Inflatable Spacestation is a jammy power trio fronted by singer and guitarist Derrick Beattie. Their new album is jammed and crammed with catchy hooks, funky beats, and Derrick’s mellifluous voice. The song “Plenty Enough” is a reminder that no matter who you are or where you come from, you bring something beautiful and meaningful to the table.
Derrick Beattie recently spoke with WYEP’s Joey Spehar.
Inflatable Spacestation are:
Derrick Beattie – Guitar/ Lead Vox
Josh Mester – Bass/Vox
Zack Mester – Drums/Vox
This conversation may be lightly edited for content, clarity, or length.
What’s your musical history up to this point?
I reached out to brothers Zack and Josh Mester, I knew Zack was great a drummer playing in bands like Silver Car Crash and Delusions of Grandeur. Zack told Josh to pick up the bass, we jammed and the rest is history. We are really just starting up again post covid and look forward to recording another album.
How do you describe your sound?
We are a jam rock power trio. Our sound is rooted in rock and funk, however we blend into other genres such as reggae and metal.
Tell us more about the song “Plenty Enough.” What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
“Plenty Enough” started out as a funky riff. The song is about every person having enough of what they got and to embrace themselves and who they are. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, whatever you bring to table in life is beautiful and meaningful.
What was the first album that really changed your life?
Derrick: "Led Zeppelin II" rocked my world. It's pure rock n roll at its finest. It made me want to play guitar, and just resonated with my soul.
Josh: The album "Appetite for Destruction" by Guns N’ Roses changed my life at a young age. The reason why I say this is because that album contains so much high energy it gave me joy and inspiration to become a part of music creation in some way. I should also mention that my brother Zack (the drummer) is the main catalyst to my musical journey since he introduced me to playing drums/percussion at a young age. That lead to the domino affect of me eventually playing the bass guitar which is also a percussive and rhythm based instrument.
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
I'm sure some of these bands most of you know, but for me, The Commonheart, Lylyth, The Other Bugs, Chalk Dinosaur, Habatat, Dave Shepphard.
Any other super interesting things we should know about you?
We are proactive in creating the majority of our own art. we also recording everything ourselves with the help of our good friend Andrew Durst. Zack and Derrick also play in other bands, (Silver Car Crash, Bucket of Puppies, Colin Southfield and The Mushroom Country Band). Derrick performs regularly in the city as a solo artist as well.
Learn more about Inflatable Spacestation here:
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Instagram
Facebook
Check out previous Pittsburgh Artists of the Week here.
