By Nicholas Jason Lopez
In February 2020, Memphis, Tenn.-based rock act Fingertrick dropped the “snowy” video for their single “Nuclear Winter,” which showcases what the trio of vocalist/guitarist Chris Pietrangelo (Medieval Steel), vocalist/bassist Patrick “Party Pat” Pietrangelo and drummer Saxton “KidD” Dover can do.
Fingertrick was formed by the Pietrangelo brothers in late 2012, whom released two albums as a duo – 2014’s ‘Wildfire’ via American Recording Studios and 2018’s ‘If Requiems Were Record Deals.’ Since then, they’ve been at work on new music, which will be released soon.
In April 2021, they’ll be playing the Pine Belt Music Festival in Hattiesburg, MS alongside Saliva and Framing Hanley.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with the band about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Chris Pietrangelo – Back in 2012, I was told that I had incredibly tricky fingers. Don’t ask me why. Anyway, this came right around the time that we were naming the band. We were all tired of arguing about band names, so when I mentioned “Fingertrick,” we decided to run with it and it has aged surprisingly well!
Music Bugle – How would you describe Memphis, Tennessee to someone who has never been there before?
Patrick Pietrangelo – “Memphis? That’s where that band Fingertrick is from, right?”
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Saxton Dover – We have a new song coming out called “When It’s Over” and it was a pain in the ass to write. It made me punch a brick wall.
Music Bugle – What do you miss the most about performing in front of a live audience?
Saxton Dover – I really miss the energy we all have together when we play in front of a crowd. Playing alone in the rehearsal room is great, but the energy is a lot different during a live show. It unlocks something in all three of us and you can tell. We cannot wait to get back out there.
Music Bugle – How have you been personally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Patrick Pietrangelo – We all gave it to each other by sharing the same Jack bottle. Also… I never got a stimulus check. All in all… 0/10 would not recommend.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt music?
Chris Pietrangelo – Honestly, we wish that we could go back to the days when social media didn’t exist. We are not really an “Internet Band.” We do our best work on stage, sweating and bleeding on the frontlines. Now, all I see is bedroom live streams. The market is extremely oversaturated and 90 percent of the stuff is pretty anemic, in my opinion. Sure, it is easier to put music out there, but that is not necessarily a good thing. It has also ruined people’s attention span.
Music Bugle – How would you describe your 2020?
Chris Pietrangelo – Sax punched a wall and broke his hand. We think that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Chris Pietrangelo – Tom Zutaut once told me I had an amazing voice. Got me through the rest of the evening.
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Saxton Dover – Talent.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Patrick Pietrangelo – Saliva.
