Vinny Palese finds his footing as a folk drifter amid Pittsburgh’s music scene

Mike Palm TribLive Mon, Aug 18, 2025 • 08:05 AM

Pittsburgh musician Vinny Palese

Singer-songwriter Vinny Palese considers himself a drifter in the Pittsburgh music scene.

“Just blow in, cause a scene and then get out,” he said.

His debut album, “Doesn’t Play Well With Others,” dropped in May after several EPs and singles over the past few years.

”It has a very at-home feeling mixed with a couple live-sounding stompers,” he said. “Songs about life, death and everything in between!”

With a third EP in the works, Palese said it can be challenging as a solo independent artist.

“Definitely getting shows booked,” he said. “It’s hard in Pittsburgh as a folk musician.”

But he’s enjoyed making friends within the Pittsburgh music community, with the payoff of local shows.

“(I enjoy) making a connection with the crowd and getting to share my music with people in a live setting,” he said.

Palese filled in TribLive on what else we should know about his music:

Musical act: Vinny Palese

Band members: Vinny Palese (guitar, vocals, harmonica)

Founding story: I picked up a guitar at 4 years old, played around in some blues bands while serving in the Marine Corps and then turned to singer/songwriter.

For fans of: Gregory Alan Isakov, Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, Nathaniel Rateliff

Influences: Pearl Jam, David Ramirez, Mumford & Sons, John Prine, Jason Isbell, The Killers. I also really love the ‘80s new wave stuff. And heavier stuff as well like Queens of the Stone Age, Jack White and Highly Suspect.

Releases: “Doesn’t Play Well With Others” album, May 2025; “D.L.B.” EP, November 2024; “The Bedroom Tape” EP, January 2024; multiple singles including “The Great Divide.”

Next show: Sept. 7, Poetry Lounge with Garrett Owen and Alex Bergan

How to find him: Palese’s social media accounts can all be found on his Linktree.

Three other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: Arden Webster, Coltt Winter Lepley, Poster Child

Favorite pizza shop: Frank’s Pizza and Chicken

Vinny Palese finds his footing as a folk drifter amid Pittsburgh’s music scene

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