Pushing Red Buttons
Band Story
Pushing Red Buttons: The Enigmatic Pop Rockers That "Don't Really Exist"
Pushing Red Buttons was formed in the spring of 2001 by keyboardist Steve Herrig in New York City. Originally composed of musicians from both NYC and Minneapolis, Minnesota, the band quickly established itself as a unique voice in the indie pop scene.
Their debut album, Down, released in August 2002, garnered critical praise for its quirky yet captivating sound. The Big Takeover Magazine noted, “Their oddball, toe-tapping pop tunes are appealing and imaginative... though it may sound strange on paper, this is actually a charming and inspired album.”
In May 2003, their self-titled second album Pushing Red Buttons arrived, showcasing a more defined lineup drawn from the NYC band PSYCH. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Gaglia, bassist/vocalist Rich Chapple, and drummer/percussionist John DiGiulio joined Herrig to form the band’s core. The album’s reception was glowing, with comparisons to cult favorites like Klaatu, XTC, the Beatles, and even the Partridge Family. Splendid E-Zine wrote, “Pushing Red Buttons reminds me of Klaatu... that should be taken as a compliment,” while Left Off the Dial added, “They've earned both my curiosity and my respect.”
The band’s third release, Foreign Film of Tango Dance?, dropped in May 2004 and pushed boundaries both sonically and lyrically. UK-based Unpeeled observed, “PRB seem to be using entertainment to politicize rather than the other way around,” and Ear Candy declared, “This is some of the best pop music I’ve heard in a while. They’ve got more hooks than your grandpa’s tackle box—and the chops to pull them off.”
High-profile collaborators on the second and third albums included Kasim Sulton (Utopia), saxophonist Dan Cipriano (Wilson Pickett, Ronnie Spector), and string virtuoso Christian Howes (The Les Paul Trio), adding rich layers to their evolving sound.
Between 2005 and 2007, the band paused as members pursued individual musical careers. Gaglia, a respected producer and studio engineer, remained in high demand, while Chapple and DiGiulio toured with other acts. Herrig, meanwhile, took on a new role as a tour accountant, working with artists such as The Hold Steady, Mika, Luis Miguel, Sting, and even serving on The Police World Tour from 2007–2008.
During downtime, the group began recording their fourth album, The Butterfly Net, at Gaglia’s studio in NYC. Several lineup changes occurred during this period. Original bassist Rich Chapple departed due to touring commitments and was replaced by John Hartley (who had also played on their first album) and John Ferrara of Consider the Source. Anton “El Tigre” Johnson joined as lead guitarist, and Dave Clark, a Long Island native, was brought in to share lead vocal duties.
On November 26, 2008, Pushing Red Buttons released The Butterfly Net, their fourth and most eclectic album to date.
Perhaps the most curious and enduring part of Pushing Red Buttons’ legacy is the mystery that surrounds them. As insiders and fans alike have said: they really don’t exist. Whether a playful nod to their elusive presence or a statement on the surreal nature of their music, one thing is certain—Pushing Red Buttons has left a lasting impression on the indie pop world.
Pushing Red Buttons was formed in the spring of 2001 by keyboardist Steve Herrig in New York City. Originally composed of musicians from both NYC and Minneapolis, Minnesota, the band quickly established itself as a unique voice in the indie pop scene.
Their debut album, Down, released in August 2002, garnered critical praise for its quirky yet captivating sound. The Big Takeover Magazine noted, “Their oddball, toe-tapping pop tunes are appealing and imaginative... though it may sound strange on paper, this is actually a charming and inspired album.”
In May 2003, their self-titled second album Pushing Red Buttons arrived, showcasing a more defined lineup drawn from the NYC band PSYCH. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Gaglia, bassist/vocalist Rich Chapple, and drummer/percussionist John DiGiulio joined Herrig to form the band’s core. The album’s reception was glowing, with comparisons to cult favorites like Klaatu, XTC, the Beatles, and even the Partridge Family. Splendid E-Zine wrote, “Pushing Red Buttons reminds me of Klaatu... that should be taken as a compliment,” while Left Off the Dial added, “They've earned both my curiosity and my respect.”
The band’s third release, Foreign Film of Tango Dance?, dropped in May 2004 and pushed boundaries both sonically and lyrically. UK-based Unpeeled observed, “PRB seem to be using entertainment to politicize rather than the other way around,” and Ear Candy declared, “This is some of the best pop music I’ve heard in a while. They’ve got more hooks than your grandpa’s tackle box—and the chops to pull them off.”
High-profile collaborators on the second and third albums included Kasim Sulton (Utopia), saxophonist Dan Cipriano (Wilson Pickett, Ronnie Spector), and string virtuoso Christian Howes (The Les Paul Trio), adding rich layers to their evolving sound.
Between 2005 and 2007, the band paused as members pursued individual musical careers. Gaglia, a respected producer and studio engineer, remained in high demand, while Chapple and DiGiulio toured with other acts. Herrig, meanwhile, took on a new role as a tour accountant, working with artists such as The Hold Steady, Mika, Luis Miguel, Sting, and even serving on The Police World Tour from 2007–2008.
During downtime, the group began recording their fourth album, The Butterfly Net, at Gaglia’s studio in NYC. Several lineup changes occurred during this period. Original bassist Rich Chapple departed due to touring commitments and was replaced by John Hartley (who had also played on their first album) and John Ferrara of Consider the Source. Anton “El Tigre” Johnson joined as lead guitarist, and Dave Clark, a Long Island native, was brought in to share lead vocal duties.
On November 26, 2008, Pushing Red Buttons released The Butterfly Net, their fourth and most eclectic album to date.
Perhaps the most curious and enduring part of Pushing Red Buttons’ legacy is the mystery that surrounds them. As insiders and fans alike have said: they really don’t exist. Whether a playful nod to their elusive presence or a statement on the surreal nature of their music, one thing is certain—Pushing Red Buttons has left a lasting impression on the indie pop world.
Band Members
Steve Herrig: Keyboards/Vocals, Rich Gaglia: Guitars/Lead Vocals, Anton Johnson: Guitars/Vocals, Dave Clark: Lead Vocals, John Hartley: Bass/Vocals, John DiGiulio: Drums and Percussion
Steve Herrig: Keyboards/Vocals, Rich Gaglia: Guitars/Lead Vocals, Anton Johnson: Guitars/Vocals, Dave Clark: Lead Vocals, John Hartley: Bass/Vocals, John DiGiulio: Drums and Percussion
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: New York (NY)
Genre: Rock