Censored!

Censored is a band from Ottumwa, Iowa and is dedicated to making a name for themselves and having a good time with their fans in the process. It was started with the simple but powerful question; “How do we do this?” They’ve been able to pull in fans from hard-rock lovers to slow, passionate fans. For the members of Censored, it’s all about the music and their fans. Much dedication and hard work has gone into the band and its growing success. The band consists of David (vocals), Jessie (guitar and backing vocals), Aaron (lead guitar), Ryan (bass), and Matt (drums). “The meeting of Censored was out of sheer luck,” says David. “Way back when myself (David Birchmier) and Matt Cowles decided to start the band, we went off looking for other musicians that shared a similar view. At the beginning, we went through a few line-up changes searching for that perfect mix, but were incredibly fortunate to quickly find the right guys and the band quickly took off. Jessie Rush was added to the line-up in Mid 2006, Ryan Buck found us in late 2007 and Aaron Lane was the most recent and final addition to the line-up.”

Censored owns their own recording studio and has played at many popular events, including The Mid-American Music Festival, Versus Festival, and a nationally televised event known as BodogMUSIC Battle of the Bands. Their newest single “Things We Hate,” has already attracted attention and has been played on local radio stations in the area. This new CD is set to be released sometime in March of 2009. In late 2008, an idea was brought up to the band by a dedicated fan to start “street teams.” The idea was then put into action and a street team web page was made and many fans have become members. It is a way for Censored to get to know their fans better and a way for the fans to help promote the band and take part in their success. The street team idea is now better known as “Censored Nation.” The website for the street team is www.censorednation.com. The band also has an official website (www.censoredrock.com) and an official MySpace page. A world tour is projected to begin in May of 2009.

I asked David for some advice to give to teens or other people for plans of starting a band. Here was his reply: “First and foremost, decide what it is you want. Do you want to go all the way to the top? Do you just want to play music as a hobby? If you’re serious about your music career – treat it accordingly. Be prepared to do the unconventional. Wake up every day expecting to put work into your music and your group as if it were your job. When you’re writing music, always remember that you’re writing not only for yourself, but your prospective listeners. Most importantly, realize that your dream is entirely possible but the path to getting there just isn’t going to be the fantasy you’ve always expected. That doesn’t mean it can’t be a blast though. Never give up until you get what you want.”

On January 30, 2009, the band played at the Ottumwa High School. A few other local bands played before them, and then was followed by a band from Des Moines, IA called Victim Or Victory. Censored put on a great show getting a lot of crowd involvement and left everybody craving more. The show was very energetic and packed a powerful punch, from the shredding guitar to the acclaimed vocals. The band had a large selection of items to purchase at their merchandise table and then hung out with their fans after they got off stage.

On to a new note, a local band, Cause of Effect, including members from Corydon, Chariton, and Ottumwa will be playing a show with Censored and a few other small bands as the openers. The date has been scheduled for Friday, February 13, at The 620 House in Des Moines, IA. The first band is set to kick it off at 5:30 p.m. It should make for a great show!

Censored is also wanting to play a show right here in Corydon, IA. They are grateful for all their fans that support them here and would love to put on a show. They are hoping to come sometime this summer if a date can be acquired. For more information, visit Censored’s webpage or email myself at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I encourage everyone to listen to Censored and join the Corydon, IA street team. The street team covers all local areas and towns surrounding Corydon (including Seymour, Humeston, Lineville, Allerton, etc…). You may also visit Cause of Effect on their MySpace page as well.

-Tyler Anderson, Corydon, IA