Burning Years
Burning Years
Austin, TX
Burning Years, a band from Austin, Texas, has been making waves in the scene with their unique blend of punk rock, emo, and alternative genres. In a recent interview, the band members talked about how they met and their influences. They also shared their favorite Austin bands and the music scene's accepting nature.
Fun Fact: Joey and I met through a mutual connection on LinkedIn a few years ago and it’s been a blast seeing Burning Years continue to rock and make great music.
Enjoy today’s interview with Burning Years. Check them out and support them on the socials.
Ian: Joey! It’s been a while and is great to reconnect! Since you told me about your band Burning Years a few years ago, they’ve been in a lot of my playlists. Before we get into the questions, tell everyone who you are and where you’re from.
Joey: Howdy, we’re Burning Years from Austin, TX. Sherman handles vocals, Chris is on drums, Devon on bass, and Mikey and Joey on guitars. Chris and Joey also do some smooth harmonizing on background vocals.
Ian: How did you guys meet and how long have you been playing together?
Sherman: Devon and I have known each other since we were 14 and have been playing in bands together since then. Devon and I met Chris from playing shows around Austin. Funny enough, I met Mikey and Joey through a Craigslist post when that was a thing. Haha. We’ve been a band for close to 10 years now. So crazy to think about.
Joey: People like to crap on Craigslist, and maybe rightfully so. But man, over a two-year period, I got a Nintendo DS, acoustic guitar, ACL tickets, and a band out of it. Granted, I haven’t been on it in a decade, so who knows how it is now?
Ian: I’ve been a fan since you told me about the band. A couple of my favorites are, “Distance” and “State Lines.” I’d describe your sound as a mix between Mayday Parade and A Day to Remember. How would you describe your sound and who are some of your influences?
Sherman: Thanks! Hmm, that’s always a tough one for us, but punk rock topped off with some emo, and some alternative sprinkled all over.
Joey: We’re named after a Story of the Year song, and folks have also told me they get State Champs and Senses Fail vibes from us. I’m a big fan of the live shows New Found Glory put on, and I try to channel that kind of “hey, this is really fun that we’re here and I want everyone to have a good time” energy. We all have unique music backgrounds, and that’s come across in the occasional cover songs we’ve done in the past, from Ginuwine’s “Pony” to “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot.
Ian: You all are from Austin, TX. Sadly, I’ve never made it down there but it’s on my list of places to go. How would you describe the Austin music scene? Are there any local bands that you want to give a shout out?
Sherman: You’ve got to come through soon! Austin is a great city, with some truly great bands and artists. The scene here feels stronger than ever right now. Shout out/listen to: Drip-Fed, The Bearer, Nominee, Mothman, Southpaw Sonata, Rare Bloom, Almost Famous Friends, Ritual Club, Ritual, Raincheck, Nuclear Daises, Die Spitz, Ringo Deathstarr, Daiistar, Heavy Branches, Tied Up, God Shell and many many others. TEXAS!
Joey: My favorite thing about the Austin music scene is how accepting everyone is. Music is the great equalizer — we might not have anything else in common but when a song comes on that we both love, we’re just two people dancing and having a blast.
Ian: So, we’re a few months into 2023, what big plans do you have for the rest of the year? Touring, studio or maybe both?!
Sherman: Both! Getting back in the studio to record hopefully by late spring/early summer-ish and then it’s showtime.
Ian: It looks like you’ve released a new single, Fall/Fade in February. Tell us about it, what’s it about, what does it mean to you?
Sherman: Fall/Fade was written after a pretty dark time in my life a few years ago. I isolated myself and turned to very unhealthy habits to cope. It’s almost like a letter to friends and family I felt I let down. I’m not particularly good at expressing and communicating my feelings and this is my way of doing so. This track really means a lot to me.
Ian: It’s awesome that you write your own songs, I feel like that’s becoming a lost art. What is our writing process like? How do you normally go about making a song?
Sherman: Our writing process is pretty collaborative. It’ll usually start with a guitar riff, or maybe even a fully structured idea. We’ll bring it to practice, and everyone will put their spin on it, and we fine tune it from there.
Joey: I’d say our dance moves are usually spur of the moment, though.
Reader Questions
Ian: If you could play/work w/anyone, who would it be & why? Any collabs in the making? Who would be your dream guest-artist on one of your tracks?
Sherman: Honestly, Prince (R.I.P.) Our love for him runs DEEP. Haha.
Joey: I’d also love to work with Timbaland because the way he uses sounds and a cappella noises is so impressive. And I’m on a big Holly Humberstone kick. Having her add one of her charming melodies to our songs would be super cool and unlike what we’ve typically done.
Ian: Other than Austin, what's been favorite city (or cities) to play?
Sherman: Most cities in Texas are always good to us when we come through, so it’s hard to pick just one, but San Antonio and Houston are standouts.
Support Burning Years
Ian: It’s been great to get to catch up and hear about all the exciting things you have going on. Where can readers find you so that they stay up to date with all the great stuff you're doing?
Joey: Social media is a good spot to find us and usually where we drop big news — unless I see you face-to-face, then I’m happy to tell you in person. We always release music on all the big players, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Bandcamp, Deezer…if you’ve listened to a song on there, you can find us, too.
Follow Burning Years on the Socials
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