During the spring semester, there was something noticeably different about campus.
Where “Help Wanted” fliers were usually posted, fliers featuring an unknown silhouette were posted instead. This “face” remained a mystery until it was discovered to be the calling card of local band The Millburns.
The face can now be found on car air fresheners and coozies handed out by the band. Band frontman Ben Nelson said the group’s loyal following still continues to spread the face around Baton Rouge.
The Baton Rouge band began with Nelson playing guitar and singing, Jason Bossier on guitar and Michael Lane on drums. When approached about opening a show at Mud and Water, the group brought in John Mark Lowry on bass and Ashley Cowart on vocals to create the heavy harmony the band was looking for.
The first time all five members were on stagetogether was that opening night.
“It went surprisingly well,” Lane said.
That show produced a group with its own individual style. While the vocals are reminiscent of the ’60s, the instrumental styles of Nelson, Lowry and Lane call back to ’90s rock, with Bossier adding a ’70s vibe on his guitar.
Cowart, who has been singing her entire life, said the music this group makes is different than anything she’s done before and loves singing with Nelson.
Nelson said he was lucky to find someone like Cowart who matches his vocal tone.
Nelson brings most of the songwriting ideas to the group — typically melodies and unfinished songs but each member adds something.
Lowry said writing is a constantly evolving process, and a song never ends up where it started. Even songs that are finished are played differently now.
“We all have different musical styles because we’re all different people,” Bossier said. “It’s like different brush strokes on a canvas.”
The group spent most of April and May recording at various studios and took a break in June to play shows. The band will return to the recording studio Monday with sights on an album, Nelson said.
The band has a variety of things in the works and will release a single this fall, Lowry said.
Lane said it is difficult to get gigs at new venues, but when it does play, the band gets a good response with decent crowds and ultimately fits right in.
Cowart said that while talent, writing and willingness make a band, it’s also the people.
“You can’t be in a room full of people that don’t love what they’re doing,” Cowart said.
The group said it keeps its fansupdated through Facebook and Instagram along with the band’s website, which Lowry designed.
The type of fans the group attracts is a story itself.
Lowry said the band appeals to an eclectic group of people, acquiring a following of college and high school students as well as working adults and retirees.
“We collect weirdos,” Nelson said.
“We love weirdos,” Cowart added.
The band found friends in the Baton Rouge music community by sharing ideas and supporting each other. Cowart said music can be a struggle, but knowing the community is strong, and having formed relationships with so many people has helped.
“I’m only a dick to y’all,” Lane said to the band with a laugh. “But we’re not a bunch of jerks to everyone.”
Cowart said The Spanish Moon has been a good venue for the band allowing it to grow its roots. The Spanish Moon has been a home for the band, Lane said, and he looks forward to coming back to the venue to play.
The group jumped up to play a new song entitled, “I Want It,” which has only been played in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and hasn’t been recorded yet.
“We’re not afraid to say that we’re proud of what we’ve written,” Lane said. “We’re proud of where we are now, and you’re here to be entertained.”
The Millburns will play at The Spanish Moon on Aug. 16 along with the bands Little Radar and The Myrtles. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 10 p.m.