Black Pistol Fire

Austin, Texas can be a breeding ground for musical talent, and the band Black Pistol Fire is no exception. This rock duo, consisting of Kevin McKeown on guitar and vocals, and Eric Owen on drums, has been climbing the ladder in the industry for some time now. Blending elements of garage rock, punk rock, and southern rock, Black Pistol Fire has carved out a home for themselves in the world of rock and roll.

Both hailing from Toronto, Canada, McKeown and Owen have been friends since their early years at a North Toronto elementary school. Their shared love for rock and roll brought them together, and they started playing music during their high school days. As they found common ground in their passion for rock, a magical musical connection was formed.

In an interview with Backseat Mafia, drummer Eric Owen revealed his inspirations, stating that he longed to be a part of the Foo Fighters as a child. Nirvana played a pivotal role in sparking his interest in music, even though Kurt Cobain had already passed away by the time Owen discovered their music, he felt this much touched his musical soul. The Beatles also left an indelible impact on Owen.

After exploring different musical ventures and performing in various bands, McKeown and Owen decided to embark on their own musical journey. Their new project, Black Pistol Fire, aimed to craft of rock and roll. Relocating to Austin, Texas, the duo began their ascent to the top.

Black Pistol Fire quickly broke onto the scene, captivating local audiences and embarking on trips to discover new territories. Embracing their role as a power duo proved to be an underdog position, but the challenges only fueled their determination. McKeown shared in an interview with CBC Music that their goal was always to create a live experience that would capture audiences and leave them energized with the power of rock and roll.

Taking a pause from relentless touring, McKeown and Owen focused their attention in the studio. With their minds set on producing an exceptional album, the duo spent years perfecting their craft. In 2011, they unveiled their self-titled debut album, "Black Pistol Fire," which they released independently.

Their immense talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. The release of their debut album caught the attention of Rifle Bird Records, leading to the release of their second album, "Big Beat 59'," in 2012. This milestone opened up new opportunities for the band, putting them on an upward trajectory.

Signing with Modern Outsider proved to be a crucial turning point for Black Pistol Fire's career. Under this label, they released two more successful albums: "Hush or Howl" in 2014 and "Don't Wake the Riot" in 2016. The band's mark on Austin was becoming increasingly evident.

In 2017, the duo once again collaborated with Rifle Bird Records to produce their album "Deadbeat Graffiti," which received widespread praise and adoration from fans. Their electrifying live performances earned them accolades such as being named the best early-day wake-up call at Riot Fest 2017 and having the best performance at Voodoo Fest 2017, according to Consequence of Sound.

Touring extensively and showcasing songs from their growing discography, Black Pistol Fire achieved breakout success in 2018 with the chart-topping hit "Lost Cause." Their song "Bully" also reached number five in Canada's rock airplay. These accomplishments solidified their place in the music industry.

As the year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Pistol Fire faced the cancellation of tours and plans for a new album. However, Kevin and Eric made a collective decision to forge a new path forward. In 2021, they joined Black Hill Records and released their latest album, "Look Alive." This new release allowed them to grace larger stages than ever before, transforming their reality once again.

Black Pistol Fire's success extended as people took note of their music. They were nominated for Breakthrough Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year at the 2022 Juno Awards, solidifying their growing reputation in the industry.

Reflecting on their remarkable journey, McKeown shared in a CBC Music interview that the past few years have been filled with numerous milestones, from playing marquee festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonaroo to having a radio hit in Canada. With sold-out shows in London and performing at festivals in Madrid, Black Pistol Fire continues to achieve personal dreams, such as sharing the stage with the Foo Fighters.

Black Pistol Fire's rise to prominence has not been just a stroke of luck; it has been a constant climb driven by endless dedication and continuous growth. Their relentless pursuit of their musical dreams is a testament to their talent and passion. Black Pistol Fire's explosive performances and distinct rock and roll sound have firmly established them as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Check out their latest Single "Bad Habit" Released August 5th 2022