Funny story, how this came about: When I found out that Bloodshot Records recording artist Rosie Flores was coming into town, I scrambled to see if there was any way possible that we might be able to get her into the studio for a Yellow Couch Session. As luck would have it, she did have room in her schedule to stop by, but she'd need an amp to play through. This presented a small problem, because I did not have an amp! As I was scrolling through my mental rolodex to figure out who might be willing to loan me one, I had a thought: What if I were to approach the amazing music shop located right up the street from me —Empire Music — to see if they'd be interested in sponsoring the series? I walked up the next morning and did just that and the result is this beautiful, brand new Vox AC-15! Joe was kind enough to also allow me use of an Ampeg BA-110 bass amp. So now whether a band is coming through to play a YCS or to make their next record, we have some amazing new tools to help make that possible. 

Empire Music is far more than a little neighborhood music shop. Beyond their broad selection of amps and guitars of all stripes, there is a back room stocked with a selection of Martin and Taylor acoustics that is unrivaled in Pittsburgh. In fact, they are one of just ten certified Taylor dealers in the entire country! Most importantly, Joe and his team at Empire Music make everyone that walks in there feel welcomed and encouraged to explore what they have. They have a brilliant group of folks teaching lessons, who happen to be turning out some of the most impressive young artists I've ever come across.  So whether you need a pack of strings, a new pedal, a world class amp, lessons or even one of the nicest acoustic guitars ever made, this is your place! Please give them a call and mention that you found them here! 412.343.5299. Thanks for reading and thanks to Joe at Empire Music for his support! I look forward to finding even more ways to work with these incredible folks.