Dead serious about music

By Bridget Brady
HE MAY be in a “death core” band, but Nick Bradbury says he’s not as scary as he sounds.
The 21-year-old Cranbourne West man is the front man in the “intense, high impact” band called Infected. He said musicians in the heavy metal scene were often misunderstood.
“It has been said that the heavier the music, the nicer the people,” he laughed. “Everyone is really laid back and friendly.”
Bradbury said his interest in heavy music began during what he described as an “angsty teenage, Emo, stage” of his life where he hated everything and felt as if the world was ganging up on him.
“That (music) pulled me out of it and I’m glad for it because it made me who I am.”
Bradbury said performing was the ultimate thrill for him, and it also gave him a sense of relief. He said it was as if he was “possessed” while on stage.
“I become a different person on stage.”
Bradbury said the heavy metal music scene had become more accessible to the general public.
“Even some of the people that aren’t into it are just blown away by the atmosphere and raw emotion.
“There are a lot of people who come to our shows that don’t all fit the stereotype. I’ve had girls come that look like they should be doing yoga or out on the beach just chilling.”
Infected only formed about six months ago, and have already performed 20 shows, recorded a four-track demo and plan to record an EP this year. The other band members are Jeremy, Brad and Irving, who hail from around the City of Casey and Frankston.
To help further his and the band’s careers, Bradbury successfully applied for a FReeZA Central Mentoring Program. Young people from across Victoria applied for the program, covering a range of musical categories such as performance and event management. Bradbury will be paired with a mentor, and said he hoped he could meet members of the band The Red Shore. “I’m hoping the mentoring program will give me a foot in the door.”
Bradbury said his dream was to get a record deal and play at the Wacken Open Air music festival in Germany.