First/Last-Sun Hound

"Sun Hound is a Blues-Rock duo based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After months of experimenting with various musicians, drummer Nicole Pyeritz contacted Jess Joseph about forming a band. The two hit it off immediately, and joined together to form Sun Hound. Along with the crunch and grit of their Blues-Rock sound, Sun Hound is also heavily influenced by the Psychedelic genre. The band has cited some of their biggest influences as The Doors, Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin, Blind Willie McTell, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Pink Floyd, Eric Burdon, Robert Johnson, Big Mama Thornton, The Dead Weather, Queens of the Stone Age, Son House, The Rolling Stones, Them Crooked Vultures, Howlin' Wolf, Fever Tree, Led Zeppelin, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, The Black Angels, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Jack White. In the Fall of 2013, Sun Hound is preparing to release their debut 5 song EP, Greytone Songs."

  

Check out the band at their official Website, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, and YouTube. A Pittsburgh all-female blues-rock keys/drums duo? Yes, please! The band is diligently working on it's debut EP that will be released in the very near future. In the meantime you can catch the gals at the Thunderbird Cafe Saturday night as they support Steelesque. I want to thank Nicole Pyeritz (Drums/Background Vocals) and Jess Joseph (keys/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

First album ever bought?
Nicole Pyeritz: The first album I ever owned was Nirvana “Nevermind”. Although I can't say that I bought it, more so took it from my brother and it was too good to ever give back.
Jess Joseph: The Band's soundtrack to “The Last Waltz”. I was so in love with the concert footage in the movie that I needed to hear the whole thing over and over again. One of my favorite bands to this day.

Last album bought?
Nicole: Queens of the Stone Age “Like Clockwork”. Ironic name considering I was anticipating this one for what felt like forever.
Jess: Fiona Apple's “When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King…”. I'm surprised I haven't bought this album sooner; it has all of the gusto that I could want in a female driven sound.

Favorite album of all time?
Nicole: I really don't know if there is an answer to this question! Depends on my mood. I even like different genres based on the season. Ha-ha. Two albums I'll never get tired of listening to are both Howlin' Wolf and The Doors self titled albums.
Jess: Pink Floyd's “Dark Side of the Moon”. Every song on the album is brilliantly crafted, not to mention the high acclaim that it continues to receive decades after its debut. I will never grow tired of it.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Nicole: Out of all of the bands that I like, I was most disappointed with “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” by The Foo Fighters. Just not what I love Dave Grohl for most.
Jess: Tracy Chapman's “New Beginning”. I had heard the track 'Give Me One Reason' and adored it, but the rest of the album did not reflect the bluesy, feel-good sound of that song. I'd love to hear her rich voice on a more funk-based and bluesy repertoire rather than folk.

First concert attended?
Nicole: I saw The Monkees when I was 12 and never looked back! I've been to more than my fair share of shows now.
Jess: Eric Clapton. I went with my brother, glued in our nosebleed seats, absorbed in every moment of it.

Last concert?
Nicole: The last arena show I went to was The Red Hot Chili Peppers, well worth the wait to see Chad Smith! Jess and I go to local shows all the time though.
Jess: Soundgarden. Ingeniously amazing! I could listen to Chris Cornell play for days.

Favorite concert ever?
Nicole: Definitely Queens of the Stone Age at The House of Blues. They had an amazing Rockabilly opening band, The Dough Rollers. Then QOTSA played their whole first album and then some. It was a pretty hush hush show, the crowd was intimate and the greatest way to see them live.
Jess: Hadag Nachash. (Laughs). They are a funk-reggae-rap infusion from Israel, and they are fantastic! I went with friends from HaZamir, a Jewish choir that I was involved with, and we were amazingly surprised by the new interesting sound that we were hearing. Israeli music is well worth listening to, even if you don't speak Hebrew.

Least favorite concert?
Nicole: I fell asleep at a Christina Aguilera concert once.
Jess: Every concert I have been to has been an educated decision, so I can't say that I have a least favorite. My only critique: prepare longer set lists!

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Nicole: We love that we're getting our start in Pittsburgh. Every show we've played here has had such a positive reaction, and the folks that come out to shows are always eager to talk and help out afterwards. I don't think you would find that in every city. Now with that said, come out to some shows, people! We'd love to see you there and you can find live, local music in Pittsburgh every night.  
Jess: I work at a hotel in which I meet all walks of people from all different places in the world. All of these people have commented on how nice folks are in Pittsburgh. Our band has received such support in our hometown, and I think part of that stems from the warm-hearted feel of the Pittsburgh people. I will never forget my roots!

Thanks, ladies. Really looking forward to the EP.

First/Last-Superhuman Happiness

"Superhuman Happiness was founded in 2008 to seek joy and love through shared rhythm and melody, composed and improvised. Their mission is to pursue a happiness greater than that experienced by an individual mind. The group is currently mixing their second full length record, collaboratively composed over the course of a year using various theater/music games to develop a potent and fresh style of performing music."

Check out the band's official Website, Facebook, Twitter, BandCamp, SoundCloud, Last.fm and Spotify. The band hits Pittsburgh this Friday night at the Thunderbird Cafe in support of their latest album, "Hands". Much thanks to Stuart Bogie (Saxophone/Keyboards/Vocals) for taking a few to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I don't remember exactly, and bought is used loosely here. My parents bought records for me as a kid. One of these: “Signals” by Rush, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, Peter Criss' (of KISS) solo record or “Donna Summer” by Donna Summer.

Your last album bought?
“Eddie Money Greatest Hits”.  Shut up, dude, he's awesome.

Favorite album of all time?
I never get tired of “Harvest” by Neil Young.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
“Body Count”.

First concert attended?
Ella Jenkins, the folk singer, was probably my first concert. My first big fat rock show was Johnny Clegg and Savuka, Tracy Chapman, and Bob Dylan. My first club show was the Beastie Boys on their ‘Check Your Head Tour’ with fIREHOSE opening.

Last concert?
I just saw Battles, Red Baraat, and Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang play on Harvey Weinstein’s estate for a handful of lucky private party goers. They were awesome!

Favorite concert ever?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn, Ann Arbor, 1993. Ravi Shankar (with Anushka), Katmandu, Nepal, 1999. Tinariwen, Super 11, Khaira Arby, Timbukto, Mali, 2010. KRS-One, Justice League, San Francisco, 2000. Beastie Boys, ‘Check Your Head Tour’, Chicago, 1991(?).

Least favorite concert?
I don't remember, probably one of my own.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Excellent radio, special sandwiches, beautiful homes with porches and decks up and down winding hills. I think Art Blakey is from there, right? Every time I got to Pittsburgh I want to stay and explore and learn more about the area. It is a gorgeous city with a deep history!

Thanks, Stuart. Very eclectic tastes you got there, man. I don't think I have done more 'Google-ing' for any other Q&A than I have for yours! BTW, how does one get invited to Harvey Weinstein's crib?

First/Last-Joe Moorehead

"Like a Rum Soaked Cool Breeze Off An Island Shore, Joe Moorhead, offers a musical escape from the daily grind. “Life Is A Beach” for the band Joe Moorhead. Born in the most unlikely of places, the gritty urban jungle of Cleveland, Ohio, the band took their laid back attitude and tropical party mentality on the road playing college campuses, music festivals and venues throughout the Americas. Gathering up fans and building momentum along the way like a whipping island breeze about to transform into a tropical storm. An ever growing fan base of loyal fans already know the magic in the music of Joe Moorhead. And so should you. Like Jack Johnson, Sammy Hagar and the Dave Mathews Band before them, Joe Moorhead creates a laid back groove with insightful lyrics about love and life from a wholly original sound that provides an escape from today's tough times. Not taking themselves too seriously (No Sting like attitude here) the band's shows are fun and original celebrations designed around escaping from the pains and horrors of the real world. Ready for a musical trip? An around the world escape that is sure to free your mind and move your body? Then you're ready for Joe Moorhead."

Check out Joe's official Website, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, YouTube and Instagram. The band heads to Pittsburgh this Friday night at The Beach Club at Station Square for the CD Release Party of their third album, "Tides Are Rising". My thanks to Joe (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The very first album I bought was “Led Zeppelin IV”. I grew up listening to my Dad's albums and this was always my favorite. When I had enough cash, this was first on my list.

Your last album bought?
The last album I purchased was Gary Clark Jr., “Blak And Blu”. I heard some rough recordings of him a few years back. Last week I was walking through a vinyl record store and spotted this gem  It's a really diverse album that has been a nice addition to my collection.

Favorite album of all time?
I would have to say “Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell and Friends”, is definitely a favorite album of mine. It is mostly solo performances by Bradley Nowell on acoustic guitar. It's raw and it made me want to write music.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
John Lennon & Yoko Ono, “Wedding Album”. I dig The Beatles but when I first heard this, I was amazed by how bad it was.

First concert attended?
I was too little to remember the first concert I attended but I'm told it was a Jimmy Buffett concert. Coincidentally, my parents don't remember the concert either.

Last concert?
The last show I saw was Dave Matthews Band just a few weeks ago. We had an off day and scalped some tickets. Nothing better than an impromptu show.

Favorite concert ever?
One of the best shows I've ever seen was the reunion show of ARU (Aquarium Rescue Unit) at the newly rebuilt Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA a couple years back. The venue was awesome, the people were awesome, and the show was incredible.

Least favorite concert?
The least favorite concert had nothing to do with the performance. I got sick the day of the show and had paid more than I usually would for a ticket to see Phish. I got to the show and had to leave before the first song. I've been told it was a great concert.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Anytime we have had the pleasure to tour through Pittsburgh, it has been a great experience.  The people are always awesome, the city is fun, and the music scene is top notch. We can't wait to be celebrating the release of our new album with a free show in the Steel City.

Thanks, Joe.  Have a good show, man. Friday night at Station Square? Should be crazy-packed!

First/Last-Quilt

"It’s not uncommon to form a band while in college, and that is exactly what Quilt did. Its primary members, Shane Butler and Anna Fox Rochinski (as well as Taylor Mcvay—who plays on much of the record, but has since left the band amicably) were all visual art students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, but bonded over their mutual love of weird, experimental jams and classic pop harmonies. John Andrews joined the band as drummer after opening for every Quilt show on tour in 2009. Butler grew up in a “spiritual community with a lot of musical chanting” and Rochinski was “doing classical singing in choirs that had a lot of crazy harmonies. There’s a lot of repetitive, almost mantra stuff in our songs,” she adds. Quilt is a band with strong roots that formed at the apex of the point in your life when you’re thinking about your own art and what it all means. Then you grow up. You get married, you get a real job, life gets in the way of your art. But the support structure of the band is strong, and they powered through. This self-titled debut full length is the result."

Check out the band on Facebook, BandCamp, Twitter and Tumblr. Today I hit Massachusetts with Quilt for my continuing coverage of the Paste 50 States Project. The band's latest self-titled album is out on Mexican Records. I want to thank John Andrews (Drums) for taking the time participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I think it was the “Yellow Submarine”, but I’m not sure. That was a long time ago. Sometimes I forget what i had for breakfast in the morning.

Your last album bought?
Geoff and Maria Muldaur “Sweet Potatoes”. I got it from BOHO record gallery in Lancaster, PA. The title track is a pretty magical tune.

Favorite album of all time?
Pretty hard question for anyone to answer, but I would say “The Maureeny Wishful Album”. It was Jimmy Page's folk band in '68. Everyone should know it, but no one does.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
If I don’t like them, I turn ‘em off!!!!

First concert attended?
Hanson. 1998. My chakra exploded.

Last concert?
I saw Black Sabbath play 2 days ago, and I coincidentally had seats next to one of my friends that i didn't even know was going to the concert. I also tailgated for the first time and had a jello shot.

Favorite concert ever?
Michael Hurley played in an old barn in Lancaster, PA. We all sat on bales of hay and there were Amish girls there.

Least favorite concert?
I usually sneak outta them if I don't like ‘em.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Go Penguins!!!!!!

Thanks, John. Nice call on the "The Maureeny Wishful Album". I can totally hear some influence from that and your band.