(Artist Update)

Written by: Ginny Gaines   

Black Pistol Fire is a wild rock duo made up of Kevin McKeown (guitar and vocals) and Eric Owen (drums). They grew up together in Toronto, Canada, meeting all the way back in kindergarten. They stayed friends through the years and played in high school bands together. In 2011, they decided to team up as a two-piece band, inspired by other guitar-and-drum duos like The White Stripes. They eventually moved from Toronto to Austin, Texas, because they felt it was a better place to build a music career. Austin’s lively music scene really helped them get their foot in the door. Even though it’s just the two of them, they sound like an entire band on stage—loud, gritty, and full of energy.

Black Pistol Fire plays a hard-hitting mix of garage rock (rough, energetic rock), old-school blues, classic rock, and a bit of punk. Their music is built on loud, fuzzy guitar riffs, soulful singing, and powerful drumming. Even though they’re just two people, they sound huge live, and many fans are surprised they can make that much noise without a bigger band. Their style draws from Delta blues and classic rock (think Muddy Waters meets Led Zeppelin), Garage punk and grunge (with nods to Nirvana and The Stooges), and Southern soul and psychedelia, especially in their more recent work.

In 2011, Black Pistol Fire released their self titled debut album. This album has 13 songs on it that include "Cold Sun," "Suffocation Blues," "You're Not The Only One," "Trigger on My Fire," "Bottle Rocket," and "So Heavy." This album quickly helped them build a loyal fan base. The duo released their next album titled Big Beat '59 in 2012. This album has 11 tracks on it that include "Beelzebub," "Stipes or Keys," "Busted and Blue," "Hot Mess," "Lay Low," and "Dead Love." This album added some southern rock vibes. They released their next album titled Hush or Howl in 2014. This album has 11 songs on it that include "Alabama Coldcock," "Baby Ruthless," "Hipster Shakes," "Honeydripper," "Hush," and "Show Pony." This album was a little more polished, with catchier songs.

Black Pistol Fire released their next album titled Don't Wake the Riot in 2016. This album has 11 tracks on it that include "Storm Cussin', "Hard Luck," "Morning Star," "Copperhead Kiss," "Cry Hell," and "Blue Blazes." This album is full throttle rock ’n’ roll. In 2017, Kevin and Eric released their next album titled Deadbeat Graffiti. This album has 12 songs on it that include "Lost Cause," "Bully," "Don't Ask Why," "Fever Breaks," "Watch It Burn," and "Yet Again." This album is more polished yet still gritty. The duo released their most recent album titled Look Alive in 2021. This album has 11 tracks on it that include "Pick Your Poison," "Holdin Up," "Wildfire," "Temper Temper," "Level," and "Beyond the Blue." This album has album, with a bit more variety and even a psychedelic feel on some tracks, but still rocking hard.

Black Pistol Fire is famous for putting on absolutely wild live shows. Kevin jumps all over the stage, even into the audience sometimes and Eric pounds the drums with incredible force. Also, Kevin actually plays a right-handed guitar upside down even though he’s left-handed — that gives him a unique sound. Fans say seeing them live feels like a shot of adrenaline — loud, sweaty, and unforgettable. They’ve played big festivals like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and BottleRock, and have wowed huge crowds. They might not be mainstream superstars, but they’ve built a strong reputation and a loyal following.

There is no official word on a new album yet, but they recently released a new single titled “Rock Bottom” on June 13, 2025. There is some teasing on their social media—studio shots, odd artwork, and cryptic captions—it’s looking like more music might be coming later this year. How exciting!!!

That will do it for this report on Black Pistol Fire. In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends🤘

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