Countryman, Hot Pickup looking to build their name throughout the area.
For Palmyra native Andrew Countryman, music has always been a huge part of his life. Since the age of 11, Countryman enjoyed playing music and becoming better at every instrument he tried.
His hard rock band, Hot Pickup, played at the Palmyra Summer Concert Series on July 25 to a crowd of roughly 40 people. Teamed with guitarist Malcolm Hazel and bassist Eli Schafer, Countryman sees the band improving as they continue to fight for recognition.
“It was a fun experience to play in front of everyone,” Countryman said. “We played for about two-and-a-half hours which is pretty tough to do, especially when thinking of songs beforehand. We just enjoy getting feedback from listeners so we know what to do better or what to shoot for next time out.”
The 27-year-old, who resides in Beverly, grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School. Countryman, who works at Cooper River Distillers in Camden, spends a good amount of free time each week with the band trying to get better. Hot Pickup has been influenced by the sounds of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Van Halen.
“My guitarist and I have been working together for 15 years, and have written a lot of songs,” Countryman said. “We have played shows in New Brunswick, New York, Philadelphia and Trenton.”
With new music comes the challenge of thinking of ways to keep listeners interested, a job Countryman has taken a lot of time to think out.
“It takes time, you could change a song a million different times before you have the finished product, but the goal is to be happy with it,” Countryman said.
With a full-time job, Countryman still makes time to get together with his band to practice or play live shows. When he isn’t jamming on the drums, the Beverly resident enjoys playing hockey and video games.
“I have played hockey in several different town leagues, and also for most of my life,” Countryman said. “Riding my bike is something I also do, especially as transportation to the Riverline every day for work.”
Countryman thanks his parents frequently for their continuous support and guidance. From taking him to school and helping at school events to coming to his live shows, it all has been huge to him.
“They are huge, they never got annoyed with me playing drums around the house, which is great,” Countryman said. “They would always help me with my instruments, or help take me to events, and I can’t thank them enough for helping me.”
For more information regarding Countryman or Hot Pickup, check https://www.facebook.com/hotpickupband/?pnref=lhc.
