First/Last - Trigger Happy

"Formed in 2011 by brothers Stephen and Keith King to 'rock out and have fun,' Trigger Happy has made a name for themselves as a unique band self dubbed Psychedelic punk.

Trigger Happy is an indie rock band from Butler, PA who's debut EP The Boy Who Lived hints at what's to come from this up and coming quartet. Eager to make their mark this year, the band is busying plans to play out as often as possible while working on a follow up. I want to thank songwriter Stephen King (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
R.E.M. Green when I was 3 years old.

Your last album bought?
Royal Blood Self-Titled.

Favorite album of all time?
Neutral Milk Hotel In the Aeroplane over the Sea.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Jack White’s Lazzaretto.

First concert attended?
Rush “Feedback” tour.

Last concert?
The Pixies.

Favorite concert ever?
Bright Eyes in 2011.

Least favorite concert?
Everclear at X-fest in 2003.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love walking along the North Shore in the summer at night time. It’s so peaceful to sit by the Mr. Rogers statue and take in the whole city. Pittsburgh and the Northside in general is beautiful. I spent a decent part of my youth volunteering at the Light of Life Mission. I love that we are a sports town, and fairly down to earth. Only in Pittsburgh is it acceptable to wear a jersey to a fancy affair!

Thanks, Stephen. I will always remember that Bright Eyes show because the lighting was just about perfect. I couldn't take a bad picture that night.

First/Last - Just Fern

"Punk rock gal from Pittsburgh. Queer af (she/her)."

Just Fern is the moniker of Pittsburgh based bedroom pop songwriter Fern Burgess who has branched out into solo territory after fronting the recently disbanded queercore punk trio SOFT GIRL. Fern's recent full-length debut entitled All The Space I've Taken Up is an instant classic of shimmering DIY surf pop, that sounds both thematically relevant and sonically timeless. She tackles intimate and important issues while paying homage to obvious influences such as The Beach Boys. This is one of those rare albums that instantly hits you and grows stronger with each listen. You can catch her playing out regularly in the scene and to give you a taste of her show, I bring you an exclusive video from last week of her set closing Let's Rob a Bank. I want to thank Fern for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Let Go by Avril Lavigne. This album definitely informed my identity way more than I give it credit for. Being a kid and looking up to Avril as a punk/butch icon definitely helped send me down my current path.

Your last album bought? Last concert? Favorite concert ever?
St. Vincent – Masseduction. St. Vincent has been my biggest inspiration for years now and her new album is a masterpiece of art pop. I was lucky enough to just recently go see her perform Masseduction in full at her Pittsburgh show. No joke, I had tears in my eyes the first four songs and I swear on everything that I believe in that she made eye contact with me during "Marry Me." She looked slightly upset to see a gay girl cry, ha-ha.  But really, St. Vincent is one of the strongest performers and songwriters working today.

Favorite album of all time?
Nick Cave - Push the Sky Away.
Nick Cave is one of my favorite songwriters and his 2013 effort is something I could put on repeat forever and ever. The gentle poignant songwriting coupled with the most intense atmospheric production is definitely Cave's best work and has taught me so much about songwriting. It's a master class of an album.

First concert attended?
I saw The Clarks at the Big Butler Fair when I was a tiny tiny tiny little child. Seeing a local act perform live for the first time really helped imbue me with the spirit of this scene at a young age, and is one of the things that showed me the music industry is bigger than L.A., and there's great arts & culture everywhere--even in our little city here.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've lived here my whole life, in all sorts of places. I spent a couple years on the Southside, some formative years in the North Hills, and now happily live with my partner just at the edge of city limits down south beyond the mountain. I love Pittsburgh. It's a big city with the heart of the small town and everyone's a neighbor, regardless of your differences. If I ever had to leave, the thing I would miss most though is the FOOD. It is damn hard to get bad food in Pittsburgh, I'll tell you that much. If I ever leave this city I'd better be rich and famous because I'll need to jet back every week or so to get an egg sandwich from Primanti’s or margherita pizza from Sal's or honestly anything from Spak or a TV Tray from Doublewide... sorry I've said too much!!!

Thanks, Fern. I have to say, this album is just so damn good. I hear dozens of local albums each year and very few hook me like yours did. Can't wait to see you play soon.

First/Last - Chillent

"Since 2015, Chillent has heated up Pittsburgh's favorite venues, festivals, and airwaves with their one of a kind "soul stew."

Their hot plate of original compositions, spicy covers, and funky interpretations of Jewish classics have fans comparing their live performances to "klezmer Phish," and "Maceo Parker at a bar mitzvah."  

Chillent is a Pittsburgh based genre bending 'fusion' band who blend traditional Jewish with Funk, Jazz, Blues, Calypso, Rock, and Reggae. They released their debut full-length entitled Jewish Soul Stew last June and expect to catch them perform live as the festival season heats up, or at their seemingly monthly stop at The Park House. I want to thank Gedaliah Aronson (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Michael Jackson Bad.

Your last album bought?
The Bad Plus Prog.

Favorite album of all time?
Sly and the Family Stone Fresh.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Trey Anastasio self-titled.

First concert attended?
Vanilla Ice.

Last concert?
Galactic.

Favorite concert ever?
Andy Statman.

Least favorite concert?
Aerosmith.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh music scene is a vibrant, supportive, and very eclectic environment and always growing. There is really great music all over this city and I believe it will be a known destination for musicians and music lovers In the near future.

Thanks, Gedaliah. Not sure if this was the same tour but I have a signed Vanilla Ice tour shirt from several years ago. The only signed shirt out of 50 (that habit got WAY too expensive) that I did not acquire myself. Much thanks to my brother who was at the show.

First/Last - Demos Papadimas

"Singer-songwriter Demos Papadimas skillfully intertwines his love of both American and Mediterranean influenced roots music."

Demos Papadimas is an Americana roots rocker based out of Youngstown, OH who performs all around the tri-state area his his band on the heels of his latest fantastic release, The Lucky You EP. If you are up Sharon way, check them out this Saturday (1/27) at the Apollo Maennerchor Club. I want to thank Demos (Acoustic Guitar/Harmonica/Bouzouki/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I remember that my mom bought me a Chuck Berry Greatest Hits cassette when I was very young as well as some Beach Boys. The first album I really remember wanting to buy on my own though was Green Day’s Dookie.

Your last album bought?
Nathaniel Rateliff Live at Red Rocks  and JD McPherson’s Undivided Heart And Soul.

Favorite album of all time?I’m not good with favorites… maybe Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited or Blood on the Tracks?

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I’ve been disappointed by some records, but I don’t think I want to disparage anyone’s work.

First concert attended?
Well, I definitely saw live music as a child, but the first concert I remember really wanting to go to on my own was Green Day on the “Nimrod” tour in 1997.

Last concert?
Bob Dylan at E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron on November 3, 2017.

Favorite concert ever?
Bob Dylan and Paul Simon July 17, 1999 Camden, NJ at the E-Centre.
I was in attendance more so for Dylan than Simon and going to this concert really represents the moment I became interested in folk music — if that’s what you want to call what Dylan does because it’s much more than just “folk” music. I suppose I should say roots music or Americana. Nevertheless, I was 14 and it was a starting point of sorts. From there, I got much more into the roots of rock and roll and later on I went further into blues, country, bluegrass, New Orleans jazz, and everything else. I remember him ending with a cover of “Not Fade Away” and right at the song’s end he slipped away, putting on a cowboy hat as he walked offstage with his band. Interestingly, 3 days later I met the Ramones at a signing they did at the Virgin Megastore in NYC for the release of The Anthology. Musically, and especially for a teenager, it was two separate worlds, but I loved them both.

Least favorite concert?
Oh, I don’t know. I usually avoid concerts that I don’t want to attend. I’ve seen a lot of bands in clubs that I haven’t care much for. In terms of major concerts… I went along with friends to a Tool concert and can’t say I was that interested. It wasn’t bad, but not in my realm of interest. Sorry to any Tool fans that might be reading this.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I lived here between 2003-2008 as a college student at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s another home for me and I feel I’ve been away for too long as it is.

Thanks, Demos. Seems like you have seen Dylan a bunch of times. What are your thoughts on his latest shows? I am hearing strongly mixed reactions. Not that I gave up on him but after a dozen or so times, I feel I got my Dylan fill.

First/Last - Soft Gondola

"Sad songs and hopeful songs about giving yourself over to the relationships and experiences in your life, no matter the hurt it may bring."

Soft Gondola is a bummer pop trio from Pittsburgh who's debut entitled Where I Go was released late last year and can be scored on a sweet limited edition cassette which includes the download. A recently new band to the scene (they played their first ever show a year ago today!) the band will be gearing up for a cool second year in 2018! I want to thank songwriter Daniella Trimble (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, 2001.

Your last album bought?
I buy tapes at all the shows I go to. The very last one I bought was a split EP by two of my faves from It It. Patricks' Personal Dream/Marsha's Fossil Garden by Patrick Hayley Coyle and Marsha Frost, respectively.

Favorite album of all time?
I find myself going back to Civilian by Wye Oak all of the time. The album has endured with me over the past six years and it overtakes me completely every time I listen to it--from start to finish.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Gwen Stefani - You Make It Feel Like Christmas. Girl, JUST STOP.

First concert attended?
Ozzfest 2003, San Diego, CA.

Last concert?
The Lampshades and Patrick Hayley Coyle and some band that played way too long at Spirit.

Favorite concert ever?
Probably watching Sufjan Stevens perform the entirety of Carrie & Lowell at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC in 2014. I ugly cried from ten minutes in until I went to sleep that night, I think.

Least favorite concert?
DIIV at Spirit Hall. So boring. But their opener The Paranoyds were amazing!

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I started on my musical journey in this town. It is incredibly welcoming and nurturing, but tough, too. I've learned so much from all of the amazingly talented musicians (Nate Campisi, Shani Banerjee, Margo Van Hoy, Cormac Gartland, and a million others) here, and feel fortunate to get to call this place my home. I'd complain about the weather, but the cold and the desire to stay inside and cave up in my little Studio is what's made me a good musician. Ilysm Pittsburgh.

Thanks, Daniella. I've always kinda wished I ugly cried at a concert but can't remember ever having done so. Maybe getting booted out of a Rolling Stones show after my girl showed up with a hickey on her neck which prompted me to get knee wobblin' wasted?

First/Last - Soda Club

Soda Club is hard-twee sax pop band from Pittsburgh who are diligently working to get their debut EP entitled Enjoy out to the world on Friday February 2 by celebrating with a cool release show at The Bushnel. Their Bandcamp option will go live that day as well. To warm up, they will be playing this Thursday (1/25) at Shnel Snail Trail. Go ahead, say that venue three times fast. I want to thank Shay Park (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I can't remember the first album *I* ever bought, but the first album ever bought for me was Oops!... I Did It Again. It definitely was a game changer. I was 6 or 7 and I had a notebook at the time that I would fill up with ripped off Britney lyrics.

Your last album bought?
I think it was Emotions and Math by Margaret Glaspy. Very good.

Favorite album of all time?
Oh shit. Is This It? by the Strokes is what came to mind first and I don't want to overthink it.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Youth Lagoon's second album! Their first album, The Year of Hibernation, is definitely up there in the tops, but then Wondrous Bughouse was one of the most depressing experiences. It was the opposite of beautiful and good. Hahaha.

First concert attended?
Rooney at a bar in Austin, Texas. I was born and raised in San Antonio. The Polyphonic Spree was the headliner but I was 12 or 13 and a huge Rooney fan. They were the first band I heard that wasn't from the radio. It blew my mind that so much other music existed.

Last concert?
I don't want to count the shows that I play, ha-ha, so I'll say Darwin Deez. That was a little while ago, but it was a great show. Our friends Distant Futures and Anthony Heubel opened, they're both great.

Favorite concert ever?
This is a hard question. I'll just go with one of the times I saw my favorite live performer, Kishi Bashi. My friend Charlie drove us to Cleveland. We're both huge Kishi Bashi fans forever. We danced around until we were sweaty and exhausted. He puts on the best shows, I always beg people to see him if they have a chance.

Least favorite concert?
Passion Pit at CMU. It was a free show. I was 17. I went by myself and got there way too early but I was front & center. Donora opened and they're rad. And then right before Passion Pit came on, a woman stood next to me and kept whipping her hair into my face and elbowing me. It was very uncomfortable but I wasn't brave enough to say anything (this would change later in life). The guy standing next to me noticed how uncomfortable I was and offered to switch with me. Then when she elbowed him, he asked her to stop and she started saying loudly that he was groping her. I left before Passion Pit even came on.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I'm not from Pittsburgh but I've enjoyed living here. I've been here since I was 16 and now I'm 24. I definitely have way more opportunities here than I ever would have had in San Antonio, musically speaking and otherwise. The bus system here gets a bad rap but I didn't even have a bus system when I was growing up. This isn't my final stop by any means, but I'm grateful for the experiences I've had since I've been here. Pittsburgh is great.

Thanks, Shay. I ALWAYS had problems with people nudging up close to the stage as I waited for hours and being totally annoying (drunk) when the opener was about to come on. Most of the time I was waiting to get a good photograph and was usually O.K. with leaving after a few songs but those people are the fucking worst.

First/Last - The Pump Fakes

"Artists We Also Like: Most of the bands Jack White plays in."

The Pump Fakes are are Pittsburgh's premiere 'combat rock' band who aren't afraid to wear their influences on their sleeve. Fans of Keith Richards, Ryan Adams, Springsteen and The Replacements will find something to love in their original rock and roll. Returning to the stage after a short absence, the band will be celebrating the impending release of their upcoming new album by shaking off the cobwebs and playing most of their 2007 album Trouble Honey this Friday (1/19) at the cozy Kollar Club, along with a handful of new songs. I want to thank the band's main songwriter Patrick Maloney (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Little Richard Grooviest 17 Original Hits.

Your last album bought?
Jason Isbell The Nashville Sound.

Favorite album of all time?
Exile on Main St.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Springsteen's Working on a Dream.

First concert attended?
The Who in 1982, Civic Arena.

Last concert?
Marah.

Favorite concert ever?
Tom Petty/Bob Dylan/Grateful Dead in 1986, Akron OH.

Least favorite concert?
Freedy Johnston.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The camaraderie of local bands playing in an environment that hasn't always been the best for cultivating live bands - but it's getting better.

Thanks, Patrick. Glad to have you back, man. Have we discussed both seeing that crazy Dead/Dylan show before? Those 80's Dead shows were unbelievable, mainly for the scene and not necessarily the music.

First/Last - Distant Futures

"Listen and linger all around me 
I am the shadow of your step 
I am the taste of a dream 
Your Grandma fed you at only 13 
Oh, those bells may ring 
But not for me "

Distant Futures is an alternative emo band from Pittsburgh who released a three song EP late last year entitled were, which you can snag on cassette as well as digitally. The band has a gig this upcoming Saturday (1/20) at The Glitter Box Theater with Garter Shake and Brittney Chantele so go support local music and check them out. I want to thank Connor Schweisberger (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World at a Tower Records!

Your last album bought?
I pre-ordered the new Camp Cope album. They are one of my favorite bands to come up in the last couple of years.They are playing at The Rex Theater in April, I would advise anyone to check out their music and go to the show!

 Favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one! I am bad at being decisive so I am going to give a top 5.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Ms. Lauryn Hill
Small Steps, Heavy Hooves - Dear and The Headlights
Peripheral Vision - Turnover
Transatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie
To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I would say our first album. It was important for us as a band to make it, but there are so many things we would have done differently.

First concert attended?
The Rolling Stones at The Hollywood Bowl.

Last concert?
Emily Yacina, Scratchy Blankey, Yrs, and Yohana at Roboto. Brett Shumaker, among many other promoters in the scene, consistently books great shows.

Favorite concert ever?
I saw Rage Against The Machine play their last show at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. That was a very special show to me because I got to go with one of my best friends.

Least favorite concert?
Not because of the music, but I would say Roger Waters at the Hollywood Bowl. My high school psychology teacher was sitting in front of me and was making out the entire time with his date. He never saw me.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The people, the positivity, and my personal progress as a person/musician. I am thankful everyday that I took a chance and moved here.

Thanks, Connor. Roger Waters at the Hollywood Bowl actually sounds incredible. As a teacher myself, I disapprove of  your teacher's actions along with you. Just too awkward.

First/Last - Anthony Heubel

"Anthony Heubel takes care of a cemetery in the daytime and writes songs at night. Sometimes accompanied by a band and sometimes alone, he makes music that meets somewhere at the intersection of Folk, Country, and Americana."

Anthony Heubel is a Pittsburgh based musician who will be releasing his first eponymous solo album on cassette in the upcoming weeks. Having been around the local scene in bands Run Forever and Cotopaxi, Anthony is readying the release by putting together a full band to debut his songs this Friday (1/19) at a local music showcase in Millvale. I want to thank Anthony for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

 
The first album you ever bought?
I think it was a four way split 7" called Dangerous Intersections. All four bands songs on the compilation are great but I bought it for the song “No Spark” by New Creases.

Your last album bought? 
Hmm, it was either Conor Oberst's Salutations or an Eric Andersen record. Jerry's in Squirrel Hill is my go to spot for all the good older stuff.

Favorite album of all time?
Probably In My Own Time by Karen Dalton. All of the songs on it are traditional songs but her voice is just so amazing and heart breaking. Definitely worth checking out. I look for her records everywhere I go and I've only found one repress in a book store in Texas that I bought immediately.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I'm not sure on this one. I'm really bad at keeping up with current releases so I can't think of anything I've been let down by recently. What usually happens is a band I like puts out a record and I think it’s awful the first time I hear it and then a week later I realize that it's amazing and it becomes my new favorite.

First concert attended?
Godsmack at the Erie Civic Center with my Mom when I was maybe 12. We thought the opener that played was Godsmack so when they finished we left. I didn't realize what had happened until a little later when I started going to local shows and saw the way it worked. No regrets.

Last concert?
I just saw my friends in Soft Gondola play a few days ago. All of the members are in some of my favorite Pittsburgh bands and Soft Gondola just released a tape called Where I Go that's excellent.

Favorite concert ever?
One time I saw AA Bondy, Deep Sea Diver, and Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band, probably around 2009/2010. It was my first time seeing all of them and I was blown away the entire time.

Least favorite concert?
Godsmack. Or this one crazy show I played in Colorado once on New Year’s Eve. The doorknob broke and we got locked in our hotel room right before we had to play and then while we were playing a drunk guy started being real sketchy to some people in the crowd and this big fight broke out. We ended up rushing off the stage with all of our instruments feeding back to help break things up. Then we had to get back on stage and play like nothing happened, it was horrible.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Things have changed so much since I moved here in 2008. I remember playing the first show ever at 222 Ormsby in Mount Oliver with my friend Roger Harvey. It was his album release and there was no PA and people just partying everywhere. No one really knew what to do with themselves yet because the space was so new. Meanwhile we were trying to play soft folk music on acoustic guitars while five or six people were huddled around us in a circle. Roger sold out of all of his records that night though and Ormsby went on to be one of the best venues around for a long time. I’m so proud of the music community here and everyone that books shows and are constantly searching for new venues or opening up their homes to bands. I was just at Babyland for the first time (way too late to the party) and I couldn't believe that I hadn’t been there sooner. The sheer scale of it is impressive, and all of the artists there are so talented. Even after almost ten years there are so many parts of the city that I'm still finding out about and so much new stuff happening all the time.

Thanks, Anthony. I am still regretting that I never saw a show at 222 Ormsby. Believe me, I had plenty of invites and opportunities to go but weirdly, something was always preventing me from going and now I wish I hit the place up at least once.

First/Last - Making Movies

"Making Movies thought for a while that their new album I Am Another You was cursed. Finishing the 20-track record got so complicated that supernatural interference started to seem like a legitimate possibility to the American rock ’n’ roll band — and no wonder. Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, with guest appearances from Hurray for the Riff Raff and members of Tennis and Ozomatli, I Am Another You is the group’s second LP. It’s a bold mix of sounds: psychedelia, experimental rock, son cubano, cumbia and various rhythms descended from Yoruba music, an African tradition that slaves carried to the New World as part of religious rites that evolved into Santería. Clearly, Making Movies was messing with some powerful juju."

Making Movies is an Latinx Alternative band from Kansas City, MO / Santiago, Panama who are currently touring with the Immigrants Are Beautiful tour 'bringing their pulsing Afro-Latino rhythms, psychedelic jams, and rock and roll swagger' to every city they hit. Socially active outside the band, they are commendably raising awareness and assisting with one of the most prescient issues of our time by giving away free tickets to the shows to DACA recipients who sign up on their website including their Pittsburgh stop next Tuesday, January 16 at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. I know it's only rock and roll but this is an amazing gesture that transcends music. I want to thank Enrique Chi (Guitar/Lead Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?I think it may have been an Oasis album, they were one of the first bands that I could claim as my own, where I was not just mimicking my Dad's taste in music.

Your last album bought?
The last album I received was a Christmas gift, my brother bought me the vinyl release of Kendrick Lamar's Damn. I think the last album I bought myself was George Harrison's Dark Horse.

Favorite album of all time?
Oh man that is a loaded question. I think I have seasons where an album is my favorite and then it evolves. Currently the White Album by the Beatles holds that spot.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
You know, I don't think I have a least favorite album. If music speaks to me, I listen to it and if it doesn't I'm pretty oblivious to it or indifferent. I do have artists that I know I should be a huge fan of, true geniuses, that I just can't seem to get into. One of those is Stevie Wonder. He's a brilliant mind, composer, singer and musician and I can appreciate everything about his music, but I never want to listen to it. I'm not sure what’s wrong with me!

First concert attended?
I saw the Steve Miller Band, I think my Dad thought of it as a "wholesome" enough show to take an 11 year old to. As a kid I only liked old music, I was basically not into anything past 1978, so I was happy with it.

Last concert?
I think the last concert I bought a ticket for was Little Dragon at Stubbs in Austin, TX.

Favorite concert ever?
I think seeing Kendrick Lamar perform at the Kennedy Center alongside the National Symphony during his TPAB tour is the most significant concert I've seen. The whole room could tell that he was having a moment as the symphony played an overture featuring the motifs from his album. Here is a young man, a gifted writer from humble beginnings, dreaming of taking his message all the way to the White House. That night those lyrics had palpable weight, and Kendrick seemed to hinge a lifetime of work upon them. I still get goose bumps thinking about it.

Least favorite concert?
As a teenager I went to a Brooks and Dunn concert to appease a girlfriend. The people at that show were not the most tolerant or open minded human beings. I remember feeling that the vibe was absolutely gross. I enjoy great country music, but I did not enjoy that show.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I don't have any history in Pittsburgh so I think we need to make some this time around!

Thanks, Enrique. Kudos to you and your band for fighting that good fight and reminding us all what is most important in our lives, namely family and caring for others.

First/Last - Two Birds

"We play music together. There are four of us."

Two Birds are pop rock band band from Wexford who's fantastic debut EP entitled The Great American Northeast was released last Summer at the hard to pass up pay your price option (although I strongly recommend you do chip in something to support local music.) A stand out track "Jelly" has been recently remixed by electro-popster Badboxes and features Mars Jackson, which you can stream below. Talk about a Pittsburgh musical powerhouse. Hopefully this isn't the last musical collaboration this band has up it's sleeve. I want to thank Dan 'Jellyman' Garrighan (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I think it was Nirvana . I’m not certain but it was definitely a tape deck that I listened in the bus on the way to school. It’s either Nirvana or The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Probably my two favorite acts as a child.

Your last album bought?
I stream most of the music I listen to but I bought our record on iTunes on my son’s phone because he doesn’t have Apple Music or any of that and he wanted to listen to it. So honestly, it was our record.

Favorite album of all time?
Oh wow, probably Rancid “...And Out Come the Wolves”. I feel like that album has defined me, shaped me as a songwriter, musician.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I try to find good in every musicians/artist attempt at bringing whatever it is they have to offer to life...  however, my kids watch these youtubers and then they release these songs and they are just terrible - see “Jake Paul - Everyday Bro”. Probably the worst song ever. I also was really into everything Childish Gambino has done until his most recent release. Not that I found it bad by any means it just didn’t sit with me the same way his previous releases did.

First concert attended?
It was Warped Tour, I can’t recall the year though. I believe I was 9 or 10 so that’s like 96 maybe? I went because The Mighty Mighty Bosstones we’re on it. I went to some local shows before that as my older brother played in a punk band and my dad also was into punk rock so I kind of had it made. I got to see a ton of amazing bands at such a young age.

Last concert?
I think The Menzingers was the last band I went to see. Wait no, The Interrupters were just in town and I went to see them with my dad. 22 years later we still go see punk bands together!

Favorite concert ever?
As of late I really loved Rancid / Dropkick Murphys tour with Bouncing Souls as support. I mean that’s a pretty ridiculously awesome line up.

Least favorite concert?
I took my little sister to see The Jonas Brothers when she was like 8. That was kind of weird. They weren’t terrible but the whole thing just felt weird.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I really value being from a town where we have such an eclectic array of talented musicians and how willing everyone is to support each other. Just over the past year we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artist like Badboxes, Mars Jackson and Gabby Barrett. I mean, that’s insane.

Thanks, Jellyman. This remix is insane in that all three different artists are coming together to create something unique which epitomizes Pittsburgh music for me in one track. So cool.