Upon A Burning Body - Mayhem Fest 2014

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2014 rolled through Dallas, Texas. There were just a couple of acts proud to be rocking the home state crowd. I will talk about one of the others later, but for now...

Upon A Burning Body (http://www.facebook.com/uponaburningbody) [a.k.a. - UABB]! The last time I saw these guys from San Antonio, they were tearing shit up on a stage for South By South West [SXSW], in Austin, TX about 3 yrs ago. My how things have changed and remained the same. A little bit older, maybe a bit more hardened by the road, but doing it like NO ONE ELSE on the Mayhem Stages.

If the music doesn't make you think twice about UABB or take notice as they first hit the stage, it would be the unmistakable style. Balls, pride, and confidence to drop the music as hard as they do, looking as good as they do. And best of all, I don't think anyone, in any band, could do it as good in the Texas heat. Fuck all the fakers. 

Although lead singer Danny does a masterful job of controlling the crowd, it is without a doubt, the bands energy as a whole, that whips the crowd into a frenzy. C'mon, it is seriously the most unbelievable sight and sound when you have a hardcore metal band like UABB, do some corny ass shit - like sing the state song in 'Texas Blood Money' - and the crowd is not just singing along, but moving as one giant, thrashing organism. That is some cool ass shit to experience! 

I feel blessed and lucky enough to have spent a few minutes with singer Danny and guitarist Ruben before they went onstage. Although the interview was fun (and I think it was a good moment for them to step away from themselves before going onstage), the live performance of UABB is something altogether stellar to behold.

Ruben's final words that wrapped our interview, are some words I love and think will stick in the heart of every Texan, metal fan, and UABB fan out there. - "As long as they got our back, we got theirs!" -

Here is a link to the audio interview, enjoy it and the photos! (https://soundcloud.com/livemusicinaustin/ruben-danny-uabb)

Wretched - Mayhem Fest 2014

When I arrived at the Gexa Energy Pavillion (http://www.gexaenergypavilion.net/) in Dallas, Texas for the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, (http://rockstarmayhemfest.com/) I had a ridiculous schedule. Between interviews with members of different bands on one side of the amphitheater and the shows happening on the exact opposite side...I only had to worry about the 105 degree heat. Fuck it! I live in Texas.

Without question I know, and have determined, that shooting the live shows and doing reviews of the bands performances is where my heart and mind is. I had a great time interviewing the members of 5 different bands (including Joel - guitar player from Wretched), but on these touring festivals, I would much rather shoot the first three songs and review the performance. Unless, of course, some band wants me to be their personal rep to document all of the crazy shit on any one stop or on a whole tour!

Wretched (https://www.facebook.com/wretchednc) was the first band I got to see perform AND THEN meet with a member for an interview. It is a world of difference talking to someone with the enthusiasm of the just watched performance coursing through your veins, than a sit down and chat...just because. Here are the photos from their kick ass performance. I swear that the lead singer looked like he was gonna pop. I don't know if it was from the heat or the power of the performance and it doesn't matter, because it was relentless. Just gut pounding, in your head with the vocals and guitars, worth every damn penny you spent to see the bigger bands! Follow them on FB and then follow them, see them in your town.

Enjoy the photos and here is the link to my audio interview with Joel!

 (https://soundcloud.com/livemusicinaustin/joel-wretched)

Austin Music interviews - Angel intro

Intro to why we are doing the interviews.

Super Water Sympathy - A silent interview