First/Last-Sleepy Hahas

"With an unwavering focus on songwriting, recording, touring, and press promotions, Sleepy Hahas has recorded two EPs and two full length LPs, working with widely acclaimed producers and engineers for each."

Sleepy Hahas are a psychedelic garage band from Buffalo, NY who are braving the elements to hit Pittsburgh tonight at the 31st St. Pub. I want to thank Pat Butler (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The Beatles "Help!"

Your last album bought?
I bought: Ol' Dirty Bastard "Return to the 36 Chambers", Pond "Hobo Rocket", and Ex Hex "Rips" all on the same day about a week ago.

Favorite album of all time?
I have no idea... Either: The Flaming Lips "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots", Nirvana "In Utero", T.Rex "The Slider", Depeche Mode "Music for the Masses".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Foo Fighters discography.

First concert attended?
Incubus / The Music (2004) at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY.

Last concert?
White Fence / King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (2014) at The Tralf in Buffalo, NY.

Favorite concert ever?
Tame Impala / The Growl (2013) at House of Blues in Boston, MA.

Least favorite concert?
Brand New (2008) at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I lived in Pittsburgh for 2 years while attending Duquense University from 2008 - early 2010. It basically reminded me of a bigger, more put together version of our hometown of Buffalo, and I loved my stay there. I got to see many amazing shows, including the Melvins, and Arctic Monkeys play to 200 people right after "Humbug" came out.

Thanks, Pat. Glad you survived the insane snow up there to make it down tonight. Have a great show.

First/Last-Worlds Scariest Police Chases

"6 cops hellbent on killing themselves or the audience. Whichever comes first."

Worlds Scariest Police Chases are a Pittsburgh hardcore punk rock outfit that pulverize any audience that dares to go see them. Check out their last album, "NOFX and out come the wolves dookie" to get a taste of what I am talking about. I want to thank Dan Rock (Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Hahaha, either Red Hot Chili Peppers “Out In LA” or Rancid “Let's Go”.

Your last album bought?
The new EP from Pittsburgh band Divorce. It’s awesome. I'd definitely recommend it.

Favorite album of all time?
This is a super tough one... you'd undoubtedly get a different answer any time you asked me.... Gorilla Biscuits “Start Today”, Get Up Kids “4 Minute Mile” or “Something to Write Home About”, or any/all of the Hot Water Music records.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
That last Get Up Kids thing... “Saves the Day in Reverie”... I’m sure there are others.

First concert attended?
My brother dragged me to basement shows before I really understood what was going on, but the first "concert" I attended was Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, and Candlebox. My brother took me and it was the night before they all played that Woodstock ‘94 thing.

Last concert?
We just played the other night at The Roboto Project with Two Hand Fools from Cleveland, Divorce and a few others. Thats the last concert I was at.

Favorite concert ever?
Gorilla Biscuits reunion show in Philly. Civ handed me his mic and I sang ‘Start Today’. It was incredible. Some of my favorite moments in life have happened at shows so it’s hard to pick just one.

Least favorite concert?
Just like some of my favorite moments happening at shows, some of the most boring miserable times of my life have been at shows. I’d say lately any show with more than 4 bands is my least favorite. Although I was dragged to a Crazy Town show once... we can put that down as least favorite. Or The Juliana Theory, actually I change my answer. Definitely The Juliana Theory. Hands down.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is amazing. There are so many things you can do here that you'd never be able to pull off anywhere else. I love it. Its my home. The community of artists and people that get shit done here is so great and I am so stoked to be a part of it when I get to. I can never say enough awesome things about Pittsburgh. "I don’t believe in miracles, I believe in Pittsburgh".

Thanks, Dan. Nice quote on Pittsburgh, man. I feel exactly the same way.

First/Last-Good Ship Gibraltar

"Distortion on everything" - Loudini Rock 'n Roll Circus Radio Show

Good Ship Gibraltar is a rock and roll band from Monongahela, PA. They play a fun show this Saturday (11/29) at Brillobox on a bill with The Semi-Supervillians and Jontitrot. I want to thank Ryan Mocniak (Guitar/Vocals) and Rich Pantaleo (Keyboards) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Ryan Mocniak: Ozzy Osbourne “Blizzard of Ozz”.
Rich Pantaleo: It was either “Bang! Zoom” by Bobby McFerrin or “Alapalozza” by ‘Weird’ Al. Both are on cassette!

Your last album bought?
Ryan: Blood, Sweet & Tears (Self Titled - 2nd Album).
Rich: “Fugue State” by Vulfpeck.

Favorite album of all time?
Ryan: That's a tough one. The album I've listened to from start to finish the most is “Led Zeppelin II”.
Rich: “Kind of Blue” Miles Davis.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Ryan: I don't know cause I wouldn't listen to it.
Rich: “Elephant” by The White Stripes. It just wasn't what I was expecting it to be.

First concert attended?
Ryan: Rush, ‘Vapor Trails Tour’, 2002.
Rich: My dad would take me to Sunday night Pittsburgh Jazz Society shows when I was a kid, but I don't necessarily consider those to be concerts. Allman Brothers Band at Star Lake in 2005 would be my first real concert experience (big venue, massive PA system, drunk middle-aged woman trying to dance with me half the night). My buddy got us amazing seats for like $25; we were only 4 or 5 rows back from the stage.

Last concert?
Ryan: Black Keys with Cafe the Elephant, 2014.
Rich: Snarky Puppy this past summer at the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival.

Favorite concert ever?
Ryan: AC/DC at the Civic Arena in 2009.
Rich: Snarky Puppy at an outdoor concert in Greensburg during the Summer of 2013. It was my first time seeing them live. They debuted a new song (now my favorite of theirs) as the first tune in their set and it completely blew me away.

Least favorite concert?
Ryan: Nothing comes to mind right this minute. I usually enjoy live music even when it’s not my favorite bands performing. And afterwards I usually want to go grab a guitar and start playing.
Rich: I can’t name a specific one, but anytime the house sound is bad, my enjoyment of the show is diminished considerably.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Ryan: Biking through all of the surrounding neighborhoods and trails, going to and watching Penguins games, and taking advantage of the Pittsburgh jazz music scene. The players you meet are phenomenal and there is a lot you can learn from that particular style of music.
Rich: Being a college student in Oakland in 2006 and 2009 when the Steelers won the super bowl. Meeting Donnie Iris. All the legendary jazz musicians (living and deceased) born in here. Pittsburgh is the best city in the world!

Thanks, guys. Should be a super fun gig on Saturday, for sure.