Wednesday, December 30, 2015

First/Last - Anton Charr


"I was just feeling like putting out more music more often so I figured going solo on the side was the best way to do it."

Anton Charr is the stage name of musician Antony Chirovsky who is digitally releasing his debut  album Whole Soul Furnace via First Flight Records before heading off to London with a cool show this Saturday (1/2) at Brew on Broadway in Beechview. Much thanks to Anton for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.



The first album you ever bought?
Shadows Collide with People by John Frusciante. I had quite a few albums before that which my mother owned and I listened to frequently. Everything from Chicago and the Beatles to Carly Simon and Fine Young Cannibals and Cat Stevens. In many ways it was my appreciation for Cat Stevens that began my first forays into owning my own music and John Frusciante was the one. Especially at that period of his music (before he was always a bit too strung out and now he is in a new electronic and Acid-Rock phase) his vocal quality reminded me of Cat Stevens and his musical ability, while always obviously present in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was really on display for that record and it was just awesome. "Omission" is still one of my favorite songs and I may or may not judge a potential collaborator on whether they know it or might want to sing it with me.

Your last album bought?
The Long Goodbye by John Paul White. I had always really liked The Civil Wars and since they split up I was looking for something in the same vein. I found his solo album from before they got together. I'm still spending time with it so my opinion is not the best informed. He displays the same lyrical maturity that made the group as good as it was but I think the restrictions of an acoustic duo really let the beauty shine and this record sometimes sounds a little over-instrumentalised. Still really good.


Favorite album of all time?
I always seem to have a new "favorite record ever" every week. But one I keep coming back to is John Mayer's Born and Raised. It was so stripped down and honest compared with his earlier work but also has this elegance of style and word-play that makes it a pleasure to listen to. He also likes to wear his influences on his sleeve and that's a trait I really appreciate. It is why I also like Muse and Dawes and Frusciante. I like the idea of music as history and that history is nowhere more accessible than when you can trace the influences. Like John Mayer's blues playing shows influences of Albert King because Mayer was influenced by SRV who was influenced by King. I like that.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
El Camino by The Black Keys. While it is definitely hopping record and a great one to go for a run with, after the musical depth and beauty of Brothers, it was rather disappointing, made more so by my perception of their live performances as getting poorer on the following tour.

First concert attended?
The first concert/gig was a local Pittsburgh high school band with some friends of mine, Hot Metal Bridge at the Rex. Just some good Rolling Stones covers and lame bandannas and pleather jackets and fun times. Full out touring national act wise, it was The Black Keys show I'll talk about later.

Last concert?
I've been out of the country and busy with school so there haven't been a lot of chances recently. The last big-time show was probably John Mayer right after Paradise Valley came out. I also saw local artist Zach Hudson in a show a while back as well. I have seen a few stand-up specials filmed for BBC 3 this past year. No music yet though.

Favorite concert ever?
Los Lonely Boys at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival at Hartwood Acres a few years back. Best live performance, including YouTube videos, that I've ever seen. I think it was their last stop of that tour and they just went all out. It was great.

Least favorite concert?
When the Black Keys were in Pittsburgh during the El Camino tour, as you may have guessed from my least favorite album. It was so short, only like 55 minutes with the encore, and all the songs were played at what seemed like double time. It just felt as though the band did not want to be there and I could tell.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
There's so much about this city to love. The music scene is one of the greatest parts. All of the great people I've had a chance to listen to and work with. Adam Levine of Circles and Squares, Jeremy Caywood, Zach Hudson, Jeff Betten, Andre Costello....
Pittsburgh is also the only city I can really call home. I've lived in many places along the Eastern Time Zone and I've spent time in Europe and the UK but Pittsburgh is home. It has an international feel to it thanks to the many cultures from a history of immigrants. It is also extremely walk-able (at least if you're OK with hills) and the public transport, while not the best, has a certain charm. I love it here.


Thanks, Anton. Looking forward to hearing the album. Also, safe travels to London, my man!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

First/Last - Old Soles and Seedy Players


"Old Soles and Seedy Players is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and producer Dan Sty. With influences ranging from Steely Dan and Harry Nilsson to Foxygen and The Beach Boys, OSSP spans multiple genres to create a fresh and unique sound."

Old Soles and Seedy Players is a neo-soul psychedelic pop band from Pittsburgh who are helping to close out 2015 this Saturday (12/26) with a bangin' show on the south side featuring blog faves Balloon Ride Fantasy and power-popsters Paint31. I want to thank Dan Styslinger (Keys/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.




The first album you ever bought?
It was actually a cassette of Pearl Jam Ten I bought when I was 8 years old. My second was Lou Bega A Little Bit of Mambo.

Your last album bought?
Ray Lamontagne Supernova.

Favorite album of all time?
It's really hard to pick but I'd have to go with the self-titled debut album from Ben Folds Five. Favorite probably isn't the right word but it's definitely the most influential. After listening to the opening piano line in "Philosophy" for the first time I knew I wanted to be a piano player.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Lou Bega A Little Bit of Mambo. Just kidding (that album's a masterpiece). In all seriousness I was disappointed with Death Cab's Codes and Keys but was really impressed with their latest record Kintsugi. It's one of my favorites of 2015.

First concert attended?
"Weird Al" Yankovic circa 2003.

Last concert?
Tallest Man on Earth at the Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead.

Favorite concert ever?
Another band I play in, Delicious Pastries, opened for Kishi Bashi at the Altar Bar a couple years ago. That was the first time I heard his music and he blew me away. Recently, my other other band, Southside American, opened for Robert Randolph at Jergel's. To see musicians of such a high caliber is like a religious experience to me and to get the opportunity to share the stage with some of them is a dream come true.

Least favorite concert?
I saw the band Train in concert once. I don't like talking about it.


Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has such an amazing and vibrate music scene. I'm constantly blown away by the immense amount of talent in our city. There are so many great bands and artists it's hard to keep track of all of them. The future of Pittsburgh music is bright.

Thanks, Dan. Happy Holidays, brother. Hopefully see you play in the New Year!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

First/Last - Odd Hours


"Odd Hours is heavily influenced by 80's post-punk and 90's industrial music – they mix sexy to aggressive vocals with raunchy guitar and spacey ukulele."

Odd Hours is an indie electro post-pop band who's latest release norepinephrine + dopamine will certainly be featured as the band hits Pittsburgh on Friday (12/18) at the Smiling Moose for the late show with local blog faves Action Camp, Egomyth, and Atlas. Join me in thanking Natasha Beste (Keys/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.


The first album you ever bought?
Madonna Like a Prayer. Madonna is what sparked my interest in performing. She's pretty bad ass for doing what she's wanted to do and for this long. I like how she changes and morphs herself and doesn't apologize for it.

Your last album bought?
HEALTH Death Magic. We are seeing them in a few weeks and can't wait. This new album is so hot. I run to it outside and pretend that I'm in a music video with things just blowing out around me and monsters running after me. Ah!

Favorite album of all time?
NIN The Downward Spiral. This really got me into sampling and modifying sounds and mixing dance with rock – I was twelve. Just a great go to album I can listen to all the way through a million times. Second favorite right now is Kanye's Yeezus, no joke. That was so loud and powerful. Tim and I both wasted that album on repeat.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Honestly, I always give albums multiple tries. I've been pleasantly surprised more than disappointed. But actually, now that I think of it, I tried listening to non-radio Nicki Minaj songs and they were all horrible. I love her flow and her style so I was pretty upset with that.

First concert attended?
NIN + David Bowie 1994 Tour at The Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. I recorded it with a small cassette tape recorder and still have the tape. My mom took me, it was great.

Last concert?
Queen Kwong at Small's in Hamtrack, MI. I guess Wes Borland and his girl just moved here to Detroit. I hope they like it. We like it. They had a good crowd and it was fun.

Favorite concert ever?
Any Marilyn Manson show ever. Some people think he's cheesy or just disregard him altogether but he has such a great sense of humor and is so fun to watch. Tim and I have seen him several times together and it's always a great bonding experience for us.

Least favorite concert?
The Yeah Yeah Yeah's. Tim's gonna kill me because he loves them and I still like them but it was just a boring venue maybe and the show was just blah.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
We've never been! I hope we entertain the pants off people. We love meeting new people too, so please say hi!

Thanks, Natasha. That's a killer bill you got lined up at The Moose on Friday. Hope you have a great night!

Monday, December 14, 2015

First/Last - The Full Counts


"Eric Vermillion, formerly of 90's bands Gumball and the Steel Miners (and, in the 80's, the Stump Wizards), has resurfaced with a new band... The Full Counts."

The Full Counts is an alt-rock band from Pittsburgh who's debut album First Out comes in both an electric version and acoustic version. I want to thank songwriter Eric Vermillion (Bass/Vocals) for not only taking the to participate in this edition of First/Last but becoming the first to do so in submitting his answers in his own handwriting.




Eric: I guess I missed one of those questions, though...
The last record I bought was Machine Gun Etiquette, by The Damned.

Thanks, Eric. Very cool of you to take the time to actually write down your answers. I have done over 1000 of these First/Lasts and you are the only one who ever did that!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

First/Last - Pierogi Pizza


"Influences: Tiny Tim, Buddy Nutt, Weird Paul, Ella Fitzgerald, and old dead people who are better than me."

Pierogi Pizza is the moniker for Pittsburgh songwriter and ukulele artist Jody Perigo who recently released her debut album entitled Smoke. Formerly of Great Great Ants and Moldies and Monsters, Jody turns it down a notch with her take on 'old-timey jazz folk' on this record. I want to thank Jody for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.




The first album you ever bought?
With my own allowance money, Aerosmith Permanent Vacation.

Your last album bought?
I just bought the latest album by a band from Washington, D.C. called More Humans. They were once a Pittsburgh band when they were attending Pitt. I've loved everything they've done and they're all around great guys too!

Favorite album of all time?
I go in phases, so I've never really had a favorite. Too many to list!

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Same as above, but I remember this being more common before you could cheat and preview music on the internet!

First concert attended?
Tesla and Firehouse at the Johnstown War Memorial! I think my sister's boyfriend at the time just wanted an innocent 11-year-old to come along to more successfully smuggle in a flask of whiskey!

Last concert?
I think the last touring act I went to see was Bombino at the Rex. He's a guitarist from Niger. I love how international music goes beyond the barriers of language to take us to a whole different world!

Favorite concert ever?
I have a lot of awesome concert memories, but maybe one that sticks out in my memory is St. Vincent with David Byrne at the Palace in Greensburg. David Byrne's usual weirdness, St. Vincent's guitar playing, their stage presence together... and they even had a full horn section! I think it was because I had free tickets and I went in with no expectations, so it was a pleasant surprise!
I also remember crying at a Police concert during the song "King of Pain", so that sticks out in my head too!

Least favorite concert?
I'm sure there were a few, but I remember one time tagging along to a Gary Puckett show and he did that annoying thing where he tried to give the audience a guilt trip for not clapping/cheering loud enough. He bragged about his accomplishments, how many albums he sold, and how he met Elvis.  He just seemed washed up and desperate!


Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've lived in the Pittsburgh area since 2003 and I understand how many people get sucked into the vortex and can't stay away for too long, love it or hate it! I really love the people, and I'm a small town/country girl at heart, so I like that the trees and mountains aren't too far away.

Thanks, Jody. I love that you refer to Weird Paul as an influence... I believe he is an influence on all of us whether we know it or not!