Sooooo The American Hilljack dropped by to pick up a computer that Bill was fixing for him… and of course that turned into a podcasting scenario. We talked about some upcoming shows, played some new music (and some older) and generally just shot from the hip. It was a much needed return to the show. Give it a listen.
Read MoreIt is the mission of Rock for Life to provide financial support to needy individuals residing in Western PA who are suffering from life threatening diseases. Rock for Life sponsors music festivals and other music-related and general fundraising events to raise the monies necessary to support its purpose. [gigpress_shows tour=1]
Read MoreOften the challenge of instrumental music is that, with a lack of vocals, the music must tell the entire story with feeling rather than images. The musician has to put together their music in a way that will bring their soul to the front of everything they play in order to bring the audience to the brink of the message and allow them to add their own variation of what they have experienced. Victor Gann does this well enough to create a soulful journey with the use of guitar, bass and drums. At times soaring, at times hard rock style riffs, but always great music would be the quick way to sum up these tracks, however, I’d like to point out that it was done without the types of sounds often found in instrumental music. There’s always that sweet scrape of electric guitar sound, hard drum sounds backing it up and, while “Evie’s Smile” is a great representation of a lighthearted melody that includes the singing, happy squeals, and laughter of a child and family, there are no super special effects or keyboards… Just outstanding music that takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster. At times reaching in to those darker recesses of the mind, at others a flight of fancy. “Another Migraine” seems to be a poetic journey; Starting soft it has a dreamlike quality to the sound that takes on an edge, like that moment in a dream when you feel it turning into a nightmare but hope you can wake up before it does. Not to be simply set aside the ‘nightmare’ kicks in halfway through to let you know this insanity has you in it’s grip and it’s not letting go. Not good for a dream but for this music, it does wonderful things. Another track I’d like to mention is “Never Forget”. This song makes me feel like I’m standing still in those moments of reliving good times from my past. It honestly amazed me that this song made me think about my own ‘good old days’ while listening to it. It takes some serious talent to bring a person to their own memories as you play a soundtrack to your own. My hat is off to you, Victor Gann, for pulling those sweet moments and kick ass times out of the recess of my mind and into the front of my thoughts on a bleak morning over coffee. In all, this is a notable collection of music that I’d recommend to anyone out there. Well written, amazing performance and quality stuff all around. You can find this on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/victorgann/ (Don’t forget to hit that like button while you’re there) or simply go online to http://www.victorgann.com. For those of you who are “Insta” lovers, look up victor_gann and see what is going on next! Great music, good times and as always…. Love, Lady Jaye.
Read More Reign of Z joined Bill for Episode 406 of the Pennsylvania Rock Show. Unfortunately, they were a player down and we wish Amanda Blackwell a speedy recovery. Like a normal PA Rock Show, we’re all over the place topic wise, but in segment 1 you’ll find out: About how the name of the band came about. What band each member of Reign of Z would like to open for, and at what venue. They talk about their music collections (influences). The people that have supported the members of the band the most over the years. What the meaning behind the song Whispers in the Walls is. Segment 2: They told us stories about their embarrassing and favorite moments on stage. The band picked a super band from the people that they have played with before. and more…
Read More January 13, 2018 in Brooklyn January 19 Sherman Theater in East Stroudsburg – EPCW Rock and Wrestling January 27 Bar XIII in Delaware June 2, 2018 – Upcoming Festival – yet to be named or the Festival that they’ll be doing in October, contact The Crowning to book your band Micah then told us about the song Fade, off of the new EP and how it was written and what it is about. He said it is about not wanting to forget someone as time goes on after they have passed away. It is the lead track. I paired it off with 7 Sin Martyr from Step 11. We began segment 2 by talking about them signing onto an indie record label called, Anakeion Music and working on some marketing and cross promotion with their other artists. We talked about his past band Mad Saturday from Chicago. He talks about how his approach to music is way different today than it was then and how overnight success takes a really long time. His philosophy about the music business is completely different now. We then moved on to talking about the band’s writing process and how he brings a song in and then the band helps tweak the song (idea) until it morphs into the final project. He talks about using Soundmine Recording Studio and Dan as a producer for both of their EPs. We then started talking about how cool Soundmine is and the different artists that they have worked with. Through that connection they met Rage Baby Production. They will be shooting a video for both In the Fire and She’s Running.
Read More Coming out of Lisbon Ohio, we have the trio three vultures with their new album “Rebirth”. Members Dustin Cutright (Lead vocals/Guitar), Austun Dunnington (Bass/Vocals), and John Lane (Drums/Vocals) have come up with a new way to bring you an old sound. The record is produced in a way that it sounds like a throwback to the days of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains and the like with a heavy twist. Three vultures describes their sound as “The result of coming up in the angst filled small towns that litter the fallen Steel Valley. Dark and brooding, but vicious.” I’d have to say this album reflects that well. The eight tracks begins with “Circus Clowns” and gives a real impression on the listener. The softer intro and raw vocals begins the ride through the roller coaster like ups and downs of their music. The entire CD is rather edgy, found in the guitar and in the sharp drum sound. I enjoy the sound of a drum that has almost an ammunition type of blast to it. It catches the heart between beats and takes it with the music. The entire collection swings between harsh rock verging on a metal sound and a softer feel without losing the forward motion of music. “Black Mirror” begins really soft, and almost melodic in a sense, before rolling hard. I admit the song “Glass Houses” had me listening hard to the purposeful tin quality you might find in some Stone Temple Pilots songs because it’s not so often used but that was the part that stuck with me the most after hearing it. The song has a very rough quality to it that draws the listener in. It almost has a more live experience to it than I’m used to on most produced music but I was hooked by the second time I listened to it and it’s become one of my favorite songs off the CD. As the final offerings are given they bring in a heavy acoustic in “Wasteland” that breaks up some of the heavier music before and “Ghosts of Enemies” begins the climb back up to heavy and hard in the same way fireworks begin to build to the end of the show. It leads well into “Rebirth”, which owns it’s dramatic qualities as well as tying the whole CD together with its varying sounds and separate feel.In all, this CD is certainly something that people who enjoy the grunge type of rock should check out. It’s got that old fashioned vibe in many ways that modern music doesn’t really bring to the table anymore and it’s really a raw and emotional collection that is also easy to listen to all the way through. Check out more of Three Vultures on Facebook, don’t forget to hit the like button to show your support while you’re there, at https://www.facebook.com/threevultures and be sure to not only check out the CD but their live shows as well!
Read More Three Vultures, The Real John Lane, joined us from Lisbon, OH to talk about their new release, Rebirth. He has a bit of the American Hilljack in him and we talked about any topics all over the map. We talked about the album and where to find it, cars, yondr and having to force people to listen to live music, and more. We also talked about gray hair… yes gray hair. Make sure you read Lady Jaye’s Review of he Rebirth album on buildthescene.com Three Vultures is the brain child of Dustin Cutright. For as long as he can remember, he has wanted to be a musician that changed the way people felt and listened to music, and one that also opened the minds of his listeners. With Dustin’s atmospheric, edgy guitar playing combined with a raw vocal style, John Lane’s modern throwback to John Bonham in power and delivery, and the groove-filled, fullbottomed bass sound from Auston Dunnington, Three Vultures is a well-rounded rock band. Overall, 3V’s sound is the result of coming up in the angst filled small towns that litter the fallen Steel Valley. Dark and brooding, but vicious. Lashing out against a system infected with its own corruption and stale values.Taking influences from grunge, alternative, progressive, psychedelic, and stoner/desert rock for their music and life experiences for their lyrics, Three Vultures is a well rounded rock band.
Read More We did something unusual this week, well actually 2 very unusual things. We had a guest on from a cover band. WHAT!?! As you all know the Pennsylvania Rock Show is about original music. That doesn’t mean that we’re against cover bands, we just can’t play covers on the show. We are also playing 5, yes 5 brand new songs to the show in this episode! Shannon of 2KD joined us to talk about their second annual #SYDSTRONG toy drive. The toy drive is in honor of a past Rock for Life Recipient who has unfortunately, passed. Its their way to keep Syd’s name and soul alive. The show features 7 bands and is Saturday, December 23, 2017. There is a $5 cover (which will be donated to a current RfL Recipient) or you can bring a new unwrapped toy. They toys will be taken to Childrens Hospital and donated to the children there on December 24th. Toys can also be dropped off in advance of the show if you can’t make it at the Sidebar, Polish Falcons, K&S Automotive, Kittanning Collision, and the Pizzeria. Bill was a bit all over the place so many topics were covered during this show, including talking about some other local band members that pop in to support local music at other bands’ shows. We talked about Lady Jaye of First Angel Media and her multi talents of both writing and photography. You should check her out at firstangelmedia.com We also talk about Reina Peli Art & Photography, Dan of GtX Media, We then talked about the Rock for Life Xmas Party which is TONIGHT Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 8pm at the Leechburg Moose. They are accepting donations at the door, there is no set cover. The show features SKELL, After the Fall, Slant 6, and Farewell Felicia.
Read MoreShattered, a hard rock band originating in Greensburg, PA, has been rocking the Pittsburgh area since 2006 and they have just released their EP “Blackout Sessions” and their influences of Alice In Chains, Godsmack and the like can be heard all through this release, including in the vocals of Josh Comp. His alto voice with a rough edge brings an interesting sense of originality and yet familiarity to the music for those of us who grew up on some of those fine bands of an era. This CD is really smooth yet comes with a hard edged sound in the back, a comfortable vibe that still gets your head moving. On the first play they are good songs but after walking away you find that they are stuck in your mind enough to start the tracks over again. Nothing in your face, more a collection of fluid, well done, music that has the ability to be played anytime, anywhere while drawing you in to listen more closely and want to turn up the volume on a couple of your favorites. A quick look over the band’s page, https://www.facebook.com/shatteredrocks/, and I can say that they have stuck to their unique brand of music in a way that will make their fans proud and make new fans easily. “Love/Hate/Obsession” has a comfortable 90’s feeling to start you off with an introduction to their sound and a slight intensity through the song. The drum beats of Kevin Dick are clear on this and tend to keep you attention through the song. “The Reckoning” is probably one of my favorites as I personally enjoy it when a band can bring in acoustics yet keep the feel of hard rock. A pleasant surprise to that song was the blend of vocal harmonies between Comp and fellow vocals of guitarists Erik Rhodes and Evan Schlege, who later came in with the electric guitars as well as bass from Tim Noel. “Martyr” had a darker sense to it with the low riffs adding to the overall feel but “Hellbent” was almost a melody with a deeper side that made me envision fans in front of the stage with lighters… or maybe the bright screen on their cell phones if I’m going to think modern. The final song “Catalyst” picked it all back up and put me back on my feet, a great way to end a CD. If you haven’t had a chance to check this band out, do so. You’re going to be happy with what you find. They have an original take on the type of music people now look to as one of the best periods of modern rock. This is the stuff many of us grew up listening to and the sound we often search for still. Pick up a copy of “Blackout Sessions” today for your collection! Music Review by: Lady Jaye
Read More Justin Cali of Divine Tragedy joins Bill to discuss all things Divine Tragedy and the Pennsylvania Rock Show 13. It should be noted that Divine Tragedy first graced the airwaves of the Pennsylvania Rock Show just over 10 years ago on 11/9/07 where they played 6 live songs during the show. 7:30 The Art of Burning Bridges 8:30 Tilted Shadows 9:30 Divine Tragedy 10:30 A Common Crown 11:30 Homicide Black $5 Members/$10 Qualified Guests Benefits Rock for Life Bill and Justin talk about the show on 11/9/07, the upcoming the Pennsylvania Rock Show 13, and what’s been going on with Divine Tragedy. Justin mentioned that they are working on writing some new material for the new year. I asked him about the percentage of originals vs covers in their set. We talked about Skid Row and Sebastian Bach. In segment 2, we talk about how many albums they have recorded and moved on to talking about whether or not the scene is dead… we talked about his favorite venue (sidebar). Among other things… also off the air Cali mentioned that he forgot to give a shout out to The Metal Edge… so here’s that shout out!
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