We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful The Pennsoulvanians . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with The below.

The, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

When we say The Pennsoulvanians, we’re not just talking soul as in the style of music we play, but also the core of our being. The thing that truly makes us who we are. We genuinely create from our SOUL and as a band, we are as diverse as the people that reside within our community. So naturally the music we make is diverse too.

It’s because of this we are often misunderstood. We don’t fit one particular mold, nor do we try to. We each offer our own interpretation of the music we create. Which is influenced by our different styles, tastes, and backgrounds.

Perhaps you can help us figure out what we are or at the very least, answer the question we often ask ourselves….”does it matter?” We just want to create what we create and allow those of you that receive it, to do it in the way that speaks to you. So maybe being misunderstood isn’t a bad thing in this case but we’ll let you decide that for yourself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The Pennsoulvanians are a 7-piece all-original ensemble comprised of Chet Denny on Acoustic/Rhythm Guitar, and lead vocals, Brett Fanelli on Keyboard, Aaron Kenawell on Bass Guitar, Nate Nagle on Lead/Electric Guitar, Lyndsay Reilly on Saxophone, Randy Sciarrillo on Drums, and MC/Lyricist Michael Thomas.

Each member of the band comes from different backgrounds, but we all share a mutual love for music, and the state that we proudly represent. It’s that mutual passion which brought us all together. We are a diverse cast that blend our individual styles and influences from Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Reggae into a soulful head-nodic groove with catchy melodies and lyrical hooks that are enjoyed by mixed audiences that are just as diverse as the band, the music, and the place we call home…the state of PennSOULvania.

We are each others biggest fans. We recognize each others talent and skill, and the chemistry we share as a unit. As well as understand that what we create doesn’t come from us but through us. We all say, all the time “I LOVE THIS BAND” and we really mean it!! The effortlessness we display in creating music that people seem to genuinely enjoy and connect with is nothing short of incredible!! Consistently proving that it’s bigger than us!!

We want the art that we create to be an inspiration, and touch the lives of those of you that see it and hear it, in the ways you need it most. With all that said we are grateful for this opportunity to reach even more of you and hope that you enjoy what we have to offer. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us and we’ll wishes to you

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

We believe it’s hard for non-creatives to understand what all goes into honing our craft. The time, effort, money, sacrifice, and much more is far greater than accounted for. Venue owners, promoters, and listeners alike view music as such a readily available commodity considering the level of accessibility we all now have to it. Which in turn exponentially decreases the value that the artists creating it can place on it.

It’s important to understand that we know the way we consume music has drastically changed but so has the way musicians/artists get recognized and compensated for it. We are people that need to survive too, and have spouses, and children, and loved ones that depend on us too. We have hopes and dreams the same as anyone else.

There are so many ways people can support creatives. Listen to their work and give honest feedback, share with a friend, attend a show, buy merch, and even just offer words of encouragement for those you believe are creating something worthy of them.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way society can support artists and creatives is quite simple. Any way that’s going to help them get closer to their goals. Buy their art, or music or merch, attend an exhibit, or a show, share on social media or even tell a friend. Sometimes all we need is just a little encouragement to keep going. You’d be surprised at how far a kind word can go. As a society we have to remember that creativity is the life blood of mankinds greatest achievements. The majority of the worlds most beautiful and complex things come from creativity. It’s vital to our evolution

Contact Info:

• Website: pennamericainc.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/soulofpa
• Other: https://linktr.ee/soulofpa

Image Credits
MindOverMedia Studios The Pennsoulvanians