Nov. 1—Even if they don’t know the name of the band, Pittsburgh sports fans are likely familiar with Blairsville rockers Black Ridge.

Their songs, “New Day” and “Celebration” were regularly featured during Pirates and Penguins televised games, and the tune “You’ll Never Stop This Machine” was used during the 2021 NHL Playoffs- 22 and on national television “Hockey Night in Canada.” This is in addition to broadcasting on more than half a dozen local radio stations.

The band recently took a trip to Nashville, returning with new industry contacts and a new record on the way. They will be hosting a record release party for “Raw Power” on November 10 at Next Door Café in Blawnox.

“Our music comes from the heart and I think that’s why people tuned into it,” said Paul Cha, 32, of Blairsville, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter for the band. “It’s humbling when someone tells you your music saved their life or they listen to it every day. It’s not an ego boost, it feels good to see our art working in a positive way.”

Cha spoke with the Tribune-Review about working on the new album and seeing the band’s profile rise.

Q: How long did the band spend developing the songs for “Raw Power” and what is the band’s songwriting process like?

A: It may vary from song to song. Typically, I will play guitar, piano, or bass at home and begin to craft a vocal melody. Our frontman Paul Guerrini also has a big hand in helping with vocal melodies and lyrics. Everything falls into place during the rehearsal as the whole band works out the arrangements. The title track, “Raw Power”, was crafted from a rock riff I originally wrote (promo music) for when I hosted a show on WIUP-FM. “Stick It Out” is a frontal rock track that was created in 15 minutes because I felt we needed more straight rock songs in our catalog. “Rock Steady” was created one morning when I was sitting on the piano playing in a 70s Brian Wilson style and it just came out.

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I love writing hooks that people will have stuck in their head before they finish their first listen.

Q: What was the biggest challenge in creating this album?

A: Fund and recruit a new lead guitarist. Recording a professional-sounding product is not cheap. It’s actually incredibly expensive. We record at Very Tight Recordings in Sharpsburg and work with what we think is the best in the area, Matt Very. It’s not cheap but definitely worth it. We also brought in our new lead guitarist, Joey Conner, for the recording sessions. We had a few weeks of rehearsal and a few hours in the studio, but what he did was amazing. Joey has been a great asset to the band on and off stage. I love working with him – we all do.

Q: Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

A: I feel like I’m going back and forth all the time. If I had to choose one, it would be the title track, “Raw Power”. It’s the epitome of Black Ridge! Rock guitar riffs, huge chorus, meaningful lyrics, melodic solos and powerful drums. Turns out I heard it in my head, every song did. I’m so proud of all the guys in the band for their performances.

Q: What kind of guitar do you play and what are some of its qualities that help the band define its sound?

A: I have to thank my dad for this one. Having a vintage gear hoarder as a dad has been pretty awesome. It gave me access to materials to build and explore tones. My main guitar is a custom shop Fender Stratocaster. Some people buy pre-worn guitars, but this one is the real deal. In the beginning: I was throwing it on and off stage, dragging it by the cable and once I broke the whammy bar inside. It’s really an extension of me and the energy I feel on stage. I’m a little more protective about it these days. I also used my treasured 1972 Gibson Les Paul. Although I used it live, its weight relegated it to a studio guitar. He can make some special appearances. Our engineer/co-producer, Matt Very and I mixed the signal from my Fender Deluxe Reverb amplifier with a vintage Marshall Super Lead to give it an extremely thick and clear sound. It hits just as hard on any speaker.

Q: Have you tested any of the new tracks on the album at your gigs, and if so, how has it been received?

A: Yes, we have been playing them since this summer. The response was beyond what we could have hoped for. People connect with “Raw Power” as a lifestyle, not just as music. We want to continue to spread our music and our message to as many people as possible.

Patrick Varine is an editor at Tribune-Review. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter.