Doomed Confessionary: Richie Colosimo (Mires)
Mires is a two-piece atmospheric doom/drone/post-metal band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Their first release since 2017 is »Very Little Joy« EP, which dropped on June 21st, 2024. Available now on all major streaming platforms!
Mires consists of Richie Colosimo on vocals/guitar/bass and Jordan Lober on drums.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Well, Mires was formed in 2016-ish in a basement in Erie, PA. I was playing in some other bands and on the side fooling around with instrumental funeral doom and post-metal in a solo capacity. I moved to Pittsburgh around that same time and after releasing a 30 min long song/EP started getting show offers on our Bandcamp. Being just a solo project I didn’t have a band, so I then just asked the band members from our other project if they wanted to fuck around and started playing some shows as Mires for fun. Now after some lineup changes, we’re a dedicated two piece who just released our “first” record.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Biggest challenge starting out was just trying to figure out the sound and since all the members were in other bands, Mires was always on the back burner. The music we released before VLJ was all on a 6 string tuned in F. We just couldn’t replicate it live so we had to write a whole new set which in turn changed the sound of the music and set us off in a new direction, which honestly was for the best.
What can you be most proud of so far?
One of the things I’m most proud of with Mires so far was that before I moved to Pittsburgh (or even started Mires), I drove down to see Thou at Mr. Roboto and remember standing there not knowing anyone and seeing the packed room and thinking “I want to do this. I’m going to play in this room to these people. I will get into this scene” and I shit you not a couple years later Mires opened up for Thou at Mr. Roboto project. I was like “damn dude nice” lmao. Also getting to work with the legendary God City Studios on »Very Little Joy« was pretty gnarly.
What was your biggest regret?
Well, probably not putting out any Mires music any sooner, although I was busy with my dream pop band putting out records and touring so I didn’t have a whole lot of time. Things happen for a reason I guess.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Well, we’ve played a lot of cool shows and did some short weekenders and stuff pre-pandemic, opening for EyeHateGod was a big one. But now it’s just a whole different thing and we have about 4 shows under our belt as a 2-piece. Our release show we just had was a banger for sure. Hoping to have some contenders in the future.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The biggest surprise was just how many people liked Mires’ music. We’ve always had a good response and I feel very lucky. The Pittsburgh metal scene is huge and diverse and you can find just about anything you’re looking for which I’m also super grateful for. Lots of sick bands round here.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
As far as heavy music I’ve been loving the band Agriculture. They call themselves ecstatic black metal. Their newest release »Living Is Easy« is so sick. Also looking forward to the new Nails record.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Probably like don’t give a fuck if people don’t like what you’re doing or don’t worry about what’s cool just make your art and get satisfaction from getting your music out there. Also if you want to get into a scene you need to show up. Go to shows, network, and don’t be a prick.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Well lately I’ve been relaxing by playing golf. Lol. It’s also good exercise. And then to do the opposite of relax I’ve been playin that new Elden Ring dlc yfm.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a sick city for music. There’s so many cool bands in just about every genre you can think of. Got some heavy hitters in the metal scene and shoegaze scene. Some of them mf’s even playing Coachella. But where idk if Pittsburgh gets enough credit is their hardcore scene. Got plenty of beatdown and stuff like that if you dig it, but there’s some incredible hardcore punk. Bands like Concealed Blade and No Time. Killer shit. Just look under that Pittsburgh tag on Bandcamp with whatever genre you like and you’ll find something that’s better than anywhere else really lol.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Going to be playing some out of town gigs this summer and fall. Try to get a few short runs in before the end of the year. Mostly east coast/midwest stuff, but if a touring agency wants to hmu and put us on the road bang my line because I’m very tired lmao.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The future is to put out some more music and play some out of town shows. We also would like to find label support. »Very Little Joy« is the first good representation of what we sounded like. We had some interest but I wanted to get something out there people could get their hands on before we committed to anything. So possibly find a label for our next release and hit the roooad.
How can people best support your band?
The best thing you can do is just listen, tell yer friends, share it, and all of that good stuff. Come to a show, buy a shirt or tape, and come say hi cause we’ll be around.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks to all of you for listening and checking it out. It means the world to us.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well