Pittsburgh local music spotlight: Mellowscape

Brothers Robby and Nathaniel King have wanted to make music since they were kids, and they’re doing it now as Mellowscape. The indie rock band released its third album, “Sunsick,” in April.

“‘Sunsick’ is Mellowscape at full throttle. If you need a rock album to dive in to, ‘Sunsick’ is it. The album features huge anthemic jams and also very intimate vulnerable moments,” Nathaniel King said. “We love to bury as many musical Easter eggs in our songs as possible. In terms of lyrics, as much as we try not to, we end up writing a lot about ourselves and our own challenges that life has dealt.

“Some songs are about growing pains and feeling alone, some songs are about mourning a lost friendship, and some songs are about escaping an abusive relationship. One song, ‘Armadillo,’ seems like complete nonsense but it is actually about our own found friendship as a band! Regardless, we think that any listener will be able to find something to relate to.”

The album was recorded at Mr. Smalls Studio in Millvale.

“We absolutely love crafting our music,” Nathaniel King said. “Songs always start out as basic ideas and a chord structure. But it really gets fun when we start writing vocal harmonies, fun guitar licks (and) interesting background noises.”

As much fun as recording has proven to be, they’ve learned that the live show experience is something impossible to replicate.

“We find that having the chance to express the real raw emotion, power, and energy that recorded and edited music can’t quite translate is the most exciting part of playing live,” he said. “Just like watching the Penguins on TV isn’t the same as being at the game in person.”

Nathaniel King filled TribLive in on what else we should know about Mellowscape:

Band: Mellowscape

Band members: Robby King (guitar, vocals), Nathaniel King (drums, vocals)

Founding story: My brother Robby and I have been playing music together since we were kids, performing under different band names or as nameless. In 2017, we set out to start a more organized project with a new and clear identity: Mellowscape. Mellowscape was intended to take every bit of rock, punk, funk and indie pop influence and blend it all together. After some initial lineup changes, Chaz Donnelly, a college friend of mine, joined the group in 2019. This three-piece lineup solidified the main identity of the band. Since then, Mellowscape has been in the trenches of the Pittsburgh music scene: playing shows, recording music and making friends within the wonderful Pittsburgh community. Mellowscape has released three full length LPs and loves playing groovy yet hard-hitting music. My brother and I are the current active members of the band.

Origin of band’s name: We’re sure that many bands can relate to this: I suggested the name Mellowscape in a band group chat, and it stuck. There’s not a very interesting story behind it. We feel that we’ve really grown into the name; it fits our personality and music and it is unique.

For fans of: If you love indie rock with some punk and funk, you’ll love our music. We have something for everyone, and no two songs of ours sound alike.

Influences: Our influences include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Thee Oh Sees, Modern Baseball, Hot Mulligan and (unfortunately) Weezer.

Releases: “Basements” (DIY, 2021); “Killer Mode” (2023); “Sunsick (2025), as well as some singles sprinkled in.

Next shows: May 28 at Poetry Lounge; July 26 at The Forge Urban Winery.

How to find them: Everything can be found at the band’s Linktree at linktr.ee/Mellowscape, primarily operating on Instagram.

Three other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: Rebel Revolver, Sunny Daze and the Weathermen and Lorelai Paige

Favorite pizza shop: Mineo’s of course.

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