First/Last-The Dressed Frets

"Formed in early 2012, The Dressed Frets are a 5-piece indie-rock outfit from Pittsburgh.  Their sound is classic, tight, and vocal-focused.  Each musician is a veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene and they have combined to create a sound that is polished, and allows for each member to be highlighted at different points throughout their catalog.  During 2012, the Dressed Frets recorded 2 EP's, "The Rock Obstacles EP" at 20 Cedar Studios and the second produced by members of another Pittsburgh band, Grand Piano.  "The Bed and a Blank Amp EP" was released this summer.  After playing several shows that continued to build momentum and buzz for the band, The Dressed Frets' lead singer announced that she would be leaving the band to pursue film production in LA.  The Dressed Frets brought in a vocalist-friend who quickly picked up the band's catalog and has been a part of the writing of much new material.  The Dressed Frets took time off during this transition and are now back and booking shows through the summer in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. They are also in the planning stages of more extensive touring."

Check out the band on Facebook. The band recently released their latest EP, "A Bed and a Blank Amp", and this week unveiled a performance video to 'Our Whole Lives' for the excellent J Bird Studios Presents series. My thanks to Mike Dugan (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Martin (Guitar/Vocals), Leanne Diamond (Vocals), Jonah Petrelli (Bass) and Sam Stein (Drums/Percussion) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Mike Dugan: White Zombie “Astrocreep 2000”.
Sam Stein: “The Simpsons Sing the Blues”. Marge's version of ‘Memphis Soul Stew’ is gold. Last Christmas we wrapped old CDs as presents to give out at a Dressed Frets concert. One lucky fan got that CD.

Your last album bought?
Nick Martin: Cat Power “Sun”.
Jonah Petrelli: Easy-E “Easy-Duz-It”.
Leanne Diamond: The Dirty Heads “Any Port in a Storm”.

Favorite album of all time?
Nick: Radiohead “OK Computer”.
Dugan: So many... The Beatles “Abbey Road”.
Jonah: AC/DC “Back in Black”.
Leanne: “As Tall as Lions” by As Tall as Lions.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Nick: Spoon “Transference”. Not that it was a bad album or I didn't like it, but after the last couple of Spoon records I expected the world.
Dugan: Weezer “The Green Album”, not that it's a bad record, but the structure of each song is exactly the same.
Jonah: Any Metallica after Cliff Burton.

First concert attended?
Nick: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ‘Coming Out of Our Shells Tour’, AJ Palumbo Center.
Sam: Rosenshontz Teddy Bear Picnic Concert, Pittsburgh Children's Festival, circa '87. I actually remember it well.

Last concert?
Dugan: Does a Dressed Frets show count?
Jonah: The Darkness.
Sam: Glen Hansard at the Three Rivers Arts Fest, full strings and horn section. He covered the band covering Marvin Gaye. Sweet.

Favorite concert ever?
Nick: The Wrens at Pitt in 2004.
Dugan: Radiohead at Bonnaroo, maybe The Swell Season at the Byham.
Jonah: The Who.
Leanne: Paramore and No Doubt.
Sam: After a free day at Kennywood, I saw Galactic and Les Claypool with Frog Brigade at Metropol (also comp'ed tickets). That was an awesome day.

Least favorite concert?
Nick: Yeasayer at Smalls. They had so much pre-recorded shit going on it was like a karaoke concert.
Dugan: Ja Rule/Mobb Deep at ‘Family Values’ circa ‘98. To be fair, they were filling in for Method Man, big shoes to fill.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Leanne: Pittsburgh has a lot of talent, sports, art, music.. there's a lot of different things to do and see in Pittsburgh. I've lived here my whole life and I'm still amazed at the new things I find in this city.
Dugan: There's so much to like about Pittsburgh, I certainly embrace my inner yinzer.
Jonah: Yinzin’.
Sam: Zap.

Thanks, guys. Being a 'newbie' to your band, I am really excited to see you play again soon.