For this month’s interview we chatted with local band, The Satin Hearts. An eclectic rock n roll band with members who have been entertaining the greater Pittsburgh area for nearly 20 years – the band is comprised of singer Marcy Eustice, guitarist Fran Rifugiato, bassist Jim Capp and drummer Chris Belin. The band began with Marcy and Fran (who teamed up previously in the band Strange Brew) and then expanded to add on the talents of Jim and Chris. While the band spends time entertaining the masses in the ‘Burgh – they’re expanding and now seeing air time on radio stations all over the United States. Here’s a little more info on this exciting band.
Question 1-So what is new with The Satin Hearts?
FRAN- Two things. The first is that we are working on a new CD of original songs. We think it will be our best one yet. We do some covers at local gigs, but our CD`s have always included all original songs. The second big news, at least from my end, is that I am considering buying a guitar tuner so that I can play in tune with our bassist !
MARCY - The biggest news on my end is Fran considering splurging for a tuner. Although I don't believe it’s totally necessary. If Jim and Fran are out of tune with each other I will just pick a key that is closest to the middle. Occasionally I've been known to pick a random key that's nowhere near the key the band is playing the song in, but I still sing in perfect pitch in the random key. Now that's what I call talent! [just kidding!]
CHRIS - Recently I've been using different drum sets for shows, due to stage size, volume specifics, sound preferences, etc. The sets have been very sparkly-looking (green, blue, and possibly red someday soon) so finding shirts to match the set I use for a gig has been a fun task. As the wise Jim Capp once said "Always look your best".
Question 2- The Satin Hearts have been playing bluesy rock n roll around Pittsburgh on a regular basis for almost two decades. What motivates the band to keep gigging?
JIM – For me, it has always been the sheer pleasure of playing the bass, and doing it in front of a crowd. I love the sound and feel of the bottom end and when I hit the right notes, it sounds even better. And, when we all end a song at the same time, we get bonus points.
CHRIS - Even though we've been around the block many times as a group, I never get tired of performing live and recording music with this crew. I'm still as excited as I was on my first gig with them! The song list is always varied and the crowd responds extremely well with both covers and originals. We always conduct ourselves in a professional manner and go above and beyond what the crowd, promoter or club owner expects of us. Even with all that being said, we can pretty much play any tune from our list at any time, in any scenario, which is rare for a band in this area.
Question 3-What is the craziest thing a fan ever did at a show?
FRAN - Someone tried to steal Marcy`s lyric book...it didn`t end well….
MARCY-The craziest thing that happened at a show was when a guy with a long blond crew cut came up to us and said he just got out of the penitentiary and he's gonna party till they take him back. Then proceeded to dump alcohol on his head then lit his hair on fire!
JIM – We get some crazy dancers. I wish I could capture them on video, but my hands are kind of tied up with plucking my strings. And then there is the occasional $100 tip. That’s crazy, but strongly encouraged.
CHRIS- We played at Moundsville State Penitentiary on my birthday a few years back and all the inmates serenaded me with "Happy Birthday" on a set break. Surreal.
Question 4- What can people expect at a show, how can they find out where you are playing, and where can they buy a CD?
JIM – Our set list is pretty interesting, from Johnny Cash to Blondie to Canned Heat. If you don’t like one song, you’ll like the next. And actually, some of our originals go over the best.
CHRIS- People can expect to have a good time. They'll see a band who won't play at uncomfortable volumes and who'll play a catchy, wide variety of songs. Some songs they will know, some they won't. Regardless the band will keep them interested and entertained.
FRAN-Our schedule is on our website www.thesatinhearts.com and our CDs can be bought on our website or wherever fine music is sold.
MARCY- Or check Chris`s website which is always has our latest dates www.chrisbelindrums.com
Find out more about The Satin Hearts: On the web: http://www.thesatinhearts.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesatinhearts
Gwen O'Brien works full time at RMU, works full time as a wife, works full time as a mom, works full time as a dog mom and occasionally finds time to write or edit or both. She resides in McDonald and enjoys reading and donuts when she's not working.
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