Music – Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Etta Cox, Pittsburgh Musician

Etta Cox:

First, can you tell readers how you got started as a musician and how you’d describe your music?

I started singing at the age of three. At seven I began piano lessons and voices lessons at twelve. I graduated from college with a degree in Music Education and Voice. In my mid twenties I gravitated towards Jazz.

How did you settle into this style of music for yourself – what made it “right” for you?

I found that there was a freedom in Jazz music that I had never experienced before. And I felt it was a good mix.

What local musicians/artists have you looked up to -and have any helped you over the years in any way?

The first local Pittsburgh band that I performed with was the Al Dowe Band. I truly knew nothing about Jazz and Al Dowe became a mentor to me. I provided me with recordings to listen to and let me sing with his band on a regular basis as I grew into the music.

How has the city been as a venue for your music? There seem to be a number of local talented artists yet there’s not been that one big breakout act yet -is there something more the city can do to “get the word out”?

The City of Pittsburgh is a great venue for Jazz and there are loads of Jazz lovers here. When you say that “breakout” act I guess you are referring to someone or some band that hits it nationally and internationally and makes loads of money. Well if you are working steady gigs and making a living doing it as a jazz musician that is quite an accomplishment.

At the present time there are some “young guns” that are doing great things in the field of jazz. To name a few: Brett Williams (pianist) going to the Monterey Jazz Festival, George Heid II, (drummer), Craig Davis (pianist), Benny Benack III (trumpet). Give them some time. They are really going to “break out”!

Are you a sports fan – if so, what teams/athletes do you follow?

Yes I am definitely a sports fan. STEELERS of course! But on any given Sunday during football season I watch all the games even if the Steelers are not playing; just to see what the Steelers will be up against.

Was a big Chiefs fan before moving to Pittsburgh (I am from St. Joseph, Missouri). I always had dreams of going to the Olympics in gymnastics (that was another life). Love Tiger Woods but I can’t bear to watch him lose. Baseball – Wellllll it’s way too long! Love Michael Vick, MIke Wallace, and the younger Peyton (so gutsy)!

Have you had the opportunity to perform in front of any local sports venues/players? If so, how were those experiences?

I have sung the National Anthem for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium (years ago), the anthem for the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Great experiences because the crowd goes wild after you sing; not for you but for the fact that the game is finally starting.

I also appeared with Hines Ward for one of his favorite charities at the Vangura plant.

What have been some of the more memorable performances for you -and what made them so?

Opening for Mr. Ray Charles at Heinz Hall, performing at Wolf Trap twice, appearing in my first Broadway Show “I Love My Wife” then “The 1940’s Radio Hour”, “The Me Nobody Knows”, and appearing with Danny Glover and Ossie Davis at NYU.

I was one of the Rod McKuen girls at Lincoln Center an opened and appeared at my first casino Trump Plaza!

Many see the music business as “all glamour” -but the constant travelling, especially as you are trying to establish yourself, can be very difficult. How do you deal with the travel and rigors of the business?

Aside from being a jazz performer I also teach at CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School). Teaching is more rewarding for me than you can ever imagine. I keep my travelling down to the summer months; unless something comes up that I just cannot refuse. The glamour for me is in the clothes. After that it’s just a job that you love.

Where can fans (and future fans) find and purchase your music?

I have a website that needs to be updated but you can order cds there. Ettacox.com

Any last thoughts for readers?

I feel very blessed to be doing what I love most. And having the opportunity to share my talent with others. Check out my website for my new cd coming out this winter.

Bill Deasy, Pittsburgh Musician

Bill Deasy:

First, can you tell readers how you got started as a musician and how you’d describe your music?

I got into music at an early age because of an obsession with Elvis Presley. The old Elvis songs (“Hound Dog,” Jailhouse Rock,” “Don’t Be Cruel”) blew my mind as a young kid and inspired me to beg for my first guitar.

I would call my music folk rock for lack of a better term. The lyrics matter but I still want to rock!

How did you settle into this style of music for yourself – what made it “right” for you and who are some early influences?

Let me answer those questions in reverse. As I mentioned, my first influence was Elvis. I later fell under the spell of stuff my older was into. Neil Young. CSN. Jackson Browne. Springsteen’s Nebraska. That music really resonated with me and sort of provided my songwriting education. My style springs directly from those wonderful artists.

What local musicians have you looked up to and worked with – and have any helped you over the years in any way?

I have been helped along the way by many, many musicians. All the members of the Gathering Field and my current band; guys a little ahead of me on the path such as Joe Grushecky and Donnie Iris; my compatriots the Clarks and Rusted Root. I’ve written, sung, recorded and/or performed with all of them and they’ve all impacted my journey in beautiful and unexpected ways!

In the 1990s Pittsburgh was on fire with original local music. I can’t imagine that any city in the country was more supportive in that time period and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. Pittsburgh is friendly and inspiring with its cultural diversity and beautiful architecture and landscape.

As for breakout artists, I’d say we have had some, though not in my genre. Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller spring to mind. two artists from the ‘burgh who celebrate their Pittsburgh roots.

Are you a sports fan – if so, what teams/athletes do you follow and what are some of your favorite sports memories?

Yes I am a sports fan. Especially into the Pirates and the Steelers. Have fond, if somewhat vague, memories of the 1979 World Series…my brother and I celebrating in the schoolyard behind our house after The Pirates won.

Other highlights: Santonio Holmes Superbowl touchdown catch. That whole crazy playoff game against the Colts where we manhandled Manning, the refs blew that call, and Bettis fumbled yet we still managed to win the game.

Have you had the opportunity to perform in front of any local sports venues/players? If so, how were those experiences?

I’ve done lots of anthems for Pirates and Steelers…and had various Pittsburgh athletes and coaches at gigs throughout the years, which is always fun. Sports are the fabric of our lives here, so local music is bound to reflect and interact with that.

What have been some of the more memorable performances for you in general – and what made them so?

Almost every performance is memorable for one reason or another. I guess one that stands out is a Gathering Field Fourth of July outside Three Rivers Stadium. It was our peak in terms of popularity and career surge (we’d just signed with Atlantic, Lost in America was all over the radio) and there was this moment where I lifted my arms at a certain point in a song and fireworks started as if we’d planned it that way – and people went crazy and I felt like was floating or something!

I’ve kind of eased past that portion of the journey. Not touring as much as I once was. To be honest, though, when I was, I loved it. It’s a unique experience being in different cities night after night, connecting with people through music.

The travel I did for songwriting was, perhaps, more grueling, where you stay in one city and cram in as much co-writing as you possibly can.

What would surprise fans/readers most about you and your music?

Maybe that I always get really, really nervous to perform – to the point of flat-out dreading it sometimes…though the first moments completely erase all that, without fail! Some people may also not know that I’ve published three novels and am currently working on a screenplay.

If you could be the GM or player for any local team, which would it be and what would be the first thing you’d do?

Probably the Pirates…and the first thing I’d do is have all the players jump into the Allegheny River so that 19 years of losing could be ceremoniously washed away!

Where can fans (and future fans) find and purchase your music?

www.billdeasy.com is the portal to all things Deasy!

Any last thoughts for readers?

Go Bucs!!!

Daniel Piacquadio – Harold’s Corral Sports Bar

Daniel Piacquadio – Harold’s Corral Sports Bar:

First, can you tell readers about how you got involved with Harold’s and when?

I grew up in Pittsburgh and moved here out Arizona in ’87. I graduated from Seton-LaSalle high school.

My dad owned a couple of restaurants (Pasta Too in Bethel Park and Piacquadios in Mt. Lebanon) in Pittsburgh. He started dating a lady that lived in Cave Creek Az. and fell in love with Arizona. He moved out there to the Cave Creek area – at that time, Cave Creek was about a a half-hour to 45 minutes from Phoenix. Later, I went to Arizona State University – I had some friends from Pittsburgh there so it was an easy transition.

My dad bought Harolds in ’87. Before then, my friends and I used to watch Steelers games in the back of bars when I was still in school. After three years of owning the restaurant, we started going and spending time watching the games with my dad at the restaurant. It started off with maybe ten or twelve people. Now, we have over 1,500 in the fan club and over 600-650 people come to see the games, on average.

What makes Harold’s so unique?

There are lots of Steelers sports bars, but this is unique in that a guy from Pittsburgh owns it. I am able to do stuff that maybe other fan clubs can’t. We have the passion for it. We have a 10×11 screen. We know and serve the Pittsburgh food – we put that in there. We give you the full Pittsburgh experience, even though it’s a country western bar with boots hanging from the ceiling.

What are some of the more memorable times/occurrences you’ve had at Harold’s, and what made them so?

We got 3,200 fans for the Seattle Super Bowl, 3,600 for the Arizona Super Bowl and 3,800 for the Green Bay Super Bowl. We’re right next to a Green Bay sports bar and share a parking lot, so during the Green Bay Super Bowl we actually together had over 6,200 fans!

I remember a few years ago I got a phone call from Mel Blount. He was referred to me by the Steelers marketing director Tony Quatrini and Bill Hillgrove. He asked me if I knew who he was and I said of course (laughing). I asked how I could help him, and he said they wanted to come out to Arizona for the Steelers game and expand their fundraising efforts there and wanted our help working with our fan club.

Well, we created events – a golf tournament and fan fest on saturday the day before the game- that brought in over $30,000.

Mel Blount called me again a couple of years later and we threw a huge event and gold tournament. Blount, Mike Wagner, Andy Russell all came and Donnie Iris played. We had over 2,200 people rocking to Donnie Iris. Bill Hillgrove mc’d – it was a great experience.

I actually went to Mel Blount’s boys home ion Washington, PA. I was blown away by his dedication to those boys. He was raised on a farm and now owns acres of land. He has the boys do what he used to do when he was on the farm growing up – taking care of the animals and the farm. He’s an impressive man – he’s still bag and looks like he could still play today!

From caged lions and tigers to frequent visits by celebrities, Harold’s has a rich history. How did that history come about – what made Harold’s such a unique place from it’s beginning?

The Corral started in 1935 – it was started by a guy named Johnny Walker. And that time it was a liquor stand really – that’s all they did. Two dams were being built in the area and the construction workers would come there and buy beer – it was really their one social engagement they had.

Harold bought it in 1955 and did some crazy stuff to bring people to Cave Creek from Phoenix. Live tigers and lions, gunfights….stuff like that.

No live animals today?

(laughing) We inquired with the zoo to see if we could bring in a live tiger to celebrate the anniversary of Harolds, but that didn’t go over. We do live gunfights still – we just use blanks!

We’ve added to it since. One of Harold’s grandsons has become a big Steelers fan. He’s happy to see what we’ve done with it now. It’s now the biggest Steelers bar in the country, I assume. It’s bizarre but a really cool thing.

What’s the most difficult aspect of running a place like Harold’s, and why?

I was flipping pizzas since i was twelve. The restaurant business is in our blood – my grandfather and father both owned restaurants.

It’s rewarding meeting people. We sell season passes for tables, just like they do in the stadium for seats. There are some people who have sat at the same table for fifteen to twenty years. We’ve gone to weddings and made lots of friendships with those people.

The challenges are really just of the every day business. It’s not the easiest business to be in.

What’s next/new for Harold’s in 2012-2013?

We’ll bring in a recently retired Steelers player this year – I can’t say who it is yet. We’re not playing the Cardinals this year in Arizona, so the fan club will do a road trip – probably to Pittsburgh.

As a Steelers fan, what are you looking forward to most from the team this season and why?

I love this year’s team. Cincinnati with their young players will be tough. Baltimore’s always tough. Playing them twice in three weeks – I just hope we survive and don’t have any injuries.

I think Haley will inspire Ben – he’s still one of the best quarterbacks in the league today. I think he needed that push Haley will give him. The concern is that we lost veterans like Hoke, Farrior and Hines, but the bond in the locker room overcomes that.

I’m excited. I’m optimistic at this time every year, but I think this is the year. I think this team is better than last year’s.

Michael Gablicki of Rusted Root:

First off, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to lately and about your new album and upcoming gigs?

We just finished with our new record – we went to Philly to do that. I think this will be our best record yet. We’ve been touring on it for about a half-year – playing the new stuff live. We got feedback from the fans on what songs they love – as we play, we get a feel from the audience on what they latch on to. We can see what they like -which songs – and then we picked the songs for the record that way and continued to develop them and work on them and revise them every show.

Isn’t that backwards from how most bands tour? Don’t most make the album then tour?

People do it both ways I guess. Doing it this way works well for us because we try to bring so much live energy to the record.

Continue reading “Michael Gablicki of Rusted Root:”

Hank Williams Jr.

First, can you let readers know about your upcoming album – what should readers expect from your latest work and when does it release?

My new album comes out on July 10th. It is traditional Hank! You know I was pretty motivated after last year’s ESPN situation. Songs started coming to me in the middle of the night and I would grab the ipad and start writing. This album has a lot of what America wants to hear but so many are afraid to say it. This album is dedicated to all hard working Americans.

Tell us about your upcoming tour – and are you coming to the Pittsburgh area?

The Taking Back The Country Tour is just another tour. You know I only do twenty-five shows a year. So I get to choose where I perform and when I perform. I love Pittsburgh. My friends from Pittsburgh include Dan and Art Rooney as well as John Wodarek from the Steelers organization. They have been real good to Bocephus!

How much of an influence was your father in your approach to music – both in what you wanted to emulate and in the desire to create your own direction?

I am who I am. When I was young everyone wanted me to be exactly like daddy. But that wasn’t me. So the music now speaks for itself.

You were born in Louisiana but are a self-professed Steelers fan. How did that come about – what about the Steelers made you become a fan?

You know I was born in the Shreveport Sanitarium in the same hospital as Terry Bradshaw. I have been a fan and friend of the Steelers for many years!!!!

Who are some of the players you’ve gotten to know over the years and how?

I love soo many of the players. Heinz Ward, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Palamalu, Ben Roethlisberger .. but I am very close with Bill Cowher. I loved Cowher as we both understood each other very well.

What are some of your most memorable moments interacting with team members?

In my career with Monday Night Football, I have been to six Super Bowls. But nothing is as fun as when I am at a Super Bowl with The Rooney Family at the After Party and we are celebrating the BIG Win!!

What are your thoughts about the team’s chances this season?

I think they have a chance. Its about the rebuild and having strong players.

How familiar are you with the Pittsburgh music scene? Any musicians from the area you follow – and how do you think the Pittsburgh music industry can improve and get more talent to be seen and heard nationally?

Well my buddy Wodarek with the Steelers has a band The Stickers. I have been asked to sing on their record, so who knows what will happen.

What are some of your more memorable experiences playing in front of crowds in Pittsburgh?

Being on the stage is what we do. Everything else is work.

Donnie Iris – Pittsburgh Rock Icon

Donnie Iris:

First off, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to lately and about your new album and upcoming gigs?

Starting sometime after the first of the year, we will start working on a new CD.

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for many years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

I started singing at a very early age. My mother played piano, and she taught me how to sing.

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for many years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

My advice to people who would like to get into the music scene would be to work hard and long, whether just singing or playing or writing. And don’t quit.

Many see the life of a musician as all bright lights and glamour, but it’s a tough business. What’s been the most difficult aspect of the music business for you and how have you been able to overcome it and stay active for so long?

The toughest part of the business has been the financial aspect. It sometimes can be very difficult to make a living in music. Many artists give up because they can’t make ends meet just doing music. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to follow my heart and make a living at music, VERY fortunate!

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

My influences have been varied. People I looked up to and influenced me most were Marvin Gaye, Tony Bennett, The Beatles, and many more.

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

I think the Pittsburgh music scene is alive and well. Many wonderful artists occupy this area. Whiz Khalifa is a prime example.

On to sports….are you a sports fan – and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

I am a huge Pittsburgh sports fan! Steelers, Pirates, Penguins. It don’t get no better!

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

I played at Deisel acouple of times and hung with Big Ben, Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith. Great guys.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Parting words for my Pittsburghers: We are really lucky to live here! My take is that Pittsburgh is truly a special place.

Scott Blasey of the Clarks

Scott Blasey of the Clarks (September 28, 2011)

First off, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to lately and about your new album and upcoming gigs?

Well, I just wrote a new song last night so that’s exciting. The last Clarks record was in ’09 and I wouldn’t mind making another one in the next year or two. Show-wise, we’re in the college season- lots of schools and our annual Halloween cruise on the Gateway Clipper.

The Clarks have been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for a number of years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

We started as a cover band at IUP in ’86. We put out our first record (on vinyl and cassette!) in’88 and made Pittsburgh our home. WDVE started playing our stuff in the early 90’s and it just took off from there. Starting out in the music business is very different today than it was back then.

Play anywhere and everywhere. Write great songs (easier said than done). Get on the youtube and get yourself out there.

Many see the life of a musician as all bright lights and glamour, but it’s a tough business. What’s been the most difficult aspect of the music business for you and how have you been able to overcome it and stay active for so long?

Traveling is difficult. I’m a homebody. I like routines and working out and eating good, and those things are hard to do on the road. Getting along personally and creatively with three other guys for 25 years ain’t easy either.

How has the band managed to stay together through the years when so many bands seem to struggle doing so?

It boils down to respect. You have to respect each other’s ideas, lifestyles and choices, even if you don’t embrace them. That’s hard. And you have to compromise and have common goals.

I know there are hundreds to choose from, but what have been some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a musician and what made them so?

The Late Show with David Letterman was a career highlight. It legitimized us to a lot of people. The first Surge Festival at Starlake Amphitheater in 1997 was a defining moment. We headlined a show with Gathering Field and Brownie Mary that drew over 17,000 people.

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

We were influenced early on by bands like the Replacements, R.E.M. and U2. The Replacements were a big influence because they embraced the punk ethic of it’s more important to be passionate than good.

I think it took a couple albums for us to find our own sound, maybe Let It Go was the first where we took our influences were more subtle and our own voices were coming through.

What would surprise fans/readers most about you and the band?

I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was in college, same with Greg. I joined the band 6 months later and learned on the job. The Clarks are the only band I’ve ever been in.

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

Actually, hip hop artist Wiz Khalifa is from Pittsburgh and he broke through huge this year. Mac Miller is next I hear.

As far as rock/pop bands there hasn’t been anything big nationally since Rusted Root in the 90s. Anti-Flag tours internationally but they’re not a mainstream success. I don’t know why it hasn’t happened. There are a lot of talented people here. It’s a tough industry and I don’t think it’s anything that Pittsburgh is not doing that’s keeping it from happening.

On to sports….are you a sports fan –and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

I’m a big sports fan, but not huge one like some folks in this town. I can walk away from a Steelers loss without feeling suicidal!

I was a Pirates fan first. My dad used to take me to games at Three Rivers Stadium in the early 70’s. Steve Blass was a hero, and I’ve had the pleasure of talking to him a few times. Then I became a die-hard Steelers fan. Four Super Bowl victories will do that to a sports-loving teenager.

Then of course the Penguins in the early 90s when I was living in Shadyside made me a hockey fan. I got to drink beer out of the Stanley Cup late one night at Doc’s Place thanks to Paul Steigerwald.

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

I had the pleasure of performing for the Lemieux family at the home of a mutual friend. The kids are fans of the band and Mario and Natalie are great to talk to. Bob Errey is a fan and I’ve talked to him a few times, same with guys like Craig Wolfley and Tunch Ilkin. Walter Abercrombie came up to me after I performed the National Anthem at a Steelers game, shook my hand and told me I did a great job.

Those things stay with you. Everybody I’ve met has been a class-act.

If you could be the GM or player for any local team, which would it be and what would be the first thing you’d do?

Pirates- sign Derrick Lee.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Thank you for all these years of support. Pittsburgh has been very good to us and we love this place.

Norman Nardini – Pittsburgh Rock Icon

Norman Nardini

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for over forty years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

i got started at the age of 14 playin’ frat parties n’ pool parties n’ anywhere folks would let us set up n’ rip……i met a NYC music biz exec in a record store at the age of 18 n’ he helped t’ git me in da biz……….advice t’ young musicians?……BE SOMEBODY

the most difficult aspect of da music biz is the biz…..and the ability t’ play da biz game n’ hang on to your very soul, all at once……i’ve chosen t’ spent most a’ my time on growin’ my skills n’ not dealin’ wit da biz too much, cause i ain’t cut out t’ play dat…

I know there are hundreds to choose from, but what have been some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a musician and what made them so?

i remember openin’ a show for Canned Heat at an empty theatre in McKeesport PA in 1968……..remember playin guitar in Big Mama Thorton’s band, the Hound Dogs for a week at a bar in Boston Mass, ’bout 1972……….remember openin’ da show for Kiss the night they cut Kiss Alive in detroit city in 1975……..remember opening shows for Ted Nugent, Rush, The Pretenders, Robin Trower, Clarence Clemmons, Johnny Winter, Aerosmith at Renzi Park also in McKeesport…….i remember Jon Bon Jovi n’ his boys jumpin’ onstage wit me n’ The Tigers in 1985 at the legendary Decade………i also remember guys like Glenn Pavone, Warren King, Guitar Slim(Gary Scalise), Paul Shook, Jimmy King, Bird Foster, Nason Gieg, n’ Jeff Bobula all are gone but they all left their mark on me……too many memorable experiences t’count and a life time of memorable characters.

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

early influences…….Gary US Bonds, Smokey Robinson, Phil Spector stuff, Muscleshoals stuff, The Young Rascals…..on and on and on…..the trick to using influences in your own music is to have something t’ say, that’s all your own…….BE SOMEBODY…….Question 5……People would be suprised t’ know that i was born standin’ up n’ talkin’ back……naw, more i think about it, they wouldn’t be suprised at all……..

What would surprise fans/readers most about you?

People would be suprised t’ know that i was born standin’ up n’ talkin’ back……naw, more i think about it, they wouldn’t be suprised at all………

Would you rather play the in a large venue or a smaller one like the Decade (which I loved and saw Alex Chilton at years ago) – and why?

you ain’t played a couple hundred small thankless gigs, don’t bother tryin’ t’ play a big gig………

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

i don’t beleive that the powers that be in this town of Pittsfield Pennsyltucky have ever asked the question, what needs t’ be done t’ foster local music talent……..we’re a sports town wit a music problem…….

On to sports….are you a sports fan – and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

born n’ raised……. my ole man was at Forbes Field when Maz sent dem Yankees home cryin’ n’ he was at 3 Rivers when Franco caught The Imaculate Reception……i’m a hopeless Buc fan, fer better or worse and of course a huge Stiller nut, i’ve gained an interest in the pens in the last 20 years ((what a guy this Mike lange is, huh?) and was a Mauler season ticket holder….

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

i hung a’bit wit Bubby Brister in da 90’s, n’ Bubby was people fer sure…….played steel guitar on a Terry Bradshaw record in the 70’s n’ also hung wit Franco a bit, Franco seemed t’ be a most gentle soul……..was hangin’ back stage at a Bon Jovi show n’ Sid The Kid, Brooks Orpik n’ two other Pens came back t’ meet Jon…….i was most impressed wit da Kid….mature way beyond his years……when i was his age i was ’bout half a’ knucklehead, more i think ’bout it, i’m still half a’ knucklehead…….

If you could be the GM or player for any local team, which would it be and what would be the first thing you’d do?

i would not pretend dat i could add much of anything important to da Stillers mind trust………but maybe i could’a saved da Bucs from makin’ so many bad decisions……..Aki who?

Any last thoughts for readers?

i’m still singin’ it, still bringin’ it, still throwin it, still showin’ it…….you can’t lose wit da things i use…..once tried, ain’t never been denied……n’ the ladies?….. well, their delighted……….keep on, keepin’ on…….nn

Tarra Layne

Tarra Layne (October 11, 2011):

First, can you tell readers how you got started in the music industry and how you’d describe your music?

I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember. When I was little, I never missed a Grammy Awards show EVER. I’d always be singing in the bathroom mirror or to my stuffed animal audience, haha.

I had been in choir growing up and in a competitive choir program in high school. I went to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio for public relations and music industry. My father, who was a crazy-good guitarist from the NYC area, passed away the summer I graduated, in 2008. It just snapped and realized that I need to pursue my first and only love so, I moved to Nashville, TN. I returned to Pittsburgh in 2010 to get some things moving, and I ain’t stopping!

Nothing’s gonna nail my feet to the ground! If Miranda Lambert, Led Zeppelin, and Motown had a baby, my CD would pop out.

How did you settle into this style of music for yourself – what made it “right” for you?

I’m really not sure. My father was really into eccentric rock ‘n roll and I was exposed to a lot of different music growing up. My love was R&B for most of my life. I just LOVE soul and blues music and really don’t know where that spawned from because my mother and stepfather aren’t avid music listeners. I just always enjoyed Brandy and Monica and Gospel music – and was always told that “I got that soul!” haha. So, combining my love for rock ‘n roll, country music, and Motown, I got this funky twang that my vocal coach calls “Funktry”. It’s definitely different so it works for me!

What local musicians/artists have you looked up to –and have any helped you over the years in any way?

Living in Nashville, there is an artist, and friend named Karen Waldrup that really inspired me to push forward with my music. She just appeared on Bravo’s Platinum Hit. She’s still one of my greatest inspirations and will be opening for me at my CD release party, November 20th.

Locally, damn. I really look up to Kellee Maize. I consider myself a loyal fan definitely. She has this unique sound and style and has an amazing marketing mind.

Fistfight in the Parking Lot also. It’s a hard-rock group and the lead singer, Abby, is a DJ on The X. She‘s just hardcore and a chick; I love it!

How has the city been as a venue for your music? There seem to be a number of local talented artists yet there’s not been that one big breakout act yet –is there something more the city can do to “get the word out”?

I think Pittsbrugh is great venue for my music. Not many people know but there is a pretty big blues and jazz scene here. I love rockin’ the stage and I think this city needs “groovy” rock ‘n roll .. especially from a chick.

I help out ThePittsburghScene.com with his endeavors and he has really brought the local music scene together. He sells Support Pittsburgh Music T-shirts and strives to bring out the cities talent.

I think the best thing to do to get the word out is really play locally, support local artists, go see shows, join street teams, help fund a music project, even if it’s a couple bucks. Many bands just don’t have the funds to get on the road or receive the promotion they deserve.

You’ve sung the anthem at a number of sporting events –how was it performing in front of a large local audience in that kind of venue?

I absolutely LOVE performing the anthem. It sounds cliché but, it really is an honor singing the tradition. And of course, when the whole stadium stands, takes their hats off, anticipating your first note, it’s an amazing feeling. It only makes me more excited for future performances.

Are you a sports fan – if so, what teams/athletes do you follow?

I’m from Pittsburgh, so I have to be a sports fan! I enjoy Pitt Basketball and the Penguins. And of course, there’s nothing better in the summer than grabbing a dog and brewski at a Pirates game.

Any of the athletes ever approach you for advice or just to compliment you on your work?

I was recently in a singing competition at the Consol Energy Center and Jerome Bettis was there. Does that count? haha. I try to go down the line and hi-five the dugout or the side-line. They usually compliment.

IM STILL TRYING TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT A PENS GAME SO IF ANY OF YOU CRAZIES OUT THERE CAN ASSIST?.. I would more than appreciative. Love, Tarra.

What have been some of the more memorable performances for you –and what made them so?

I recently had an interview on 93.7 The Fan. They let me sing Rock ‘n Roll by Led Zeppelin on air! It was a great feeling, especially when people actually called me afterwards like, “OMG! YOU WERE JUST ON THE RADIO THAT WAS AMAZING!”

I was also in a competition on Froggy 95 this summer that was broadcast live. It’s just mind- blowing. Last year, my goal was to sing on the radio, this year it was to get my record done, next year, oh well, ya betta watch out! It’s all so exciting. I live for it.

Many see the music business as “all glamour” –but the constant travelling, especially as you are trying to establish yourself, can be very difficult. How do you deal with the travel and rigors of the business?

I’m a gypsy at heart so, I can’t wait to begin traveling and spreading my music.

As far as the glamour of the business, I try really hard to just be myself. I’m a really natural person. I’m a female, I love dressing up and feeling beautiful but, it’s very hard for women in this industry to be themselves. The whole idea of “sex sells” can mask your initial goal and then it’s not about the art any longer. It’s about what’s popular. Males still rule the music industry. I’m not referring to execs and producers but also artists. Male artists are proven to be more successful. Why? Because female fans are crazy lol.. Crazy but, true.

This is why it’s hard for us girls to not “sell out”. I think the hardest thing is just being true to yourself Remember who you are writing for (yourself) and the image you want to portray. Sometimes big things can be waving in front of your face, but it doesn’t mean you have to jump. Dollar bills look very tasty these days. However, I promised myself that I would never put money before my love. It’s a hefty investment, but I’m not going to ruin what I set out to do to satisfy what the industry wants. These days the industry is completely different and you can do it without a label. Compromise is always on the table though.

When will you have “made it”?

When I can wake up in the morning – happy where my music career stands. Not really sure of the when, where, or how. My goals change everyday when I learn something new or find inspiration. Right now, I’m in a hefty pursuit and I’m working really hard to get there.

I definitely want to be able to “do music” fulltime. So as of right now, that’s when I’ll feel “I made it.”

Where can fans (and future fans) find and purchase your music?

www.facebook.com/tarralaynemusic . If you “like” the page, you will be able to download my whole album for free beginning October18! Not too long after, I will be releasing the physical copy.You will be able to find it on CD Baby, iTunes, ReverbNation, Spotify, and of course f.y.e. Localeyez….really any digital distribution site.

Also, my website is in the works, so keep checking in! www.tarralayne.com

Any last thoughts for readers?

Find me online and help me spread the word! We artists depend on people like you to help us reach new ears. My debut single, “Beautiful Day”, can be downloaded on facebook and the music

video is up on YouTube!

facebook.com/tarralaynemusic
youtube.com/TarraLayne

Come to my Music Release Show! You’re invited!

November 20th, 2011 7PM at Sing Sing in the Waterfront. Bravo! Platinum Hit star, Karen Waldrup, is coming to town to open for me. It will be quite a night.