Even social butterflies will, at times, feel a bit of alienation. Pittsburgh songwriter Anthony Vincent Jardine tackles that sense of being alone with your thoughts while the world spins on on his new song “Space Ghost.”
Anthony recently spoke with WYEP's Joey Spehar.
What’s your musical history up to this point?
I played with a band called These Lions in 2010, then a band called “Some Kind of Animal”, which lasted til about 2018. We got to play four official showcases at SXSW which was fun. Then I just began more a solo act; hiring musicians to play bigger compositions.
How do you describe your sound?
I would say kind of a combination of Sigur Rós
, or Radiohead, meeting a dash of old soul influences such as Otis or Aretha. I grew up on soul and blues, which has always stuck with me as my influences changed over time.
Tell us more about the song "Space Ghost." What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
“Space Ghost” was kind of like this notion of feeling alienated. I think there are times where we all kind of feel like we are in our own world, as the world continues to go on. I used to read a lot of [Henry David] Thoreau, and the transcendental authors. I suppose “Space Ghost” emulates a sense of being alone with your thoughts while the rest of the world goes on without knowing, but also feeling like they wouldn’t mean anything even if people did know.. if that makes sense.
What was the first album that really changed your life?
I would have to say my top three are: Jeff Buckley, "Grace" the songwriting, and soulful runs combined with the guitar work of Jeff had me mesmerized when I first heard it. I wanted to write like him; Elliott Smith, "XO;" Donny Hathaway, "Live."
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
There’s so much talent in this city. I would have to say: Jason Gamble, Ezra Hamilton, Zack Keim, Norside Organ Trio, Animal Scream, Ames Harding, of course The Commonheart, Anne Celedonia, Julia Norah, Bre Short... the list goes on.
Any other super interesting things about you we should know?
I’m part owner of Pittsburgh Winery. Tim, Cole and I have been huge proponents of doing our part to keep the music scene alive in our cellar at 2809 Penn Ave. We have a 300 person music venue and are always curating shows featuring the best local talent as well as national/ international.
