Bio
Xerus (zeer-US) is the brain-child of singer / guitarist / songwriter Michael Townsend Letsinger. Instead of allowing his influences to dictate the direction, he set out to redefine rock and roll and create an entirely new sound in the process. That sound was only truly developed once a band was assembled. Travis Washnieski’s amazing drumming techniques and the solid back bone of bass provided by Scott Sachs were the final pieces in the Xerus puzzle.
By combining the elements of rock and metal, Xerus walks the nebulous line between the two genres. “It seems like most people that are into metal think we’re rock and people that dig rock say we’re a metal band,” says Letsinger. “That’s fine. It’s rare that we hear the same comparison to other bands as far as our sound, and I see that as a huge positive.”
Releasing material on the Minneapolis indie label SkinCell Record Group, the first e.p by Xerus spawned some positive national attention. The song “Easy Pieces” from the group’s first album "The Wrath of Ra" stayed at number one on the Internet-based New Artist Radio for three weeks in early 2005. The band landed some opening slots for major label acts like Supagroup from New Orleans and the rare chance to play a strip club.
With the release of this new disk will come a whole new Xerus. Produced by Nashville’s own indie super producer Chris Mara,"…this impossible everything" is a serious step forward in the growth of this evolving band.
“Having Chris come in was the best decision we could have made. His outside opinion and years of expertise were just what we needed at this stage of our career,” says Letsinger.
Tracked at A440 Studios in Minneapolis, the result is a full on rock and roll assault on the senses. With the lyrics touching on topics of relationships, the end of the world, betrayal, loss, excitement and orgies… listeners will be pressed to categorize the band.
So far 2007 has been a very positive year for the band. In march they traveled to Austin, TX to play during South By Southwest, they are currently in the middle of a nation-wide college radio campaign and are getting out on the road as often as possible. Later in the year they hope to begin touring extensively throughout the mid west and east coast.
With an endless commitment to get the music into the ears of anyone and everyone who will listen, you can expect Xerus will be coming to a stage near you soon.