City Windows: straight outta Ida

“One particular gig we did at Tower Bar in Summer of 2019 really sticks out in my mind. We had just finished up recording our debut EP Oxbow and were feeling really great about what we were able to put together. I think that coupled with packing 40 people in a tight venue, cranking up some half-stack amps. Everyone was really feeling the energy that night. Just turn up and let it rip. I think we all thrive in that environment.”

That’s Lyle Pavuk, singer and guitarist for San Diego’s punk rockin’ City Windows, on the best live vibes he’s had in town. But his story actually begins 2,292 miles to the east.

“I grew up,” he remembers, “in the smallest little farm town no one has ever heard of Ida, Michigan. Growing up in rural Michigan is about as exciting as it sounds; cornfields as far as the eye can see and not a damn thing to do but hang out with your buddies and play some guitar. We’re talking not even a single stop light. Wouldn’t change it for anything, but I’m glad to be living here in San Diego today.”

“I’ve spent most of my time downtown, since moving to San Diego several years ago. It’s a diverse culture with plenty of fun to be had. Little Italy has some great breweries, and I also love getting a good run or cycling session in on the Embarcadero or at Balboa Park.”

Classic rock ruled the roost, growing up back in Ida. “Listening to my Dad bust out everybody’s favorite Dad rock riffs from Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin on his guitar. That and being introduced to Jimi Hendrix music. Absolutely changed my life and inspired me to pick up the guitar.”

“My true love of punk rock wasn’t discovered until later, and as cliché as it sounds that started with my introduction to San Diego’s own Blink-182 when Dude Ranch was released. Probably still my favorite Blink album to this day. From there I dove into different genres of punk, alternative, indie, and hardcore which all help influence my writing today.”

The band got together through “The most vague Craigslist wanted add you could imagine: ‘Punk rock band looking for a guitarist.’ Not a shred of further detail. I figured that’s good enough for me, and gave them a shout. Heard back from Ryan [Steele, guitarist] within the next couple hours.”

“He sent me some of their recorded material, and I was blown away at how good the sound and arrangement was, how much it matched my musical taste. I took a week or so to learn the guitar parts, we got together and played straight through the whole set, and Ryan and [drummer] Aaron [Weislogel] were gracious enough to invite me on board. We picked up Sean [Sullivan] on bass a few months later, Ryan and I decided to tag-team the vocals, and we have been going strong ever since.”

Asked about virus-coping strategies, Pavuk allows, “We’re all just hanging tight and focusing on the basics. Taking care of family and friends and socially distancing. Hoping we can get this pandemic under control sooner than later. We have been writing here and there and sharing ideas via text or email.

“Musically it’s looking like near future is probably 2021 so we will be booking some gigs to promote Oxbow, and we are slated to play the punk rock festival FEST in Gainesville, Florida in Fall 2021.”