First/Last - BYRON NASH & PLANB

"Pittsburgh has a reputation of breeding talented musicians and artists ranging from Christina Aguilera to Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. These artists, just to name a few, represent the wide-range of talent that has emerged from the streets of the steel town. With a deep-rooted history in Pittsburgh’s music scene, guitarist Byron Nash has been around for quite some time, building a reputation for his unique style of rock n’ soul guitar playing. Evident in that sound are the various genres of music that have influenced his life, including: early thrash metal, jam, funk and soul, to Hip-Hop, jazz, blues and world music. He spent years as guitarist in his first group, the power trio SPORADIC who played the festival circuit pretty heavy for years."

The Deutschtown Music Festival starts this week! Every day on the blog I am featuring a band from Pittsburgh who I discovered through the submission process and are performing this weekend.

BYRON NASH & PLANB is a Pittsburgh based rock band who wear their eclectic influences right on their sleeve, out in the open for everyone to hear. Taking elements of jazz, metal, r&b, and straight up hard rock, the band have been making waves in the music scene by showing us exactly how it is done by simply doing the work without any excuses. See for yourself how the band rocks it out on Saturday (7/14) as they take the HughShows Stage at 5pm for the 6th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival. I want to thank Byron (Guitars/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The Gap Band 3.

Your last album bought?
Rufus and Chaka Khan Live.

Favorite album of all time?
That's really tough since I'm a collector and own and love so many records. So I'll just say what my favorite album in this listening season is. Stevie Wonder - Songs In the Key of Life.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Weird question. I'd say the last Justin Timberlake didn't strike me as hard as the first three, however, seeing it live made me like it more.

First concert attended?
Rick James.

Last concert?
Slayer, Testament, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Behemoth.

Favorite concert ever?
Ever? I'd say the one that had a major impact was Metallica and Queensryche, The And Justice for All/Operation Mindcrime tour 1988.

Least favorite concert?
Cake.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is the place where I found myself as a musician, artist and businessman. I learned and grew with the city. My favorite part is the hard blue collar work ethic that has seeped its way into everything that I do. Everyone flocks to NYC or LA for opportunity, but I believe you can do major things here, even if you have to travel to pull it off. The new growth has opened the door for endless possibilities. I love that about Pittsburgh. It is a place to hone your skill and talent before taking it to the next level.

Thanks, Byron. Can't wait to hang on Saturday, buddy. I really love your attitude and ethic when it comes to participating in this music scene of ours.

First/Last - iNCO FIdO

"We're loud, we like to drink, there are a lot of us."

The Deutschtown Music Festival starts this week! Every day on the blog I am featuring a band from Pittsburgh who I discovered through the submission process and are performing this weekend.

iNCO FIdO is a ska-punk rock and roll band from Pittsburgh who totally blew me away when I saw them perform at the Millvale Music Festival in May. Comparisons to The Commonheart are a tad too easy but with a stage full of musicians, a horn section and energetic frontman singing his heart out, you will share the sentiment the moment you witness their amazingly, energetic live show. Do yourself the favor and catch them at the 6th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival this Saturday, July 14 at 4pm on the Skyline Stage in Allegheny Commons Park by the Sue Murray Pool. For a preview, the band will be performing a couple songs on 102.5 WDVE this morning (7/11) at 9:15am. I want to thank Chuck Veri (Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought for myself was Dookie by Green Day, this album began the journey down a punk rock rabbit hole that I still haven't found the bottom of 24 years later.

Your last album bought?
I just recently bought Pacifisticuffs by Diablo Swing Orchestra. I love this band, a little bit of swing, a little bit of opera, and a whole lot of heavy metal,  I've never heard anything like this band.

Favorite album of all time?
This question required quite a bit of thought, but I've decided to go with Gemstones by Adam Green. Imagine a collection of songs in which Neil Diamond wrote all the music and Hunter S. Thompson wrote all the lyrics. This album has a profound impact on my song writing, got me thinking in layers, and is a great example of duality in song writing as the music is very beautiful, but lyrically very ugly and dark.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I've been trying to come up with an answer for this, and I'm drawing a blank. I've had some albums that I was initially disappointed in, but upon further listening I've either found the good in them, or realized that the problem was myself.

First concert attended?
The Beach Boys at Star Lake Amphitheater. I don’t remember the exact date, but it was the summer of 1991.

Last concert?
Punk in Drublic Festival at Highmark Stadium. This was an awesome day, my buddy DanK was able to score us some staff passes so we got to watch Bad Religion play their Suffer album front to back from the private balcony... I may have teared up a bit.

Favorite concert ever?
It was Against Me! April 6th 2004 at the Ottobar in Baltimore MD. I was all alone in a strange city and the energy in that room was absolutely electric. There was just something in the air that night, with that band and that crowd in that room that I have never felt before or since.

Least favorite concert?
John Michael Montgomery, and it wasn't even that he didn't play well, I’m just not a fan of pop-country music.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is my home. I was born and raised here, but throughout my 20's and early 30's I traveled extensively. I've lived in a number of places, some short term and some long term, but wherever I've gone or wherever I've tried to settle, no place has ever felt like home. I always end up back in Pittsburgh and if I have my way I'll never live anywhere else. I love the people, the skyline, the music, the art, the messed up roads, the seemingly arbitrary way that the city is laid out, the "you can't get there from here", I love the parks, and the neighborhoods. I love that there are parts of this city where you can go from a completely urbanized setting to a green space that'll make you forget the city exists in just a few steps. I could go on, but I think I've made my point.

Thanks, Chuck. Your Punk in Drublic story is the best of what going to a show is all about. Scoring some VIP seats. The band playing the whole album. It seems to me that fleeting experiences like that are what make up going to shows all worthwhile and stick with you forever.

First/Last - Raven Clifton

"alt/indie/rock/pop two piece band trying our best. thanks for listening! :)"

The Deutschtown Music Festival starts this week! Every day on the blog I am featuring a band from Pittsburgh who I discovered through the submission process and are performing this weekend.

Raven Clifton is an indie pop artist from Pittsburgh who is just emerging on the local scene with the help of her fantastic debut Hive Mind. Definitely catch her at the HughShows Stage (Middle and Foreland) this Saturday, July 14 at 1pm at the 6th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival. I want to thank Raven (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I'm not 100% sure about this. Might have been the soundtrack to the Rugrats in Paris movie. Or the very first S Club 7 album. Clearly I was a very cool kid.

Your last album bought?
Kacey Musgraves's new album, Golden Hour. It's amazing and she's amazing and I love her.

Favorite album of all time?
I have two, I really can't decide between them; My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade and La Dispute's Wildlife. They both have my angsty, emo little heart.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The only album I specifically remember being disappointed by was The Killer's Sam's Town. But then I listened to it a few times on a cross country road trip and fell in love with it a little bit? So I guess I end up liking anything that I hear enough times.

First concert attended?
It might have been Mindless Self Indulgence? Very weird first concert experience. Lots of people in costumes. I did not understand what was going on.

Favorite concert ever?
Green Day. I saw them for the first time after 21st Century Breakdown came out. They played for like 2+ hours straight and were high energy the whole time, it was amazing.

Least favorite concert?
I once went with my mom to see Def Leppard. Oof. That was not for me.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I'm just slowly starting to get into the music scene here and I'm really excited to become a part of it. I think it’s awesome how many dedicated, passionate people there are here who are (and have been) building up the local music scene with events and festivals and all this DIY jazz. It's a great place to be.

Thanks, Raven. I have to tell you that I really do love your music. I cannot wait to see you perform this Saturday! And by the way, Def Leppard isn't TOO bad...

First/Last - ATL&S

"ATL&S was founded on August 29th 2014 by members Al Snyder & Michael Lewandowski. The death of Michael's mom sparked an interesting song recording duo that flourished into the sound that we have today. Prior to Beverly Lewandowski passing away, Michael spent many days in the studio with Al recording his own songs and attempting to make it on his own. Upon her death, Michael asked Al to sing the song 'Goodbye for Now' and at that moment realized something amazing was created. From there they continued to record song after song and believed in what they were creating. It was so different and unique than anything produced prior. Since then, the band has consistently been focused on recording new albums and attempting newer sounds."

The Deutschtown Music Festival starts this week! Every day on the blog I am featuring a band from Pittsburgh who I discovered through the submission process and are performing this weekend.

ATL&S is a genre bending band from Pittsburgh who's debut self-titled album from last year has just spawned the band's first music video for the track "As Beautiful As You." I will bet my mortgage that you will hear the song live as the band play the 6th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival this upcoming Saturday (7/14) at 11pm at the Pittsburgh Winery Pop Up Stage at the former James Street Tavern Ballroom Upstairs. I want to thank Michael Lewandowski (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
This is probably going to blow your mind, however I never purchased an album until I was 25 years old. I started playing the guitar at 19 and had no real interest in music until then. After I started jamming, I became a huge Led Zeppelin fan which sparked my true love for music. As for the question, I purchased my friend Brian Foye's album who sings on one of our original songs. He is a singer / songwriter out of Boston and has created many original tunes - the album title is Rough Drafts.

Your last album bought?
To go directly along with my first answer, that was the first and last!

Favorite album of all time?
I am a huge Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Guns & Roses, and Tom Petty fan. I would say (if this isn't cheating) that my favorite all time album would be Tom Petty's Greatest Hits. I've listened to that album easily 500 times throughout my life. It never gets old, the music is timeless.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I will definitely not be able to answer this, if I don't like the first song I will immediately turn it off. Honestly, I listen to the same artists / songs pretty much daily. I like to listen to music that moves me emotionally, grows me personally, and makes my life better. The music I relate to most is the older generations. I think they spent more time on the art side than the money side. I don't listen to music that doesn't improve me personally.

First concert attended?
Bon Jovi a long, long time ago. It was the first time I've ever smoked anything too - and yes it was only a cigar. However it was a fun experience. I went with my brother D, friend Dan, and a few other friends. It was my first time at the Pavilion, the weather was flawless, people were happy, it was a great scene.

Last concert?
Honestly I can't remember. I think the last was a girl who dances around and plays a violin. The past few years I've been working a full time job, started a lighting company called Pittsburgh SociaLights, got my MBA at Pitt, recorded two albums / a bunch of music (and other) videos, and planned a wedding and got married a month ago. I didn't really have time to go out and explore other artists. Hoping that changes soon!

Favorite concert ever?
Tom Petty a few years back. Once again the perfect day out at the Pavilion, we had a bus take 30 of us and had an absolute blast. Definitely a concert to remember forever.

Least favorite concert?
My friend brought me to some rap concert at Rex Theater. I can't even describe to you what I witnessed. It was the worst 45 minutes of my life - every song was terrible. Some guy that talks about tip toeing in his Jordan’s? Anyways, won't be seeing that again.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I've spent time traveling the world, and there is nothing like it. It's home to me. For me, life really comes down to friends and family and they are all right here.

Thanks, Michael. Seriously? 25 years old? The first time you bought an album? AND that was the last time you bought one? Yes... MIND - BLOWN!