band on the verge: lohio

band on the verge: lohio

Let’s begin with a challenge: Visit Lohio’s MySpace and review the songs the band has posted there, paying particular attention to “Sea and the Sun.” See if you don’t become instantly intrigued by this six-member alt. country/indie outfit from Pittsburgh.

Sitting down with Lohio, you get the instant impression that these guys know music. Lohio is a thinking man’s (or woman’s) band. They’ve successfully combined intelligence with sensitivity and introspection. Couple that with an engaging sound and songs that stick in your head for days and you’ve got a band that is truly leaving their mark on the Pittsburgh music scene.

I had the opportunity to have a sit down with Greg and Josh from Lohio and they generously shared their perspective on Lohio’s sound, aspirations, and place in the musical tapestry of the city.

What have been your musical influences during the recording process? (Lohio is currently in the process of recording a new CD, a follow-up to last year’s Sleeping Stereo.)

The guys in Lohio come from a variety of musical tastes and backgrounds (remember, there are six guys in the band), and they range in age. Josh explained how he and Greg, in particular, have shared influences from bands such as Blur.

How does the new album compare to Sleeping Stereo?

Greg had started recording Sleeping Stereo before the band had even formed. The album was originally a singer/songwriter effort, then gradually began to involve other musicians. Thus, Lohio was born. Greg states, “The new album is going to be much different in that [the songs] are all songs that were written while we were a band…whereas in the last album, all the material was already there. It’s not as much about me as it is about the other six people.” Josh agreed and added that while Sleeping Stereo “was built on a more folk foundation” the new album will have a different, more “Baroque-pop” approach.

Any chance of a tour?

Although it’s been a challenge to coordinate the schedules of six band members, Lohio is definitely interested in expanding their travels this summer. Josh hinted at a “world tour of the South Side” as also being a possibility.

What’s the deal with the key parties?

The key parties are basically jam sessions comprised of several local bands who enjoy playing each other’s music. What started as a handful of friends from different bands hanging out together slowly became an event at local venues. As Greg says, “We have such a cool community of people who play music…all of these people really just feel like an extension of our band anyway. There’s always people who are excited to be playing on each other’s stuff right now.” April or May could see another key party.

What are your thoughts on the Pittsburgh music scene right now?

Greg: “There’s a lot of good bands. I think that if there were a light shown on Pittsburgh people would see that there’s a lot of talent here. It is slightly insular…maybe things haven’t expanded the way they could have. [The scene is] really diverse. It’s a lot of really good song-writers dealing in different aesthetics.

Josh: “I grew up witnessing the changing generations of all these local bands. It seems like there’s definitely a new guard of people…there’s a genuine excitement about it. [Speaking about the sound of local bands] At heart it’s all the same kind of idea. It’s all song-oriented. There’s an honest presentation to it.”

“Song-oriented with an honest presentation” pretty much describes what Lohio is all about and what is making them a fast favorite among music fans across the city and beyond.

Check out Lohio, along with their good friends, Donora, at the ShowClix Launch Event featuring Tokyo Police Club!

(thank you to Josh and Greg for their patience and willingness to have a sit down!)