SOURMASH

If you’ve been to any PA rallies lately you’ve probably been blown away by the great music provided by SOURMASH. If you haven’t had the chance to experience the great show these guys put on then take a look at the schedule in this article and treat yourself to a great biker band - Here is a brief history of the band - SOURMASH is an accomplished group of musicians hailing from Western Pennsylvania. Initially assembled to pay tribute to the guitar-driven songs of southern rock; the band has evolved into an original act, while remaining true to their southern and classic rock roots. The band’s high-energy performances have become legendary in its six-year existence. Formed in 2010, SOURMASH has been a consistent headliner for motorcycle rallies, festivals, and clubs throughout the region. In addition, SOURMASH has performed in the WDVE Coffeehouse 102.5FM; opened for national acts, such as Blackberry Smoke, and David Allan Coe; and was the Pick of the Week feature for Clayton USA. On the heels of First Shot - the debut CD of SOURISH - in 2015; the single Flesh and Bone has received airplay on FM radio stations and SiriusXM. First Shot is available for sale on Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, and Goggle Play as well as the SOURMASH website. In addition, the album is distributed nationwide on AMI and Touch Tunes jukeboxes and can be streamed digitally on iHeart Radio, Pandora, Slacker, Spotify and other media. CD sales of First Shot have reached respectable levels, both nationally and internationally – reaching countries such as, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and many more. The powerful SOURMASH performances showcase the band’s depth as performers and their musical ability. Touted as The Baddest Biker Band on the Planet, the swagger and talent is apparent from the moment all 6 band members ride their motorcycles to the stage through the last song of the night. Strong and clear vocals; a grinding three-guitar attack; lush harmonies of both voice and guitar; and the thunderous panache of bass and drums combine to define the SOURMASH sound. The musicians also display their abilities playing keyboards, mandolin and fiddle to enhance the aural excitement. The highlight of the show however, is the participation of the crowd. Whether the audience is dancing, singing along, revving their engines or shouting “Hell Yeah!”– It is that energy that keeps SOURMASH alive. Take a Shot!! We got to sit down with the guys to see what makes them tick. Here is an inside look at what makes them such a standout band - “I know it sounds cliché, but SOURMASH truly is a band of brothers. Even though we are very much individuals, we respect and appreciate what each of us brings to the table in music and in life. Some of us have musical roots in metal while others prefer classic rock or blues, but we play well together. Some of us ride Harleys while others ride Kaws or Victorys, but we ride well together. Some of us drink while some of us don’t, but those that do - drink Jim Beam. We hang out together when we are not playing. We take trips together on the bikes; we go out to dinner; or just hang out by the bonfire. Every person is this band has been a musician for the majority of his life. I am certain we have over 200 years of experience between us. Music is in our blood. We each have our own reasons for why we do it. There is a rush we get from being on stage and realizing someone relates to your own music. I think we all are addicted to that rush. That’s probably the same reason we all ride. The SOURMASH family extends far beyond the six guys in the band. We get tremendous support from our wives/partners – Andria, Becky, Christy, Lucy, Mary and Rebecca. Our live sound engineer, Bill Friel does a fantastic job making us sound the best we can. Rob, Penny, Ed, Tammy, Brandon and so many more help us out with gear, security or whatever we need. Bob and Stacey Deemer, owners of the Cool Water Saloon have been extremely supportive by including SOURMASH in numerous events and by allowing us to use the saloon as our satellite office at times. Everyone mentioned rides by the way. Klint Macro at Cobblesound Recording in Plum PA was amazing in producing and engineering our cd last year. The SOURMASH Model, Jennifer Gregg – Works extremely hard in promoting SOURMASH and Jim Beam products during our events. Beautiful, pleasant and always smiling. She does a tremendous job for us.” And of course they wrapped up the interview with “Take a shot!” No doubt it was Jim Beam in the flask….. SOURMASH Accomplishments • Opened for such national acts as Blackberry Smoke and David Allan Coe • Performed live in the WDVE Coffeehouse (Pittsburgh) • Currently receiving airplay on SiriusXM • Nationally distributed on AMI Entertainment and Touchtunes jukeboxes. • Airing on iHeart Radio, Pandora, Slacker, Spotify and other media. • Appears in the upcoming film A Fancy Piece of Homicide • SOURMASH Debut Album, First Shot was released in April 2015. • First Shot is on sale nationally and internationally on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Google, Rhapsody, Rumblefish and more. • Selected as a 2015 Touch Tunes Breakout Band • Featured in Thunder Roads PA Motorcycle Magazine in July 2015 • Selected as Pick of the Week feature for Clayton USA in 2012. Here is a great review about their debut album: “First Shot - the debut album from SOURMASH is a 6-song masterpiece. From the first chord of the opening song, you know you will be taken on a powerful, guitar-driven rock and roll adventure. Songs about motorcycles, whiskey, relationships and everyday life-lessons shine throughout this album. These are good ol’ American boys that write, sing, play and perform the same way they live - blue and white collar bikers that love family & country and know how to have a good time. They work hard and play harder. This music relates to the All-American lifestyle. Whether you are cruising down the highway or hanging around the bonfire, this is the soundtrack of your life.” - Genya - DJ at SiriusXM Schedule: June 4th - Cool Water Saloon, Apollo PA - Dog Days of Summer Annual Benefit Ride for Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter June 11th - Hilltop Firehall, Apollo PA - The Fred - Annual Benefit for ALS with guests, Tripshow, Folkhammer and Heidi & The Hellcats June 25th - Oaks Theater with Twisted Fate - Oakmont PA July 15th - Erie HD Bikefest, Harley-Davidson of Erie, Erie PA 8pm Main Stage July 29th - Hyde Park Community Days, Hyde Park PA July 30th - Hogs and Dogs Benefit Ride, Irwin PA August 2nd - Jergel’s Rhythm Grille Bike Night, Warrendale, PA August 6th - Oklahoma Community Days, Oklahoma, PA TRPA will be front and center enjoying the show at BIKEFEST in Erie as they headline on the main stage on July 15th - If you are looking for an awesome venue where these guys can really cut loose this is it! SOURMASH is: Nick Farine ~ Guitar Tim Henry ~ Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals Ken Harnish ~ Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals Matt Knapp ~ Drums, Fiddle Dave Stanoszek ~ Bass Pat Bono ~ Vocals 72 JUNE 2016 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE PENNSYLVANIA www.thunderroadspennsylvania.com - Thunder Roads of PA

SOURMASH – FIRST SHOT (no label)

Pittsburgh’s Sourmash started out in 2010 as a salute to classic southern rock, but evolved their original rock sound and identity and developed into a favorite of motorcycle festivals and events, and has opened for national acts such as Blackberry Smoke and David Allan Coe. FIRST SHOT is Sourmash’s debut offering, a six-song EP that introduces listeners to the group’s southern-rooted, hard-rocking sound. The group offers the triple-guitar threat of Tim Henry, Nick Farine and Ken Harnish (who also plays keys); along with bassist Dave Stanoszek, drummer Matt Knapp and singer Craig Harnish (since replaced by Pat Bono). FIRST SHOT’s songs range from rowdy, whiskey-soaked rockers to deeper, more sullen numbers; honoring the traditions of southern stalwarts like Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special. The disc-opener “Mr. Mayhem” sets the tone as a raucous ode to a troublemaker, paced by a driving beat and roaring wall of guitar sound. “Flesh and Bone” aggressively gallops along with its message of standing alone, while the tough rocker “Hard Road” offers the reminder that life isn’t easy. The slower “I Walk Alone” is introspective and builds to a thunderous chorus, and the group crafts a power ballad epic with “You Are Everything.” And Sourmash celebrates booze-running outlaws on the brazen closer “Cheap Wine and Moonshine.” Sourmash delivers these tunes full force and no holds barred, yet retains a smooth, melodic quality throughout the disc. The guitars snarl and roar, the rhythms pound, and Craig Harnish’s voice is strong and clear. Recorded, mixed and produced by Klint Macro at Cobblesound Recording in New Kensington, FIRST SHOTsounds full, sharp and balanced, allowing this group to bare their teeth without excessive polish or gloss. FIRST SHOT is a rowdy, fun first blast that should quickly convince listeners about what Sourmash is all about, the musical equivalent to a sourmash shot that goes down smooth but provides a hearty kick. (The CD can be obtained through the group’s website, www.sourmashrocks.com.) - PA Musician Magazine