I love listening to bands that just get on stage and like to have fun. These guys come from the far south side of Indianapolis and every time I listen to them I just want to see them perform live again and again. They play a hard rock and metal sound but toss in some alternative overtones and incredible songwriting. They produce a sound that will remind you about every tune that passes through X103 and you can just see these guys on stage with Nickelback or Three Days Grace. I wrote these interview questions a long time ago, and it took me a long time to get them up, but I say that better late than never. It is my pleasure to introduce you to some for the most patient guys in the business, Burnt Down.
Where did you come up with the band name?
Our guitar player Kazimierz Szczyrba came up with it. He said when life gets you down you just have to rise from the ashes. So Burnt Down was born.
How long have you guys all known each other?
We met at That Place Bar & Grill in Greenwood, Indiana in late 2003.
How long have you been playing?
We have all been playing since we were kids. It’s been a life long love kinda thing!
Is there a ringleader amongst you all?
Well yes and no. Justin write’s alot of the lyrics but I write some to (Matt Gibson) and I book all the shows and take care of the website and things like that. We vote on major things like any other band.
Do you guys have a favorite venue?
In Indianapolis it would have to be Birdy’s Bar & Grill. They always rock!
What is the biggest crowd that you have played for?
A couple hundred. Nothing major but hopefully that will change soon!
The smallest?
I don’t want to talk about it! (Laughs) But really like four or five. It was sad!
Do you guys have jobs outside of music?
We have jobs that rock stars don’t have, are you kidding me?
What are your thoughts on MySpace?
We love it! It is a free website. What’s not to love?
Are you on Twitter?
No, not yet we are working on being that vain! (Laughs)
Who writes all of the lyrics?
We all do but it comes down to what Justin wants to sing. Singer’s know what I mean! (Just a joke, Justin!)
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
What’s the old saying? Sex, drugs and rock and roll! Oh yeah, and the chick’s are great! (Laughs)
Let’s say you are offered a record deal for $250,000. However, the deal calls for someone else’s lyrics and it is a country album. Do you do it?
Why not, you only live once!
What are you drinking on stage?
Water, beer, vodka, whiskey, yager, and whatever anyone buys us!
What would you be doing if you were not playing music?
Is being worthless a pro sport yet ?
What are your thoughts on the passing of Michael Jackson?
He was a great talent. I don’t care what anyone says about him!
Where can I get some of your merchandise?
You can find that on our website!
Do you guys tour very often?
Not yet. We just play local shows for right now but we are working on it.
Where are you guys originally from?
Everyone but me is from Indiana. I am from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Go Panthers!
Where would you go if you could live anywhere else in the world outside of Indianapolis?
Anywhere warm with no snow!
Coke or Pepsi?
Booze!
If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what would you choose?
Freebird, because everyone love’s Freebird! (Laughs) But really just wing it. A jam out type of thing.
If you could tour with any band in the market today whom would you choose?
Wow! That’s a hard one. I would say KISS, but we would have to go on first because who can top that!
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Dimebag, Jimmie Hendrix, Alice in Chains, Sound Garden, Poison, Motley Crue, Megadeath, Metallica, Ozzy, and you Ricky, you are our hero!
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Hopefully rich!
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
Good music and good friends. What elese could you want besides love? All you need is love, as a great man once said!
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Stop picking your nose when I’m looking, yes that smells bad, and please put your pants on when you walk through my room at four in the morning. Nobody want’s to see that!
