U.S.A.D.

Formed in September of 2006 by bassist/vocalist Joshua Paris, Urban Search and Destroy was originally intended to be nothing more than a humorous side project put together by friends struggling with other acts. Recruiting friends Sam Holton (guitar/vocals) and Steve Stokes (drums), the sole purpose remained that there was no purpose. The recording of their first song, "Colla' Poppa,'" was just going to be a one-off deal, aimed at mocking the preppy college scene of uptown New Orleans. Instead, the process became so entertaining (and the song so popular on MySpace), that it was obvious the 'band' could play themselves off as serious musical contenders.

By their live debut at a Halloween party in October of 2006, U.S.A.D. had already written an assortment of songs, as well as some comical covers. With each practice and performance, the band grew tighter and the material stronger than your usual punk rock outfit, going into the studio as often as possible to work on their first album. In November, a video was shot by a Loyola University video production class for "Colla' Poppa,'" and has since garnered over 2,000 views through YouTube. With egos running at an all-time high, U.S.A.D. shot a series of vignettes or 'pro-wrestling style promos,' bad-mouthing all opposing local New Orleans rock bands. On February 2, 2007, they came out victorious at Loyola University's Battle of the Bands competition. With this accomplishment in tow, U.S.A.D. went on to headline the Howlin' Wolf, Hard Rock Cafe, Hi-Ho Lounge, Dragon's Den, and Greenspace venues along with their stellar performances at Zydeco and the Mushroom store's 37th birthday party.

By the summer of 2007, U.S.A.D.'s debut album, "The Recline of Western Civilization," was completed, featuring the group's first twelve songs ever composed. They have their eyes set on extensive local shows by the end of August into the Fall, branching out into their first bit of merchandising with t-shirts and stickers. With a militant attitude towards their own brand of musical entertainment, U.S.A.D. does not let crowds down. Their energetic, sweaty, and loud performances in the vein of gritty punk and hard rock stand out like a sore thumb in New Orleans' suffering rock scene. For a band that started with no real direction, they are starting to see the fruits of their efforst gel into a venture that could become very lucrative down the road.