On The Road With Mashlin
Words: MacKenzie Pause
Photos: John Deeb

“Touring, touring, is never boring.” These Ramones lyrics may not be revered poetry, but they sum up life on the road. Every band dreams of playing music, seeing the country and meeting fans that appreciate the music they create. However, touring bands often wake up to the reality of high gas prices, greasy fast food and border patrol searches at gunpoint. Orlando’s Mashlin say that no matter how many hardships they encounter, the support and hospitality of people on the road make it worth every mile on the odometer.

Jason Burrows (drums), Aaron Harvey (guitar, vocals), Joe Knipp (guitar) and Glen Wilson (bass) have toured numerous times across the states in support of their One Eleven Records release, “Pushing Through The Seasons.” Having toured for years in bands like Agent Felix and Unsung Zeros, they know that the road tests strength and dedication.   

Patience is tested with the perpetual driving that comes hand and hand with touring. “We drove 50 hours for one show, from Orlando to Salt Lake City. We were all sick as dogs, and we drove to Eugene, Oregon right after,” Wilson said.

Crossing borders brings new obstacles. Burrows recollected a Canadian border incident years ago. “We got strip searched,” he said. “The dogs tore apart our trailer, and they threw our clothes everywhere.” From there it got worse, involving an extremely invasive situation. Burrows added: “It’s all worth it when you get to a city and there are people eagerly waiting to hear your music. Anything that’s bad with tour, you forget.”

Over the years, Mashlin has met many people and bands who opened their homes to them. Wilson said: “We’ve stayed everywhere from Fraternity houses, apartments and hotels to basement floors. Sometimes we’ve even slept in the van.”

“If it wasn’t for really great people letting us crash at their house and feeding us, we would have never made it this far,” Harvey said.
 
“They just appreciate you coming to their town to play music,” Burrows said.

www.mashlin.com