Local 913, Episode 83: The Commonheart
Clinton Clegg and Shawn McGregor, who were formerly in the band Back Stabbing Good People, formed a new band: The Commonheart. After two years of live shows around Pittsburgh, the 10 piece band is ready to release their debut:
“Clinton and I started this band because we wanted a more focused project. The transformation of the band has kind of grown from that. We started off as a 5 piece band and then the idea of back-up singers came up. It was going to be on a one gig basis, but then we just said “Well, they’re here now!” Then the same thing happened with the horn players and now we’re 10-deep. It’s just been an evolution. It’s been two years, but I think the band may have not been ready for a record until now. It’s seen it’s fruition and if the record came any earlier than this, it would not have been indicative of what the band is.”
That’s drummer McGregor, who references their recent opening for Gary Clark Jr. at Stage AE as their most exciting and successful live show. He went on to explain how they decided on their band name:
“We had booked something to light a fire. It was getting really close to the gig. Every day we would text each other in a thread suggesting names. The promoter of the show was up our ends to get something printed to promote the show. He told us he needed a band name “by today” and The Commonheart was the only thing that no one had an objection to. I’ve really grown to love it and it’s funny that it’s got an anti-climactic beginning; from the inability to name the band, but we’ve really grown to love it!”
The debut album from The Commonheart, which was recorded at Treelady, is being released November 12 at Mr. Smalls. More information is at their website.
