Interview by: Emmett Lollis Jr.
What do you get when you mix one part Toadies, one part Reverend Horton Heat, two parts GWAR and add in a little Pinkston? Answer: The Burden Brothers.
EMMETT: Todd: You'd achieved great success with The Toadies. What's your take on the breakup and are there any lessons learned that you would care to pass on?
(VTL) Bands break up, people move on. I had a great time (almost all the time) in that band. Learned a lot of things about the business, and myself. I plan to carry all that forward into this project. A lesson? If you can figure out how to stay focused on music while still watching your back you should write a book.
(VTL) Taz & I kept running into each other back when he was with the Reverend and I was with the Toadies. We finally started working together around August of '01, then made a serious effort around the first of the year.
EMMETT: How did you come up with the name Burden Brothers?
(VTL) We were brainstorming for ideas. It edged out "Dirty Sanchez" mainly because we figured there were probably a zillion garage bands with that name.
EMMETT: What made you decide to go with the 3-guitar arrangement?
(VTL) Well, I play guitar...but not all the time...still wanted a full guitar sound...kind of liked the idea of an occasional guitar assault...seemed like a good idea at the time...
EMMETT: Is there anything in your career that you would have changed?
(VTL) Other than not becoming an entertainment attorney?
EMMETT: How did you like performing at SXSW?
(VTL) Always a blast. I love's me some Austin.
EMMETT: What are your feelings about the current tour?
(VTL) Right now we're doing mostly weekends, so I guess I would have to say that the current tour isn't long enough. We're concentrating on building up a regional crowd while still going into the studio as often as possible.
EMMETT: Do you have any entertaining road stories you would like to share?
(VTL) ...you'll have to be more specific...too many to choose from...
EMMETT: Which bands/artists are your biggest influences?
(VTL) Early on I was a big classic metal guy. Come on, it was the late 70's. Then I got turned on to bands like the Talking Heads, then later the Pixies. I was never real big into punk, ska, or reggea, although I devoted at least a summer to each at some point.
EMMETT: Taz: I've noticed that you do a lot of the artwork pertaining to the band. Where did your interest in "non musical" art come about?
(TAZ) I was born into a family of Advertisers. I have studied illustration and commercial design since I started reading, so it's safe to say it's in my blood. For the band it's pure convenience. We also use the help of a great graphic artist Jim Smith, when I don't have time to devote to certain projects.
EMMETT: Where do you see The Burden Brothers a year from now?
(TAZ) Hopefully with a tune or two on the radio, and touring with our families.
(VTL) ...(nods in agreement)...
EMMETT: Does anyone have any side projects they would like to plug?
(TAZ) Todd and I have a Russian Dance troupe called the Dirty Lenins. We have yet to devote any time to our first love, the love of the dance, due to our heavy touring schedule. But we keep spare leg warmers in the van just in case.
EMMETT: Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. I'm looking forward to seeing you at Curly's on December 7th.
(TAZ) I'm not sure how to answer this one?...........oh....my bad. We too look forward to the ensuing Rock-a-thon that will commence on yon Decembers eve. I like beer.....and edible underwear.
The Burden Brothers are:
Todd Lewis (The Toadies)
Taz Bentley (Reverend Horton Heat)
Zach Blair (GWAR, Hagfish, Armstrong)
Josh Daughtery (Pinkston)
Casey Orr (Ministry, Rigor Mortis, GWAR)
Related links:
www.theburdenbrothers.com
www.lastbeatrecords.com