Hey, my name is Stephen Burdick and I am the "Frontman" of The Stone Eye. Well sort of- I handle the majority of vocals and split guitar work with my other guitar player, Christian. I also write most of the music. Why should you listen to us? We blend a vast array of influences into one melting pot of sonic goodness. If that doesn't sound intriguing, then what does??
2.What do you classify your sound as, Who do you tell people you sound like?
We usually describe our sound as one that’s rooted in the 90’s, but is a modern take on that era- blending elements of progressive rock, alternative rock, metal, garage rock, psychedelic rock, pop… Hell, even Jazz!
3.With digital music in today's world would you vote to keep or eliminate physical media?
No. I am a sucker for physical products. Something about going to the store and holding/physically owning something and knowing it is your’s forever is immensely satisfying.
4.What is the reason you decided to be a musician and has that reason paid off?
Music was the first thing that truly clicked for me in the sense where I was both driven and never felt as though I was bored with it. The possibilities when it comes to songwriting are practically limitless. Sure it can get tiring, but anything can. Has it paid off? Absolutely. I get to travel and play my own music to different crowds across the country. If that’s not satisfying, I don’t know what is.
5.How do you feel about females in metal getting special attention? Do you feel it is fair?
Truthfully, I think in the perfect world nobody should get special attention based off of their looks, gender, political preferences, etc. I think if the person can play, they can play. If they make good music, they make good music. If there are females out there (and there are quite a few- Windhand, Heavy Temple, and Ruby The Hatchet come to mind quickly) who are making killer music, then they deserve all the attention they get! But conversely, if the attention is more so towards their image than the music, then yeah I suppose it’s not fair. But hey, the music industry isn’t fair so who am I to be mad about it. Good for them. Half of the Rock n Roll thing is “Sex, drugs, and rock n roll”. It’s always been about the image if females are using their image to sell their product, I think it’s more smart than anything.
6.In the world climate with hatred being at an all time high and metal being an “ angry” music
Do you think your music contributes to anger and hatred?
Perhaps. We have a lot of aggressive, fuzzy music. But we also have soft melancholy music, and everything in between. I think it varies track to track truthfully. But in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.
7.Are you opposed to religious beliefs or politics being used in music?
I am not opposed to either of those things, though I personally am (for the most part) against politics/agenda setting in my own music. But everyone can approach their own art in their own way in my opinion. That’s what makes art cool.
8.We have dive into some pretty deep issues here do you think your music sends a message and if so what is it?
I don’t think The Stone Eye sends any one particular message. Our music is very much just four hometown dudes jamming and writing music which means something very different to the each of us. My hope is for people to hear our songs and make their own meanings out of them.
9.The market has changed and many bands believe that record labels are a thing of the past, with many labels now charging bands to “sign” how do you think a band can make it in today's scene?
I think record labels still play a huge part in the equation. Obviously, things are very different than what they once were, but there is still a very big emphasis on the whole gatekept nature of the higher echelons of the industry, as well as the notion that if no one can hear your product, no one will know who you are. But labels aside, I believe it’s about having a volume of consistent product being put out, as well as slowly but steadily building a following through gigging, general PR, social media work, etc.
10.Why with the thousands of options including netflix , sporting events everything on demand
Why do you think people should take the time to listen to what you have to say in your music?
Ha you’re putting me in a tough spot. I’d say because it’s unique, it’s good. People need music in their lives. We create a product which we believe can resonate in a positive way with a great deal of people.
11.How do you feel about pay to play? Do you think it is fair for a band to have to pay money to play?
I venomously disapprove of pay to play. You’re providing a service, and you deserve compensation for that service.
12.It is fact that you are the talent and the entertainment explain what you think is the most important key to success?
Good work ethic. Going back to what I said earlier- you may be the best band in the world, but who cares if no one knows who you are? You have to get off your ass and pursue what you want. If you want a career in the music industry, you have to treat it as such- a career.
13.In country music and even in some cases rock music is written and performed by different people would your band perform a song written by someone else?
Absolutely! And we have- we actually have a cover of The Beatles “Rain” on our latest record.
14.If you are pro female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music?
Sure. I mean, isn’t half of rock and roll about your image as it pertains to “Sex, drugs, and rock n roll?”
15.What is your view on the lawsuits against people saying lewd or unprofessional things to women or men and how does that affect an art described as sex drugs and rock n roll ?
I believe (as I assume most people do), that doing lewd shit which warrens legal action is no bueno. I believe that yeah, it probably does negatively affect the whole rock n roll image, but hey who’s to say you can’t be rock n roll and not a scumbag?
16. Ok lets lighten up a bit. What is your favorite band of all time and why?
Alice in Chains. They were my first love. Rooster inspired me to pick up the guitar and pursue it seriously.
17.What would you be doing if you were not in a band?
Ha. I have no idea. Thank god I am in a band.
18. Do you have a favorite sports team?
I do! I’d say the Philadelphia Phillies
19.If you could get on stage with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Going off of Question 16- probably Jerry Cantrell. I can’t deny the influence that man had on me (and still does in many ways).
20.This is your shot to let loose, Throw down your biggest complaint about the music biz
Literally everything besides the actual process of making the music. When most kids start off it’s under the assumption of “Hey, let’s jam in the basement and then before you know it we’ll be on the road rocking out to crazy crowds!” If only it was that simple.
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