Josh Renner (lead vocals, guitar) started Pushin Rope with Sierra Colt 2 years ago. Josh was raised on a farm along side the Mississippi River and played guitar since age ten. It's only natural Renner continues the tradition of front porch jammin' here in California.
Sierra Colt (upright bass) comes from similar roots. Raised in a hippie commune with strong values in music, Colt recalls many nights playin’ music outside around the fire with the old hillbillys.
On the softer, sensitive side of these roughnecks, there is George Bitsakis (fiddle). He has been studying classical violin since the age of three and breaks all his teachers hearts by using screaming distortion on his violin.
Shawn Donahue (drums) started out playin’ in punk band “C.D.M.” and brings the strong pulsing drive to Pushin Rope.
And then there's the hippie. Brent Gutzwiller (banjo) has lightning speed pickin’ skills and is the only hippie they ever considered to be in the band.
This year alone Pushin Rope has played over 60 shows at local venues such as The Viper Room, Belly Up, Canes, Casbah, and Winston’s. This includes opening for The Legendary Shack Shakers, The Cherry Poppin Daddys, The Peacocks, The Henchmen, solo artist Scott Biram, Joe Buck from the Hank III band, and many more. They've also traveled throughout Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado building strong fan bases throughout.
They've also completed their first full-length album called “Murderous Songs of Despair”. And are working on their 2nd album and a live compilation CD and video of their best shows.
“Pushin Rope will punch you in the teeth, put a boot heal on your throat, and demand your strict, undivided attention."