Interviews: Burden Of The Sky

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Metal band, Burden Of The Sky, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Brad Shaw: The band name comes mostly from the old story of Atlas holding up the world on his back. With the consideration that the sky is a protective barrier, an ever-present entity, and necessary for life on earth, you could consider it's 'Burden' to be keeping us alive.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Rick Streeter: Because you just can't quite cut loose playing country. Mike 

Mahoney: I love the high energy that comes with it. And watching the crowd react and get animated to your music.

Brad Shaw: Rock and metal have always really been my go to, and while I certainly listen to other genre's outside of that sphere, there really is no substitute for what I would enjoy playing live.

Scottie James: Rock and metal has always been the style of music that speaks to me the most. I love the energy and surge of emotions that great songwriting can bring out.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Rick Streeter: I had no idea who anyone was before they got ahold of me. 

Mike Mahoney: I did not.

Brad Shaw: Josh and I actually played several shows together before Burden was formed, which really ultimately laid the foundation for starting the band later. With neither of us particularly happy with where our bands were at the time for a variety of reasons, we just opted to start fresh with BOTS.

Scottie James: I’ve known Josh for years and we shared the stage together in various local bands long before BOTS. Josh originally asked me to be a part of BOTS when he was forming the band, but I was busy with another project at the time. We stayed in touch and I ended up joining a few years down the road.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Rick Streeter: Sum41 if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have started playing the drums.

Mike Mahoney: Nirvana

Brad Shaw: For myself, I am definitely going to go with Sevendust being the cream of the crop, but I am also a huge fan of Soilwork, Karnivool, Tool, and Nothing More.

Scottie James: Coheed & Cambria, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage, Tool

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Rick Streeter: a lot of anger.

Mike Mahoney: nothing in particular. But I know it when I hear it. I’ll hear a certain riff or hook in a song. And It’ll get me motivated. No better inspiration than a live show though.

Brad Shaw: At this point, I have fresh perspective on the sanctity and the value of life in general. I've battled cancer now for over 2 years, and with it having been gone now for over 6 months, there's a solid ground to stand on that reflects more on the positives of life than on the negative that I believe will be focused on.

Scottie James: It allows me to unravel the thoughts and feelings that are scrambled up inside my head and I like the connection music creates between people.

6. Where was your last gig?

Mike Mahoney: I can’t even remember with Covid-19 shutting down our 2020 tour schedule. I think it was a Christmas show we did towards the end of 2019. 

7. Where would you like to perform?

Rick Streeter: Slane castle in Ireland.

Mike Mahoney: Wembley Stadium would be brilliant.

Brad Shaw: Anywhere overseas would be great, and I am not picky. I’d pull up a world map dartboard and probably be cool with the end result.

Scottie James: Red Rocks

8. Whom would you like to tour with?

Mike Mahoney: the Deftones. 

Scottie James: Killswitch Engage or Bring Me the Horizon

9. Whom not?

Mike Mahoney: the Dixie Chicks. Nothing to do with the actual band, they are wonderfully talented women, I just don’t think their fans would dig us.

Brad Shaw: I wouldn’t tour with us. We are the worst.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Rick Streeter: The Bigger shows still can get to me. The best advice is chug a beer or 2

Mike Mahoney: not so much stage fright, but I’ll get anxious before going on, the waiting. Once I’m up there, any gitters are gone once we start playing, and the rock takes over. As for advice. If you’re bugging out, don’t look at the crowd. Look at your band mates to ground you. And once you get back in the groove, then check out the crowd.

Brad Shaw: Stage fright has always been a vice of mine. The truth of the matter is, the second you start playing, it really does go away, so everything is basically psychosomatic right up until that moment. Getting there can be the challenge. I would recommend warming up however you can, stretching your hands, doing vocal warm ups, etc… Just all around being as prepared as you can be to perform at your best. It won’t cure stage fright, but you will know that you are ready to handle it, and then… Well, then you take the stage and it cures itself.

Scottie James: I still get nervous before we hit the stage, but once I settle in after a song or two I feel right at home. My best advice is to just get out there as early and as often as you can. And practice. Lots of practice.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rick Streeter: sum41, system of a down, static x, slipknot,

Mike Mahoney: System of a Down, Sublime, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana.

Scottie James: Linkin Park, Green Day, System of a Down, Van Halen, My Chemical Romance, Killswitch Engage, Coheed & Cambria

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Mike Mahoney: Out of respect for that fan, no comment.

Brad Shaw: Out of respect for Mike, no comment.

Scottie Jamies: I signed a fan’s buttcheek once. But I let them sign mine too, so it was fair and square.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Rick Streeter: hands down amazing. The fact anyone would be a fan of ours blows my mind. We love every single one of them.

Mike Mahoney: Love em. How can you not? I’m a fan of so many bands, it’s weird being on the other side. Like when people come up to me, and I see them maybe get nervous, or a little shell shocked, it’s bizarre. I’m just a normal dude. Right? Without fans, we wouldn’t be out there doing what we’re doing.

Brad Shaw: Our fans are some of the most down to earth, patient, and outright loving people that exist, which I say with no reservations or asterisks involved. To say the least, I’ve never felt better supported health-wise or creative-wise than by our fans (besides our family and friends of course…), and they ultimately make the decision for us, whether or not we have the honor and the privilege of continuing to be able to do this. With there being very few things I could say I love more than being able to perform for people, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I hope that we never disappoint them.

Scottie James: I love and appreciate every single one of them. One of our favorite parts of playing live is hanging out after the show and knocking back a few with fans. Without them, we would have nothing and we’re forever thankful.  

14. What do you think of our site?

Brad Shaw: I love it! And not just because you gave us an interview. Maybe like 13%. The remaining 74% is most definitely genuine love for the site and all of its excellence. I should know the math on this one. I am an accountant. 

Scottie James: It’s my favorite website on the computer.

15. Future plans? 

Brad Shaw: Get the drop on any future pandemics so that we never have to deal with any of this again.

Mike Mahoney: Have a number one single? That’s a good goal, right?

Scottie James: Get a pilot’s license so we don’t have to take the bus anymore.

16. Something to add?

Brad Shaw: There is something to be said for pulling up to a 35 person capacity dive bar, and pulling up to an outdoor arena, and knowing that at the end of the day, you get to perform to people. The truth is, the excitement should be the same in both instances. For anyone starting out, and even for those who’ve been doing this for a long time, I’d say to never take for granted the ability to do this, for both your audience, and for yourself. For all of it can come and go at a moments notice, and you never know what your last gig is going to be, so it would be unwise to not thoroughly enjoy each and every one of them.

Scottie James: I don’t know where I would be without music. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported us in any way. You’ll never know how much it means to us.