What’s your musical history up to this point?
I’ve been active in the Greater Pittsburgh music community for over half of my life (I am 30). I was a part of two notable Pittsburgh acts - Cisco Kid (Pittsburgh Magazine Best New Artist) and The Living Street (WYEP Artist of the Year). This will be my first release as a solo artist and I’m nervous.
How do you describe your sound?
Definitely vocal/songwriting-centric, bordering on both country and folk, but it’s neither. I don’t know, I hate this question! It’s so hard and makes my stomach hurt.
Tell us more about the song "Miss You More." What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
“Miss You More” is a really important song to me for a lot of reasons. It started out from a conversation I had with a fan during the pandemic about missing the live shows and I playfully responded with, “Miss you more.”
After writing the rest of the song around that sentiment, it became more of a personal, self-reflection moment. I’m self-described as DTC (down to chill); I love time with friends and never want it to end. Rarely do I grow tired of being social. I’ve been described by others as overwhelming or too much on occasion and although it can hurt, it’s also totally justified, LOL, so this song definitely has potential to get yinz emotional.
But, I’d like the record to show I am happy and my friends love me and feelings just seem really big sometimes and then beautiful music is made, I guess. I recorded with Ben Nicholson who made the conditions for recording exactly to my specifications. He freakin’ rocks. Also, the supremely talented Kurt Giammattei came in and absolutely crushed the keys on this song.
What was the first album that really changed your life?
The first album that changed my life was Aim and Ignite by fun. Up until hearing that album in like 9th or 10th grade, I generally listened to B94 (RIP). “Skinny Marinky Dinky Dink” was also a heater. I guess it didn’t occur to me that there was other music besides the stuff they play in JCPenney. I just love that fun. album from start to finish and it made me care about songwriting and more alternative music.
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
There are so many PGH artists to listen to!! So many are my friends. Go to open mics! They are free shows with incredible talent all over the city. Anyone on Keystone Artist Connect’s roster (my management) is obviously great and definitely worth listening to.
Any other super interesting things about you we should know?
I am heading on a tour to Florida at the end of this month until the end of next month! And will have a 3-song EP rolling out over that time as well. Going to SXSW in March.
Italian hoagies are my favorite food.
