First/Last-Sara Jackson-Holman

"Where the songs on Jackson-Holman's debut, When You Dream (Expunged Records) were intended to be universal and interpreted by the listener, her latest release Cardiology expresses a very personal journey, specific to the study of her own heart this past year. “This album centers around themes of love and loss and my experiences with each over the course of this last year. Some songs, like “Do I Make It Look Easy” and “For Albert” are about moving on from situations - realizing and accepting that you can't change people, which is challenging, but at the same time empowering, because that understanding ultimately provides you with a sense of peace.  I also wrote songs to sort through what it means to lose someone you love, and what you do with that feeling of loss.” 

Pianist Sara Jackson-Holman has recently released her latest effort "Cardiology" on Expunged Records. Being compared to the likes of Feist, Amy Winehouse and Adele, inevitably has begun some buzz on the Portland-based singer songwriter. I want to thank her for taking some time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought? I think it was a Scarlatti piano album.

Your last album bought? The Mynabirds, “Generals”.

Favorite album of all time? Coldplay, “Parachutes”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album? I can't remember! Usually when I don't like something I skip it and immediately forget about it.

First concert attended? Besides numerous piano concerts, beginning at age 7, I'd say the first "real concert" I went to was the Central Oregon Symphony.

Last concert? An outdoor music festival at a friend's house. It was beautiful and intimate. Those are my favorite kinds of concerts.

Favorite concert ever? Bon Iver.

Least favorite concert? Anywhere the sound is terrible. Those are all my least favorites.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh? I'd like to visit so I can have an answer to this question!

Thanks, Sara. Really diggin' the vibe of your new album. Pencil in Pittsburgh in the future, we'd love to have you!

First/Last-Instead of Sleeping

Instead of Sleeping

The Smiling Moose

Friday, September 28, 2012

Southside

"Instead of Sleeping has built up a strong reputation as an independent rock band touring regionally on their most recently released self-titled studio effort, out in mid-2010. They are now touring to promote the release of their upcoming album, "The Reds The Blacks The Grays". The band has been privileged to share the stage with notable national acts “fun” and “The Dear Hunter”. Since 2010, Instead of Sleeping has evolved into a multi-instrumental outfit comprised to two drum kits, horns, keys, and a myriad of other sound that transforms the band from a traditional indie-rock quartet into a swelling stage presence that captivates audiences up and down the East Coast."

The upstart Pittsburgh band plays their CD release gig tomorrow for their latest, "The Reds, The Blacks, The Grays", at the Moose with support from Sikes, Heathens to Heroes and Jeremy Caywood. My sincere thanks to Vocalist/Guitarist Shaun Sweeney for taking a few to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought was probably Eminem's "Martial Matters" when I was about 10 years old? Ha-ha! It was a slow transition from rap, to rap rock with Linkin Park, to heavier bands like System of a Down, to more punk bands like New Found Glory, and so on and so forth. None of these bands I listen to anymore, but that's the overall progression of how it went I guess!

Your last album bought?
My most recent album that I purchased was O'Brother's "Garden Window". We met them when we played with them and The Dear Hunter at Mr. Small's. They were really friendly, extremely talented, and I thought that they deserved my money, not just an illegal download, ha-ha!

Favorite album of all time?
My personal favorite album of all time would be a three-way tie between Brand New's "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me", Minus the Bear's "Menos el Oso", and Radiohead's "In Rainbows". I know as soon as I send this email I will think of 10 other all-time favorites that I will regret not mentioning, but that will have to do!

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The most disappointing album in my eyes would have to be mewithoutYou's "It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright". I hate to say it because I love when a band takes a risk and changes up their sound from album to album, but I just couldn't make the transition from their darker, more post-hardcore, talk singing album prior to this, "Brother, Sister" to this lighter, folkier album. Not to say it isn't good music, just a tough readjustment of standards I held them to.

First concert attended?
The first local concert I ever attended was at a church outside, where I saw a band called Renfield. I fell in love with going to local shows there and then, and haven't looked back since. Renfield has since disbanded, but I still mention it to them if I see the original members! First ‘concert’ concert ever was Brittany Spears when I was about 8 or 9, LOL.

Last concert?
The most recent concert I attended (and not played) was O'Brother, Moving Mountains, La Dispute, and Thrice. Great show.

Favorite concert ever?
My favorite concert I ever played was a house show I had at my house in Moon Twp. It was hot, sweaty, no AC, free beer, too many people, not enough room…. Perfect! THAT is how music should be seen. My favorite concert I have ever attended would probably have to be Minus the Bear's show at Mr. Small's with As Tall As Lions. I haven't seen bands that tight, polished, and liquid on a stage ever in my entire life. I loved every second of it and sang every word until I lost my voice.

Least favorite concert?
Asking Alexandria. Fake. Generic. Bullshit. Fake amp cabs, British flags, and a big bus with their faces on it… totally stupid. I was there because I had a girlfriend with completely terrible taste in music.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Favorite experiences about Pittsburgh music, shows, and the music scene as a whole: it's tough. If you can keep a fan base here, get people to shows here, and keep peoples' attention here, you can do it anywhere. It's a city that does not have a primary focus on music as much as other cities we have played in, and we recognize that as one of our strengths. If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere.

Thanks, Shaun. Love your favorite gig. It's funny how one man's treasure could be another's gold!

First/Last-Satin Gum

 

"Satin Gum is an American power pop/alternative rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania consisting of songwriter Brian Spekis (Vocals, Guitar), Jonathan Gunnell (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Travis Craig (Bass), and Dan Vavro (Drums, Backing Vocals).
Since their inception, Satin Gum has shared the stage with prominent musical artists such as Jesse Malin, Frightened Rabbit, Smith Westerns, We Are Scientists, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Bear Hands, and French Kicks. The Gum's songs have been placed in major television shows such as The Good Wife on CBS.
No strangers to a delectable chow, the band members are often seen in their downtime enjoying a sandwich known as the “Leroy Brown”, a half-pound of Angus topped off with homemade BBQ sauce, sugar-glazed peppercorn bacon, and cheddar cheese. "

Satin Gum is one of my absolute favorite local bands who have released it's second full-length, entitled appropriately enough, "LP2", just yesterday. My thanks to frontman Brian Spekis for taking time away from stuffing his hole to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Nirvana, “Nevermind”. I just HAD to learn to play guitar as soon as I heard it.

Your last album bought?
The J. Geils Band, “Nightmares... And Other Tales From The Vinyl Jungle”. The song ‘Givin' It All Up’ is my jam.

Favorite album of all time?
Weird Paul, “Lo Fidelity, High Anxiety”. I laughed, I cried, I
hurled. I was first exposed to this album in my mid-teens, and it was one of my main inspirations when I tried to start writing my own songs.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Every Foo Fighters album between 2002 and 2007.

First concert attended?
I was too young to remember exactly, but it was either The Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen.

Last concert?
The Red Western at Brillobox.

Favorite concert ever?
Creta Bourzia & Sunday Driver upstairs at Groovy's back in 1997 (I think) in the South Side. I just got my driver's license, and these were two of my favorite local bands. I remember sneaking a tape recorder into the show to record it because neither band had a proper release at the time.

Least favorite concert?
Weezer at Metropol in 1996 during their 'Pinkerton' tour. The drummer played half-ass the entire show and sucked the life out of every song. My 15 year-old heart was shattered.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
There are so many kind and talented dudes & dudettes that I've met in Pittsburgh, so many awesome local bands, artists, photographers, etc. I'm thankful to know them and to have had the chance to play/work with them. Also, much love to the local venues, newspapers, and websites that continue to support local music.

 

Thanks, Brian. Let me just sat that we love you back bro!

First/Last-Laetitia Sadier

Laetitia Sadier

Thunderbird Cafe

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Larryville

"Silencio! It's been two years since we took The Trip with Laetita Sadier. Her first true solo album since exiting the bedrooms of Monade and Stereolab, The Trip breathed freshly and deeply as both a personal homage to life's journey and as a grieving process for the separations that are unavoidable within it. Born from a similar, natural need for stillness as well as agitation, Laetitia now delivers her follow-up LP, Silencio - an album exploring the individual connection to a deeper self, placed in a broader environment, in a similarly fresh kind of way."

Her latest solo effort "Silencio", was released on Drag City this past July and Laetitia will be in Pittsburgh tomorrow night at the Thunderbird Cafe with support from Orca Team. My thanks to her for this session of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Unknown Pleasures”, Joy Division.

Your last album bought?
“Three”, Portishead.

Favorite album of all time?
“A Tabua De Esmeralda”, Jorge Ben Jor.

First concert attended?
Simple Minds.

Last concert?
I Love Sarah, at Boschbar Zurich. They are a 2 piece experimental band from Belgium. Highly energetic.

Favorite concert ever?
Holden, on a boat somewhere near Le Mans in France. That was the most delightful. I saw a great band at the Jabber Jaw in LA some years ago, the were really good; called Unwound. They marked me!

Least favorite concert?
Too many to name, but I usually try to forget them...

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Looking forward to being there again. I have found memories of our only Lab concert there, I believe only once? I also like Cassavetes, and one of his films with Gina Rowlands is based there, so Pittsburgh holds a special mythical place in my mind.

Thank you, Laetitia. I believe it was in 2000 since you have played here last at the now closed Club Laga. Nice to finally have you back.

First/Last-Hellblinki

Photo courtesy of Andrew Benjamin

Hellblinki

Garfield Artworks

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Garfield

"Hellblinki has emerged out of the bohemian mountain enclave of Asheville, NC, from which Andrew Benjamin (vocals, guitar, drums, accordion), Valerie Meiss (vocals, accordion, toy piano, ukelele, saw), & JonPaul Hess (bass, keyboard, organ pedals) deliver their signature blend of American folk, European cabaret, punk, and noise rock experimentation. Hellblinki creates a world from found sound, pirate songs, and dirty south blues. The lyrics are philosophical, the tunes are odd and catchy, and Hellblinki ushers the audience into a grinningly sinister world, not quite like our own. The band has opened for Gogol Bordello, Unknown Hinson, and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, and has toured the country with Voltaire. They have entertained festival-goers & revelers at Dragon*Con, Green Man Festival, and Brooklyn's Hallowmass and Dances of Vice."

The trio hit Pittsburgh tomorrow night at GarfArt on a bill with Illusion of Joy and Patricia Wake. My thanks to multi-instrumentalist Andrew Benjamin for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I'm not sure, maybe The Police's “Synchronicity”? I know the first single I bought was ‘I Love Rock and Roll’ on 45” when I was 10 or so. My parents listened to classical, folk, and opera. The only rock and roll I was exposed to before then was the ‘Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby’ 45”. I had a Fisher-Price record player that had trippy fake Space Invaders printed on it. I listened to Eleanor Rigby when I wanted to get creeped out.

Your last album bought?
I bought 3 copies of Megan Jean and the KFB's CD “Dead Woman Walkin'" to put on my Weirdhead store. I'm slowly putting other albums on there that are made by friends, that I think are top-notch, and that I listen to all the time.

Favorite album of all time?
Ohhhh, that's hard, I don't do favorites. It always changes. I REALLY got into Pink Floyd's "The Wall" when I was 16 or so. I love the original Broadway cast recording of "Three Penny Opera". I had a cassette of Louis Armstrong "Singin' and Playing" that a guy gave me on the street in Savannah, that I listened to over and over and over. I was big into Crass' "Feeding of the 5000" for a bit and the Subhuman's "The Day the Country Died". Tom Wait's "Rain Dogs" kind of tied up a lot of influences for me. The Residents "Duck Stab" album was big, "Eskimo" too. The Alan Lomax Folkways Woody Guthrie/Leadbelly record. I could go on and on.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I'm going to cheat a little on this one. I helped arrange an independent record store once when I was a teenager, because my friends and I shopped there and we wanted to be able to find stuff better. I got to pick out a couple of records as payment. One record I chose had a really odd cover. It had a skinhead looking guy on the back with a greenish shirt that had a gymnastics logo on it with a bright orange background. The front was the same dude wearing a fancy dress jacket, boots and jeans standing with a kid in front of shop that advertised "New Boots and Panties". It was "Ian Dury and the Blockheads". I got it home and listened to it and hated it. I listened again, it started to grow on me, and before long became one of my all-time favorites. Great record.

First concert attended?
It was either Quiet Riot with WASP, or Rush with Blue Oyster Cult. My first Punk Rock show was a band called Bedlam Hour and Beyond Possession.

Last concert?
JonPaul (our bassist) and I played on the LaZoom Comedy Tour Bus here in Asheville a couple of days ago, the bus shows are a blast!

Favorite concert ever?
Tom Waits at the Orpheum in Boston, ‘Mule Variations’ tour. My girlfriend and I went as a vacation and had a grand time. Sat next to a guy who had seen The Doors there. He said it was the best show he'd ever seen even though the audience had to wait and wait while Jim Morrison was tracked down and sobered up, and even then the band only played for 20 minutes.

Least favorite concert?
I used to run an Illegal, underground, all-ages venue and sometimes we would have these Emocore shows with 5 or more bands that were all essentially identical. Those were tough, just because there seemed to be so little originality. Yawn.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has this really cool post-industrial wasteland vibe that I love. I bet it's fun to explore abandoned places there. The people we know there are really cool, not pretentious, friendly and real. I love Pittsburgh. The traffic sucks though, especially when some of the bridges are closed.

Thanks, Andrew. Believe me, I love Pittsburgh but sometimes the traffic here really does suck!