"I believe the impact of Blues on culture has lessened in recent years, although it is still prevalent. I think the most important impacts are made by the preservation and teaching of the history behind the genre. Learning about what inspired and influenced the pioneers to start this genre, and the social climate at those times."

Pierce Dipner: Goin’ Back To My Roots

Pierce Dipner is an award-winning Blues Musician and multi-instrumentalist from Pittsburgh, PA. At the young age of 8 he started to play the guitar and sing. By age 9 he was also playing bass, drums, and cello. At 11 he discovered the Blues at a Youth Blues jam hosted by the Blues Society of Western PA and he has been hooked ever since. At the age of 13 he was selected by the BSWPA to perform in the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee where he got to showcase his talent on Beale Street. When Pierce returned to Pittsburgh, he began performing in the Tri-State area and hasn’t stopped. In 2019 he returned to Memphis to once again represent the BSWPA at the International Blues Challenge as the youth representative. Pierce as a solo artist has opened for Nick Moss and for Toronzo Cannon. Likewise, Pierce and his band have opened for Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer, Albert Cummings and Solomon Hicks.

(Photo: Pierce Dipner)

His band, finished first in the best band category in the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania Blues Challenge to represent them in the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. January 2022, Pierce released his long-awaited full-length album titled “Goin’ Back”. In the first few weeks of release, it has reached the top of the Blues and Blues Rock Charts, while being the number 1 album across all genres in Pennsylvania (Roots Music Report). Recently, the album was selected by the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania to participate in the Blues Foundations 2023 Best Self-Produced CD Competition and the 2023 International Blues Challenge. The album consists of 7 originals and 3 covers which all show distinct differences and stylings. Receiving airplay and accolades across the world, Goin’ Back is a must listen album for any music fan, especially those with a passion for the Blues.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Blues music has influenced my life more than I ever imagined it would. It has taken me places all around the country and abroad to share my love of the Blues with likeminded people. It has shaped my worldview through educating myself on the history behind the Blues and the struggles that the pioneers endured that inspired them.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What touched you from the sound of slide guitar?

I describe both my sound and songbook as the culmination of the music of my life. I listen to much more than just Blues and try to work in anything that inspires me into my playing. In terms of genre, I describe my music as Blues, Rock, and Soul inspired, but always leave room for adjacent styles. From the first time I heard slide guitar as a musician I wanted to learn and replicate that sound. I see it as one of the most inflection driven and vocal-esque forms of guitar playing there is.

Why do you think that the Pittsburgh, PA blues scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think Pittsburgh is just small enough that you can get to know a good bit of the community of very devoted fans who will do a lot to share your music with friends and fans of similar genres to build up a good base over time. While there are many people coming out to blues events it still feels almost like a music family that will give a lot of their free time to the artists in support.

"Blues music has influenced my life more than I ever imagined it would. It has taken me places all around the country and abroad to share my love of the Blues with likeminded people. It has shaped my worldview through educating myself on the history behind the Blues and the struggles that the pioneers endured that inspired them." (Photo: Pierce Dipner)

What moment changed your music life the most? What's been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I think the moment that really set my music that started a strong upward trend was my first time at the IBC as a youth representative. Since then, I would also say all my times at the International Blues Challenge, festivals around the world, and my CD making it to the top five in the Blues Foundation’s Best Self-Produced Album Competition have also been highlights. Honestly there have been too many great moments to list.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

One of my most favorite moments like that would have to be at the IBC Jam hosted by Ghost Town Blues Band at the Blues City Cafe in Memphis. This was on the last night of the International Blues Challenge and I was invited to be one of the musicians to get up during the jam portion with a lot of musicians I admire from all over the country. It was just a great atmosphere and featured some incredible players.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

My outlook on the Blues is a bit brighter than a lot of other people. With social media and video sharing I have noticed a lot of great young musicians from all around the world getting attention and opportunities that they would have never gotten before, like myself. I think as long as there are still people out there playing and appreciating the music, it won’t be going anywhere. I of course wish I could’ve experienced the golden days of Blues that I have only been able to read about and watch videos of.

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I believe the impact of Blues on culture has lessened in recent years, although it is still prevalent. I think the most important impacts are made by the preservation and teaching of the history behind the genre. Learning about what inspired and influenced the pioneers to start this genre, and the social climate at those times.

"My outlook on the Blues is a bit brighter than a lot of other people. With social media and video sharing I have noticed a lot of great young musicians from all around the world getting attention and opportunities that they would have never gotten before, like myself. I think as long as there are still people out there playing and appreciating the music, it won’t be going anywhere. I of course wish I could’ve experienced the golden days of Blues that I have only been able to read about and watch videos of."

(Pierce Dipner / Photo by Karin McIltrot)

What's the balance in music between technique skills and soul/ emotions?

I believe when starting out technique is the dominant factor, but once you learn the base of music and can begin improvising it is really the soul and personality of the musician that sets them apart. 2 guitar players could play the exact same thing but tell 2 different stories through just their feel alone.

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