Interview: Justin Adams of Oshian!

Oshian is a metal band based out of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, formed by sole remaining original member Justin Adams. I was able to talk to Adams about the new direction for Oshian, which sees the band taking on new members and new directions.

Please state your name and tell us about your band and your role in the band!

I’m Justin Adams and I Play Lead Guitar for Oshian and we are based out of Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Oshian has been undergoing some lineup changes recently; tell us about that and your progress on finding new members!

It’s pretty much been a revolving door for the most part in 2013 so far. We’ve had 4 different guitarists this year so far. We’ve had to replace a drummer, bassist and were working on filling the vocalist spot yet. I am the only original member left. But so far this month we’ve made much progress on getting the material down instrumentally speaking. As of right now, it’s Andy Hernandez on Drums, Travis James on Rhythm Guitar, Kurt Mehler on Bass and of course I’m on Lead Guitar.

Is there a new sound you wish to accomplish with the band as you move forward with new musicians?

Yes, indeed we are changing the sound. Our sound started out as a more metalcore sound. Once everyone left I decided do something else. Something more to my liking. So i continued with the same name but I set out to change the sound. Were looking to play a more metal/Hard Rock Sound. I eventually found some musicians who were open to the style of music.

Who would you consider your largest influences in your writing process?

 I’d say our bigger writing influences are Avenged Sevenfold, Black Veil Brides, Guns N Roses, Asking Alexandria, Metallica, Bullet For My Valentine. We do like all kinds of different styles, but those would be our biggest as a whole band.

When Oshian’s lineup has settled out, what can we expect from you as far as recordings and shows go?

Well we hope to, of course, blow minds people’s mind’s with our songs and we expect to put on the best show we can. We want our recordings to be as tight and professional as they can sound. We’re all very excited to get out there and show the world what we have to offer.

What region of Pennsylvania is Oshian based out of, and what are the venues you often play at?

We’re based out of Lebanon county. We’ve played at the Silo which is close dnow unfortunately. We also have played at The Champ, The Reverb and The Crock Rock a few times as well.

Is there a specific message you hope to get across to people with your music?

Yes there is. Most of the current lineup faced some kind of form of being bullied or being doubted growing up. So We hope to help those who feel left behind or those who are picked on for being who they with our music. Our track “Persistance” has to do with that subject matter.

Thanks for talking to Rise Above the Anchor! Is there anything else you’d like to tell the fans reading this?

Not a problem! It was a pleasure answering your questions! And yes I wanna personally thank anyone who has supported this band before or those who continue to support us no matter what! We’ve been through a lot and it means the world that people actually still care since we been of the radar so to speak the last few months. But i promise everyone we will be back and stronger than ever!