Genre(s): Melodic Hardcore/Metalcore
PSAB: Why did you choose the name "BackBurner" for your band name?
BB: We chose the name "BackBurner" because of how we felt after our previous
band had dissolved. Three of the current members of BackBurner,
including myself, were involved in a previous band from our town. The
band was around for about three years but personally I was only apart of
the band for one year.
During that year, the other members of that band
had decided that everything they said or idea they had was right and
they did not make time for anyone elses ideas. They, in a sense of the
word, put all of our ideas, hopes, and ambitions for the band, on the
backburner. The name is basically a reminder and dedication to say,
"Hey, we're all dudes with our own opinions. No one is more equal than
the other and we are going to keep it that way".
PSAB: How is your local metal scene in Rockford, IL?
BB: In Rockford, the local metal scene is thriving, along with the
hardcore scene! More pubs and unorthodox venues are currently opening to
younger bands to play. More and more people are showing up to shows and
it's a great feeling to have it start to thrive again after such a dry
spell. It's not the biggest scene, but it's spawned some big name acts
including "The Color Morale" and "Another Hero Dies".
PSAB: How was the feedback when you released your debut EP? Positive?
BB: When we released our EP, it was taken with an overwhelmingly positive
response. People seem to love to hear these earth shattering breakdowns
mixed with some very emotional and hard to write lyrics. Not that our EP
is lacking in aggresiveness, but that it's taken in a different aproach
than some bands. Ever since our EP has released we have constantly been
growing as a band. It is currently taking us to places such as
Waterloo, Iowa, 3+ hours from Rockford. It's exciting for us to be able
to move out of our local scene after such a short period of time.
PSAB: If you could share the stage with any band, which band would that be and why?
BB: I know that this question will differ from band member to band member.
Personally, there are two bands that stick out to me. One band is our
local heroes, The Color Morale. Their passion and drive for to achieve
what they have is just so inspiring and i'd love to share a stage with
the people that have helped so many of my friends through tough times in
their lives!
Secondly, a more of a dream band to open for would be
Parkway Drive. For me, Parkway drive is such a heavy vocal and
instrumental influence on our sound. I'd love to witness their energy
and stage presence from ontop of the stage myself. I'm sure that one of
the other members of the band would mention August Burns Red, and
another would mention Oceano as their picks though!
PSAB: What are your plans for this upcoming summer? Tour like a lot of other bands?
BB: For this upcoming summer we are hoping to, yes, tour or play as many
shows as possible and expand but we also have a plan to release some
more tracks. Our current plan is to re-release "Ancestors" as an album
or LP with as many tracks as we can write. We love to write music and to
be able to put out an album or LP would be another dream of ours. We
have at least 5 songs lyrically finished, and have a few instrumental
concepts. We hope that with the re-release of Ancestors, we can reach a
wider audience than on our first release of the EP.
PSAB: Do you have any shout outs to give to the readers out there?
BB: I definitely have a few bands from around the area that your readers should check out! (In no specific order)
On My Six
Reckless Redemption
Widower
For All I Am
and if anyone wants to keep up with what's going on in the Northern IL area with metal they should check out 815 Local Jive
Have a good day man, and keep on keeping it brutal!
All questions answered by TJ Belt, the vocalist of the band.
