July 12, 2018

Center Stage - Playgrounds

We're pleased to introduce you to Radio Airplay's newest center stage pick,  Playgrounds - A four piece pop punk/ alternative rock group from Pittsburgh, PA. Formed in 2017 by founding members Ken Craven - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar, William Haines - Drums, and Eric Simon - Bass Guitar. A later addition of Matt Madjerich - Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals, helped to solidify the group. Their first EP, a five track record titled “The Things I Shouldn’t Stress” was released, December 23, 2017 On all major music outlets. The band is currently doing regular live performances as well as working on a full length album. 

Get to know Playgrounds, what they've been up to, and what they've got in store in our latest Q&A feature!

Can you describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence?
We are fast, loud, energetic, and sometimes a little dark, music that hits you right in the feels


What's your earliest music-related memory growing up?
Each of us have our own separate experiences. I (Ken) remember spending the weekends, when I was around 10 years old, at a local venue called American Music Cafe, in Murrysville, Pa. My older brother was in a band with the owners sons, and I had just begun guitar lessons. I've seen hundreds of bands come in and out, and it has had the biggest impact on my life in regards to music. \

(Matt) When I was younger I never really listened to music too often, except for movie soundtracks and such haha. However my uncle Seth was always into music and playing guitar & it always kind of interested me.

If you were to cover another band/artist's album, which would you pick and why?
I (Ken) have been a huge Blink fan since as far back as I can remember. It isn't something we would do as a band but I'd have fun jamming their album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Matt is a huge fan of Breaking Benjamin and would cover their album Phobia, if given the chance.

Do you write/compose your own songs? Briefly describe your songwriting process
We write all of our own music and like getting together and bouncing ideas off each other. Music kind of just takes you along for the ride and we like to see where it takes us as far as musical direction. We're still growing our sound with every new track.

What was the highlight for you in 2017? Either personally or for your music career?
Our 2017 highlight would have to be finishing and releasing our first E.P. "The Things I Shouldn't Stress" on December 23. We've only been together just over a year and it was nice to see the work we put into it finally see daylight.

What have you been working on recently? Can you give us a hint for whats to come for the rest of 2018?Mainly playing shows (ahem, hit us up! playgroundspgh@gmail.com) and writing for our full length project.  We also have a music video in the works for one of our singles, so stay tuned!

What do you like more: Performing live or recording in the studio?
Performing in the studio is always great, but there is nothing that can compare to being on stage performing. The adrenaline rush is one of a kind.

What are some artists/bands that you're into at the moment? Or any particular song you find yourself listening to over and over?
I (Ken) have been on a pop punk kick lately (Neck Deep, The Story So Far), but I cant stop listening to The Wonder Years, their new album Sister Cities is currently in rotation on my playlist.

Any embarrassing on stage moments you'd like to share? C’mon, don’t be shy.
Nothing too crazy but forgetting your own lines mid show is like a kick in the teeth.

What do you enjoy doing outside of music? Does your hobby rejuvenate your creativity?
I (Ken) have been skateboarding and riding motocross for years. I'd be lost without either one.

What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?
The support and platform it gives to new artists. It's been a great way to put our music in peoples headphones all around the world, and thats pretty exciting!





Instagram: @playgroundspgh
Twitter:@playgroundspgh