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.