First/Last-we speak in colors

"bummer-rock band filtered through a bunch of different people at different times. just wanna move around the earth."

we speak in colors is the moniker for songwriter Andrew Armstrong. With a couple of very good songs under his belt, Andrew plays two shows this weekend in Pittsburgh before heading out out to Abu Dhabi. Catch him at Spirit Friday night (7/31)  and then Saturday night (8/1) he's at The People's Warehouse for a rager with local heroes Skull Kid. I want to thank Andrew for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Hanson's cassette single for ‘Mmbop’, Third Eye Blind's self-titled record, and Mxpx's “Life in General”. Spun ‘em all dead on the walkman.

Your last album bought?
Ratboys' “Aoid” on cassette. They just got signed to Topshelf Records. Julia is a ridiculous songwriter.

Favorite album of all time?
Albums that I return to consistently are “Good News” by Modest Mouse, “Bleed American” by Jimmy Eat World, everything that The Weakerthans have done, Phosphorescent, Counting Crows, I mean I could just keep going.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Hmm… I get so invested in artists that I seem to be often disappointed in new records, but many times, years later, I end up coming back around to them. Some of my favorite Margot and the Nuclear So and So's songs are from records I didn't get at first. Same with a lot of Death Cab.

First concert attended?
The first shows I remember going to that really affected me were at a Christian music festival called Creation. I went in 7th grade with my youth group and the music grabbed me. While I keep my distance with that culture now, I have fond memories. Right after that I started going to small-town DIY shows which lead to club shows in the city. I didn't know it then, but it seems that was one of the beginning markers of the we speak in colors story.

Last concert?
Last show I went to was Ike Reilly. Dude and his band floored my friends and I. I'd never heard of him, but my friends promised a good time. They were right.

Favorite concert ever?
Will never forget seeing The Avett Brothers at 123 Pleasant St. in Morgantown. 9/2006. Thanks, Jon.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I adore the international community in the city, the small theatres, the polish hill steps, and the endless neighborhoods/streets to wander. I'm enjoying seeing a lot of artists and businesses stepping into community spaces and not just being tied to one insular pocket. That's encouraging to me and my little journey.

Thanks, Andrew. I have to say, the few songs you have available sound really amazing, man! Can't wait for a full release from you.