King Blue Heron

It never ceases to amaze me just how much incredible talent exists within Pittsburgh’s local music scene. When I attend a local show, I leave discovering another band that deserves far more recognition, and King Blue Heron is certainly one of those bands.

On Friday, July 24, King Blue Heron celebrated the release of their new EP, The Breaking Wheel. The six-track project showcases the band’s unique sound, blending dreamy indie rock with expressive lyricism and captivating instrumentals. While every song has something special to offer, my personal favorites are “Baby Blue” and “Writhe.”

To celebrate the release, the band hosted an EP release show at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh later that evening. Sharing the stage with fellow bands from the Pittsburgh area including, Clear Creek SP, Posterchild, and Vireo, the lineup was a perfect representation of just how vibrant the local music community is. Each band brought something different to the stage, creating a night that felt less like a typical concert and more like a celebration of the city’s music scene.

When King Blue Heron finally took the stage, the energy in the room immediately shifted. They performed The Breaking Wheel in its entirety before treating the crowd to more of their other songs. From the very first song, it was clear how much passion the band pours into every performance. Emily Hardenberger’s vocals were effortlessly smooth while remaining incredibly powerful, pulling the audience in. Her stage presence, combined with the band’s tight musicianship, made for a performance that was electrifying.

One of the highlights of the night was the band’s cover of “Something Soon” by Car Seat Headrest. King Blue Heron made it completely their own while still honoring the original.

Whether you’ve been following King Blue Heron or you’re discovering them for the first time, The Breaking Wheel is absolutely worth a listen. If this EP release show was any indication of what’s to come, the band has an incredibly exciting future ahead. Pittsburgh continues to prove that some of the best music isn’t always coming from the biggest stages—sometimes it’s happening right in your own backyard.