1.Growing Up
Personally I was lucky that my next door neighbour’s dad was in a band, so at a young age we had access to drum kits and guitars with no parental supervision. And although none of us became prodigious talents, there was an aura of coolness in being nine years old and sitting at a real drum kit. It definitely lit a spark. Later on, my older cousin had the biggest ’80s metal vinyl collection ever, and although my religious parents wouldn’t let me listen to the music, I would sit for hours studying the album covers from front to back marvelling at the artwork, the band fonts, the hair helicopters, the pyrotechnics, and I wanted to be a part of it in any way possible.
2.Inspirations
Musically we draw inspiration from what we’ve heard and seen and believe in through our lives. A lot of our inspiration comes from periods of the ’90s, but each member brings a very diverse range of influences to the table. Whether it be Morrissey’s flailing quiff, the Beastie Boys or the saxophonist in ‘Careless Whisper’, any given day can provide inspiration – it’s just how you channel it. Skateboarding has always been there for us as well as a form of escape and inspiration.
3.Your Band
Burners are a brand new band! We have all played in numerous bands (Grand Fatal, Firearms, Sailmaker, Sans Chavelle, Fait Accompli, et cetera). This collective is Joel Conner on vocals/guitar, Graeme Charles Kent on guitar/vocals, Dan Strong on drums and myself on bass. The band formed after a tumultuous time in our personal lives that included police arrests, skateboarding mishaps, cheating girlfriends and ice-cream manufacturing. With resolve we channelled the powers that be and became Burners and began our quest without looking back. We have all been great friends for a long time so forming a band was easy. We are currently writing for our debut release to be launched later in the year.
4.The Music You Make
Our music is all the mistakes you ever made in your life thrown back at you in the nicest possible way. Our songs are melodic and throw back to ’90s Midwest punk rock and indie, but underneath the hooks lies a darkness that anyone who’s ever lost or been lost can connect with.
5.Music, Right Here,Right Now
So many good bands, not enough time. We draw inspiration from bands such as Luca Brasi, The Smith Street Band, Oslow, Death Mountain… there’s just so many. I am also blessed that some of my best friends like Steve Smyth and the Spirit Valley boys are out there shredding. Graeme’s other band Meat Cake (featuring Pete Kostic!) are also a force to be reckoned with. In regards to favourite venues I like the intimacy of Black Wire Records and the epicness of Frankie’s, contrasting but harmoniously crucial to Sydney’s music scene.
Burners playFrankie’s Pizza withNew Black Shades, Black Heart Breakers onSunday March 29.
