Ozmium*76

Ozmium*76 is (from left) Ian, Ricky, Dustin and Ray. (Credit: Katie Strzeszewski)

While the name Ozmium*76 might be scientific (the 76th element on the Periodic Table is Osmium), the band is still working on creating a science of their own. And they're not too far off. Ozmium*76, which has been working together for five years, is hard rock influenced by the 80s but without being hair metal, and a good-time-live sort of band. The group's credits include playing the mainstage at Mayfair, as well as opening for Quiet Riot, Sebastian Bach, and Britney Foxx. Ozmium*76's next big project involves getting back into the studio to write and record their third self-released album.

Genre: hard rock

Band members: Ricky Houck (vocals, guitar), Dustin Pastula (drums), Ray Martinez (guitar, vocals), Ian Shipman (bass, vocals)

Influences: Exodus, Bon Jovi, Guns 'n' Roses, Metallica, Motley Crue

Website: http://www.myspace.com/ozmium76

Upcoming Shows: Jul 26: Swampstock, Long Swamp Township, 5 p.m.

If you could play any venue, where would it be?
Ricky: I would like to play the Wachovia Center. Pretty much all of my idols have played there, and I wish to have a long career. That would be a sign that I made it.
Dustin: I would like to play Madison Square Garden. If you could sell out or almost sell out a show there, then you know you've made it.
Ray: I would play anywhere. Ian: I think it would be cool to play on the beach. 

If your music were to be used in any movie, what would it fit with best?
Ricky: Falling Over Failure said "Transformers," so I can't say that...
Ian: Rocky vs. Rambo.
Dustin: It's too bad that would never come out, seeing as both of them are played by the same person.
Ray: I would say "Underworld".
Ricky: I'd say a late 80s action movie. Guy gets the girl at the end type of thing.

If you could play back up for any band, or if you had to be a cover band for any band, which would you choose?
Ricky: If we had to be a cover band, we woudn't be a band.
Dustin: Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. They're our idols.
Ricky: Bon Jovi. They are my first favorite band, so they got me into music.
Dustin: They put on a good show, too. Ricky: And you'd be playing in an arena if we got to open for Bon Jovi.
Ray: I'd like to open for Carlos Santana.