Pat McCrory, guitarist for the dynamic hardcore band Turnstile, has always been a vibrant figure in the music scene. With roots that span genres and influences that evolve with the seasons, Pat's journey into music is as eclectic as his sound. When he’s not on tour and embedded in a constant social environment, he tends to withdraw into solo-driven hobbies. He learns a lot in those quiet moments when he’s alone with a thought and a song. We managed to catch him in one of these moments, and it turned into the latest Curated by Pat McCrory. But before you get into his remarkable life soundtrack of today, here’s what we’ve learned about Pat!
What got you into music?
My grandad was in a country band called Pals on the Prairie. In turn, my mom had always been a huge country music fan. So as a little one I was singing “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain at a summer camp talent show. Really it wasn’t until my brother got a guitar that I thought “oh shit I want to do that too.” So I copied everything he did!
Who (or what) are your influences, and how have they shaped your style of music and personal style?
So much changes with the seasons and I really find myself gaining influence from more and more every day. When I was younger I probably bought every effects pedal I could because of Mike Einziger from Incubus and I really wanted to emulate John Frusciante’s playing style. At the same time I couldn’t stop trying to start bands that sounded like Glassjaw and Thrice. More recently city pop has been pretty dominant so that’s influencing a lot of life right now.
What genres of music are you into?
It’s a classic answer to say I’m into most genres but I swear I mean it. I have a legendary 10 hour country playlist. I have a true turn-up Trance and Techno classics playlist. And I really pride myself on my “Listen While Reading” playlists. Emotional, powerful, vocal-less music that you turn on while reading a book to enhance your reading experience. It’s very string and piano driven.
What’s one of your all-time high experiences?
I think most recently we played a show in Korea that really sent me. We played to maybe 150 kids in 2018 for our first visit to the country, and it was shocking and amazing. In August, we headlined Pentaport Rock Festival, which has 100,000+ attendees, and the crowd shared the same energy as the 150 kids six years prior. I’ll never forget that feeling.
What’s your relationship with your denims or denim in general?
A pair of jeans is kind of like a car. I’m going to use them nearly every day, and I need them to carry me through a variety of conditions and experiences. Over time, they reflect your character and lifestyle through the holes and rips and discoloration. I like to earn those things, so a pair of jeans is like a new start to a hopefully long story.
Pat's Gritty Jackson jeans have seen more action than a mosh pit—they’ve been worn at nearly every Turnstile show and repaired countless times.
Why did you choose these exact tracks for your Curated by playlist?
These songs are on here because I’ve listened to them all recently and have felt they were remarkable in one way or another.
Any good extras?
When I’m not touring and embedded in a constant social environment I tend to withdraw into solo driven hobbies. I learn a lot in those quiet moments where I’m alone with a thought and a song.
Pat McCrory’s journey through music and life is a testament to the power of evolving influences and personal experiences. Whether he's playing to a packed festival or curating playlists for introspective moments, his passion for music remains unwavering.
Photo: Alex Henery & Atiba Jefferson
