Forestry Division was a Pittsburgh-based indie rock band whose roots stretch back to 2011, when they first came together as Andre Costello and the Cool Minors. Formed by bassist Matt Fiorillo, drummer Nick Charters, and frontman Andre Costello, the band embarked on a journey that saw them evolve musically and artistically over the years. Their debut full-length album, The Rattling Arcade, was recorded at Wilderness Studios and Mr. Smalls Recording Studio, where they forged a creative partnership with producer Nate Campisi—a collaboration that would last throughout their career.
With a dedication to creating immersive, non-traditional live experiences, the band, under the direction of Andre Costello, became known for pushing the boundaries of conventional performance. This drive led them to collaborate with installation artist Ron Copeland for the release of André Costello's Summer's Best EP, where the band performed within one of Ron's art installations at Blackbird Studios in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood. Later, they took their innovative approach further, staging two separate shows at the Buhl Planetarium, complete with synchronized lasers and 360-degree video projections that transformed each performance into a multi-sensory experience.
As the band evolved, so did its lineup. James Hart joined during the recording of The Rattling Arcade to play pedal steel guitar and keyboard, becoming a permanent member. The group then recorded their second album, Resident Frequencies, in 2018. After a lineup change brought Sean Finn on drums and Rich Stanley as James' understudy, the band began working on what would become their self-titled album, Forestry Division. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the band continued to push forward, experimenting with new recording methods and collaboration styles. In 2020, the album was completed, and the band chose to officially change their name to Forestry Division, reflecting their growth and the deepening collaborative spirit among its members.
In 2024, after more than a decade of making music together, Forestry Division announced their decision to part ways, marking this decision with their final release, SWANSONGS. The concept of a "swan song"—a final performance or gesture before a departure—perfectly encapsulates the essence of these two tracks, which were recorded, mixed, and mastered at Mr. Smalls Recording Studio with Nate Campisi. These songs serve as the band's last creative statements, exploring themes of natural and political disasters, while also reflecting the end of an era for both the band and the studio, which is scheduled for demolition.
Forestry Division will be remembered not only for their music but also for their deep connections to Pittsburgh's vibrant music community and their commitment to crafting unforgettable, immersive experiences. Their swan song will come to a close on August 23, 2024, at Bottlerocket Social Hall, where they will celebrate the journey that began over a decade ago, leaving their audience with a powerful and lasting legacy.