Burn talks

1.Tell us in a few words why you think people should listen to you over the thousands of bands out there.

We are different. We don't have a specific band we sound like but we aren't too far into the sea of similarity. What's interesting about us, is we write what we feel without regard to the outside world. There is some thought for fan relation but ultimately, we play what we love and even if you don't listen to our style, we believe you will love us.

2. Name 3 bands you think your music is comparable to

We have heard Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, even a bit of Glassjaw.

3.Tell us about your latest release, how do you describe it and where can we purchase it?

Our latest single is called "Burn." This anthem-like song entails the mental struggle of how a "dark" feeling can be a nuisance and a welcomed feeling all in one. It's the story of how good basically can overcome evil. The song is available on ALL platforms and we even have a lyric video on YouTube.

 

4.Do you have any video’s and where can we see them? Do you think video’s are important any longer?

 They are on YouTube!!

5. As a PR agent I am going to tell you forthright, It is expensive to make it in the music industry and it is unfair because a lot of great talent gets left behind. How far are you willing to go? How much are you willing to lose to climb this mountain?

We all know there's a business side to ANY industry and in most cases, it takes money to make money. It's all about making smart choices and utilizing the team you have to the fullest extent and adding on ONLY if they can be an enhancement. There will be losses, regardless of what you do, there will never be a perfect plan. It isn't what is lost, it is how you get up from falling down.

6.At one time you could believe that your music was enough , Your live show was enough. Now that you know the reality of the music business what would YOU change to make it more fair to the artist?

For us, NOTHING is ever enough. We are hungry, out in the lush lands we call the music industry, searching for the next opportunity to strike. There are ALWAYS things that can be improved. No one's a perfect vocalist, guitarist, drummer, bassist, etc. There's always something you can add here, take away there to make it better. It's about trial and error, finding what fits and what doesn't. Honestly, life isn't fair and that's just the reality of it, but it's how you handle those pressure moments that make the team that much stronger. Put on some work pants and get dirty. It's a long way to the top!

7.Youve spent tons of money on gear , spent thousands of hours rehearsing and putting everything into your dream. What level of success will you consider “ making it”?

See, success is such a fickle term. To us, making it is when we have reached that level of happiness, that feeling of knowing that we are in. It's like hitting the ball with a bat right on the sweet spot. Feels effortless when you hit it but when you do, you KNOW it's over the fence. Just because you "make it" doesn't mean you stop working. Those same bands and artists are still working and learning every day. Success is not an accident but neither is failure.

8. Have you been on the road? Would you like to tour? And with who?

Our guitarist, Wes, has spent some time on the road with a couple of different acts, our bassist has been deployed to Afghanistan, but other than that, not really.

9.You get 5 members build your dream band and go.

 We all have our DREAM TEAM so to speak.
Mark-
Ray Gillan on vocals, Pepper Keenan and Clint Lowery (guitars/vocals), Steve Harris on bass and me on drums (haha).
Will- Benjamin Burnley on vocals, Clint Lowery and Mark Tremonti (guitars/vocals) Steve Harris on bass, and Jake Speck (local drummer).
Shane- I'll jam with anyone
Wes- Gene Hoglan on drums, Steve Harris on bass, Deven Townsend on vocals/guitar, Gary Hold lead guitar, and Stian Aarstad on keys.

10.Who would you not throw under the bus for fame?

 Fame is a facade for success. To us, yes, popularity obviously helps pay the bills, but, no one should ever be thrown under the bus just to move ahead. Now, if they're already detrimental to the band and the opportunity presents itself to move forward, we will, but without destroying what said person had built. What doesn't work for us, may work for someone else.

11.Do you know about the business side of music? Do you think the business side or the entertainment side is more important?

Both sides are important. We each know some tidbits about each side, but as we mentioned earlier, everyday is an opportunity to grow. You have to put on a good show to the fans with good music but you also have to make smart decisions off the stage. They're just as important. 

12.What is it about your live show that will make a person remember you?

We love engaging with members in the crowd. We don't have fireworks and flamethrowers haha, but, we love to talk to people BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER we play. It's not just about sitting around outside waiting for your turn. We want to know these people and their stories. They took time away from their friends and family for a few hours to jam out, let's give them someone to relate to. 

 

13.Your girlfriend , Your family , Your friends are all going to lie to you and tell you that you are awesome, its just how the game works. So who do you trust to tell you the truth?

 Of course we always want to hear the good stuff, but we love to hear constructive criticism. There was a show we did a couple months back and we KNEW it went horrible. We could see it on people's faces and we could feel it. So, we stuck it out over the next couple of weeks, closed ourselves in our practice space for about 4-5 hours and the next show, we absolutely felt fantastic. Unless it's a full on bashing, we welcome constructive criticism with open arms.

14.What constitutes kicking a member out of a band?

Stealing, consistently lying, no efforts made, etc. We are a 2nd family AND a business simultaneously. In order for the car to keep going, there has to be an properly working engine. If one piece goes out of whack, then it's got to get fixed.

15.How do you feel about political beliefs inside the band?What if one of your members wanted to wear a pro trump shirt live?

Our vocalist doesn't write politically. We may joke here and there in our room, but as far as our beliefs, when we perform, we have to keep in mind we have sponsors, endorsements, etc. and that what we do on AND off the stage, can impact us good or bad way beyond the boundaries that we think are there.

16. There are a number of bands and artist out there who are gay or lgbt,

Would you support one of your members changing gender?

If that is their decision, it's whatever and we would let them handle their business. Even though we are a band, we are all still different people, which is IMPORTANT. Respect each other's boundaries, be each other's support.

17.Many people consider metal music and metal fans to be racist

Share your opinions, including would you allow racism in your band if the member was talented enough?

 Racism can piss off. There's no room in this universe for it. PERIOD.

18.I am pushing boundres for a reason, rock n roll is rebellion sex and drugs but things have changed will you stay true to yourself even if it means leaving the band and giving up your dreams?

Having morals as a human being is important. Having fun is great too; however, there's a line. We have heard too many horror stories of people gone astray because of drugs taking over lives. We must all be true to ourselves. Again, we support each other as much as we can.

19.Lets lighten up, If you could get on stage with any band who would it be?

Will - Breaking Benjamin
Shane - The Used
Mark - Slipknot
Wes - Kiss

20.I want you to say something you know will be controversial that you are willing to stand up for.

Oh man let's see...something controversial..right now, Freedom of Speech seems to be controversial enough. What may be viewed as disrespectful, but isn't illegal, can ruffle some feathers. That's when people seem to have opinions, which is perfectly fine, but everyone needs to know that opinions are not facts. It's okay to speak your mind but it doesn't mean you're right OR wrong. Both parties could be right, wrong, or one instead of the other. Just be kind, be open minded, and research before blasting away.