QUAD CITY ALT-METAL BAND – ALBORN, TAKES ON THE RIGHT HAND OF THE UNITED STATES

ALBORN – Photo from: Alborn’s EPK. 

Name/Band Name:

ALBORN

Genre:

Alternative Metal

Members in band:

Justin Taylor (JT) [guitar/lead vocals]

Alex Raser (AR) [Drums/vocals]

Zame Lewis [bass]

Nate Guske [guitar/vocals]

First paid gig:

Longshots, Rock Falls, IL.

Favorite venue to play at:

The Rust Belt – East Moline, IL.

Before gig/On tour Food choice:

Jimmy Johns

Celebrating their EP release, “PUSH”, & 2023 Tour  with action rock band, Powerman 5000. We sat down with Quad City’s fastest growing alternative metal band, Alborn to discuss their tour, EP, playing in the Quad Cities, and their unique sound.

What has other press said about Alborn?

JT – They’ve mostly tried to compare, which I’ve learned is a universal way of listeners to make others understand easily, but I don’t always agree with the comparisons.

How would you describe Alborn’s sound?

AR –  “Melodic and dramatic; we try to keep the spectrum of ALBORN’s style as broad as it needs to be to let whatever creativity that comes to mind, to come naturally and without boundaries. We will have some of the heaviest stuff we’ve written and the lightest in the same track, whatever encapsulates the vibe we are feeling the best.”

How would you describe your new EP, “PUSH” coming out on February 25th, 2023?

AR – The closest to what we’ve wanted to be. These songs will be the start of a new stepping stone for us in terms of musical direction.

Alex Raser laying it down behind the kit at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK / Bad Ingram Life

IF YOU DIDN’T BECOME A MUSICIAN/MUSICIANS, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

JT – I used to buy old cars and trucks and fix them up a bit, I’d certainly try to do that again. My hands would be dirty for sure.

AR – Almost certainly a trade. Being one of the most common career paths in our area and most of my family background, it seems the most logical.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PLAYING MUSIC IN THE QUAD CITIES?

AR – We had done a couple one-off shows in the QC area early on, but the big one that I remember really getting the buzz going was winning the RIBCO battle of the bands in 2017. That was truly a special night, and afterwards, positive relationships with venues, promoters, and the local radios started falling into place.

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR A FIRST TIME FAN AT YOUR SHOW?

JT – We like to be ourselves and fit in with the crowd, which I assume makes a first timer think we’re just “another local band,” but once they hear us I hope that they’re impressed, or at least surprised.

AR – We do our best to make sure it feels immersive, like every person in the room is on stage with us. We want them to feel the same things that we feel when we are in that moment.

Alborn performs at the Mississippi Valley Fair, opening up for Shinedown. – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FOR MAKING NEW MUSIC?

AR – Very organic. Typically it will start with a guitar riff, but from then on we just go with the flow of whatever feels like it should come next. The formula is hardly ever the same.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THE QC MUSIC SCENE?

JT – Loyalty. That’s what we hear the most from the people anyways. We’ve adamantly stayed true to ourselves, not just as musicians but as regular people, because at the end of the day, that’s what we are.

Alborn performing at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

JT – The acceptance to all kinds of music. I’ve gotten close with a lot of people who are regulars at our shows, and their interests in music go far beyond hard rock and metal. The QC has a love and appreciation for almost anyone who truly puts their all into their art.

AR – The general musical culture of the QC is just felt there. It is simply full of amazing bands/artists, venues, and diehard show-goers to pack those venues!

ARE THERE ANY REASONS YOU DON’T LIKE PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

AR – Some people love the cold, long, icy Midwestern winters. We are not those people. But, the QC braves them like any other season and the live shows are just as killer as ever!

HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAN OVERCOME THIS ISSUE?

AR – Weather happens, our vehicles and tailbones will continue to endure hahaha.

Alborn – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER LOCAL MUSICIANS?

JT – Rely on no one but yourself. The second you expect something from someone else, your expectations start to overshadow the outcome and take you further away from your goal.

Justin Taylor loading up a nuclear breakdown on the 7-string at The Rust Belt in East Moline. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR WITH POWERMAN 5000?

AR – Just trying to cover all the bases we can think of. Making sure our sound is as tight as ever, sorting travel and merchandise, and mentally preparing to be vehicle-mates for many many miles haha.

IF YOU COULD HAVE QUAD CITY FANS REMEMBER ONE THING ABOUT YOU?

JT – Certainly that I swear way too much!

Alborn at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK.