The Semi-supervillains

Interview with The Semi-supervillains 

February 10, 2016

Describe your band, telling a little about it.
The Semi-Supervillains are a self proclaimed garage rock powerhouse. 

What are your names? / Who plays what? / How old are you?  Vinnie Longhi- Vocals/Guitar (24), Nick Longhi- Guitar (22), John Pennacchio- Bass (24), and Cory Caruso- Drums (24).

Have members players played with any other bands?  Yes, Cory is also the drummer for Rusted Root

Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?   We are know for playing our original music, but we also play a variety of covers.

What year did the band form?  2010

Where is the band from?  Pittsburgh, PA

What's your style of genre?  Garage Rock

What inspires you?  Rick Witkowski

How often  do you reherse?  Before a show 

What gear do you guys use?  We are proudly endorsed by Dean Markley Guitar Strings and Evans Drum Heads. 

Do you have other interests of work outside the band?  Pharmacy school, medical school.. Nick plays ice hockey for WVU. 

Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?  Not currently. My thoughts are that if using a booking agency will get you gigs that you can't already get on your own then utilize one.

Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that?  If that right deal comes for us then we will consider it.

Who does the composing and writes the lyrics?  Vinnie  

Do you start with the music or the lyrics?  Music

Do you compose in a certain enviroment?  My basement

Have you done any covers live?  Yes, we've done most recently Queen, the Doors, Beatles and Led Zep

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs?  Least is 1 and most is 5,000 

What ages are most of your concert attendants?  18-24

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?   We try to have a good mix so our audience doesn't get bored 

Do you have a regular place you play live often?  East Carson Street Pittsburgh

What was your first gig like?  Well my first gig I think I opened for Verdict at Bubba's Tavern in my hometown of Weirton, WV.  It was a fun time of course!

What was your latest gig?  Strip District Music Fest Pittsburgh

Have you had to cancel a gig?  Yeah, two weeks ago because of the snow

Where do you plan to gig the coming year?  Next Thursday we are in Nashville at Daisy Dukes then in March we will be performing a ton of showcases during SXSW in Austin TX

Where can people buy your merchandise?  We have three CD's available for sale at our shows and on Amazon, iTunes, Pandora etc

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days?  Its just how the music industry is evolving and we are trying to adapt.

How do you think the music industry have changed because of this?  Yes, "selling-out" isn't a thing anymore... if you want to be recognized you have to partner with commercial products, ads, etc.

Do you have any role models or idols?  Rick Witkowski

Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today?  We find inspiration from both probably 50/50

What have been your biggest obstacles?  Scheduling around Rusted Root tour dates, Medical School Exams, and WVU Ice Hockey games. We have an army of fill in musicians on standby.. Shout outs to James Conley, Forrest Mance, Nick Funyak, and Ben Smith

What advice would you give other bands or artists?  Give Rick Witkowski a call and schedule some studio time. He will take care of all of your studio recording needs.

How do you get psyched for a gig?  Before gigs I never eat before a gig because on stage I'll be hungry like a wild animal.

Do you have any new material?  We just released a new EP "Here Comes Trouble" Recorded by Rick Witkowski at Studio L in Weirton WV

What are your web sites?   www.semisupervillains.com

How can people reach you?  info@semisupervillains.com

Social media addresses?
facebook.com/semisuper
Twitter & Instagram: @tssvillains
reverbnation.com/semisupervillains

What are your plans for the future?
I'm moving to Austin TX next week indefinitely.

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?  You have probably never seen a show with each member of the SSV army.


Do you have something to add?  Keep an eye out on our social networking for the next few months as we travel from Weirton down to Austin TX for SXSW (South by Southwest) music festival.  Also someone please help us book a show in the Ohio Valley it has been years since the last time I've played in the area I grew up.