Pipes and Pints (cz/usa) - Punkrock with Highland Bagpipes

Pipes and… Read Full Bio ↴Pipes and Pints (cz/usa) - Punkrock with Highland Bagpipes

Pipes and Pints were formed in 2006 by Vojta Kalina (Highland Bagpipes/Vocals) who dreamed of a band that would combine punk rock with dirty folk music such as The Pogues. Soon after, he met Tomas Novotny (Guitar/Vocals, ex-Who Ate My Skate) who shared the same dream, though his was also flavored by a passion for country and rock and roll. They did not only dream. The first sign of the band’s life was the release of their debut demo CD in 2007 shortly followed by tours throughout Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Rep., Slovakia), both as a headlining band and in support of The Porters, Society Parasites and others. However, the vision of the future of Pipes and Pints was not shared by all of the original members and a line-up change proved unavoidable. Lukas Vincour (Drums/Vocals, ex-Punkhart, ex-Thalidomide, ex-R.A.F.) moved to Prague from Moravia just to join the ranks of the band. So that he could sing, Syco Mike (Lead Vocals, ex-Mugshot76) cancelled his plan to return from Austria back home to his native California and moved to Prague with only his dog Tequila. Eventually, Ondra Balvin (Bass/Vocals, ex-Super Pilot, ex-El Paso), a good friend from the streets, squats, and clubs of Prague, also joined to be a Piper, with no less passion for the band or his bass.

In December 2008, after only a month of rehearsing, the new Pipes and Pints line-up (yet still without Ondra on the bass) recorded a 5-track EP which immediately became a promise of better days and the beginning of a new adventure. This EP release was well received and the boys didn't hesitate to hit the road with it. It was during that tour Pipes and Pints added new bass player Ondra and proved they were serious about their music by their relentless and voracious playing at European clubs and festivals. The year 2009 brought results of all the work so far. The band gained a reputation of true believers who give all they have. No matter, whether it was while supporting bands like The Porters, Church of Confidence, Born to Lose, Deadline, Hudson Falcons, Al & The Black Cats and more, or as they headlined their own shows. In November 2009, Pipes and Pints released their debut LP, full-length album entitled "Until We Die,“ with the cooperation of Wolverine Records for Europe and Unrepentant Records for North and South America.

With plans to support the album with as many tours and gigs as possible, i.e. to play “until they die” the band charged into the following year. The record proved a great success. Heaps of praise were written about it in both mainstream and genre press, as well as in the electronic media. Radio stations also did not ignore the record. Singles from Until We Die were aired all over the world and apart from Europe, the songs were heard in Japan, North and South America and even in Australia. It didn’t take long before the songs made their way into the radio charts, Top Ten at Shite ´n´ Onions (http://www.shitenonions.com/) and on the charts at the German Celtic-Rock.de (http://www.celtic-rock.de/), for example. Local media in their native Czech Republic also didn’t overlook Pipes and Pints. TV Očko, a national music TV station, nominated the band as the Best New Artist of the Year and put their music videos in high rotation. The charts at RockZone FM radio station saw Pipes and Pints claim the top position for several weeks. Numerous articles, interviews and reviews were written but the most obvious sign of their drastically increasing popularity were the sold out shows and ever-increasing dedicated fan base. In 2010, Pipes and Pints managed to play 110 shows and festivals, either as one of the main bands or as the headliner. The tours included a month long European tour; a four-day long tour in large arenas in the biggest cities of the Czech Republic with The Locos (project of the members of Ska-P) under the banner of the Rock For People festival; as well as the sold out Mighty Jäger Tour in clubs all over the Czech Republic.

The plans for 2011 were no less ambitious. The band have toured Russia, England, European mainland with Born to Lose and played at several awesome summer festivals, for example, Rebellion (UK), Force Attack (DE) or Mighty Sounds (CZ). It seemed as if nothing could stop them now. Yet, the total dedication and absolute surrender of their lives for the band started taking its toll. During the summer tour, Mike has announced that he wants to quit the band and move back to California. The rest of the band did not feel like breaking up, so while they played the last confirmed shows with Mike, they already started actively looking for a new lead singer. With the summer season finished, the 4 remaining Pipers did not seem to enjoy the long deserved break from touring, because replacing such a remarkable persona and frontman was really not an easy task. To choose a new singer from all the suitable candidates was a hard decision to make. Fortunately, they were saved from having to make that final call by Mike himself. As he took a break from the stressful band environment, it soon dawned on him he would badly miss all the rehearsing, recording and the shows, so he decided to return to the flock and rejoined the band.

Complete again, Pipes and Pints dived head-first into preparation of their second full-length LP. After the success of the first album, the band did not want to take any chances and enlisted the help of Darian Rundall, a known producer from California, who has produced records by bands such as Pennywise, US Bombs, Suicidal Tendencies or Yellowcard. After several months of writing new songs, Pipes returned to touring in February 2012. Two months later, back in shape and with the new bunch of songs already tested, the band and Darian hid away in Sun Studios in Prague for three weeks. Once the sessions were completed, Darian left for California, taking the recording with him for the final mix and mastering. The summer of 2012 was then all about preparations for the upcoming record and appearances at awesome summer festivals both home and abroad, Rebellion (UK), Resist to Exist (DE), Punk Rock Holidays (SLO), Open’er (PL), Mighty Sounds or Keltská Noc, to name a few.

Found and Lost, the second full-length LP, came out in November 2012. The album was released by People Like You for world-wide distribution except the Czech Republic, where the release and distribution is taken care of by a traditional music label Supraphon. The immediate success of the record was confirmed by endless stream of articles and reviews in both Czech (MF Dnes, Full Moon Magazine, Report) and international press. More importantly, the album received very positive feedback from the fans, and the following winter tour in Czech, Germany, Poland and Austria was basically sold out. And finally, as if 2012 was not yet successful enough, Pipes and Pints were invited to play at a prestigious music fair CEETEP in Netherlands, which showcases a cross-genre selection of the best European bands every year.

In early 2013, Pipes scored in the end of the year music polls. Found and Lost was voted the best album by the fans at, for example, Kids & Heroes webzine. More official recognition came from the Czech Academy of Popular Music, which awarded the album as the Album of the Year in the Punk & Hardcore genre category. With the summer slowly starting, Pipes are still touring diligently to support the new album. They have just returned from a successful 3 week tour of European mainland (FR, ES, CH & DE) and they probably won’t even unpack their bags, as the festival season is coming up fast. Once again, great number of festivals both home and abroad will host Pipes and Pints in the summer. Les Feux de Lete (FR), Rock’n’stock (FR), Eier mit Speck (DE) or Czech own travelling festival Czech and Moravian Castles will all see the Pipers play. And although it might seem too early to look ahead for autumn and winter of 2013, the plans for the second leg of their European and Russian tour are already in the making.

It is just seven years since the idea of Pipes and Pints started to form. Since then the band has gone a long way. They went ahead and upwards, as they have always been destined for. With more and more demand, Pipes are getting more popular and better on stage every day, yet they still cling to their roots, keep their feet firmly on the ground and continue to support the DIY scene, GNWP campaign, and other helpful activities and friendly bands.

http://www.pipesandpints.cz/
http://www.facebook.cz/pipesandpints
http://www.myspace.com/pipesandpints
http://www.unrepentantrecords.com/pipesandpints.html
http://www.last.fm/music/Pipes+And+Pints

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Pipes and Pints (cz/usa) - Punkrock mit Hochland Dudelsack

Pipes And Pints wurden 2006 von Vojta Kalina (Highland Bagpipes/Vocals) Tomas Novotny (Guitar/Vocals, ex-Who ate my Skate) gegründet als eine Band die Punk Rock und dirty Folk Music wie sie The Pogues spielen vereint und das ganze mit Einflüssen aus Country und Rock’n’Roll würzt. Schnell wurden die weiteren Bandmitglieder gefunden und ein Demo auf genommen. Die band begann ausführlich in Mittel-Europa zu touren (Germany, Austria, Czech Rep., Slovakia), sowohl als Headliner als auch mit Bands wie The Porters, Society Parasitesund anderen in 2007 und 2008. Dummerweise glaubten nicht alle Mitglieder der band an die Band Pipes And Pints und so wurde ein neuer Drummer in Lukas Vincour (Drums/Vocals, ex-Punkhart) gefunden, und ausserdem Syco Mike (Lead Vocals, ex-Mugshot76), welcher von Kalifornien über Österreich nach Prag zog, nur begleitet von seinem Hund „Tequila“; und Ondra Balvin (Bass/Vocals, Super Pilot, ex-ElPaso), der schon immer ein guter Freund von dem Rest der Jungs war.

Dezember 2008, nach nur einem Monat probenstand das neue Line up von Pipes And Pints und eine 5-track EP wurde von der Band selber released. Diese EP bekam sehr gutes Feedback und die Jungs begaben sich wieder ausführlich auf Tour. Nach nur einem Jahr war die Band bereits sehr etabliert als ein „True-to-the-heart-Band“ welches sich die Herzen der Fans im Sturm eroberte und neben vielen eigenen Shows und Festivalauftritten auch mit Bands wie The Porters, Church of Confidence, Born To Lose, Deadline, Hudson Falcons, Al And The Black Cats auf den Bühnen Eurpas zus ehen war.

Nun erscheint im November 2009, das Debut Full-Length Album von Pipes and Pints mit dem treffenden Titel "Until We Die“ auf Wolverine Records in Europa und Unrepentant Records in Nord und Süd Amerika. Und natürlich werden Pipes And Pints ab jetzt wieder auf unzähligen Bühnen zu sehen sein. Sie freuen sich auf euch "until they die“.

http://www.myspace.com/pipesandpints
http://www.pipesandpints.cz/
http://www.facebook.cz/pipesandpints
http://www.unrepentantrecords.com/pipesandpints.html
http://www.last.fm/music/Pipes+And+Pints

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Pipes and Pints (cz/usa) - Punkrock potkává Skotské dudy

Pipes and Pints vznikli v roce 2006 jako sen Vojty Kaliny (highland bagpipes/backvokály) o kapele, která míchá punkrock se špinavým folkem, jaký hrají třeba The Pogues. Brzy se setkal s Tomášem Novotným (ex-Who Ate My Skate, kytara/ backvokály), klukem se stejným snem okořeněným ještě vášní pro country a rock and roll. A nezůstalo jen u snění. V letech 2007/08 kapela projevila první známky života: vydala svoje první demo, odehrála několik koncertů po střední Evropě (Německo, Rakousko, Čechy, Slovensko) jako headliner i jako support (The Porters, Society Parasites a další). Poté kapela, z důvodu různých přístupů k ní, změnila sestavu. Koncem roku 2008 se pevné jádro Pipes and Pints posílilo o Lukáše Vincoura (ex-RAF, Thalidomide, Punkhart, bicí/ backvokály), který se kvůli kapele přestěhoval z Moravy do Prahy. O něco později se přidal Syco Mike (ex-Mugshot76, zpěv), který odvolal svůj návrat z Rakouska do Kalifornie a přesídlil do Prahy jen se svým psem Tequilou. Jako poslední doplnil sestavu starý kamarád z pražských ulic, klubů a squatů, Ondra Balvín (ex-Super Pilot, El Paso, basa/ backvokály) s nemalým zapálením pro společnou věc i svůj nástroj.   

Prvním společným počinem po zhruba měsíčním společném zkoušení se stalo bezejmenné EP nahrané v prosinci 2008 (ještě bez basáka) a okamžitě se stalo příslibem lepších zítřků a začátkem vysněného dobrodružství. Tato nahrávka zaznamenala slušný úspěch a kluci s ním, a konečně i s novým basákem Ondrou, neváhali vyrazit do světa. Neukojitelná chuť koncertovat a jezdit na turné nemohla nikoho nechat na pochybách, že to s hraním myslí opravdu vážně, a divokost se kterou vtrhli na evropská pódia klubů a festivalů to jen potvrdila. Za necelý rok si kapela vysloužila pověst srdcařů, kteří do toho, co dělají, dávají opravdu všechno. Konec roku 2009 přinesl výsledky dosavadního snažení a pilování písniček. Pipes stihli odehrát desítky koncertů, jak po boku skvělých kapel jako The Porters, Church Of Confidence, Born To Lose, Deadline nebo Hudson Falcon tak i na vlastní triko, a vydat svojí debutovou desku "Until We Die" ve spolupráci s Wolverine records pro Evropu a Unrepentant records pro Severní a Jižní Ameriku.

S plány podpořit nové album co největším počtem koncertů, tedy hrát "dokud neumřou," se Pipes and Pints vrhli do roku 2010. Desce se dařilo. Vyšly na ní pozitivní recenze ve většině evropských žánrových i nežánrových periodicích, o elektronických mediích nemluvě. Ani rádia na Until We Die nezanevřela. Singly z desky zněly v rádiovém éteru po celém světě, vyjma Evropy například i v Japonsku, Severní a Jižní Americe nebo dokonce i v Austrálii. Hitparády na sebe nenechaly dlouho čekat, a Pipes and Pints se umístili v prestižních žánrových žebříčcích i mimo republiku. Namátkou, v americké žánrové Top Ten Shite ´n´ Onions (http://www.shitenonions.com/) nebo německém Celtic-Rock.de (http://www.celtic-rock.de/). Ani v domácích vodách si Pipes and Pints nevedli špatně. TV Očko je nominovalo na objev roku 2009 a nezdráhalo se pravidelně protáčet jejich klipy. Na rádiu Rockzone Pipes and Pints několik týdnů kralovali Top 20. V roce 2010 zvládli Pipes and Pints, již v roli jedné z větších kapel programu, či přímo hlavních tahounů večera, obrazit 110 koncertů a festivalů, včetně vlastního měsíčního turné po Evropě, halového turné se zastávkami ve čtyřech největších městech ČR spolu s The Locos (členové Ska-P) pod hlavičkou Rock For People, nebo vyprodaného klubového Mighty Jäger Tour po Čechách.

Do roku 2011 vstupovali Pipes s neméně ambiciózními plány. Odehráli turné po Rusku, Anglii, Evropské turné s Born To Lose a hromady skvělých festivalů po celé Evropě - Rebellion, Force Attack, Mighty Sounds, až to vypadalo, že je v rozletu nemůže nic zastavit. Absolutní nasazení a odevzdání se kapele, si ale během nekonečných turné začalo vybírat svojí daň, a v průběhu léta se Mike nechal slyšet, že chce z kapely odejít a odstěhovat se zpátky do Kalifornie. Zbytek kapely nehodlal nechat nic náhodě, a zatímco s Mikem objížděli poslední domluvené koncerty, začali aktivně hledat nového zpěváka. Letní festivalová sezóna skončila, ale zaslouženou koncertní pauzu, která následovala, si Pipes nijak zvlášť neužívali, protože nahradit tak výraznou osobnost a frontmana jako je Mike nebyl vůbec snadný úkol. Těžké vybírání z potenciálních kandidátů nakonec ulehčil kapele právě sám Mike. Mimo kolotoč života v kapele si uvědomil jak moc by mu všechno to zkoušení, skládání a koncertovaní chybělo a rozhodl se k Pipes and Pints vrátit.

Znovu v plné síle se Pipes na podzim 2011 pustili do příprav druhé řadové desky. Po úspěchu první desky nechtěla kapela nic podcenit a k nahrávání přizvala Dariana Rundalla, kalifornského producenta, který se podepsal pod desky kapel jako Pennywise, US Bombs, Suicidal Tendencies nebo Yellowcard. Po několika měsících strávených skládáním nového materiálu a po návratu na koncertní pódia v únoru 2012, se Pipes spolu s Darianem v dubnu 2012 zavřeli na celé tři týdny v pražském Sun Studiu. Nahrávku si poté Darian odvezl s sebou do Kalifornie kde proběhl závěrečný mix a mastering. Léto 2012 pak bylo ve znamení příprav na vydání desky a neodmyslitelného objíždění skvělých festivalů. Pipes zahráli na předních evropských festivalech - podruhé na Rebellion (UK), Resist to Exist (DE), Punk Rock Holidays (SLO), Open’er (PL), ale neopomněli ani na české štace Mighty Sounds nebo Keltskou Noc.

Found and Lost, druhá řadová deska Pipes and Pipes spatřila světlo světa v listopadu 2012. Album vyšlo pod hlavičkou vydavatelství People Like You s celosvětovou distribucí vyjma ČR, kde album vydává a distribuuje české tradiční vydavatelství Supraphon. Úspěch alba se projevil nejen v nekonečném množství článků a recenzí v českých (MF Dnes, Full Moon Magazine, Report), i zahraničních periodikách, ale především v ohlasu fanoušků a vyprodaných sálech na zimním turné na podporu nové desky po ČR, Německu, Polsku a Rakousku. Třešničkou za veleúspěšným koncertním rokem pak bylo pozvání na prestižní hudební veletrh CEETEP v Holandsku, který každoročně nabízí nežánrovou přehlídku předních evropských kapel.

Začátkem roku 2013 se Pipes and Pints dočkali ocenění v každoročních anketách o nejlepší album roku. Found and Lost si zvolili jak fanoušci, např. v hodnocení webzinu Kids and Heroes, tak akademie hudebních cen Anděl, která ocenila desku žánrovou cenou za nejlepší desku roku 2012 v kategorii punk/hardcore. Jaro je v plném proudu, ale turné na podporu Found and Lost nepolevují. Pipes se nedávno vrátili z povedeného 3 týdenního turné po Evropě (FR, ES, CH, DE), a pomalu ani nemusí vybalovat, protože je čeká další letní festivalová sezóna, jak v zahraniční - Les Feux de Lete (FR), Rock’n’stock (FR), Eier mit Speck (DE) - tak v ČR, kde se ukáží např. na putovní přehlídce České a Moravské Hrady. Podzim a zima se sice zdají být ještě daleko, ale druhá část evropského turné a druhá návštěva Ruska se již teď začínají dostávat jasné obrysy.

Je to teprve sedm let, co se idea Pipes and Pints začala formovat, ale za tu dobu urazila kapela neuvěřitelný kus cesty. Kupředu a vzhůru. Směr, kterým zdá se mířili vždy. Čím dál tím vyhranější, žádanější a populárnější Pipes and Pints si ale udržují své kořeny v lokální DIY scéně, podporují kampaň GNWP (na připravované benefiční kompilaci vyjde nevydaná písnička z nahrávání Found and Lost), a další prospěšné aktivity a spřátelené kapely.

http://www.pipesandpints.cz/
http://www.facebook.cz/pipesandpints
http://www.myspace.com/pipesandpints
http://www.last.fm/music/Pipes+And+Pints
http://www.bandzone.cz/pipesandpints

Never Let You Down
Pipes And Pints Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down

Your friends were all well-meaning
When they said "No one is good enough for you"

They play with your emotions
Dismiss the notion
Do what you have to do

'Cause people don't take chances with their hearts
Since I've met you I am past the hardest part
So remember one thing
I will never let you down

I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down

Sometimes you feel defeated
But, it's OK
You're not the only one
And all the complications
The bad situations
Happen to everyone
It doesn't matter how it ended, or began
Sometimes, the best that you can do is change your plans
I hope you understand that
I will never let you down

I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down

I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love

The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down

Overall Meaning

In "Never Let You Down," Pipes And Pints express a newfound appreciation for the feeling of having someone special in their lives. They promise to never let their significant other down, despite their friends' warnings and the inevitable challenges that arise in relationships. The lyrics suggest that while relationships can be difficult, the rewards are worth the risks. The chorus is particularly catchy and emphasizes the singer's commitment to their partner. The song also acknowledges that everyone experiences setbacks in love, but that shouldn't stop them from pursuing happiness and love.

One interesting aspect of "Never Let You Down" is Pipes And Pints' particular style of music, which blends Celtic punk with rock and roll. Another notable factor is the use of bagpipes in the song, which is a signature element of their sound. Despite their Czech roots, the band has drawn inspiration from Irish and Scottish folk traditions.

Another interesting fact about the song is that it was released as the lead single for Pipes And Pints' second studio album, Lost & Found, in 2015. It enjoyed moderate success in their native Czech Republic and among fans of the Celtic punk genre. "Never Let You Down" has been a staple in their live performances since it was released.

The lyrics were written by the band's frontman, Vojta Kalina, who has stated that the song was inspired by personal experiences and the desire to stay committed to his partner. The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm have made it a favorite among fans of the band.

John Morand, a renowned producer and sound engineer, produced "Never Let You Down" for Pipes And Pints. Morand has worked with several notable bands, including Nirvana and The Black Crowes.

In terms of the song's structure, it follows a typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, making it a crowd-pleaser at live shows.

Overall, "Never Let You Down" is a heartfelt and catchy song that celebrates the joys of love and the importance of staying committed to one's partner. The band's unique blend of Celtic, punk, and rock elements make it stand out in the crowded music scene.

Chords: (not verified)

Intro: G D C D (4x)

Verse: G D C D (4x)

Chorus: G D C D (4x)

Bridge: Em C D (2x)

Chorus: G D C D (4x)

Line by Line Meaning

I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I am trying to stay level-headed and not get carried away in this relationship.

I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I am starting to enjoy the feeling of being in love and being with you.

I'm getting to love
I am falling in love with you.

The thought of having you around
The idea of being with you brings me happiness and comfort.

And I will never let you down
I promise to always be there for you and never disappoint you.

Your friends were all well-meaning
Your friends had good intentions.

When they said 'No one is good enough for you'
They expressed concern for your well-being and wanted you to find someone who would treat you right.

They play with your emotions
They may tease or make jokes about your love life, which can be hurtful.

Dismiss the notion
They might not take your feelings seriously or think your relationship is important.

Do what you have to do
Ultimately, you have to make your own decisions and follow your heart.

'Cause people don't take chances with their hearts
Many people are afraid of getting hurt or being vulnerable in love.

Since I've met you I am past the hardest part
Meeting you has helped me overcome my own fears and doubts about love.

So remember one thing
I want you to always keep this in mind.

Sometimes you feel defeated
Everyone goes through tough times in their relationships.

But, it's OK
It's normal and okay to struggle in a relationship sometimes.

You're not the only one
You're not alone in these struggles.

And all the complications
Relationships can be complicated and messy at times.

The bad situations
There will be difficult or challenging moments in our relationship.

Happen to everyone
These struggles are not unique to our relationship and happen to many couples.

It doesn't matter how it ended, or began
What matters is that we are together now and committed to making it work.

Sometimes, the best that you can do is change your plans
Sometimes we have to adapt and change our ways in order to improve our relationship.

I hope you understand that
I want you to know and believe that.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN VANDER ARK, ALFRED DUNNING, DOUGLAS CORELLA, DONNY BROWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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