Scene Unheard

Matt Murray is "Moving Out" of Pittsburgh and is on to Ottawa. How will this move take shape for the upcoming season? Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins the show to discuss the Matt Murray trade and why this was the right decision by GMJR. Mark also weighs in on the NFL Covid situation. What should the NFL do as it pertains to the Titans?

Jesse Baldoni of Los Vampiros Amarillos came by the podcast studio for a good old fashioned origin story about the band and its members - we talk about what goes into changing a band name, and how simple it is - new music, upcoming shows, and more.

An artist with an astounding level of talent and an equally impressive team behind him, Kole is on the verge of releasing a body of work unlike anything he's worked on before. Featuring Kole and Caleb Thomas, this episode covers everything from the message of the upcoming EP, creating honestly, feeling seen by a song, and more. Watch for Kole's upcoming release of California H20 in 2020.

With a new LP due in a few weeks, I sat down with Dave Wheeler of Outsideinside to talk about the new project and what the band has been working on. European tours, an inevitable veer down the lane of streaming services, & more. Catch Outsideinside's LP release show 3/6 at Brillobox with Pet Clinic and Sweat.

Dream pop outfit Flower Crown sat down to talk about their experience in Pittsburgh. Recognition in publications of all kinds, the story of joining Crafted Sounds, and a moment of appreciation for artists that don't stick to one genre. See them open for Water Trash 2/21 at Mr. Smalls.

I finally sat down and talked to the artist behind one of my favorite albums of 2019, Ky Vöss. We talked about the album "Space Cadet," the next one on the way, reinvention, imposter syndrome, and more. Catch Ky at the SPISH Love Dungeon at Thunderbird 2/15.

Meet Lyn Starr - he's a rapper, vocalist, CEO, student, teacher, and so much more. With this episode releasing the night of Lynsanity, his headlining show at Mr. Smalls that he curated on his own, we discuss his journey. From jazz camp to Lynsanity, he's had some incredible milestones - including his most recent EP and a really important piece of work, 'Universe 25.'

Meet Stew Frick, the first clothing painter on the podcast. We talk about their past custom orders + collaborations with local musicians, chromosthesia, the importance of public funding for the arts, boundary-setting, their exciting projects with Henne Jewelers, Haus of Luxurae, Battle of the Beasts, and more.

In the finale of Season 4, Brandon and Jeff from Pittsburgh punk rock group Swiss Army talk about their album release, coupling it with a beer release, and touring vs. overplaying at home. Darius Rucker came up, as did their upcoming spring show with Anti-Flag and Suicide Machines at Roxian Theatre March 28. Swiss Army's single "Host" can be heard in rotation through the rest of December on 105.9 The X.

This episode focuses on Jon Bindley of Bindley Hardware Co. We talk about his time in Nashville, the direction of country music, poetry, Honky-Tonk Jukebox, and why I don't always decide to bring up controversy on this podcast.

Donny Donovan,vocalist of indie-rock group Dinosoul as well as the grungier outfit Hearken talks about the evolution and current status of each project on this episode. From a moment of pause on Hearken to touring with Anti-Flag, a sold out Thunderbird show and Empath sober bar- enjoy a dynamic episode with an incredibly talented and dynamic person. Hear Hearken's "Drugs" in regular rotation all month long on Pittsburgh's Rock & Alternative 105.9 The X.

Rocki, a veteran in the iHeart Pittsburgh building, stops in to talk about her music career both in Pittsburgh and in Boston. Berklee classes, festival performances, and a major surgery that has tremendously impacted her life both on and offstage.

Pittsburgh City Paper staff writer Jordan Snowden and I talk local music, and the experience of being young women in an industry so centered around nightlife. In this flickering and VERY dim spotlight we've found ourselves in, the awareness we have to keep about ourselves is something we're still getting used to. Enjoy the intro, written and produced for Jordan by Kidmental.

Zoob's second round on Scene Unheard focuses on his solo singer-songwriter project, currently titled "Zoob." While still in Wreck Loose, we discuss balancing two professional endeavors, the climate of Pittsburgh music, "cliquey-ness" vs. not, and some really terrible food analogies for songwriting. Welcome back, Zoob.

Chandra Tanei, who currently goes by RHYME, decided to start her rapping/singing career fairly recently. But that doesn't mean she's new to the scene. We talk about her history with professional dance, what changed for her, Pittsburgh's Very Own, women in entertainment, and what's coming next. You'll be seeing a lot more of her name in 2020.

Frontman of a few different bands and manager to some getting started, Derek Woods joined me to share his experience and what he's learned coming from both sides of the music industry. See Derek Woods Band open for Terrapin Flyer at the Thunderbird 12/13.

In the last episode of a week-long stretch, Brittney Chantele talks about her multi-faceted experience as an artist. She's a performer, a visual artist, and an activist - we talk album #2, headlining performances, and how it feels to be asked to be on the cover of Pittsburgh City Paper.

She went from never performing at all to holding a debut album release show in Lawrenceville that was THE show to see. Molly Alphabet talks how she started playing country music, breaks down her songwriting, motherhood, and the Alphabet.

Stephanie and Jonathan from the female-fronted band Murder for Girls join me to discuss the empowering message behind their name, LadyFest, what a high-speed rail would do for local music, and more. Several of their songs are named after women...like "Christina Ricci," the intro to this episode..and they tell me the incredible way they come up with these titles.

She has an impressive story and an even better voice. INEZ sat down with me to to share her experience at Berklee, co-headlining Pittsburgh's Very Own at Mr. Smalls, and we talk debut album. There is still a pressure that exists for female/femme vocalists to compete...but Pittsburgh's singers are working toward something great and they're doing it together.

Abby Krizner is the the morning show host on 105.9 The X, lead vocals for Fist Fight in the Parking Lot, and a mother of one. Abby has paved several (and I do mean several) paths for women not just in music, but in radio. She made her own way despite the "no's" and she tells that story here. We also discuss her history with her bands Motorpsychos and Fist Fight...she's seen both sides of radio submissions, and her advice is THE advice to take.

Addi Twigg, one of the most powerful voices in town and lead vocalist of The Telephone Line and Cisco Kid (and about six other outfits) joins me for the beginning of Season 4. We talk about female inclusion in the industry, how she's created her irreplaceable role in town, social mores and her badass collection of shoes.

Nevada Color has been a staple alt/pop band in town for some time. They seemed to go quiet for a few years before coming back with their EP "Rosewater" at the end of last year. We talk about what they were really up to during that time, along with self-promotion, the importance of a tight, live show, and what's changed in Pittsburgh music over the years.

Jordan McLaughlin grew up playing alternative rock music but was surprised to grow into a solo career of folk and country. We talk about that, a lot of Taking Back Sunday, request-based bar gigs, and the importance of building up those around you doing the same thing. Peer does not have to mean competitor.

Gene the Werewolf himself, Jon Belan stopped in, the day after he found out the latest single is currently the most played song on WDVE. "Pinch me" moments, sharing stage with legends and Italian record labels. Gene the Werewolf takes the stage this Friday with The Clarks for RibFest 2019.

Coming off a new record release, Clinton Clegg stopped by to talk about "Pressure," how The Commonheart came to be, and I pick his brain on how an outfit of that size finds time to rehearse. They've racked up some incredible experiences thus far, and we talk about some of them here in anticipation of a massive headlining show at Stage AE November 9. Also, they have a beer now.

Anton DeFade is starting a solo project called Series of Three, where he releases 3-track EPs coupled with a podcast episode. His first release focuses on John Shannon's new jazz club in Shadyside, the intriguing Con Alma. In this pod-ception, we discuss Anton's podcast, the new club, and how full circle this will be for Pittsburgh.

I sat with Isaiah Ross, frontman of blues-rock outfit Jack Swing. We talked about the band, originally a solo project and how it's become a highly-recognized name in town. Clubs v. festivals, awkward music videos, performing with affinity artists, and his mother, Queen of Rap.

She's a powerful neo soul artist and she's performing non-stop..and she is a must-see. On this episode of Scene Unheard, I talk with this artist about female empowerment, the lack of attention on the neo soul/r&b scene in town, growing up, and so much more. This is my episode with Sierra Sellers.

Alt hip-hop/DYNAMIC duo Joel and JP of BBGuns are enjoying the very recent release of their second album, "Help Yourself." We talked about the record, their individual musical backgrounds, writing down good ideas on the fly, Netflix binges, and the Deutschtown Music Festival which they headline this weekend.

Steve Soboslai, Chris Fafalios and Cory Muro of Punchline stopped in for Episode 4 to talk about their new album (11th!) in the works, their several different touring experiences in the last year, advice they have for up-and-coming bands, and Mason Ramsey.

Pittsburgh rapper/singer Mars Jackson came in-studio to share his message of positivity, giving back to the community that groomed him, Pittsburgh hip hop, and going from a "no" to a whole lot of "yes."

Jay Wiley, frontman of The Hawkeyes stopped by to talk about the rock band's metamorphosis over the years. Sitting on a new record and anticipating a summer packed with gigs, Jay and I found ourselves discussing the influences that shaped The Hawkeyes, both musical and personal.

Jac Carson rung in his homecoming trip to Pittsburgh by kicking off the new season of the podcast. He currently lives in Philly, and he's the frontman of the alt-blues outfit Jac With No K. We talked about his start in Upper St. Clair, and we compared and contrasted the local music scene in Pittsburgh to the one across the state in Philadelphia.

My chat with Harrison Wargo, frontman of Badboxes. We discussed his upcoming album (equipped to deliver roughly 30 songs), the stigmas surrounding electronic music and the nature of touring for introverts such as ourselves. Enjoy the Season 2 finale of Scene Unheard.

The first metal band to grace the podcast, Brian and Evan of Greywalker Greywalked me through the ins and outs of the genre. We discuss crossover sounds, how to perform vocally without damage, and we touched on some misconceptions about metal shows. Eric Church also came up.

Roger Romero has been a freelance saxophonist for years in Pittsburgh. He's collaborated with bands all across the board, but is now beginning his solo career as feralcat with a debut album due June 1. We discussed his upcoming release, the stereotypes of sax players, and the general strain of staying true to yourself in an industry such as this.

This is an important episode, and one I've been looking forward to for a long time. Clara Kent, soul singer/songwriter and visual artist from Homewood, PA sat down to talk about her debut record, relationships, adding local openers to shows, and more representation in Pittsburgh.

Connor Murray, creator of local label Crafted Sounds is about to celebrate two major milestones -- the third year of the label and his 21st birthday. With a celebratory compilation album and release show a week away, we talked about work-life balance, networking, and the importance of gratitude in the business of self-promotion.

You can't really describe them in just one word, but after giving them a listen, it's easy to distinguish them from other hard rock bands in town. Smokey Bellows is a dynamic outfit in not just their sound (washboard included), but their style. Beef jerky sold separately.

With a few EPs, a Grammy nomination and several impressive tours and collaborations under his belt, Kevin Garrett is about to release his debut album, "Hoax." With the album just two days away, he told me what it means to him to be from Pittsburgh, and how his roots will ground his future.

Working on his first EP, James Wolff is a PA-bred rockstar in the making. We discussed his music, his year of camping the country and, of course, Pittsburgh. Does Pittsburgh's size pose as a positive or a negative to the local scene in terms of out-of-town show-goers?

Known for their song about Phil Bourque, "The Ol' Two Niner" that is officially licensed by the Pittsburgh Penguins to use in post-game shows, Chip & the Chargeups are a pop punk group from Moon and are here to make an impact. Chip and Maleena clue me in on what it feels like to submit to radio, their rebranding, and the relevant debate about the quantity of venues in this town.

A 4-piece band from Pittsburgh, PA, I sat down with the mind behind Chalk Dinosaur, John O'Hallaron. Their sound changes, or "shapeshifts" all across the board from indie rock to dance and funk, and they're about to release their 17th (!!) work this spring. You can't go wrong with any of their genre shifts, and you definitely won't be bored.

Just weeks ago he was named one of NPR's 2019 Artists to Watch, and he's one of ours. Benji. is a rapper/singer from Homewood, PA with all the gratitude and humility in the tri-state area and powerful stories to tell. In this episode we discussed his first album, his recent national attention, and how he became, or perhaps always was Benji.

Royal Haunts is creating a new world in Pittsburgh. Kicking off the reboot of the podcast, I talked with the producer/singer/songwriter from Hampton, PA about his acoustic roots, new sounds, the electronic stigma in this town, and how he believes the city can begin to really own the sounds it produces on a national scale.

Season 2 overview and Season 1 thank you's. This season will incorporate weekly episodes to be released every Monday.

Joining me for the final episode of Season 1 is the Evening Mix Host of 91.3 WYEP, CIndy Howes. Cindy has been a key player in recognizing and appreciating local music in Pittsburgh. As she prepares for a change in her radio career, we discuss how Pittsburgh holds its own compared to other local scenes and how unique it is as a whole.

I met up with powerhouse guitarist and songwriter Byron Nash of Byron Nash & Plan B. We discussed his impressive music career in Pittsburgh, how he owns being a musician, and the lead up to his role in the upcoming tribute show Pittsburgh Plays McCartney.

Angela Autumn is a singer/songwriter from Zelienople, PA with a folk sound and a country attitude. We discuss her career and working for herself, how her time at Duquesne influenced her music, and embracing the "title" of a full-time musician in a society that still has yet to take that seriously.

Zach, Matt, Gordy and Spencer make up the garage rock band from Pittsburgh. This episode is all about who they are, how they formed their sound, and a story about one music video filmed on a horse farm. This is Bat Zuppel.