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With today’s economic climate, the popularity of illegal downloading and the rise of pop music, many might say it’s hard out there for a metal band. But Austin-based Powderburn only thinks of these things as challenges.
"In this day and age, you’re not going to make money selling your record," said drummer Patrick Swift. "It’s not about selling the music so much anymore. It’s about selling the experience."
The New York native who moved to Austin on a whim says he knows the risks of being a musician in the music industry, but strives to gain fans through live shows — even if that means dressing as a prostitute for Halloween.
"If you’re giving us $10 of your money, we will ooze out every last spit of sweat and blood and whatever it takes to make sure you leave, having had the best time possible," said Swift.
The group has also gone as far as following in the footsteps of rock kings Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails by offering their latest album, "One Fix" as a digital download.
Swift says the record reflects a reinvention of the band’s sound after the departure of their founding member. He says the new sound may be unrecognizeable to fans but in a good way.
"It’s the ultimate culmination of everything we’ve been doing for 10 years now," said Swift. "We really do try and fuse the modern metal sound and the stuff that kids are into when it comes to metal — that release, that sense of being outcast in one sense but belonging to a different tribe — and combining it with the approachability of some of the rock music that’s a little more popular."
Powderburn is no stranger to the Rio Grande Valley. Swift said the band has supported nationally known acts Stained, 3 Days Grace, Alter Bridge, The Misfits and Sepultura in South Texas tours sponsored by Jagermeister and Budweiser.
The drummer says he finds the Valley’s love for metal heartening and finds places like the Valley critical to their success in a genre that works against him.
"My first two shows were in the Valley. I’ll never forget them as long as I live. I got off a plane, got in a van and the next thing I know is I’m playing in front of 400 people, which at that point, I’d never done in my life."
The New Yorker finds Texas music more vibrant here with a main focus on music rather than image.
"There’s a lot of posturing, and a lot of ego, and a lot of ‘what clothes are you wearing?’ in New York City," he says.
Swift said the band hopes to gain the same kind of statewide success bands like Blue October achieved.
"If there’s anywhere a band can be independent and survive playing our kind of music, it’s here," said Swift.
INFOBOX:
Who: Powderburn
With: Sweet Deviance, and Calendar Release
When: Tonight, Doors open at 7 p.m., Powderburn performs at 12 a.m.
Where: Davila’s Club, 1015 N. Commerce St. in Harlingen.
Listen @: http://www.myspace.com/powderburn
Download the album for free:
http://www.reverbnation.com/powderburn
