“INITIALS,” the first EP from Pittsburgh’s Jade Eye, is “about beginning something,” according to guitarist/vocalist Justin Ingala.

“It may not always be perfect at the get go, but making steps in the direction you’re heading for is what it’s all about,” he said. “We have tons more finished songs and are already beginning to record for what will become our first full album.”

New singles are already planned for next year, but the trio’s most recent song is “Better Days” off of the EP.

“Our latest single is a powerhouse alt-rock jam, textured with dynamics and range,” Ingala said. “Exploring regret, nostalgia and accountability, the song and lyrics fight back ending with an introspective anthemic outlook.”

The band’s favorite venues include Mr. Smalls and Lincoln Avenue Brewery, which hosted their EP release show, as well as performances at the Millvale Music Festival and the Bellevue Music Festival. Their song “Illuminate” also popped up in an Instagram video that has racked up more than 2.5 million views.

Ingala filled in TribLive on what else we should know about Jade Eye:

Band: Jade Eye

Band members: Justin Ingala (guitars, vocals); Joshua Wright (drums); Matthew Snyder (bass)

Founding story: I’m a music composition major who has played in several bands before living in Pittsburgh. After moving here a few years ago, I started writing music under a new project with a distinctive yet nostalgic sound. I started playing shows solo in the city, scouting for band members to bring this unique sound to life since the music is written for full band instrumentation. I recorded my first EP “INITIALS,” which was released in late September, and ended up solidifying the Jade Eye lineup with two more members of the band that joined this year.

Origin of band’s name: With Jade Eye the music is often emotional and even melancholic, so I had this name I thought of and really liked the imagery of a green eyeball, but also what that could represent. And there’s the play on words with “I am jaded” as well.

For fans of: We really try not to sound like anything, but our sound is somewhere in the alt-rock/post-hardcore/pop-punk/indie-emo spectrum!

Influences: So many to list but some influences include bands like Coheed & Cambria, Thrice, Smashing Pumpkins, Taking Back Sunday, and also lighter fare like Death Cab for Cutie or Incubus.

Releases: “INITIALS” EP, September 2025; “Illuminate” single, April 2025; “Chasing Highlights” single, January 2025

Next shows: TBA. Keep an eye out for us in 2026!

How to find them: Jade Eye can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Three other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: There are tons of awesome bands in town but three to get to know include Find Ethel, Posterchild and Carcasso the Fox

Favorite pizza shop: We don’t know that we have a single favorite, but we often stop at Aiello’s and love their pepperoni rolls.

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