Interview with Timeless

                       

Describe your band, telling a little about it.

Timeless is a 4 piece semi-acoustic themed group, playing “music through the  ages”,  

songs we all know and love but may have forgotten. 

What are your names? / Who plays what?

Alexandra Zayakosky (Alley-gator): Vocals

John Constable (John Boy): Bass\Backing vocals

Ron McBurney: Guitar/Backing Vocals

Paul Lancaster: Lead Guitar/Mandolin/Backing Vocals 

Have members played with any other bands?

All members of timeless are experiences musicians and have played with various bands.  

Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?

Some members of Timeless have been writing music together for almost 10 years.  Without much 

success in finding members for the original project, we decided to  go the acoustic route.  

We still incorporate our originals into our sets.

 

What year did the band form?

The idea of Timeless was formed in 2015. 

Where is bands home?

Timeless is from Uniontown Pa. Fayette County, south of Pittsburgh. 

What's your style or genre?

No style of music is off limits for Timeless.  From old Blues, Jazz, Doo Wop, Classic Rock, 

Country, Metal, Grunge, and R&B.  But just like Frankie said, “We  do it our way”.  

What inspires your music?

Timeless selects cover songs as a group by songs we know are “timeless”,  

inspiring, and fun to play.  Timeless originals are inspired by life experiences that  

we know others can relate to. 

How often do you rehearse?

Timeless usually practices once a week, or more if schedules will permit.

What gear do you guys use?

Timeless uses Shure, EV, Dean, Fender, Martin, Alverez, D. O. D., Bose, and  Allen Heath.

Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?

Timeless does their own booking.  Booking agents could be useful but are not  necessary at this time. 

Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that?

No. We do this for the fun and love of music, but if the situation arose, we would  consider it.  

The music industry has changed so much in the last 15 years, which  has made it harder for 

aspiring musicians to be successful. 

What are your songs about?

Timeless originals are about life experiences.  Covers are of songs that we never really forget. 

Who does the composing and writes the lyrics?

Alley writes the majority of the lyrics, and has melodies for a lot of what she  writes.  

Paul writes melodies and structures.  Once the basic idea and structure are  laid out, 

the song is brought to the rest of the group for finalization.

 

Do you start with the music or the lyrics?

It depends of the inspiration at the time. 

Do you compose in a certain environment?

No.  When an idea comes, you almost have to stop what your doing and get the  idea down.

 

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs?

We would love to play in front of only one person,

 because that person is just as important as one thousand.

What age are most of your concert attendants?

The material Timeless covers is meant to appeal to music lovers and concert goers  of all ages. 

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?

Timeless is a theme based group. Our motto is “Music through the Ages”.   

Our set  lists are made for us based on when the song was released.  

There is so much  material, we love to change it up based on the venue.

What was your first gig like?

Our first gig was only a couple of months ago.  It was a great experience. 

What was your latest gig?

The last event Timeless played was a private party.  

Have you had to cancel a gig?

No.  We never have and will attempt never to do so.  The show must go on. 

Where do you plan to gig the coming year?

Casinos, Weddings, Corporate events,  and we are planning Christmas events in December. 

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days?

It has killed the music industry.  Unfortunately, it looks like something that  

musicians have accepted and will have to adapt to. 

How do you think the music industry have changed because of this?

There is no lasting power, there will be no more “classic” albums.  Somebody will  listen to something that a musician has spent months making, hear it once, and  want something immediately after.  

Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today?

Timeless is inspired by any individual or group that has talent.  We feel that we  

can learn from other styles of music besides our favorite genre.

 

What have been your biggest obstacles?  Finding a drummer. 

What advice would you give other bands or artists?

Don’t give up.  Follow your passions. 

How do you get psyched for a gig?  Promotion can be a fun thing to do.  

Creating fliers and getting the word out  makes all the difference. 

Do you have any new material?

Yes.  Timeless is always coming up with new songs.  

We are also working on new  songs for a Christmas special.  

What are your web sites?

We are currently using a Facebook site

facebook/timelessband10 

How can people reach you?

For booking call Alley at (412)737-5685 or contact us via our facebook site 

What are your plans for the future?

Timeless hopes to reach a bigger audience and play bigger venues.  

We are also  working on a Christmas special. 

What do you think of my work?

We love the idea of you promoting local musicians, Keep it up! 

How do you think that this interview could help you in the local music scene and beyond?

We hope it can help to spread the word about Timeless and raise interest in local  music. 

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?

We are an open book! 

Anything to add?

Thank you for the opportunity for the interview.  

We look forward to reading up on your interviews with other musicians.

Interview with The Brighton Boys

Describe your band, telling a little about it.
What are your names? / Who plays what?
Alex Bobin: Lead vocals, keyboard, guitar 
Nate Catanzrite: Bass guitar, vocals 
Carl Leitem: Guitar, vocals
Tyler Marinkovic: Drums 


Have members played with any other bands?
Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?  Starting out, we were just strictly a cover band playing lounge tunes at local clubs and restaurants, but over the past four years we've grown into a Rock&Roll machine, releasing our first EP "MMXV" in 2015, and our first LP will be released May 31st, 2016 entitled "Love Sentence"       
What year did the band form?   mid 2012
Where is bands home?  45 minutes out of Pittsburgh in the town New Brighton, which is where the name Brighton Boys comes from. 
What's your style or genre?  It's hard to place a certain style of genre on us since we all bring something different to the table, but in our most basic form, Pop Rock/Soul. 
What inspires your music?  The thing that inspires us the most would have to be the fans and the actual love for music itself. Nothing feels greater than writing a new song and getting to make people smile when they hear it. 
How often do you rehearse?  At the moment, we are spending so much time writing and recording in the studio that we haven't been rehearsing, but rehearsals for the new album are coming up!
Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?  We're more of a DIY band, but a booking agency could definitely help a lot, especially when it comes to getting gigs further from home. 
What are your songs about?  Mostly girls, life, common struggles, etc. 
Do you start with the music or the lyrics?  It usually starts with the music, but occasionally we build the song around the lyrics. 
Have you done any covers live?  Covers are our specialty. We've been playing covers since we started the band and I definitely think we take a lot of inspiration from the songs we play when we're writing original material. 
What ages are most of your concert attendants?   We attract a very broad audience, ranging anywhere from early teens to 70's and 80's.
Where do you plan to gig the coming year?
Do you have any role models or idols?  Shakira 
Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today?   A good mix of both. Music has changed so much over the years and certain artists/bands have different sounds and techniques to the sounds they make. 
What advice would you give other bands or artists?  Set goals, have a plan and execute it. 
Do you have any new material?   We do, and you will be able to hear some of it when our record debuts on May 31.
How can people reach you?  We can always be reached by any of our social media accounts, but usually all business goes through our email: thebrightonboys.booking@gmail.com
Social media addresses?

Everyones pretty much had their different projects before the forming of The Brighton Boys, but since then we've all been dedicated to this one band. 












As many places as we can. 






Facebook: Facebook.com/thebrightonboys
Twitter: Twitter.com/thebrightonboys
Youtube: Youtube.com/thebrightonboystv
Instagram: Instagram.com/the_brighton_boys
Website: Brightonboysmusic.com

Interview with East End

Describe your band, telling a little about it.

Based out of Canonsburg, PA bringing METAL to a whole new level.  A classic feel with a new metal sound.

What are your names? / Who plays what?

John Bashaw – Vocals

Damon Zappa – Guitars, Vocals

Robbie Perrone – Bass, Vocals

Ash Kleer - Drums

Have members played with any other bands?

Untamed, Hidden, Frequency Unknown, Impugn, Creature of Habit, Zilch, Lucky Me, Christian Beck Band, Double Live

Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?

Both.  It’s fun to do your own spin on the covers, but nothing is more gratifying than releasing your own thoughts and emotions into your own tunes.  We are currently working up to a full set of originals.  Unfortunately, Pittsburgh still loves to hear their covers.

What year did the band form?  2015

Where is bands home?  We each are from around the Pittsburgh/South Western PA area but our headquarters…or as we call it…”The Pit” is in Canonsburg, PA.

What's your style or genre?

I guess we would be considered Heavy Metal as far as genre but there are so many styles and sub-genres out there nowadays.

What inspires your music?

Life changing events and things you go through or what’s going on around you.  Things people can relate to.  The feel of both old and new metal.

How often do you rehearse?  2-3x a week

What gear do you guys use?

Damon – Endorsed by Evolution guitars, ESP, LTD, Charvelle 6 strings; Washburn 7 string, Crate head, Digitech rack unit and modified Crate & Hughes with Kettner cabs

Robbie – Dean basses, Hartke amplification, Sennheiser wireless

Ash – Pearl Masters Kit, Vator Sticks, Zildjan, DW Pedals, Evans Heads

Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?  We do not currently, but if they are willing to put as much behind the band as we put into it, then sure. Currently John is handling all booking.

Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that?  Possibly if the situation was right. That kind of goes hand in hand with the thoughts on the booking agency. Labels have quite a bit of a different role nowadays then they did 10-15 years ago. A lot of them are looking for a quick turnaround and there is really no such thing as a “developmental deal” anymore where bands were given 2 or 3 albums to really solidify themselves and make their name.

What are your songs about?

Trials & tribulations of the day to day society, some fantasy, pain, sorrow; life events. If you’re going through a tough time, or even a great time, write it down. Riff it out.

Who does the composing and writes the lyrics?  All of us. Most of the originals come from jamming and see what we come up with.

Do you start with the music or the lyrics?

Whatever inspires us.  Sometimes we start jamming a riff and John throws down lyrics.

Do you compose in a certain environment?

No. When creativity hits, it hits.  Once in “The Pitt”….IT”S ON!!!!

Have you done any covers live?

Yes.  Playing around the Pittsburgh area, there are very few venues that you can get away with performing all original material so you have to have the “crowd pleasers” in there.

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs?  Least had been the wives and family members of the bands and most would be a packed house, with no room for parking. Just paying our dues.

What ages are most of your concert attendants?  20’s – 50’s. Have done a few all ages show as well.

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?  As your set grows, you have to change it up. It also depends on where you play and how far the bars are from each other.

Do you have a regular place you play live often?

As of now no. But we are working on it. 

What was your first gig like?  Disaster. Previous singer had a bit too much to drink.

What was your latest gig?  3/26/16 Little Jim’s in Carnegie. It was a blast!! Bar was packed and singing along and everyone was getting into it. Completely awesome show.

Have you had to cancel a gig?  No

Where have you played live this year?

Whispering Woods (Bulger, PA), Mousetrap (Bulger, PA), Hollywood Lanes (Dormont, PA), The Royal (Castle Shannon,PA), Loose Moose (Pittsburgh, PA), Baltimore House (Baldwin, PA), Little Jim’s (Carnegie, PA)

Where do you plan to gig the coming year?

Locally around the Pittsburgh / Western PA area, Ohio, & 10 day trip to the west coast (California and Vegas)

When did you start to sell merchandise, and what do you have for sale?  T-shirts and shot glasses will be arriving in the next week.

Where can people buy your merchandise?

At the shows.

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records nowadays?

It’s more convenient due to the lack of music stores around anymore. Although downloading music can be cheaper the purchasing these insanely priced CD’s. The web does make it more accessible to download illegally. In this case, the band is the one that loses.

How do you think the music industry have changed because of this?  Yes it has.  The industry itself has had to really do an overhaul due to the way that anyone can get these illegally downloaded songs and it can truly hurt the artist. Are there ways around it? Sure. Make some kick ass merchandise. A LOT of it and get your asses out on the road. Hang out with people. Be honest with them and let them know how much you appreciate their support by buying your products. Stay fan friendly. Keep in contact with them as much as you can. The respect you give with pay off on both sides.

Do you have any role models or idols?  Tons. New & old artists/bands as well as the kids that are battling cancer and other diseases.

Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today?  Kind of both, any music that can get you fired up. Depends what kind of mood you’re in.

What have been your biggest obstacles?

Those that want you to be the best but yet not better than then. That’s when you put up the blinders and just keep moving forward.

What advice would you give other bands or artists?  Be humble and don’t forget your roots. Make sure you love what you do because the business is tough. If all you’re in it for is fame and money, just stop. Do it for the right reason. Whether you just want to jam in your garage or on stage. You love it…you music and actions are affecting others in a positive way. THAT is what will make you survive in the music industry.

How do you get psyched for a gig?  Stay focused and feed off of each other’s pre-show energy and a shot of some Coldcock Whiskey! 

Do you have any new material?  Yes. We are writing all the time. An older feel with a newer sound. Look for some new East End material in the very near future.

What are your web sites?  

http://eastend.webs.com

How can people reach you?  Through any of our social media or email eastendbandpgh@gmail.com

Social media addresses?

facebook.com/eastend/band/

What are your plans for the future?  Taking it day by day and handling everything as they are presented to us. We plan to continue to gig to bring our music to the masses.

What do you think of my work?  Very cool. Hope it continues to grow. Awesome job!

How do you think that this interview could help you in the local music scene and beyond?  Get the word out and people gain some insight. It’s because of outlets like you guys that really help bands get some spotlight.  We are very grateful that you took the time to check us out.  Thank you very much!

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?  We are like brothers. One big family.  Ash has only been playing drums for a year.

Do you have anything to add?  Sponsored by Coldcock Whisky, Evolution Guitars & Sullen Clothing.

Nied's Hotel Band

Describe your band, telling a little about it. 

The Nied’s Hotel Band is a powerhouse recording and performing rock-n-roll band from Pittsburgh, PA. (USA). NHB delivers the hardworking, blue collar, muscle that has made Pittsburgh a legendary rock-n-roll city. The band includes some of the best-known and respected players in the region.

The band had its origins in 2003 when singer John Vento began a studio recording project that he titled “Nied’s Hotel” as a tribute to Jim Nied, proprietor of the landmark Pittsburgh tavern of the same name, which also was the source of inspiration for many of the songs. Vento, along with noted musician/producer Buddy Hall, began the process of bringing these new songs to life, coaxing amazing performances from an all-star roster of Pittsburgh musicians – Reb Beach, Kenny Blake, Pete Hewlett, B.E. Taylor, Norman Nardini, Tom Bellin, Joe Munroe, Scott Anderson and Jim Britton.

But no one had more impact than John’s primary session drummer, Ron Beitle. As the original drummer for Wild Cherry (“Play That Funky Music”), Ron brought his considerable drumming talents and gold record experience to the “Nied’s Hotel” project, released on CD in 2004.The next release, 2007′s “The Way That You Roll,” was again recorded with session players, but Vento, along with drummer Beitle, decided it was time to start performing this material at live shows. The new release was credited to “John Vento and The Nied’s Hotel Band,” but the live band line-up changed frequently while John and Ron searched for the right chemistry.

Along the way, some fine musicians became NHB alums, but none more important than singer/songwriter/guitarist Stephen Christopher, who left his mark by penning the songs “600 Under” and “Need A Lover,” which are still mainstays of the NHB live show. Then, in early 2009, Beitle recruited his life-long friend, Russ Oblinger (bass) to join the band. Russ had just returned to Pittsburgh after a long and successful career as one of Detroit’s best session players. With these two guys in place, NHB now had a tight and accomplished rhythm section.

The band began to fine-tune their sound and develop more original material. Within a year or so, Tim Hadley, Fred Delu, Ed Jonnet, and Jim McCullough had all joined the band. With a consistent lineup and a killer new sound, the band went to work writing and arranging new original songs and creating a live show that reflected the band’s powerful personality. By May of 2011, NHB was ready to make a real rock-n-roll album. No more session players, just a well-rehearsed band entering the studio to play and record as one. Basic tracks were recorded live at Vento’s Corbriwood Studios in West Deer, PA, followed by post-production and mixing at Buddy Hall’s Beacon Hill Studio. The results were released in 2012 as an EP called “Side One”.

Although pleased with the results, the band, having grown leaps and bounds as a performing, arranging and writing unit since their inception, wanted to try something a little different. The band enlisted Klint Macro, who had just moved back to the area after a successful career in the Los Angeles studio scene, to be their new engineer/producer. The band recorded all of their new material at Klint’s Cobblesound Recording Co., as well as re-arranging and re-mixing the “Side One” material. The finished full-length CD, “One Night Stand”, was released in July of 2014.

Unfortunately, upon its completion, drummer Ron Beitle and bassist Russ Oblinger decided to leave the band for personal reasons, with Bob Fetherlin and Frank DeCarolis, both accomplished players in their own right, stepping in to fill the void. Like any great rock-n-roll band, NHB prides itself on delivering high-energy, entertaining, live shows. The band has made a major investment in its live production sound and lights, and is blessed to have one of the finest and most professional crews around.

What are your names? / Who plays what? 

John Vento- Vocals 

Tim Hadley- Guitar 

Jim McCullough- Guitar

Fred Delu- Keyboards

Ed Jonnet- Sax

Frank DeCarolis- Bass

Bob Fetherlin- Drums

Have members played with any other bands?  John Vento (lead vocals, B- Men ),  Bob Fetherlin (drums; Craig King),  Frank DeCarolis (bass; Woo Hoo Band),  Tim Hadley (lead guitar; Jet Set),  Ed Jonnet (saxophone; Gregg Allman, Three Dog Night),  Fred Delu (keyboards; Roy Buchanan), and Jim McCullough (guitar, Shades of Soul & B-Men).

Do you write your own music or perform covers? Focus primarily on original music but also play covers of similar style   Has it always been this way? No. Originally, we were 100% original but as live shows grew so did the song selection.

What year did the band form?  2009 as live band, 2004 as recording project

Where is bands home?  Pittsburgh based

What's your style or genre?  Rock-n-roll with soul (white man’s Motown- lol)

What inspires your music?  Personal life experiences and passionate toward certain

How often do you rehearse? Twice a week

What gear do you guys use? Uggggg. Not sure about that one.  Need to ask guys

Do you utilize a booking agency?  Yes – multiple but we have a primary booking guy – jeff weinberg.  And what are your thoughts around that?  It’s great as long as you are represented by ethical folks

Are you looking for a label,no and what are your thoughts around that?  We record, publish, distribute all on our own label. 

Keep control.

What are your songs about?  LOL – too many about woman. Most though deal with mature subjects like addiction, life experiences, getting old, etc. it’s cool to be serious but I keep most of the heavy stuff on my solo material. www.johnvento.com.  NHB is a fun band, but we’re not afraid to deal with adult subjects like divorce, etc.

Do you start with the music or the lyrics? 

The music drives the lyrics/content

Do you compose in a certain enviroment? Alcohol

Have you done any covers live? Sure, many

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs? Well ……last spring we did a gig in the middle of Beaver County where 10 people showed up.  Penguin playoff night….uggg.  Frankly though we normally play to big crowds , we are very lucky to have such support.

What ages are most of your concert attendants? 40 – 60 (the classic rock crowd)

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?  We try to vary . but honestly we probably have played our core material way too long. We try to freshen up the show every few months.

Do you have a regular place you play live often?  Not really but …..Moondogs, Baja, Nied’s Hotel (summer only), Meadows are regular stops.  We also produce our own theater shows, The Oaks (Oakmont), The Lamp (Irwin) , The Strand ( Zelionople) plus we’ve been growing in Cleveland.

What was your first gig like? A train wreck !!!!

What was your latest gig?  Fabulous, packed house, high energy, the band is tight…..

real tight !

Have you had to cancel a gig? Yep….just last week. The venue was having serious financial problems

Where have you played live this year? Cleveland Hard Rock Café, Moondogs, Latitude 360 , Ramada Greensburg, Lamp Theater, The Altar bar,

Where do you plan to gig the coming year?

Fri. Mar. 18th - 7:30pm – 11:30pm – Lamp Theatre - w/ very special guest Spectrum (featuring Christopher Brozek)

22 Main St. Irwin PA 15642 (724) 367-4000

Sat. Mar. 26th – 8pm – 12mid – Headliners @ The Meadows Casino

210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA 15301 (724) 503-1200

Sun. Apr. 3rd – 2pm – 6pm – Baja Bar & Grill @ FCYC w/ special guest Zuzu Petals

1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel, PA 15238 (412) 963-0640

Sat. Apr. 30th – 7:30pm – 11:30pm – Strand Theater –w/ special guests Noble Hops and The Shiners 

119 N Main St, Zelienople, PA 16063 

(724) 742-0400

Sat. May 7th – 7:30pm – 11pm – The Oaks Theater –w/ special guest Jessica Bitsura

310 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA 15139, (412) 828-6322 

Sat. May 14th – 8:30pm – 12:30am – Lyndora Hotel – special guest Mary Lou Scherder

1 Main St., Lyndora, PA 16045 (724) 283-1289

Sat. May. 28th – 7:30pm – 12mid – Rocksino

10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067

Sat. Jun. 11th – 6pm – 10pm – Nied’s Hotel

5438 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, 

(412) 781-9853

Fri. Jun. 24th – 5pm – 8pm – Street Track N Trail – Motorcycle Rally

13723 Conneaut Lake, Conneaut, PA. 16316

(814) 382-4821

Sun. Jun. 26th – 2pm – 6pm – Baja Bar & Grill

1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel, PA 15238, (412) 963-0640

 Fri. July. 1st – Kennywood

4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Mon. July 4th – TBA – Big Butler Fairgrounds 

1127 New Castle Rd, Prospect, PA 16052

Sat. July 9th – 6pm – 8pm – Lock 3 - Opening for “Satisfaction” – Rolling Stones Tribute

200 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308

Fri. July 15th - 97.7 Rock Station–Band Jam

205 Currie Rd. Slippery Rock, PA 16057 

724-368-8710

Thu. July 21st - 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Commercial Ave, Aspinwall, PA 15215

Sat. Aug. 6th – 6pm – 10pm – Nied’s Hotel

5438 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

(412) 781-9853

Fri. Aug. 12th – 9pm – 1am – Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

100 Ramada Inn Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 836-6060

Sun. Aug. 21st – 2pm – 6pm – Baja Bar & Grill @ FCYC with The B-Men

1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel, PA 15238, (412) 963-0640

 Sat. Aug. 27th – 1pm – 4pm -Three Rivers Harley

1463 Glenn Ave., Glenshaw, PA 15116 (412)-487-3377

Wed. Aug. 31st – 6pm – 10pm – Nied’s Hotel – 75th Anniversary Party!

5438 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

(412) 781-9853

Fri. Sep. 2nd - 8pm – 12mid – Headliners @ The Meadows Casino

210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA 15301, (724) 503-1200

Sun. Sep. 4th – Corbriwoodstock Music Festival (Festival 12noon-10pm, NHB time TBA)

36 Corbriwood Lane, Gibsonia, PA 15144Sun. Sept 18th – Syria Mosque outdoor pavillion – The Band Together Pittsburgh 1st Annual Music Festival 

1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick, PA 15024 (724) 274-7000

Sat. Sep. 24th – 7:30pm – 11pm – The Oaks Theater

310 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA 15139, (412) 828-6322

Sun. Oct. 2nd - 2pm – 6pm – Spirit Hall – Hosted by Skipp Barr to honor the Nied’s family  

242 51st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (412) 586-4441

Sat. Oct. 22nd – 7:30pm – 12mid – Moondog’s

378 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA 15238, (412) 828-2040

Sat. Nov. 19th – 2pm – 6pm – Baja Bar & Grill

1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel, PA 15238, (412) 963-0640

Fri. Nov. 25th – 7:30pm – 11pm – The Oaks Theater – w/ special guests The Shiners & Highway 4

310 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA 15139, (412) 828-6322

Sat. Dec. 3rd – 7:30pm – 12mid – Moondog’s

378 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA 15238

(412) 828-2040

Sat. Dec. 10th – 6pm – 10pm – Nied’s Hotel 75th Annual Christmas Party @ Teamster Temple’s Thomas L. Fagan Auditorium

4701 Butler St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201

(412) 781-9853

Sat. Dec. 17th – 7pm – 11pm – Fox Chapel Racquet Club – Optimist Christmas Fundraiser - w/ special guest The Compadres

355 Hunt Rd, Pittsburgh, PA

When did you start to sell merchandise, and what do you have for sale? 2011, CD’s T-shirts, cups, etc

Where can people buy your merchandise? Only at shows

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days? I hate it but we all have to get used to it , that’s life.  We are offering “free downloads” on our web site for a limited time . www.niedshotelband.com

How do you think the music industry have changed because of this?  OMG…YES  !!!!!  sad, very sad

Do you have any role models or idols? 

Van Morrison, Eric Burdon(The Animals), Harry Chapin (who I met)

Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today?

I would say both. Of course I love the old guys, that’s what I grew up on but there is a great deal of wonderful music today from young artists like Ed Sheeren.

What have been your biggest obstacles? Time & money

What advice would you give other bands or artists?  Stick to what you do best and don’t listen to outside voices. Follow your heart.

How do you get psyched for a gig? I really don’t get psyched. I just try and connect with the audience and I believe in our music and the performance.  It’s part of who we are and what we do.

Do you have any new material?  Yep – brandy new https://youtu.be/pUPV4lpHb88

What are your web sites?  www.niedshotelband.com

Social media addresses? 

www.facebook.com/NiedsHotelBand

What are your plans for the future? Keep creating new original music plus continue to mature and “work the craft’

What do you think of my work?  We all appreciate what you and others like you do to support and promote local music. It seems like a  tremendous effort on your part so I have no doubt that your heart is in the right place.  Thank you!

How do you think that this interview could help you in the local music scene and beyond?  It will expand our potential audience, but more importantly because of your work we get credibility.

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?  We are really transparent, need to think about that one………..

Do you have anything to add?  Yes. Can I plug the new charity that we are supporting ? Band Together Pittsburgh.

Absolutely!