Chef Brian Tsao is a man of many talents: winner of season 1 of Beat Bobby Flay, respected restauranteur, and guitarist and integral member of NYC-located metal/hardcore hybrid outfit Loss Becomes.
Tsao founded Loss Becomes and the band have released a run of five singles; “Focus” in 2020, and the other ones this year.
Latest volatile track “Healing” has an incendiary accompanying music video that features the group’s drummer, Alec Kossoff, who is also a professional stuntman.
You’ll see why that’s important when watching the video, which also boasts cameos from members of Killswitch Engage, Suicidal Tendencies, Dillinger Escape Plan, Fit For An Autopsy, and more.
Anthony Copozzi on vocals and Will Gomez on bass round out the band that blazes away with intense fury on their songs.
It will be exciting to hear what Loss Becomes comes up with next. In the meantime, Chef Brian Tsao has kindly taken part in our ongoing Protest Interview series, shedding light on the plight of those living under authoritarian rule in China.
Hello! Please introduce yourself and give a description of your sound/musical vision.
I'm Chef Brian Tsao, winner of Beat Bobby Flay Season 1, owner and founder of the soon-to-open Mission Sandwich Social in Williamsburg Brooklyn, and guitarist of NYC-based metal band Loss Becomes.
I'd describe my sound/musical vision much like my food: big and comforting with a twist. The comfort comes from the big caveman chug riffs and grooves. The twist comes from my spare, but effective, use of effects and dissonant notes/chords. I think that translates to food by utilizing all or any combination of sweet, fruit or fresh herb profiles with big savory flavors.
What is/are the main personal, national, and/or international issue(s) concerning you the most these days?
My biggest concern is the current direction of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) under the rule of Xi Jing Ping. Between outlawing the private education sector, Hong Kong's Security Law, genocide of Uyghur Muslims, and increased tensions with Taiwan, it concerns me that these topics aren't more in the world spotlight.
Unfortunately, for years many people, corporations, and economies around the world have chosen to turn a blind eye in an effort to capitalize on the lucrative Chinese market of 1.4 billion people. However, that seems to be changing.
I lived in Beijing for 6 wonderful years, from 1999 to 2005, and always intended to one day tour there again with a metal band. I'm sad that won't happen because of the current climate of the country's politics. I simply would not feel comfortable or safe.
What song, video, or lyrics quote of yours best represents your current viewpoint on this/these important topic(s)?
The riffs of Loss Becomes' track "Memory" best represent my current viewpoint on these topics. Brutal, angry, and if they could speak... would scream “Go fuck yourself.”
What’s your favorite song, video, or lyrics quote by another act or artist that best exemplifies, or at least partly relates to, your current viewpoint?
Megadeth's “Hangar 18.” Not because I think China has aliens stored somewhere, but [because of] the lyrical themes of secrecy, imprisonment, the inability to escape, and fear.
“Possibly I've seen too much, Hangar 18, I know too much.”
Sometimes I wish I didn't know or care about these topics, because ignorance is bliss.
What other forms of protest, besides through your music, are you involved with to get your message across?
Through educating others. If a conversation allows it, I will bring up the topic. Oftentimes I'm asked to go deeper and I'm more than glad to.
Name an action to take, or an organization that would be worthwhile to contribute to, for your cause.
I support news outlets such as ADV China and China Uncensored. Listed below are a couple organizations that support Taiwan and Uyghur Human Rights Organizations.
ADV China
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwNPa8fSXzzAZuT9859GVhg
China Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFP46yVT-GG4o1TgXn-04Q
https://uhrp.org/donate/
https://www.ncafroc.org.tw/
What gives you hope for the future?
I always have hope, even if it may not seem like it. I know it's there in my heart.
Hope will always exist, and if we hang onto it, others will find it. When others find it, they will be inspired to do great things.
Hope happens one person at a time.
Where can we purchase/stream your music and find out more about you?
You can find out more about myself on my website: https://www.chefbriantsao.com/
You can purchase/stream Loss Becomes music on all streaming platforms, but also visit: https://lossbecomes.com/
