First off, what music projects do you have going on now?
We just finished our Summer run – we’re done traveling for a while. We’ve been all over the place – it’s nice to be back home! We played the Pitt game a short while ago – our next thing is the December 12th Christmas show at the Thunderbird. We only do two of our own shows a year – that one and of course our St. Patty’s Day one.
How did the city influence you and your music?
Well, I’ve been playing since middle school – I was playing in bars with black Xs on my hands. Pittsburgh had an amazing punk and rock music scene – I don’t think many people realize how much music is here. I grew up with hundreds of bands. But after Covid a lot of the venues closed and the bands went by the waste side. It was like seeing paintings getting thrown into the fire.
But the city – it’s the Steel City – a mining town in its roots. That keeps it close knit in terms of being exposed to music. Luckily I had an amazing friend who kept me in the loop musically. I listened to guys like MC Hammer when I was 12 – but when I got my first Pennywise CD that was it. I was punk rock all day after that!
How did you guys all meet and what prompted the start of the band?
I had a band called Ragweed when I was in middle school through my 20’s. That was me and my two friends. We didn’t even know who was going to play what instrument – we each just chose one and made noise in our basements. It’s a shame that kids don’t do that anymore – it was a great way to build comradery between friends. We learned how to play, but more importantly, we learned how to play with each other. That’s a whole different aspect of playing music. You can be an amazing drummer or bassist, but learning how to play with other people and anticipate their moves is a very different thing.
Celtic rock has really grown as of late – why is that do you think?
We play across the country at different Celtic festivals. The older generation is apprehensive to change – we heard the same music at every festival. But lately a lot of younger people are taking over the festivals and they want different music. So I think that’s one reason more Celtic music has been desired. Of course Flagging Molly and Dropkick Murphys were the frontrunners – they are the big guns of punk rock Celtic music. We try not to sound like them though – we try to do our own thing.
How do you navigate that influence while still maintaining you own direction and identity in a niche like this?
It’s organic – we consider ourselves a punk band with violins and mandolins – having those instruments lets us sound more Celtic, but we also decided after our third album that while we love that niche, we wouldn’t be afraid to do other things too. We can blend our music – if we want to do something else some people may like it, some may not, but if we like it we’re going to play it.
You’ve been voted “Best Rock Band in Pittsburgh” four years running. What does it mean to carry that punk and rock band banner when rock seems to be less mainstream now?
It’s an honor – we’ve gotten to do things 99.9% of bands never get to do. People don’t realize how many bands never make it. We get to play festivals, travel internationally….That hit me later – we had little traction as a band until I was in my 30’s. So, we’re all grounded and feel blessed and are conscious of how lucky we are to have a fanbase that enjoys our music. Our goal was just to have fun in our basement playing music – this is all a dream come true. We’re constantly checking ourselves and making sure we enjoy the Hell out of every day we play.
You’ve played alongside some well-known local and national bands like the Dropkick Murphys, Rusted Root and The Clarks – any thoughts on playing with those guys?
They’ve all been crazy. We’ve played with the Dropkick Murphys a few times. Once we were told 20 minutes before the show that we weren’t allowed to use electricity. They could, but they told us we couldn’t. They never told us why.
The Young Dubliners removed us the night before a show too- I think it was because we sounded too close to their music. That’s maybe what happened with Dropkick Murphys.
We’ve opened for Pennywise and Train on their cruise ship concerts. Getting to play with amazing bands like that is special. And bands like Gaelic Storm and the Screaming Orphans – we see them 15 times a Summer. It becomes like our own special family.
In Dayton once, on my way to the Dayton Irishfest, my van broke down. We put a trailer on the back of our mandolin player’s car but then the axle broke. It took us five hours to get to the club – the staff there was amazing – they helped us get set up in 30 minutes. Then 10 minutes before the show I asked where my guitar was – they forgot it in the trailer! The guys in The Elders loaned me a guitar – they saved my butt! It really all is like a small family.
Any good sports-related connections?
We’re not huge sports fans, but we play at Penguins games – usually during the second period. No amps though – just in-ear – we don’t like playing in-ear! The Penguins contacted us ad had us write a song for them to play at the arena – “It’s a Great Day for Hockey!” They asked us to update the song – it wasn’t our original song – but they wanted it updated with our style of music. So they play it when they score goals and stuff. They called us back recently to update the lyrics with new players after some of the guys left.
We also wrote a song for the Pirates. The Steelers just asked us to play on Stage AE but we were unfortunately traveling – so they asked us if we can play for the December 27th game. I hope it’s inside!
Lastly – what are your thoughts on the music industry now especially in Pittsburgh- do you worry about its direction or are you excited by it?
The scene is changing – it’s aging, as am I! I have an 18 year-old son and he makes music and is much more into social media – he does more rap-like music. I noticed since I was in high school – I don’t see kids playing instruments now. Just across the board – it’s beats and AI. The newer generation is losing that comradery that goes with playing instruments together. I write 99% of our music, but I still like to get the other guys involved – I’ll ask them to write a line or two to get them involved. That’s the fun of it. Now it’s all collabs. My son said I should do a collab with other bands – I didn’t even know what a collab was at first!
I never wanted to be that old man yelling at clouds – but I do see it all changing and I think that comradery is missed.