January 13, 2012
'San Antonio based Pitchfork is a Texas, southern,country, rock and roll band, who just released their first EP. They call themselves the band that was formed at the crossroads at midnight. They have all the basic elements of country music, "whiskey", "heartbreak", "highways", "women", etc etc etc...But the energy of rock&roll that brings it all home. I recently talked to singer/guitar player JR Scot and bassist Robert Hankosky from the band, and they answered 10 questions for me.
Who are your songwriting influences?
JR - As a songwriter I pull from many different genres and artists that influenced me growing up, but I think my top three would be Steve Earle, Johnny Cash and Dave Matthews
Rob - Paul Westerberg, Joe Strummer & Hank Williams
When and where was your first public performance?
JR - Lol, my very first “public” performance was at my high school for one of our dances. I was probably only 15 at the time. It was me and two other guys and we only knew 4 songs that we practiced maybe twice. I’d say the first time that was really pivotal for me was in Stockdale Texas at their annual fair where I’d won a talent show that day and got to take the stage that night with an original song for about a thousand folks. That was fun.
Rob - Wacky's Cantina in San Antonio, around 1993. I remember thinking, damn this is what its like to be in The Replacements. I still think about that night and how great it feels to be on stage.
What was the first record or cd you purchased with your own money?
JR - Guns & Roses Appetite For Destruction
Rob - Im a little older than JR. I remember riding my bike down to the TG&Y in Clear Lake City around 1975 and bought the 45 single "Saturday Night" from the Bay City Rollers. It was .50
What was the first live concert you attended?
JR - First ever for me was “A Perfect Circle” in Amarillo TX I still think they are a great band.
Rob - First known band was Van Halen in Houston. I'd seen some no name punk shows as well
Which venue would you most like to play that you haven't yet/ and which is your favorite venue to play?
JR - Oh I would love to be able to play Gruene Hall in New Braunfels TX and I’d say of the places we’ve played so far I really enjoy Moses Roses Hideout in downtown San Antonio.
Rob - Yeah Gruene Hall would be cool. Tacoland will always be my favorite. I think about Ram all the time. Moses Roses Hideout is cool, just a pain in the ass to get your gear in. A small place called Boneshakers in S. San Antonio. Great PA. I think Flaco Jimenez just played there.
What is the best career advice you've been given, and by whom?
JR - My late friend and fellow musician James Perez once told me “When you’re up there, on the stage, stop trying’ to be like the last 5 guys and just be you.”
Rob - You gonna tune or are you gonna play, PUSSY? Advice from Ram Ayala
Who are you listening to now?
JR - Been jamming a lot of The Great Divide, Mike McClure's old band
Rob - Tommy Stinson, Hayes Carll, Hank III,
What is your best story about life on the road?
JR - I think the coolest time for me was at Todd & SarahPalooza 2010 down in Magnolia TX we got about half way through our set and a big freakin’ storm rolled in and we had shut everything down but us and all the other bands there set up acoustic guitars, basses small drums and sat in a circle in the garage and traded songs and stories all night while the rain came down. Those are always the best times.
Rob - The crushed chicken at Rudyards in Houston. Those that were there know what I'm talking about.
What recordings are available to the public and where can they be purchased?
JR - Well we have our 5 track demo LP available on our Facebook to listen
www.facebook.com/pitchforktx or you can hear the songs on our web site www.pitchforktx.com also we have them on www.reverbnation.com/pitchforktxWe will have hard copies for sale very soon.
When and where are you playing next?
JR - Jan 7 Moses Roses Hideout San Antonio, Mar. 9 Bobby J's Helotes,
Rob - Shows always pop up, keep checking the websites for updates.