For A Life Unburdened has played all around Western Canada since their first tour back in 2014.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Connor Green - Vocals

Chandler Weinkauf – Guitar

Theron Johnson – Guitar/Vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to For A Life Unburdened? How long has the band been around?

The three of us are all part of the original band, with singer Connor Green joining the latest. We have all done various side projects. Chandler was part of a band called Naraka, while Theron and Connor had a side project entitled New Breed of Heroes. At this point in time, almost all of the focus goes into FALU. This band started over 5 years ago now, but after a name change a couple years ago, and a bit of a re-brand, we are essentially a different band.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The origin of our name came from a long discussion about what we stand for as a band and what name would mean the most for us. For a Life Unburdened was the conclusion of a conversation that sifted through over 40 suggestions. We felt how the struggles of life have affected us or the people we love plays a huge role in our mindset, so we thought it best to find a name that represents the idea of an ‘unburdened’ life. This name was our rebranded name a few years ago. We used to be called Breaking Affliction. We decided to change it after the departure of our old drummer who created that name. We felt it had lost its value and that we should change it to something that means something to all of us.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

When it comes to vocals, Connor (lead vocalist) writes the majority. He typically comes up with drafts of the lyrics to show the rest of the band, and when it comes to recording, suggestions and adjustments are made. Chandler and Theron write the main structure and riffs for the songs and piece everything together with Connors lyrics. The main topics that have been covered thus far have included depression, substance abuse, identity crisis, and various ideological battles.

On the most recent album, the idea was to culminate the transition from a tough moment or series of moments to the breaking point in a person’s life. The goal is to illustrate that someone could either shut down or find a way to move on, in short. This topic is from a very real place as a few of our friends had passed away during the writing process, all of us had dealt with the loss in our own ways, and I think it translates well onto the record.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

The bands that inspire us range from metalcore bands such as killswitch engage, as I lay dying, and parkway drive, to more technical bands such as veil of maya, periphery, and thy art is murder. Though our band is most likely considered metalcore, we pull our influences from every genre of metal as well as a huge influence and passion for 80’s rock.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

When it comes to inspiring us to start a band, I would say it goes back to 80’s rock/metal. Bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Van Halen always seemed so glorious. Growing up on this kind of music was the single reason all of us started playing, and the next logical step was to start a band.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

When it comes to preparing for a show, I suppose we all have our different routines. Basic vocal warm ups will occur for roughly 10-15 minutes about a half hour before the set time. The guitars and strings will both be warmed up in roughly the same manner. The typical pre show ritual we have is as simple as making sure to meet all the other bands and find a way to relax and take any nerves out.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

The biggest highlight for us has by far been our trip to Bethesda, Maryland to record our full length album with Taylor Larson and Spencer Sotelo. These two guys are heroes of ours, whether it producing/mixing or performing in a band we love. They were both so easy to work with and relaxed, while maintaining every bit of professionalism. The opportunity was so amazing and there is not enough gratitude we could give to express how thankful we are to have had it.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Connor - My top 3 would be Parkway Drive, Beartooth, and As I Lay Dying (an ocean between us era).

Chandler – My top 3 bands would be also Parkway Drive, Adept, and Wage War

Theron – My top 3 bands would be Periphery, Wage War, and Lamb Of God

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We are releasing our debut album August 3rd and we are also excited to hit the road across Canada later this summer! Release dates will be coming soon!

Thank you!