HughShows welcomes back contributing music journalist Jill Berkin. A a UK-based writer and avid music enthusiast, she’s interested in shoegaze, rock, and alternative music. I couldn’t be more thrilled in highlighting her wonderful work on the blog.   Inspiration comes from many sources, and this is evident in a lot of music. Songwriters often find a muse to help them create a tune, but muses aren’t always people. Sometimes it’s a place and its distinct qualities. Take influential rock classic California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas, for example. It exudes the yearning for a ..read more

BusCrates’ latest album, Control Center, is a collection of funky, instrumental tracks that blur the lines between synth-pop, electro-funk, and hip-hop. The album is characterized by BusCrates’ smooth, soulful keyboard playing, infectious melodies, and driving rhythms. The title track is an upbeat offering with a catchy melody and a smooth bassline. “Prisms” is another highlight, with its swirling synths and funky drumbeat. “Floating in the Wind” is a more laid-back song, with a smooth melody and a mellow vibe. Control Center is an album full of infectious grooves. You’ll find yourself bobbin ..read more

The inaugural Northside Music Festival will take place July 14-16 within the heart of Historic Deutschtown on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The free, three-day event will feature 65 bands, art vendors, and more than 30 food trucks. In addition to music, the festival will feature numerous art vendors, food, and free family-friendly activities. More bands TBA Friday, July 14, 2023 First National Bank Stage at Foreland (Foreland and Middle St.) All Ages6:00 PM – 6:40 PM    The Regal Sweet 7:00 PM – 7:40 PM    Kenny Stockard 8:00 PM – 8:40PM     Black Ri ..read more

Migration by The Wolf Tones  Song: “White Winter Wolf” Artist: The Wolf Tones Album: Migration Year Released: 2023 Genre: Bluegrass Jamz Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2023 Did you know? The Wolf Tones are a ‘supergroup’ made up of members from Sweaty Already, Shelf Life String Band, and Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music Support The Wolf Tones #PittSongs #SupportPGHMusic The post PittSongs – The Wolf Tones first appeared on HughShows ..read more

    Song: “Why Don ‘t You Call Me?” Artist: The Telephone Line Album: How’d We Get This Far? Year Released: 2023 Genre: Bluegrass Rock/Pop/Soul Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2013 Did you know? The Telephone Line have (sadly but amicably) decided to disband after 10 years together PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music Support The Telephone Line #PittSongs #SupportPGHMusic The post PittSongs – The Telephone Line first appeared on HughShows ..read more

    Song: “Rt 30 Billboard Jesus” Artist: D’Arc’s Family Jams Album: D’Arc’s Family Jams Year Released: 2023 Genre: Psychedelic Soul Local Connection: Originally from Johnstown, PA Did you know? D’Arc’s Family Jams is comprised of brothers Jake and Mike D’Arc who’s first band was Peanut Butter Lovesicle PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music Support D’Arc’s Family Jams #PittSongs #SupportPGHMusic The post PittSongs – D’Arc’s Family Jams first appeared on HughShows ..read more

Song: “Get Off the Train” Album: Cheap & Used Year Released: 2023 Genre: Rock & Roll Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2020 Did you know? The Freeloaders debut album Cheap & Used was recorded and mixed by Jake Hanner (Donora, Meeting of Important People, Bad Custer) and mastered by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Studios London which recently named it one of their Mastering Highlights of the Week along with Peter Gabriel’s Panopticon. PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music Support The Freeloaders #PittSongs #SupportPGHMus ..read more

“We are The Argonauts sail the seven seas play funk a lot like a record get into the groove the things you hear about us well they got to be true“ The Argonauts are a Pittsburgh funk blues rock band who released their self-titled debut album earlier this year and who have a couple members (Dale and Joe) who host an acoustic brunch open mic every third Sunday from 11:30-2pm at The Bridge Music Bar in East Liberty. This Sunday (December 18) features friends of the blog Carrie Collins and David Hipchen as featured performers. I want to thank Dale Mangold (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals) for taking the ti ..read more

“Blisters on my fingers who’d you burden me with this when will you come home?“ Oliver Hufford is a solo artist from Pittsburgh PA, a multi-instrumentalist whose music incorporates different styles and genres that merge into one unique sound. At 17, he’s writing A-level songs, melodies, lyrics, hooks… he puts things in a way that aren’t so obvious to us until he shows us his unique and abstract descriptiveness, and they come across poignantly. Some of his musical inspirations include Bright Eyes, American Pleasure Club, and Tiny Moving Parts. His debut release, a limited ‘glow i ..read more

  Song: “Killing the Au Pair” Artist: Sommelier Album: Single Release Year Released: 2022 Genre: Pop / Post-Punk Local Connection: Band formed in Greensburg in Spring 2020 during quarantine Did you know? Sommelier (pronounced suh-muhl-yei) is a wine seward, or highly trained wine professional who tests through four levels of knowledge: introductory, certified, advanced, and master       PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music Support Sommelier #PittSongs #SupportPGHMusic The post PittSongs – Sommelier first appeared on HughShows ..read more