Meet Philadelphia’s own The Good Mess, MMR’s Local Shots Artist of the Month.
The band that would become The Good Mess began in 2012 with Tim Mellor and Mario LaForgia. Back then, there was no name, no producers, and no one listening. There were only late nights at Tim’s writing, recording, re-writing, re-recording, rinse and repeat. It was rock and roll in a South Philly row home, Saturday after Saturday, with a catalogue of over 50 songs in personal concert for Tim’s wife, the dogs, and his neighbors.
In 2014, it changed. It went from “no one” to “everyone,” and The Good Mess was born. Now joined by Josh Rovinsky and Mike Skierski, The Good Mess released their debut EP, “Smoke Like Ghosts,” in 2015. Recorded out of Grammy award-winning Studio 4 in Conshohocken, PA, it was an instant hit.
Their first single, “Mother Mary,” and others gained notoriety with airplay on local radio, including WMMR.
Their second release, “New History,” would follow shortly after in 2017 as joint product of Studio 4 and producer Will Yip. The band’s catalogue of live songs continued to grow. But this was far from the end.
Their self-titled LP, released July 19, 2019, wrestles with a wide variety of emotions and topics: with lyrics underlining a theme of hope, betterment, and a desire for self-fulfillment. It’s The Good Mess’ response to society, addiction, love and hate. Through sickness and in health. Through triumph and defeat. To moving on to the next day.
In December 2019 the band was honored to win the PHL Live Center Stage competition in the Rock category, earning an official citation from the city of Philadelphia declaring The Good Mess the best rock group that year. After a year of pandemic lockdown, the band was able to redeem another portion of their prize, recording time at Milkboy Studios. “Bad at Being Human”, the latest 3 song E.P. was released on July 22nd, 2022.
Drawing comparisons to Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Queens of the Stone Age, the band continues to write high energy rock songs and focus on powerful live performances.
Vocals, Guitar / Tim Mellor
Bass, Vocals / Mario LaForgia
Guitar, Vocals / Josh Rovinsky
Drums / Mike Skierski
Hear the Local Shots Artist of the Month on air every Wednesday at 6:30pm! Here’s how to stream live.
