Alternative metallers Blessed by a Burden have been around for a full year and have already gotten signed to a record deal. Guitarist/programmer Josh Osborne along with his band mates Harrison Lea (vocals), Michael Mutzhaus (guitar), and Chris Bryant (drums) have set themselves up for a challenge as a band. “As far as the music industry in the town, Vegas is a city of hungry rebels ready to hate. Venues come and go on a weekly basis as do bands. I think if you can make it in Vegas that are definitely an accomplishment but a key move in our “local success”, was getting out of town and touring as soon as possible. It shows some dedication and the business side of the band. To us, this isn’t just some hobby, we’re willing to work for it.” says Osborne. Blessed by a Burden has a long way to go, before reaching the top of success but the weight of it all will make all of the difference.
Tell us about the band?
We’re a 4 piece alternative metal band from Las Vegas, NV. The band is made up of Harrison Lea, Michael Mutzhaus, Chris Bryant and me (Josh Osborne).
Why did the band come up with the name ‘Blessed By A Burden’?
The name “Blessed by a Burden” was a random idea between our original drummer Mike Schafer and me. I don’t think any name could have suited the band any better as we ‘are’ really burdened with the weight of this lifestyle, and the financial struggle. But it’s nothing more than an amazing opportunity for us to live out some of our dreams. Being on the road and playing a new stage night after a night is a rush and we love it. Ironically, I feel like the real question to be asked is, how did the name find us? We’ll never know. Haha
How long has the band been around and and how does it feel to be from the City Of Sin?
The band has been around for a year this week. We released everything July 16th, 2010. Even with some time off after each tour I feel like we’ve been constantly busy since starting the band. Being from the “City of Sin” is nothing more than a challenge for the band. As far as the music industry in the town, Vegas are a city of hungry rebels ready to hate. Venues come and go on a weekly basis as do bands. I think if you can make it in Vegas that are definitely an accomplishment but a key move in our “local success”, was getting out of town and touring as soon as possible. It shows some dedication and the business side of the band. To us, this isn’t just some hobby; we’re willing to work for it.
So tell me about your music what do you currently have available?
We planned on releasing our 7 track EP titled “Addiction” a few months ago, but landed a last minute record deal. We’re excited that we finally settled on the right contract, as we turned down a few other indie labels, but it definitely delays the release of the music. Lots of paperwork and business was being done and we plan to release the EP soon. I’m currently starting the writing of our first record and couldn’t be more nervous. But a good nervous I hope. As far as music available right now we have songs on all of our networking sites, some downloadable, as well as our single “Testament” on iTunes.
Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Influences is a tough subject. We all have our favorite artists from various genres but that’s the most common response ever. Non-musically, all our friends, family and haters really influence us. All have the power to affect us. Some we want to impress, some we want to help, and some we want to just say fuck off. Let us live our lives and we’ll let you live yours.
What about your songs, what are they about?
Our songs are about us. Our lives. Plain and simple. I think there’s a great dependence on our emotions. The awesome thing is that our songs sometimes tell two stories, one through the lyrics and one through the music; to attempt at taking the music to a visual level, where the fans can see the complexity and heart in the music. Of course everyone’s views will be different but that’s the beauty of music. A universal language where it’s accepted that we all have our own opinion of its meaning and what that means to us ya know. Harrison and I split up writing the lyrics and that’s another benefit for us and the fans. There are two different styles of writing.
Describe your show, visual and musically.
Our shows are a rush. Lights are flashing, bass and distortion pounding in your ears, and the symphonic instruments carrying you through the set. We’re on stage to tell our story and we may not be able to solve everyone’s problems, but we can offer you an escape from them, if even for a few minutes. Everyone can use some time off to let loose every now and then.
Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
We rocked House of Blues a few nights ago and it was insane. Our next show is a small festival were headlining, “ThreadzFest” in Pahrump, Nevada. It’s an awesome outdoor show with 10 or 12 bands on a couple acres of empty land. We can’t wait.
by Natalie Perez
