches.
Thanks, Meghann. That Weezer / Flaming Lips show sounds cool. But I have to ask, what did the other band do while one was playing? Did they chill and watch?
The Black Six is a Pittsburgh based rock band (originally called Of an Empire) who are set to release their debut full length entitled Dirt & Bones in July which coincides with a two month long tour on and off the road including a spot at this year’s Deutschtown Music Festival. I am thrilled to debut the rollicking lead off the single from the album called “God Save the Queen“. I want to thank Clark Johnson (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Led Zeppelin 4. I found a vinyl bootleg of it while digging through my father’s record collection and couldn’t get enough. I ran out and bought the CD the same week.
Your last album bought?
American X: Baby 81 Sessions [LP] by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. It’s a collection of unreleased tracks from the Baby 81 sessions. It’s uncharacteristically dark and reminiscent of the bands earlier records.
Favorite album of all time?
Highly Evolved by The Vines. More than a decade later, I still listen to that record cover to cover on a regular basis.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Sonic Highways by Foo Fighters. Not sure if it was due to the televisions series it was paired with, but it felt flimsy and over worked. Loved the interviews and history behind the scenes, but the record fell short compared to its predecessors.
First concert attended?
Brothers Keeper.
Last concert?
The Struts. Luke Spiller reminds me a little of Freddy Mercury. He’s got a ton of talent and the voice to go with it.
Favorite concert ever?
Damien Rice. I waited a long time to finally see him in concert, and it was worth the wait. Everything about the concert felt personal and his dynamics never let a low point hit long enough to lose interest.
Least favorite concert?
The 1975.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
It’s become a real destination for culture in the past 5 years. The food, the music, the experiences, all of it has created a more youthful and diverse city that I’m really excited to be living in. I really look forward to what is coming next for the steel city.
Thanks, Clark. This single is great, man! Really looking forward to the album and catching you at the fest!
““It’s a golden road trip,” reflect the band’s lifestyle- born on the road in the fall of 2013 and living and touring full-time in their self-converted 1997 Dodge van, the music they write reflects their way of life. With a modern take on folk sound and pop structure, their songs draw inspiration from the stories and landscapes of North America. The constant travel draws new and evolving sounds from the duo, and their current tour (with San Francisco drummer Liliana Urbain) will bring them across the country to the hills of North Carolina, where they plan to hibernate in preparation for the recording of their sophomore album.”
Band of Lovers is an acoustic chamber pop band from upstate New York who will be in Pittsburgh Tuesday night (5/31) at the comfy confines of Snake Hill with Pittsburgh folk fave Brad Yoder. I want to thank Dave Strumfeld (Guitar/Vocals), Sabina Beachdell (Ukulele/Vocals), and Liliana Urbain (Drums/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Dave Strumfeld: The Village People Greatest Hits, but we don’t really talk about that. The Wallflowers Bringing Down the Horse was the first one I got when I knew what I was doing. Sabina Beachdell: Ace of Base The Sign.
Liliana Urbain: Britney Spears Oops… I Did it Again.
Your last album bought?
Dave: Bird and the Bee Recreational Love.
Sabina: Cloud Cult Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus.
Liliana: The Dear Hunter Act IV: Rebirth and Reprise.
Favorite album of all time?
Dave: The Beatles Abbey Road.
Sabina: Modest Mouse This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing to Think About.
Liliana: Maroon 5 Songs About Jane.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Dave: Dang, that’s a tough question.
Sabina: Anything I listened to from the ages of 8-12.
Liliana: All I can really think of is an album I made for my parents for Christmas.
First concert attended?
Dave: Beach Boys – my parents took me. John Stamos was playing with them.
Sabina: Lilith Fair circa late 90’s.
Liliana: The Teddy Bear band.
Last concert?
Dave: Can’t actually remember – but Bonnaroo 2014 was the last big one that I loved.
Sabina: Father John Misty at Hardly Strictly in San Francisco.
Liliana: Punch Brothers.
Favorite concert ever?
Dave: Paul McCartney without a doubt.
Sabina: I’m going to have to agree with Dave.
Liliana: When I was really little my dad played in Bolivian band, and at one show he debuted a song he wrote for me and I danced.
Least favorite concert?
Dave: Also too hard to say.
Sabina: Any concert that I want to see but can’t get to.
Liliana: When I performed the album I wrote for my parents for Christmas.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Dave: Well, this will be our first time through Pittsburgh, so let’s make it a good one, right!? Though I totally think of That Thing You Do – love that movie.
Sabina: I think I drove through there as a baby, but I’ll let you know next time!
Liliana: Here I come, Pittsburgh!
Thanks, all. Snake Hill is one of my fave places in town to experience live music. Hope you have fun!
There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are
worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our
traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!
AC/DC – Back In Black. My dad/’Santa’ forgot for Christmas so I bought it with my xmas money.
Last album you bought?
The Killers – Hot Fuss. We were just on a weekender with Roof Doctor, promoting our split with them coming out this summer, and bought a bunch of throwback CDs from Philly’s AIDS thrift store (Third Eye Blind and the like).
Favorite album of all time?
Pile – Magic Isn’t Real.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Probably the most recent Arcade Fire record. I love James Murphy so that was a bummer.
First concert attended?
Puddle of Mudd, with Saliva opening, at the TLA in Philly. Not proud.
Last concert?
Broken World Fest.
Favorite Concert ever?
Dr. Dog at the TLA.
Least favorite concert?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Wachovia Spectrum in Philly. I kept yelling from the nosebleeds asking him to shut up.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’ve lived here almost my entire life. Every single neighborhood is beautiful for completely different reasons. I live in a neighborhood called Friendship, there are trees and dogs everywhere. Lucy’s Bahn Mi in the Strip, PNC Park, Gooski’s and the Rock Room in Polish Hill, wiffleball games in Troy Hill, First Fridays in Garfield, the list could go on forever…
Thanks, Dan. Was looking to see if you were playing any shows soon? Would love to check you out.
“They are an American rock duo who met while playing for another Steel City based rock group, and immediately found chemistry. They soon left to start their own project in late 2015. Their massive sound is harsh yet melodic, and at the very least, an aggressive punch and feel that will keep you moving from the first song to the last with influences ranging from pop to punk and funk to classic rock. The band’s music feature the multi-layered harmonies and bouncy riffs that A Little Less Human is known for and is a great opener to what they have to offer musically.”
A Little Less Human is a relatively new Pittsburgh based rock duo who are beginning to make a big splash on the music scene with their debut single “Warchild“. As they plan on making new music for us, please join me in thanking Mike Show (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Wow. The first albums I remember listening to in grade school were Will Smith’s Big Willie Style and The Offspring’s Americana. I remember hearing a bad word on the Offspring album, and giving it back to my Mom so I wouldn’t get in trouble later.
Your last album bought?
Since I pay for Spotify I rarely purchase new music. I made sure, however, to purchase Random Access Memories by Daft Punk. It’s some of the most intricate and detailed music I’ve ever heard.
Favorite album of all time?
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik. If that doesn’t get you going I don’t know what will. I also listen to Philip Glass’ album Solo Piano almost every week.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
St. Anger really was probably the most disappointing album for me and my friends when it came out. It didn’t stop us from going to their concert that year.
First concert attended?
Spice Girls at the Post-Gazette Pavilion. Awesome.
Last concert?
Just went to an Experience Hendrix Show in Ohio with my family. We had a full night of Hendrix music from the likes of Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Zakk Wylde, and Eric Johnson, to name a few of the performers.
Favorite concert ever?
Most memorable was the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, I believe in 2009. It was on Halloween, and Flea flew out from the stage floor dressed as a witch playing a bass solo to open the show. They played their Stadium Arcadium set, and then busted out every single hit song I could’ve asked for. Awesome night. Favorite band.
Least favorite concert?
Can’t think of one off the top of my head.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
A Little Less Human was chosen to compete in this year’s Hard Rock Winter Rock Showcase. We were competing against established bands in the area, and it was literally our first show on stage together. Needless to say, I was nervous. We ended up having an incredible turnout, and crushed the show, winning that event. The feeling was incredible.
I’m also really happy that my family is around and close to me. We’re always finding excuses to see each other, whether it’s fishing or hunting, or going to a show. Western PA is a major part of who I am, and always will be.
Thanks, Mike. I am hearing very cool things about you guys. Looking forward to seeing you play soon.
“Simple songs, played simply. No frills, no excess. The Rents are a Pittsburgh based band that came together to build upon a group of raw, but powerful songs written by Jocelyn Rent, singer and guitar player for the band. After spending a number of years fronting the popular Pittsburgh based band, Omega Love, Jocelyn Rent, and husband Jon Rent (drummer for Omega Love and The Rents), settled into a quiet life in the suburbs, raising their children. Eventually, Jocelyn found that the quiet life didn’t quite fit her, and she began composing music once again, when she found the time, in order to maintain sanity. These songs form the core of the sound of The Rents, and work through a number of universal themes like love, longing, children, growing older, desire, dreams, and death.”
The Rents is an indie rock band from Pittsburgh who are somewhat new to the Pittsburgh scene while bringing with them a well worn history. Born from the ashes of Omega Love, the band has started to play out regularly and can be next caught this Friday (5/27) at Hambone’s playing a benefit for Child Life. I want to thank Jocelyn Rent (Guitar/Vocals), Mary Beth Kletter (Vocals), Tony Henderson (Bass), Jason Pietropaulo (Mutli-Instumentalist), and Jon Rent (Drums) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Jocelyn Rent: License to Ill, The Beastie Boys.
Mary Beth Kletter: Wayne’s World Soundtrack, Various Artists.
Tony Henderson: Billy Idol, Billy Idol.
Jason Pietropaulo: L.A. Woman, The Doors.
Your last album bought?
Mary Beth: The Wall for Babies, Gustavo Zavala.
Favorite album of all time?
Jocelyn: Kind of Blue, Miles Davis.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Jocelyn: Frozen Soundtrack, Various Artists (although I do know all of the words).
First concert attended?
Jason: Mighty Mighty Bosstones & Face to Face at Metropol.
Last concert?
Jocelyn & Mary Beth: Pittonkatonk 2016 May Day Brass Bands at Schenley Park.
Favorite concert ever?
Jocelyn: RUBBLEBUCKET at The Rex.
Least favorite concert?
Jocelyn, Jason, and Tony: Phish at the Civic Arena.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Jon Rent: Pittsburgh is home. It is hard to describe what your home smells like, but you certainly recognize it. The great thing about a nice home, is it make you feel good no matter how tough your day was. It also is warm and inviting, has great food, and plays great music. Pittsburgh is all of these things.
Thanks, all. Great description of our lovely town. I couldn’t have said it better.
“A lot of the classic-rock-inspired music that’s come about over the past decade has sounded like a cut-rate version of the real thing. If we heard enough fake Led Zeppelins in the ’80s to last a lifetime, in more recent years, there have been enough ersatz Neil Youngs and Laurel Canyon clones to colonize space. Bud Bronson & the Good Timers, though, are different. Their music is not all dramatic delivery with no substance; instead, it’s the kind of triumphant power pop that feels like it’s coming from an honest place rather than being an affectation of style. For these guys, getting ahold of an older relative’s record collection was a beginning point, not a destination. That they have moved beyond obvious influences makes Bud Bronson & the Good Timers one of the most exciting rock-and-roll bands in Denver at this moment.”
— Tom Murphy, Westword
Bud Bronson & The Good Timers are an indie rock band making waves in Denver, CO and are in the midst of their Electrify The East Tour which brings them to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night (5/24) at Howler’s. I want to thank Ritchie Nitro AKA Brian Beer (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Self-titled by Third Eye Blind. I was in 6th or 7th grade. Bought it at the Sam Goody at the mall.
Your last album bought?
Just bought a used copy of Tommy by the Who for $7 at Sorry State Records in Raleigh. Hard to say no to that price for one of my earliest favorite albums. My mom had Tommy on cassette and we’d listen to it on family road trips. All those songs bring back great memories of upstate New York and Pennsylvania in the summertime.
Favorite album of all time?
Feathers by Dead Meadow? The Monitor by Titus Andronicus? Low Level Owl 1+2 by the Appleseed Cast?
Chronicle Pt. 1 by CCR? Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid by Bob Dylan? All those albums have endured through the years for me. Endless replay value.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Green Album by Weezer. It was the first time I was ever heartbroken by a band. I loved the Blue Album and Pinkerton, but they came out years before I knew of them. Green Album was the first that I actually anticipated, and Weezer was easily my favorite band at the time. This was in the days before I even had Kazaa or Imesh, so I had no idea what the album would sound like until I saw the video for “Hash Pipe.” That was disappointing enough in its own right, but I still had hope the rest of the album would redeem it. I remember biking all the way to the Scotti’s Records store in the town over from me, buying the album, biking all the way home, listening to it alone in my bedroom and thinking, “This is what I’ve been waiting for? This is so bad.” I was crushed. It was a good lesson in keeping expectations in check. I was probably in 8th grade.
First concert attended?
Dave Matthews Band at Giants Stadium. I went to summer camp in upstate New York so I was exposed to a whole world of hemp necklaces, lacrosse sticks and prep school contemporary music that I otherwise may have never found. The concert was amazing though. Everything I hoped it would be. I loved DMB at the time. They were just happy and poppy, and that’s the kinda stuff I wanted to hear. Even though I often felt like a weirdo or social outcast as a kid, I was never angry about it. I just wanted to be happy.
Last concert?
Local shows aside, the last national band that really blew my mind was Parquet Courts at the Marquis in Denver in November. I had seen them before but this show was on a new level. The band does so much with such a minimal sound. I wish I liked the Minutemen and Jonathan Richman and solo stuff by Lou Reed more, but Parquet Courts distills all that stuff into a version that resonates with me. I normally dislike super highbrow stuff, but something about them makes that intelligence seem sincere and accessible. I think the cross section of the audience at that show — teenagers who want to mosh, and savvy older guys who probably used to watch Mission of Burma play in Boston — speaks to that appeal.
Favorite concert ever?
Maybe the last Titus Andronicus show I saw in Denver, fall 2015. Their first time in Denver after putting out their most recent masterpiece The Most Lamentable Tragedy. I remember being so sad the next day. Like the way I used to feel after Christmas on December 26th, or the way I felt saying goodbye to all my best friends that I’d visit only a once a year.
Least favorite concert?
Senses Fail and Saves the Day in Denver, fall 2005. Those were NJ bands I loved in high school with some of my best friends, but moving out West when I was 18, I saw them alone and the experience wasn’t the same. I felt old and out of place, like I had overstayed my welcome in the self-indulgent emo scene. Funny now that I’m older and more secure with where I am, I can enjoy that stuff again to some extent.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Never been but so excited. Saw these amazing sandwiches on TV when I was watching the Mets play the Pirates last year. And just the general feel of a tight-knit, proud, blue-collar town in Western Pennsylvania is exciting to me. I like honesty and a lack of pretense. I expect to find both those in Pittsburgh.
Thanks, Brian. Definitely try one of those sandwiches, if you are drunk enough.
There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are
worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our
traditional media outlets. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!
“Turbulent and tender songwriting driven by a stormy voice that will leave you a little cut up.” The Still Tide is a shoegaze folk rock outfit from Denver currently on a brief East Coast tour that brings the band back to Pittsburgh on Wednesday (5/18) at the Pittsburgh Winery with CALI and Mike Molaro supporting. I want to thank Jacob Miller (Guitar) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Voodoo Lounge by The Rolling Stones. My dad gave me a Walkman when I was about 8 years old, still probably have that cassette floating around somewhere. I also won a game of paddle ball on the beach when I was probably about 12 and used the winnings to buy Sleater-Kinney’s Call The Doctor, that would be the first on CD.
Your last album bought?
Two days ago I found a promo copy of some live Springsteen stuff at a flea market in Detroit.
Favorite album of all time?
The Beatles, Abbey Road. We always listened to it in the car on family vacations, no matter where or when I hear it it feels like summer on Cape Cod.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Oh man. Putting aside the glut of horrible albums that you just kind of end up with over the course of a tour, Metallica’s St. Anger pretty much has to take the cake on that one. I was a huge metal head in high school, we used to drink 40ozs of Olde English and blast Master Of Puppets in my friend Steve’sbasement pretty much every Friday night so that was a pretty huge disappointment.
First concert attended?
My family’s friend Dave Burrell at the Knitting Factory in Manhattan. I was about 4 years old and started crying because the place smelled like pee. We had to leave. The first one that I went to as a semi-autonomous person was L7 when I was 13, a crowd surfer broke my glasses. Also cried, I was clearly built for rock ‘n’ roll.
Last concert?
Kurt Vile at The Granada in Lawrence, KS. A friend got tickets months ago and we road tripped from Denver to Lawrence to catch the show. Totally worth it, late night partying in the motel hot tub after the show.
Favorite concert ever?
Radiohead at Field Day Festival in Paramus, NJ. Probably 2003? It rained all day, Beck canceled, and the Beastie Boys were terrible, but when Radiohead came out it stopped raining and they played a beautiful set. The rain started up again right when they finished. We had VIP passes for some reason and got to meet Elliot Smith. It was a pretty special day.
Least favorite concert?
Same as above, the Beastie Boys set was awful. They didn’t know any of their own songs, kept on stopping in the middle and starting different ones, then ended early. It was a drag because as a boy in NYC I had friends who could do the entirety of Paul’s Boutique a cappella, they were a pretty formative group for us.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is always fascinating to me because of its architecture; certain neighborhoods in the city still seem the same as they did when I watched The Deer Hunter many years ago. The light is interesting, somehow clear and mellow all at once.
Thanks, Jake. I don’t want to get TOO technical but The Deer Hunter was filmed in Clairton, which is about 15 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Now if you mentioned Flashdance…
I am thrilled to present the exclusive premiere of David Bernabo’s latest solo offering, the debut track called “Material” off of his latest effort The Inn which becomes available on Friday.
David is hosting a private listening party on Wednesday (5/18) rather than a traditional release show because as he explains it, “Given the rule-based generation of the record, I can’t adequately perform any of this music. Hence, the listening party.”He explains the making of the record.“This record began as a set of rules. I recorded all of the drums first – three hours of drums. Instrumentation was limited to guitars. My bass guitar pickup is still not working, and I haven’t taken it to the shop for repairs. For bass, I used the two fretless bass strings on my custom-made 16-string double neck guitar, built by Jeffrey Schreckengost. The songs were written and recorded to the drum tracks, generally in a three or four hour time period. I didn’t write down any of the music and most of the guitar tracks were done with alternate tunings. Vocals were then written and sung, often layered.”
As with anything David has done, he is thinking outside any norms when it comes to original music.
There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our traditional media outlets. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!
“Heavy low end riffs, guitar solos, brutal/melodic vocals, thought provoking lyrics, a drummer that beats his kit into submission, intricate bass lines, and a thirst and hunger to play music…….if you have felt the need to head bang, mosh, or scratch your head at what audio disturbance just blasted your ears and left you in a daze, we have done our job.”
X Fest 2015 w/ Chevelle, Killswitch Engaged, and Rise Against.
Favorite concert ever?
X Fest 2015.
Least favorite concert?
None.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The music scene, I have met so many cool people and friends I never would have otherwise.
Thanks, Patrick. Good to have you back. We could always use more ‘metal’ in the scene, IMO
How to Rob a Bank is an indie outfit from Imperial, PA who just released a cool self-titled EP. The band members are singer-songwriter Jess Ligas (Guitar/Vocals), Alex Britt (Bass), Christian Thurner (Drums), and Spencer Steward (Saxaphone). I want to thank Jess for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Jim Croce Greatest Hits.
Your last album bought?
To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar.
Favorite album of all time?
Bring Me Your Love by City and Colour.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Blurry Face by 21 pilots.
First concert attended?
Aerosmith / ZZ Top.
Last concert?
City and Colour.
Favorite concert ever?
The Dear Hunter.
Least favorite concert?
Tigers Jaw.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The back roads. Curvy and scenic. I’ll miss them terribly when I leave.
Thanks, Jess. Love the EP but what I really need to know is where are you going? I just found your music and you’re splittin’?
” I’m not a girl; not yet a woman. All I need is time. A moment that is mine. While I’m in between. ♥”
Fossil Jane is the moniker of Pittsburgh based indie singer-songwriter Olivia Price. She is working on material as I publish this and expect to see her out more and more. As we all welcome her to the scene, I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
If my memory serves me right, my first CD purchase was Shania Twain’s Come On Over when I was 5 years old. However, before that, I practically non-stop listened to my mom’s Joan Osborne and Sarah McLachlan cassette tapes.
Your last album bought?
All Dogs Kicking Every Day.
Favorite album of all time?
This is honestly THE hardest question that I couldn’t even answer, but the albums I’ve most regularly revisited are: Fleetwood Mac The Dance (Live 1997 album), The Shins Wincing the Night Away, and Wintersleep Welcome to the Night Sky.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Every album Coldplay’s put out since Viva la Vida has been disappointing to me, which super stinks because I’m otherwise a big fan. I also have to say I quite dislike Ingrid Michaelson’s Lights Out album. I grew up listening to her and loved her alt-folk songs, and I definitely get the impression she’s just in it to be a famous pop star now, whatever the creative cost. Everything on that record is so formula-based and lacks any innovation and emotion.
First concert attended?
Haha – Hanson! I was admittedly a huge boy band fan once upon a time.
Last concert?
A few weeks ago, I saw Pgh’s Short Fictions play with Broken Beak at Mr. Roboto. Also, I recently got to attend a Sofar session in Philly that featured the amaaazing Gracie & Rachel and Animal Flag.
Favorite concert ever?
Honestly, I saw Coldplay in Pgh back in 2009, and that was such an amazing experience. Despite what I typically listen to, old-school Coldplay will always be one of my faves and their energy is spectacular. Also, any Dr. Dog concert ever. Dr. Dog fans are the most fun people you’ll ever meet – everyone is just so happy and dancey.
Least favorite concert?
My high school talent show performance of Sara Bareilles’ Gravity. May we forever forget.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a city of hidden gems, and it took me 22 years to realize that. Living in the outskirts, I never knew just how much of a tight-knit art and music scene exists here. We may be known for our die-hard sports fans, but there is truly something for every kind of fanatic. Also, as someone who frequently travels to different cities, Pittsburghers are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, wow.
Thanks, Olivia. I have to agree on the people here being friendly. I worked on film production many years ago and the out-of-town crew members would say the same thing constantly.
“We are a band. We have grown with instruments in our hands. Sprouted from the ashes of our own previous manifestations. We have made music through times of struggle and through times of great triumph. We are here for you, and our music is here to be listened to. We tell stories of self-discovery, so that maybe we can help you discover you too. We are Brash Teeth.”
Brash Teeth are a relatively new garage rock trio from Pittsburgh who have some demos up at their BandCamp page, which you can hear live as the band play around town regularly. As we await an official debut from the guys, I want to t Gene Vercammen (Guitar/Vocals), Derek Krystek (Drums) and Matthew Eugene (Bass) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Gene: Astro Lounge by Smash Mouth.
Derek: Stunt by Barenaked Ladies.
Matthew: Willenium by Will Smith.
Your last album bought?
Gene: Middle Children by Narrow/Arrow.
Derek: All is Dust and I Am Nothing by Slaves BC.
Matthew: Ben Hur by Bitch Magnet.
Favorite album of all time?
Gene: Habits Old and New by Hank Williams Jr.
Derek: Age of ADZ by Sufjan Stevens.
Matthew: Brother, Sister by mewithoutyou.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Gene: Some Nights by Fun.
Derek: The Needles, the Space by Straylight Run.
Matthew: Say Anything by Say Anything.
First concert attended?
Gene: B94 Summer Stretch Concert Series (1999).
Derek: Rush (1996).
Matthew: Barenaked Ladies (99/00).
Last concert?
Gene: Local Pgh group Big Treble at Rhododendron Pavillion in Highland Park.
Derek: Weatherbox and Narrow / Arrow at Double Happiness in Columbus, OH.
Favorite concert ever?
Gene: Definitely Brand New, metwithoutYou, and Thrice at AJ Palumbo Center.
Derek: Guster. Every time.
Least favorite concert?
Gene: Lynryd Synyrd at PNC Park.
Derek: Pearl Jam.
Matthew: Boomboxxx.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Gene: Standing on a roof on Ward St. watching Derek being filmed with the downtown skyline and 40+ people hanging on his every word. There is video evidence online.
Derek: Playing and seeing shows at Pittsburgh Winery. Every time is the best time (shout out to Styckz).
Matthew: Playing basement shows at the Sanctuary.
Thanks, guys. So Gene, where is this video you speak of?
