Pipe, a band comprised of talented student musicians from Stephen F. Austin High School—Liam Turner, Ronald Rosenberg, Zoey Mei, and Lucas Hendrix—is making waves in the Austin, Texas music scene. Liam, a senior, takes the helm as Pipe’s lead vocalist. Ronald, a senior, showcases his drumming prowess, while Zoey, handles the bass guitar. Lucas, a fellow senior, contributes his skills as Pipe’s lead guitarist.
The genesis of Pipe dates back to March 2022 when it was originally formed as Fear Gospel by Ronald Rosenberg, Rooster Underwood, and Lucas Hendrix. However, the initial venture went nowhere, leading to a lineup change and a complete rebranding. Thus, Pipe emerged as a new beginning for the group.
Describing their musical style as Rock’N’Roll, the members resist pigeonholing into a specific genre. As Zoey Mei asserts, “We don’t have a genre, because genres are stupid.”
Pipe draws inspiration from a diverse array of bands including Gulch, Pink Floyd, MC5, Gel, Spy, Texas Tornados, Eyehategod, and Electric Wizard. The punk leanings of Gulch and the dreaminess of Pink Floyd serve as foundational elements in Pipe’s distinctive sound.
Characterized by pounding drums, loud guitars, and heavy bass, Pipe’s music explores themes of positive thinking in an unconventional and informal manner. Liam Turner, emphasizing the band’s unique approach, expresses, “The goal is to make you feel cool, but also terrified. I focus on writing about positive messages and philosophy in a non-poetic way—’positive thinking’.”
In their live performances, which often draw audiences ranging from a few to hundreds, Pipe delivers an electrifying experience. Venues such as Mohawk Austin, The Parlor Austin, The Electric Church, Valhalla, and many others have witnessed the band’s dynamic presence. Liam humorously reflects on their sound by saying, “We mixed dirt and water and got mud, and the Last Sacrament didn’t happen to say the least.”
Pipe’s live shows, typically held at night, exude a contagious energy, making them exceptionally fun and exciting. With an ever-growing following, Pipe is cementing its place in the vibrant music scene of Austin, leaving an indelible mark with each performance.
