A new rock band emerges within South and the Monroe County Public Library, taking influences from Megadeth to Rammstein. 

The Blackout Circus has recently started and is recruiting members. So far, the band comprises Wyatt Voorhies, vocalist and founder; Kristine Richardson, guitarist; and Branson M. Lisby, guitarist and drummer. 

Voorhies started the Blackout Circus as a way to share his long-time appreciation for rock and create a supportive environment for aspiring musicians. The meaning behind “Blackout Circus” derives from the taboo nature of rock and Voorhies’ deep interest in the supernatural and unusual history of freak shows in the 19th and early 20th century. “[R]ock metal has always been the devil’s music or frowned upon,” Voorhies noted, “so, why not embrace that?” 

The Blackout Circus currently performs in the Monroe County Public Library recording rooms. Rather than formal band practices, these sessions are a time for members to be creative and play together. Lisby noted, “we’d love even if somebody just joins for a while and learns something from us and then leaves, that’s totally alright with us.” 

During these practices, the Blackout Circus plans to produce a cover song. Richardson is working on an 80s-style guitar solo like Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and incorporating rhythms similar to Rammstein’s “Links 2 3 4.” Experimenting with various subgenres of rock from thrash to cross punk, Richardson anticipates supporting the band with her rhythmic influences and skills. 

With the drums, Lisby plans on emulating Ringo Starr, the Beatles’ drummer, and Elvis, “the King of Rock and Roll.” As a beginning guitarist and stand-in drummer, Lisby voiced concern about being able to play with the band but felt excitement for the beginning of their band’s journey. 

The band members plan to incorporate their interests while creating their own distinctive sound. “We want to sound like everybody and nobody all at once,” Lisby said, “so we can never be determined,” added Richardson. 

Although all members are dedicated to growing their band, Richardson is also working on her solo career, and Lisby is planning his in the future. 

“We don’t want this band to consume our lives, but we want to take it seriously,” said Lisby. The Blackout Circus originally intended to have senior Oscar Nickey and junior Owen Brennan, but both decided on a different path due to Nickey leaving the next year. Voorhies stated that they are on good terms and still talk, and Lisby also noted that their departure also inspires him to follow suit eventually.

While the Blackout Circus aspires to perform at the Bakers Junction, The Bluebird, and eventually publish productions on streaming services, Richardson put it simply: “as long as we make somebody’s day happy, we’ve probably achieved ourselves as a band.”