Alright! We’ve got a fun one for ya today. Burndy released their self-titled debut full-length independently at the start of the month, and I am so happy that I finally got around to this thing. It lies somewhere in the experimental/industrial noise realm of heavier music. But honestly? I think any attempt at categorization is a little unfair. You just need to listen to it. It’s a collision of a lot of different things, so if you like your tunes abrasive, noisy, and complex you have certainly come to the right place. Three words: Heavy. Metal. Bassoon. So let’s give Burndy a listen and read Megan‘s (electric ukulele/vocals) responses to our Profile questions below. Away we go!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I’ve been playing music my whole life and have always gravitated towards weird, abrasive, and intense music. I’ve been in a bunch of punk bands and was involved in the NYC noise scene in the 90s when we started BLOODYMINDED but I finally decided that I wanted to start my own band and see where that would go. Thankfully, my family and friends accepted my weirdness long ago!

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

This is really the hardest question to answer! We are a dark angry noise-rock band that has a bassoon and an electric ukulele.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Not really – we’re pretty open!

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

We’ve been lucky to have had really great experiences playing here in Chicago from established venues to some great diy spaces. Nothing really out-of-the-ordinary or weird has happened to us…yet. I’ll get back to you after we go on tour some day!

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

I’m happy to see more and more bands with women in them! Windhand is a personal favorite of mine but I also love Mares of Thrace and Year of the Cobra. So good! I don’t have any worse things – maybe I need to pay more attention.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

We are all very progressive in our politics and it definitely shows up in our music. From lyrics to just the general feeling behind our sound, we’re not afraid to walk our own path.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

I (Megan) am a graphic designer, Sally is in graduate school, and Jessie is studying to be a nurse.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I think just going to see live music and being open to discovering new bands is the best thing.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

I just want us to keep getting better and better! It would also be great to play some other cities nearby if we can – maybe like a mini tour.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Lately I’ve been listening to Pharmakon “Maggot Mass” lp, Chalk “Conditions III” ep, clipping. “Dead Channel Sky” lp, and Year of the Cobra S/T lp.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Our album comes out May 2 and we are playing on May 3 with Mark Solotroff (Anatomy of Habit / BLOODYMINDED) and Burned or Buried. Mark’s solo record comes out on April 25 and Burned or Buried’s latest album “Juggalo Wild Wings” came out earlier this year but this is their hometown show to celebrate it so it is basically a TRIPLE RECORD RELEASE SHOW!!!

Summarize your band in one word.

Weird.

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Many thanks to Megan and Burndy for the time!

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Burndy is available now. For more information and to keep up to date with Burndy, head over to Instagram or Facebook and give them a follow.