If you've ever had any questions about the band, you can find the answers here...below, you'll find a complete band bio as well as individual bio's for each of the guys.
The Rise of Ezra:
Ezra is currently booking concerts all throughout Indiana and surrounding states and spreading the Gospel to people of all ages through their God-Centered lyrics and the heavy "groove" metal music.
In the beginning, God began to lay a musical vision on the heart of a Clintionian named Robert “Osker” Myers. Osker was seeing the demise that secular music had on youth not only in the Clinton area but also through the world. He wanted to play a type of music that the youth would understand and appreciate. Through the art of Heavy Metal, Hard Rock music, Osker wanted to not only share the gospel of Jesus Christ to teens but to also address issues that face our church. Through this music he wanted to deal with the sin that is facing our churches and the world that is around us. Osker prayed for many years looking for the right people to bring this message of hope and love to a dying world. But God saw fit for him to wait till the summer of 2002. Osker had been sharing this burden he had with a fellow guitarist by the name of Chris Ferrari. Together they started looking for the right people to accomplish this great task. Through the ministry of Hillcrest Community Center in Clinton, IN. Osker met a guy that was setting up an outreach concert during Clinton’s annual Little Italy Festival by the name of Brandon Wallace. Osker asked him if he knew of anyone who was a lead singer. Brandon then replied “I’m a singer.” Thus began the great drummer hunt. Osker attended the outreach concert in August of that year and ran into a guy by the name of Adam Baird. Adam had been patiently waiting for a Christian band that played heavy music. It took sometime before all four of the members got together to practice for the first time. Once they did, they started putting together music immediately.
After only two months of practice and writing original music, “Intercede” hit center stage with just a hand full of songs. November 22, 2002, Intercede played five songs to open a benefit concert for the Lighthouse Mission. After much needed practice they played a benefit show for Jesusfreak.net at Clinton’s very own skateboard park, Boards and Blades. Opening for local punk act Sincerely Me and Louisville’s All Access. Though the show went terrible the boys learned what it meant to have good sound.
In March of 2003, Intercede became “City of Refuge” and played a outstanding show at Terre Haute’s Next Generation Coffee House. Followed by a show in April at the Wholly Grounds Coffee of Terre Haute.
At the end of April, City of Refuge began to fall apart. Guitarist, Chris Ferrari was departing ways with the band for other activities. Not knowing where to begin City of Refuge began looking for another guitarist. After a month and half of searching God dropped Patrick Kent into their path. Pat had been a good friend of Osker’s for many years but had been running from the Lord since he was 18. Pat and Osker had talked many years before about starting a Christian rock band but never followed through with it. In the process of putting this band together, God was dealing with Pat about his walk with Him, preparing him for the time he would play guitar for this band. After three months of intense practice City of Refuge broke out into the music world as “Ezra.”
Ezra, which was made up of Brandon Wallace, lead vocals; Robert “Osker” Myers, bass guitar and background vocals, and Patrick Kent, lead & rhythm guitar and background vocals; and Adam Baird, drums and background vocals was created to reach those who are lost. The home base for Ezra is Hillcrest Community Center (HCC) in Clinton, IN. It is a central location for the members since they are spreading out thorughout the Vigo/ Vermillion County area. They practice and do most of their songwriting there at HCC, hosting a coffee house, and setting up concerts with other featured bands.
Each member takes part in the writing of the songs and music. They work extensively on the music, and practice as much as time will allow so they deliver the message of Christ in excellency.
Ezra broke out onto the concert scene in July of 2003 by playing worship at the New Life Family Foursquare Gospel Church in Clinton, IN. They continued traveling around and playing new concerts, with each bringing another contact and another possible concert. They’ve traveled around and played several different places from festivals to coffee houses throughout Indiana and the surrounding areas.
Opening for mainstream Christian acts like Everyday Sunday, Poor Man’s Riches, Disciple, and the legendary rock band Petra.
Each member of Ezra had come from different backgrounds and different experiences. This variety of lifestyles helps the members of Ezra to come together and make music that reaches a large spectrum of people. Each decided to join the band because they all had a common goal: to reach youth for Christ.
In July of 2005, Adam Baird called it quits. Because of his tight work schedule and his desire to raise a family, he was no longer able to perform with Ezra. Thus began "again" the great drummer hunt. Even without a full-time drummer Ezra continued traveling and performing for wild and crazy crowds, delivering the message of Jesus Christ though hard pounding music. Having to rely on friends and fellow musicians to cover them in the drum department, Ezra was able to fulfill most of the dates that had been set for them at the beginning of the year. Through an act of God, Steve Wilson appeared on the scene. Not truly knowing the poetical of Steve's drum work Ezra began practicing with Steve in late Demember. Steve Wilson showed a strong desire to minster to youth through this music we call heavy-groove-metal. Steve's drumming skills far surpassed the expectations of the remaining members of Ezra. Within a very short time Ezra broke out into the concert scene in January 21, 2006. Knowing the bestplace to start was in their hometown. Ezra played to the largest crowd in The Underground's (Coffee House) history. Seeing lives changed at this event has proved to the remaining members of Ezra and thier new member, Steve Wilson, that this is what God what's them to continue doing.
The singer for Ezra, Brandon Wallace has received his musical influence from such styles as heavy metal, hard rock, rap-core, alternative rock, bluegrass, southern gospel and oldies. One of his favorite artist is Elvis Presley. He has enjoyed singing his whole life and the many years of practice have taught him the different ranges and styles to present. Brandon grew up in a Christian home and like most kids had to wait until he was ready to get “real” with God. Brandon accepted Christ as his Savior in 1989 and has continued to live his life for God and pursued a Bachelors degree in Bible with an emphasis on youth ministries at a Bible college in Florida. Brandon is currently a youth director at New Hope Community Chruch in Rosedale, IN.
The bassist, Robert "Osker" Myers was around music his whole life, but it wasn’t until age 11 or 12 that he actually picked up an instrument and experienced music from the creation side of it. He is influenced mainly by the heavier side of music and has been quoted as liking “anything that’s loud and aggressive.” Osker has been a Christian since 1991. He had run from God for awhile and finally just couldn't run anymore and turned over everything to God to finally experience the fullness of what God had in store for him.
Patrick Kent got his first guitar when he was 17 years old and has never put it down. He receives much of his influence form heavy metal, hard rock, classic rock, southern rock, and praise and worship. Pat got saved when he was 18, but he didn’t yet want to follow the plan God had set before him. He ran from God for the next 12 years, but then finally, he couldn’t run anymore. Pat thanks God everyday for the blessings he has and the opportunity to share God with others through music.
Steve Wilson got his first drum set when we was 3 years old because his mother said he was beating up the furniture. He recieved most of his musical influence from heavy metal, hard rock, classic metal, and classic rock. Steve got into his first band when he was just 12 years old, but played with guys that where 18 and 19 years old. Being influenced by his fellow band members at a very young age, Steve began a life of drugs and achohol abuse. After receiving Christ as his Personal Savior in 1991, Steve still struggled with his addictions leading to many misforturcines in his life. But one day God asked him if he was tried of falling and he went to see Osker about any Christian drummer positions that he might know where available. Osker inform him about Ezra's need of a drummer. Thus began a new journey with his walk with God and his use of music talent.
Ezra went into a local recording studio and finished their Demo CD titled “Breakout the EP” in February of 2004. Ezra strives to use the opportunity that has been place before them to further the kingdom of God. Ezra will continue to make music that glories God and show people the light of Christ. Hopefully with in 2007, they can do just that.
