Conversations with Paul Guerrini

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Guerrini.

Paul, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been performing live mush with a band for 20+ years, but I got my start singing in church and school when I was little. My father, Frank Guerrini, RIP, sang in the church choir when I was young, and to this day, he still has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. Well, when you’re a little boy, your father is your hero, so I started singing young.

Fast-forward to your senior year of high school/ first semester of college, and that’s when I started singing with a band.

Fast forward a few more years, and I see this Band, Black Ridge. Within 30 seconds of seeing them for three first time, I was blown away. A month and a half later, I was the new frontman. It’s been an amazing ride with them for 5+ years, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never been a smooth road, and it more than likely, won’t ever be, but that’s ok. We’re blue-collar guys with strong work ethics, and oodles of passion, so we’ll take the bumps in stride, together. The biggest challenge for Black Ridge, I’d probably say is time.

We’re 7 guys with drastically different day jobs, so finding time to practice when we’re all open is rough. Sometimes booking gigs is also tough because of family events that band members have. But again, we somehow make it happen.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the frontman. I specialize in being a lovable fool onstage. I try to be very engaging and boisterous, energetic, and above all else, fun. I REALLY enjoy it when we play an all-ages show and ask if there are kids. I bring tambourines and shakers and maracas and bongos and a bunch of other auxiliary percussion instruments, and I love when kids come up and jam and dance with us. I also write a lot of the lyrics for Black Ridge, along with Paul Cha. This band is the easiest band I’ve ever written lyrics for. The music is just so… natural for me to write to. Nothing is ever forced.

It’s an honor and a privilege to be making music with these gentlemen.

The thing that sets us apart, AND the thing I’m most proud of with this band is our energy and fun. We’re a super fun act to see live, and we’ll for sure get your heart beating.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We are the 7 piece rock group Black Ridge from Pittsburgh, PA!

Our lineup consists of a lead singer, two guitars, a bass, a keyboard, a saxophone, and drums! The setlist includes original material as well as covers by Led Zeppelin and more! Black Ridge shows are engaging, professional, family-friendly, and extremely energetic! Our original songs, “New Day” and “Celebration” are featured regularly on televised Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins games. Radio airplay includes 102.5 WDVE, 105.9 The X, 99.7 The Rock Station, 94.3 Q94, and more! “You’ll Never Stop This Machine” was used for the 2021-2022 NHL Playoffs on the nationally televised “Hockey Night in Canada”.

In July 2022, we traveled to Nashville, TN for several performances on Broadway, including Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge!

You can listen to our music on Spotify, YouTube, and every major music streaming service!

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5pPV6jZqLPN7FShR86rX5M

YouTube: youtube.com/BlackRidgeOfficial

Facebook: fb.com/BlackRidgeOfficial

Instagram: instagram.com/BlackRidgeOfficial

Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/black-ridge/1460466035

Website: BlackRidgeOfficial.com

Contact Info:

• Website: BlackRidgeOfficial.com
• Instagram: @BlackRidgeOfficial
• Facebook: BlackRidgeOfficial
• Twitter: @BlackRidgeMusic
• Youtube: BlackRidgeOfficial

Image Credits
David DiPasquale, Paul G.,Tom Punchur, and Paul Cha