Exclusive Interview with THE BURBS

Formed in 2016 amidst the vibrant Surf Coast/Geelong rock scene, The Burbs quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying sold-out shows and East Coast tours. Known for their unique blend of pop melodies and dark lyrics, they effortlessly evoke a nostalgic vibe that resonates both sonically and visually.

2024 has been a monumental year for The Burbs, marked by the release of their 12- track demo album, Sunlight Spills Across The Swimming Pool, and now followed up by the heartfelt new single, Ladder To The Moon. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

THE BURBS: We’re from Bells Beach, Australia. It started in 2016 when we were all getting into the Geelong music scene and parties and stuff and that’s where our paths collided.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

THE BURBS: We’ve all had a solid amount of lessons with the exception of me being self-taught on guitar.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘THE BURBS?

THE BURBS: Our influences haven’t really ever changed. We’ve found some new bands we like such as Dinosaur Beard and Lavola and Militarie Gun, but its all in the same vein as what we’ve always been into… bands like Ash, Primal Scream, The Posies, The Dandy Warhols, etc.

The name The Burbs… no one was using it and it just felt like us.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

THE BURBS: Our style of melody is what ties all the songs together, so hopefully that’s something listeners resonate with. And the way we would describe it… mmmmm… nostalgic maybe?

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you?

How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style of power pop?

THE BURBS:

The songs have always seemed pretty original to us, although in the beginning the Melbourne music scene probably rubbed off on us cos we were kinda happy to sound a bit shit. We’ve shaken that off now and reckon its okay to not fully fit in.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

THE BURBS: I don’t really know. You write songs cos what else do you do in your spare time… TV? Homework? Jigsaw puzzles? No thanks. Then you get a band together cos your songs need life. And then you record and release some of those songs cos new music on the radio sucks and society needs you.

Whether its giving back as much as you’re putting in isn’t something I feel is even possible to analyze you know? Its just something you’re compelled to do anyway.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

THE BURBS: Culturally and socially its huge. It defines generations.

And for us, yes, as a band you’ve gotta be obsessed with how your art molds culture and society. You have to be ahead on everything. You can’t just be like “I’m talented at songwriting and performing but I play a style of music from 2019 and dress from 2015 and have a haircut from 2013 but people should like my music cos the songwriting and performance is good”, like, no, fuck off. That’s not an artist. That’s having one little narrow-minded skill which happens to be in the realm of music.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

THE BURBS: It usually starts with a tune in my head. And then I’ll go fill out the chords on guitar or piano. Then play it a stack of times freestyling the lyrics until they settle. Then the band gets their hands on it and massages the bassline and rhythm into it.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

THE BURBS: In 2019 we had to put things on hold for a couple of years cos my life got turned upside down. I was so disappointed with myself during this time, it was so upsetting and I felt like I was letting everyone down.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

THE BURBS: 2024 has been epic for us with our new release (Ladder To The Moon) getting a bunch of radio attention and we’ve loved having all these new listeners discovering our music.