Q: I love your lyricism in which you describe a painful breakup in this track. Can you discuss your writing process with creating “Until You’re Mine”?
BURRS: Thank you so much. It was quite easy to write a song that comes from a place of vulnerability. As much of a challenge this was in terms of letting myself be raw and honest, it was also a very cathartic way of unburdening myself and taking certain things off my chest. I made the beat a year ago and I think that sonically it serves the song really well because it’s very meditative and laid-back yet dark and unsettled.
Q: Being the first alternative R&B act from Belarus, what advice would you give to other artists who are trying to get their name out there?
BURRS: I don’t believe I have enough artistic credibility to be giving any advice to someone else but if I had to address my younger self, I’d say: stop waiting for a perfect moment to try because there isn’t one.
Q: Who would you most like to collaborate with, if it could be anyone in the world?
BURRS: Trent Reznor.
Q: How has writing music during Covid changed your creative process?
BURRS: For the better. With pandemic restrictions you have way more reasons to stay indoors and focus on your craft. I wish it was easier to travel right now so I could collaborate and network more efficiently but it is what it is.
Q: What’s the music scene like in Belarus?
BURRS: From what I can see today, it’s a pretty small and fragmented community. There are plenty of talented individuals who are trying their best to get their name out there but since most of them are independent due to the lack of major commercial organizations to support the scene they often remain in the shadows. If I had to name a few hugely underrated acts I would mention Omnibeing, SLKT4, Harmonic College, Zlata Mai.
Q: If you weren’t a musician, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
BURRS: Sound design.
Q: Do you remember what the first song you ever learned to play was?
BURRS: Pretty sure it was the riff from ’Smoke On The Water’.
Q: What comes next for you?
BURRS: I can’t believe how many songs I have as demos right now and I’m really excited about recording and putting those out.
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
