Below is my interview with Pittsburgh’s own up-and-coming singing sensation Tino Coury. His single, “Diary” is now available on iTunes and it also already has an official music video. At 21 years old, Tino is already a singer-songwriter and producer with a successful career and a nice following, who has made the move from living in the South Hills of Pittsburgh to now living in Los Angeles, California. Join me as I learn more about him, now:
Tell Glitzburgh readers the basics, Tino – what part of Pittsburgh are you from/what area? How old are you?
I am 21 years old. I lived in the South Hills area in Collier township.
When did you first discover your love for music?
I would definitely say when I got my first guitar in 7th grade. I started teaching myself how to play and loved it more and more!
Have you played any local venues and where?
Yeah I have! I performed at Club Diesel, Barroom, Matrix (even though I heard its not there anymore), at Consol Energy Park, and a few more. I look forward to doing a few shows this summer locally too!
Who inspires you – any Pittsburgh people or aritsts?
My family and friends!
What do you bring to your music that makes you stand out?
I bring a great beat you can dance too attached with a story. Most uptempo dance tracks don’t really have story lines to them. Thats the unique combination I brought to “Diary”and bring to the rest of my music!
In which direction do you see yourself headed with your career?
I really want to become a successful artist and be able to really tour/ perform around the country. Also another direction I want to take since I am producer/writer is work with a lot of different artists as well as developing new acts. Thats something that I definitely wanna do!
Which musical artists do you dream of someday working with?
I really wanna work with Ryan Tedder from One Republic. I think he is an amazing producer/writer and think that me and him could write a smash together!
How’s life in L.A.? What are the biggest differences between LA Life & life in Da Burgh?
I love it out here in LA. I think its the perfect place to be for what I’m doing but its definitely a lot different from Pittsburgh. Let’s start with the weather – I think everyone knows that! I don’t see a lot of families/kids in the LA area like I do in Pittsburgh. Driving is a mess out here. Every time you leave to go somewhere you have to be ready to sit in traffic for a couple hours – and that’s no lie!
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Hearing “Diary” on the radio for the first time!
Single or taken? Any celebrity crushes?
Right now I am single. I have a couple celeb crushes but my biggest is Nicole Scherzinger.
What’s been the hardest part about your journey in ‘the industry’ thus far?
I think the traveling would have to be the hardest on me. Your constantly on the move and it never stops. But I love what I do and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Readers, be sure to check out Tino at:
www.facebook.com/tinocoury
www.twitter.com/tinocoury
www.tinocoury.com
www.myspace.com/tinocoury
www.youtube.com/tinocoury
Also check the video out for “Diary” @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S83xZjjgu4c
Thanks for sharing, Tino! Best of luck from Glitzburgh … and surely, from all of Pittsburgh, too!