Artist description The most important element that separates Sundown from everyone else is the fire that immediately burns when Sundown performs live or in the studio. The soaring melodies and poetic lyrics strike the deepest parts of the human heart. Sundown has created a sonic universe that is their very own.

Music Style Rock

Musical Influences The Who, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Hum, Billy Howerdel, Tool, Sunny Day Real Estate, Jeff Buckley

Similar Artists Hum, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle

Artist History Various musical histories (rock, indie-pop, dark shoegaze, punk, brit rock, new wave, and classical) have inspired the development of each artist in Sundown both on and off stage. Shortly after forming in late February of 2001, Sundown impacted the music scene by creating unique, melodically dark songs that immediately grabbed attention from several national acts as well as their continuously growing fan base.

Group Members With a degree of serious musicianship and vast creativity in their corner, Sundown has set out from Pittsburgh, PA, to compose music that represents emotional and intellectual paths walked under the setting sun. This Four-piece rock band consists of lifelong friends Jon Belan: vocals/guitar, John Johnson: guitar, Justin Galiotto: bass guitar, and Ryan Blair: vocals/percussion.

Instruments guitars/bass/drums

Albums December Sky

Press Reviews Valley Independent - Friday, June 22, 2001 'Sundown' band shining brightly By STACY WOLFORD Staff Writer SUNDOWN - Kneeling is Jon Belan; standing, from left, are Justin Galiotto, Ryan Blair and John Johnson. Sundown will perform at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the I.C. Light Amphitheatre Rib & Music Fest. (Justin Guido/ The Valley Independent) The sun isn't setting anytime soon for a new Belle Vernon area band that has found success on the local music scene in only a few short months. The band "Sundown" may be new to the Mon Valley, but for the four lifelong friends, who formed the group, they have years of combined musical and performing experience. Sundown is Jon Belan, lead vocalist/guitarist; Justin Galiotto, bass guitar; Ryan Blair, drums; and John Johnson, guitarist. The lifelong friends are all from Belle Vernon and graduates of Belle Vernon Area High School. "We've all known each other from the time we were in grade school, so performing together comes naturally," says Johnson, 25. Sundown came together after several years spent playing with other local bands. The opportunity for them all to perform together came about four months ago and they jumped straight into the new venture. Johnson, who has dual degrees in finance and classical music from St. Vincent College, described the band's music as "dark rock." "Our music has a rock and roll sound Ð but on the dark side," Johnson said. Belan has a finance degree from the University of Pittsburgh and Galiotto will graduate from college in August with a criminology degree. "We all have such varied backgrounds which adds to our uniqueness," says Johnson. He said his own musical degree enhances his composition techniques. While all of the bandmates have been playing instruments for several years, Johnson says Blair is the most musically inclined. Relying on heavy guitar melodies, strong vocals and an overall edgy sound, Johnson says their music's strong point however, are their lyrics. "Our music is universal, anybody can relate to it," he said. The band plays all of their own original material. "We want people to feel what we're playing first before they think about it," he added. Johnson says their lyrics have deep, thoughtful meanings, based on real life experiences. And so far, the audiences have responded. "We're all pretty excited about this band," he said, adding, "we're hoping to branch out beyond the Mon Valley. Sundown will get that opportunity this Saturday when they perform at the I.C. Light Amphitheatre at Station Square, Pittsburgh at the Rib & Music Fest. The band will take the secondary stage at 1:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 for the festival. Sundown has also been playing local shows, opening for popular Pittsburgh based band Too Tall Jones.

Location Pittsburgh, PA - USA

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