Pittsburgh local music spotlight: Folk-IndieBob

Bob Augustine, who performs as Folk-IndieBob, released his debut album earlier this year.

”It represents part of my journey through the heartbreak of losing my wife and the healing that is still taking place for me,” Augustine said. “This is artwork that needed to come out of me.”

The album came together with help from Mike Hickman at Electric Eye Recorders on Polish Hill.

“As well as recording and producing it, Mike came up with all of the instrumentation other than my guitar, singing and percussion,” Augustine said. “He is a veteran pro and it shows. The album is a journey through my heartbreak and continuing healing that I think has something for everyone both musically and lyrically.”

The album’s first single, “The Candy Wrapper,” was inspired by “a far less dramatic but no less painful situation” that Augustine once found himself in.

“It is the story of one-sided relationships where someone gets thrown away like a candy wrapper when the candy is gone,” he said. “In other words, when someone stops giving, the other is finished with them.”

Augustine is quite active with performances, with seven area performances in November.

“I really enjoy being present when my music makes someone happy or touches them in some way,” he said. “I also really enjoy developing within myself the craftsmanship and skill necessary to be a great live performer. I am very proud of the way my hard work is paying off.”

Favorite venues include Speal’s Tavern in New Alexandria — “worth the drive for the collection of cigar box guitars and live music four nights a week,” Augustine said — as well as the Starlite Lounge and Moondog’s in Blawnox, 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. in Regent Square, Wooley Bear Books in Carnegie, Bantha Tea Bar in Garfield, Poetry Lounge in Millvale, Steamworks Spirit Station in Gibsonia and the Greenhouse Co-op in Greenfield.

Augustine filled in TribLive on what else we should know about Folk-IndieBob:

Band: Bob Augustine aka Folk-IndieBob

Band member: Bob Augustine singer/acoustic guitar

Founding story: I was away from music for over 25 years, and I picked up the guitar again after the passing of my wife. I started writing, and a flood of new material came out. I now have over 40 songs and a three-hour all-original show.

Origin of band’s name: It was kind of strategic. I wanted the name to come up when people searched ‘folk-indie’ so I used Folk-IndieBob.

For fans of: Heartfelt and rather deep lyrics about thoughts and feelings that I think most people have had or will have at some point in their lives. Musically I have both mellow, singer-songwriter type songs and also others that we have brought up into a full band sound. My show flows through a variety of musical moods that I am grateful to see has been appealing to a wide range of listeners.

Influences: Paul McCartney for his vocal range and ability to just flat out make people feel good. Pete Townsend, Paul Weller and Joe Jackson for their energy, angst and innovation. CSNY for the sheer beauty they have created. Joni Mitchell for her quirkiness that somehow comes together to form beautiful music.

Releases: “Folk-IndieBob” album, September 2025

Next shows: Nov. 11, Steamworks Creative in Gibsonia; Nov. 19, Speal’s Tavern, New Alexandria

How to find him: Folk-IndieBob details can be found at his website.

Three other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: I highly recommend checking out the rotating cast of local songwriters at the Starlite Invitational every Saturday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox. I also like Mellowscape and Nutmeg Party with Hayden Hanna.

Favorite pizza shop: Not really a pizza shop but my favorite is the flatbread pizza at Carnivores in Oakmont. It’s the cheese!

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