Interview with Pistacia

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

My mother always played music in the house. Literally, everything she did was done to music. Cleaning, cooking, and even (strangely) a phone call. I started out with Disney princesses, to Gaga, to Pierce the Veil, to Fluids. Weird pipeline comes to think of it but it's me. Before I decided to pursue music, I wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon. Medicine fascinates me and I used to love studying anatomy. In my free time, I study the history of medicine and human experimentation so my love for art never left.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

 Some of my hobbies include playing with my dog, Chowder, whittling, and reading. I like to read and watch history videos on cuisine, medicine, and family dynamic throughout the ages. Learning in general gives me cool metaphors to work with when writing lyrics. For example, when I was learning about leech therapy and bloodletting I got the inspiration to write, “Hematophagous” which is by far my strongest song lyrically.

How long has your band been around?

 Pistacia with its current (and cooler) lineup was established in 2020.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 We are based out of Boston. We are from all over; North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and New Jersey. We have each been a part of our own perspective scenes and when we came together to join the Boston scene it was a bit of a culture shock. That being said, we love it so much.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

The most memorable show we have played is by far the “Filthy No Bummer Summer” in New Hampshire. Every year a buddy of ours, Rob Kulingoski, throws a local festival in his backyard. The scene is so close and everyone is family there. I wouldn’t trade that comfort and warmth for anything.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Our favorite venue is The Five/Nine which is Rob’s place. We have not played at Fete Music Hall in Rhode Island or Sonia in Boston and either would be so cool honestly.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

 Oh easy: Pierce the Veil, Pistacia, Fluids, and Brand of Sacrifice.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

 Connections are important, yes but more than anything just show up. Go to gigs and make friends. It’s the most important thing to do at any level.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

 Stop being afraid of people. Your peers are your friends and not everyone is out to get you. Take care of yourself and be kind it’ll all work out.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

 On our upcoming EP, we have a song called “Fake a Smile.” I wrote it about social anxiety and how it ruined my life to the point I had no friends. Talking to people used to be impossible for me because I used to be so scared of what they might think of me. I got better at shutting that voice up and just doing me. Some days are better than most but singing this song reminds me I used to be so much worse. This song reminds me growth is possible and it's only up from here.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 “It Was the Cat”, our latest single is by far the most fun to play. The intro just gets people on their feet and the chorus is so much fun. It makes me want to dance even though it’s about self-harm.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

 Writing music is so odd for us because each song is different, showcasing each of our individual skills. “Fake a Smile” was a song written by Theo a few years ago and she came to me and said, “this should be a Pistacia song.” The same thing happened with “It Was the Cat” but Ben had a major part in creating that one as well. Then I worked my magic writing a hook, melody, and lyrics and we got two amazing tracks. Those guys are so talented it's unreal. Then “Melatonin” and “N.Hale” started with me singing some riffs and having those translated to guitar. We are a very collaborative band and I love that about us.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

“Everything will be okay and you are not alone.” Plain and simple. I make music for those who are mentally ill to the point they are scared to share their thoughts. I scream them for all to hear in hopes it makes someone’s day a little easier.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

 We really don’t have disagreements but if any of us are ever on the fence about something we talk it out and have a vote. We are all good guys with pure hearts.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

 We have a really cool merch store we are slowly building up with an amazing design done by Curly Swope.  We have an EP coming this fall called “Edgy” and it's going to be the revival of MySpace metalcore.

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Music Video - It Was The Cat -