Less Than Treason profile picture

Less Than Treason

About Me


"Ah, when to the heart of a man
Was it ever less than a treason,
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season."
-Robert Frost, "Reluctance"-

After a year of writing, developing, and defining the balance between a guitar- and piano-driven sound, Less Than Treason premiered in June of 2007, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Van Morrison, at New York's famed cradle of new music, The Bitter End.
Immediately followed the release of the self produced EP “Drift of Things” a collection of 5 songs that defined the beginnings of the band and several of which are still staples of live performances.
“Drift of Things” was followed by performances along the east coast and drew the attention of producer/engineer (Run DMC, Public Enemy, Everlast, Crash test Dummies) Jamey Staub. The next year was dedicated to the writing, performance and recording of the songs that would make up the release “Art, Art, Art” in November of 2008. Jamey and the boys carefully chose a cross-section of the ever expanding catalogue of these prolific writers. Now signed to Perimeter Records the release marks a new era for the band.
Less Than Treason is a direct reflection of the founding members southern roots and New York city home. The band's sound is an amalgam of their Americana/Roots Rock combination of old and new influences Black Crowes, The Band, Van Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Counting Crows, Grahm Parons and Ryan Adams.
Lead singer Shawn Burnette when asked about the inspiration for his lyrics replied;
“To me, it is not being a rock star playing stadiums, It’s the tear in the eye of the girl in the front row when I play “Pennies” or listening to how a fan applies a song to his life. I spent a great deal of my life feeling alone and different. I get just as much out of that connection as the listener.”
The band not only brings a unique sound and energy to the stage, but a consciousness and a purpose that fuels them in their efforts. Shawn is a devout Tibetan Buddhist and is keenly disturbed by the suffering of the Tibetan people. The band has rallied behind his cries to bring awareness to their plight and provide aid at any opportunity. Backing this both morally and financially, the band donates 10% of all earnings to the Free Tibet cause.
The culmination of this unbridled creative force comes when the band takes the stage. Live performances are an emotion-filled, sometimes jubilant, other times heart wrenching journey sure to touch every audience member. Genuine emotion is rarely seen at this intensity; this sets Less Than Treason apart from the rest of the pack.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 17/11/2006
Band Website: www.lessthantreason.com
Band Members:
Shawn Burnette - Vocals

Antonio Guimaraes - Drums

J. Armen Meschian - Rhythm Guitar

Eli Maniscalco - Bass

Caleb Hawley - Lead Guitar
Sounds Like:
Record Label: Perimeter Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Finding New Magic

Different Kind of Magic So, it is no secret to those close to us that Less Than Treason has lost a founding member. This is a devastating loss but we have dealt with it in the last seven months and ar...
Posted by on Sat, 23 May 2009 22:42:00 GMT

Clear as Glass

 The following is a quote by Phillip Glass on writing his 8th Symphony while he was being interviewed by Modern Masters.    We share religion and a great many other things. I have never heard music de...
Posted by on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:01:00 GMT

Children's Physician

Today is his birthdayTheodore was not born in MayNot June not October and December&no wayThe Doctor wrote us laughter and smilesHe taught us to playAnd we learned all the while. Once a cat in hat brou...
Posted by on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:14:00 GMT

Losar

Losar...... ..Tashi Delek...... ..Yesterday, today and tomorrow are supposed to be my high holidays. I guess they still are, but I do not know any Tibetan Buddhists celebrating. That happens with oppr...
Posted by on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:38:00 GMT

Dancing With My Insanity

 Finally Dancing With My Insanity I never thought I would write what follows: I must apologize and explain that all my writing is filtered through an editor for obvious reasons. It was im...
Posted by on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:48:00 GMT

This is Wong

This is Wong I apologize about the title in advance, but I couldn't resist. I find myself to be very humorous and one day I intend to have someone else think the same. In October of last year, Robe...
Posted by on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:09:00 GMT

The Hatter Steps Into the Fray

Please do not read if frank graphic sexual discussion is disturbing to you. There is no turning back now. I have sworn that this is not a forum for political rants. This will be interpreted by som...
Posted by on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:08:00 GMT

Oh Captain, My Captain

    Mr. Obama... sorry, President-elect Obama, you give me hope! Kenya declared a national holiday over the election of our new president! Jesse Jackson cried, like him or not he is one of...
Posted by on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:04:00 GMT

Little Sister Everyone

The world is a bit smaller now and missing a smile. On Saturday night little Natalie left our earth, way too early in the middle of the dark morning... This may seem a bit awkward; as I write on you ...
Posted by on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:22:00 GMT

The Power of a Beautiful Woman

Nothing in this world shakes a real man to the core like a truly beautiful woman. Today I was shaken. I was shaken really hard... My life is in extreme transition right now. My career is moving in th...
Posted by on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:11:00 GMT