About the Band:

 

A Prior I hails proudly from Pittsburgh, PA. Their painstakingly developed sound admittedly defies description, although that is the intent. At one moment melodies will soar, only to fall and give way to pounding rhythmic dissonance. Some songs build and fall like cities, while still others flow along like churning rivers. It is all part of the plan.

 

The band formed in early 2007, when members Colin Smith (drums) and Joe Stammerjohn (guitar) met up with Jimmy Hamilton (bass) and Matt McClory (guitar). The chemistry was instant.

 

Billy Rossi, the engineer / producer from Billy Rossi Studios engineered the original demo in the summer of 2008. With that came a new influx of ideas and possibilities. Over the next two years they developed and honed their sound in a new, unique direction. With that, a new paradigm emerged.

 

Beginning in the summer of 2009, API unleashed their unique new style on the local music scene. Shows at venues like Howler's Coyote Cafe and the 31st Street Pub were a huge success in spreading the word. Momentum took them across the state, playing a small venue in Trenton, NJ and back again.

 

2010 saw the release of "All Eyes Were Lifted Upward..." along with a T-Shirt design and a whole host of new possibilities. Following some successful shows and a colossal Battle of the Bands win in front of 200+ people, API soared to new heights. They played venues from Peter’s Pub and Kopec’s to tremendous venues like Altar Bar, as well as a return to New Jersey.

 

2011 has been kind. A full schedule and exciting new prospects, including discussions of recording a new EP and a number of exciting shows with exciting bands like Chux Beta and Basick Sickness, have helped to spread the word about their unique sound. API has refused to look back.