Pittsburgh local music spotlight: Josie Sal

Young country singer Josie Sal calls her appearance singing with Jelly Roll two years ago at the Pavilion at Star Lake a “crazy story.”

“I brought a sign that said ‘Since Lainey (Wilson) is in Alabama can I sing SAVE ME with you?’ Next thing I know security brought me up! From the moment the security came to get me and we followed him backstage it was as if the audience and behind the stage were two separate moments,” said Josie, now 13. “Being in front watching a show, now seeing thousands of people with their phones out watching you. Crazy, exciting, scary, now real moment.

“I remember thinking ‘Don’t forget the lyrics now, Josie!’ Jelly waved me to the front of the stage and then I realized I could not hear myself. No in-ear monitors, Jelly picked up on that and started pacing me and I felt better trying to finish the song. I loved feeling the energy of the crowd, the cheers, and simply how much Jelly cared about me up on that stage.”

Josie, who lives in Venetia and does online schooling so she can travel for her music career, will be sharing the stage with more national country acts, when she opens the show for Justin Moore and Mitchell Tenpenny on Aug. 8 at Horseshoe Amphitheatre in Russelton.

Recent singles include “Fake Friends” and her latest song, “Redneck Weekend,” released on Aug. 1.

“‘Fake Friends’ is a raw reflection of the moments when trust is broken and true colors are revealed,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the difference between real connections and the ones that fade when you need them most. … I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the sting of a friendship that wasn’t what it seemed.”

Josie filled in TribLive on what else we should know about her music:

Musician: Josie Sal

Band members: Josie Sal (lead singer); Khris Miller (lead guitar); Max Schott (lead guitar); Marcus West (drums); Eric Joseph (bass); Kelli Johnson (acoustic/harmonies)

Founding story: “Our family was having dinner at a restaurant in Punta Gorda. My dad told me he’d give me $20 if I’d get up and sing. So he asked the band and at first, they said no, but he persisted and they allowed me to get up and sing. Suddenly people came back out on the dance floor and they started videoing. I was shocked and the person who originally said no gave my dad a high five and said, ‘Well you didn’t tell me she was going to do that.’”

Origin of stage name: Josie Sal is shortened from her real name, Josie Salvitti.

For fans of: Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, Gretchen Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini

Influences: Lainey Wilson, Billy Joel, Megan Moroney

Releases: “On My Way” single, March 2024; “Black Velvet” single, September 2024; “Country Gold” single, October 2024; “Two Cents” single, February 2025; “Fake Friends” single, April 2025; “Redneck Weekend” single, August 2025

Next shows: Opening for Justin Moore and Mitchell Tenpenny on Aug. 8 at Horseshoe Amphitheatre in Russellton, with more dates available on her website.

How to find her: She can be found at her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Two other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: Buckwild and Ruff Creek

Favorite pizza shop: Osso’s in Washington

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