Burlesque (Hardcore)

Burlesque
Posted Mar 16, 2007.


Chris Jackson - Vocals
Shane Ruth - Guitar
Eric Duncan - Guitar
Joey Isaksen - Bass
Jeremy Bryant - Drums
Who got you interested in playing this kind of music?
Well we all got interested into hardcore and metal music by differant people, but for the most part we all have been listening to this genre for a while and grew fond of it and decided "hey, lets take it to the next level" and that is what we are trying to do in Burlesque.

What is music to you?
Music is a form of self expression, obviously, you play how you feel...but its almost like a release. When we are in the studio playing something that we have been working on, and we're all frustrated because it could be completed in so many different ways, theres this moment where, when we finally get it, its like we are all connected. Then nothing else besides the music matters in that moment. Almost like a really loud medetation.

What makes a show the best?
People showing up is always good haha. The best show is when we play our set and we can constantly see kids in the pit or right up against the stage that are totally feeling the music. Usually this is because of our stage presense. If the crowd does'nt see the band rocking out and giving it all they got then why would they be interested in the music?

Why would anyone want to hear your music?
Because we took the fundamentals of hardcore and metal and added our own little "flair" to it, if you will. We are just making music thats makes us happy and hopefully someone win the crowd feels the same.

What you are saying thru your music?
Chris expresses himself thru the music in a way that you dont nesscisarilly see anymore. He sings about the hardships of life and the heartbreaks you incounter, but at the same time he will do it in a metiphorical manner so you acctually have to understand what he is talking about to get the whole picture. He says that he writes music he thinks people in the crowd are feeling. "i want the crowd to not only know what I am saying, but i want them to feel the music and the emotion behind every lyric i write." -Chris Jackson

Where do you wish for your band to be in 5 years?
Signed, touring, supporting ourselves through music, maybe releasing our second full length. Just doing what we do best and what we love doing.

What makes you strive to be heard?
We're all pretty much tired of being broke and stressed. Plus we all feel like we can compete with some of the more popular names out there, we just lack the resources. So we're constantly telling people about us and up all night designing t-shirts and stickers and writing new riffs. I mean we put alot of effort into our music and we just arnt playing to be heard but to be understood by those listening to us.

How did you come up with your band name?
Ha haha ... well Shane, Eric, and chris were in mexico one weekend and we were trying to fiqure out a band name for like 2 weeks and we came up with a few and they were allready taken or some of the guys didnt like it ... then randomly while we were driving down to ensanad chris blurts out "BURLESQUE!!!" and well we took it from there and made it a band name.

Who do you one day want to play a show with or open for?
Anyone who has dedication to the music they are playing. Plus most of the bands we would like to open for are not even around anymore.

When, Where and How was your first show?
Our first show as Burlesque was at Hogue Barmichaels in Newport Beach, CA, on march 5th. Our first show went so much better than any of us had expected. Of course we all walked into the venue with the idea that we were going to rock the hell out of the room, but we didn't know we would have such a good response from the audience. All in all, we were very please with it, and we were more motivated to continure booking shows.

What makes a show the best?
Crowd Reaction, people cominmg up to you that you have never met and shaking your hand or giving you a hug and saying "you guys are amazing." It feels so good to have someone thank you for making thier night, especially when you yourself is doing something you love.

What do you want to see happen thru your music in the future?
Honestly as long as we are doing what we love its all good ... but we would love to have the fans memorize or lines and sing them along with Chris. We would love to drive down the street and hear our music blaring out of some kids car. We just want people to give us a chance and the music will return the favor for us.
What other instruments can (each person) play (other than the ones they currently play in the band)?
We all dabble on eachothers equipment during practice ... i guess chris can play the trombone ... and shane can play the skin flute HAHAHAHAHA

Any funny or interesting stories?
Every practice is hilarious ... weather it be us making fun of each other, "while i was writing down the answers for this shane and I high fived 2 cherry pies!" - chris
trips to mexico with the band and being stopped by Federalis and telling them were are a metal band and head bang for them, roman candle fights in the studio with random old guys from the studio next door, playing Kings or Quarters or any other drinking games with the band cause someone allways makes an fool of themselves.

What religion are you?
well here it goes ... we are Eclectic, Christian, Dudeism, Satanism, Vtecism, Boozeism, a little bit of everything.

Does your religion effect your music?
You'll have to listen to the lyrics and desipher that one yourself.

What do you think about UFOs?
Listen to Hypocrisy ... You'll understand

Do you have any advice to starting bands?
First off if you are gonna start a band, if you dont make it a priority then give up cause there are too many bands out there that halfass everything and put a bad name out there for other bands. All in all if you dont dedicate your self to the music then you need to quit and stop wasting your time.