Releases on January 27th, 2024

Purchase and stream Winter Demonstration on Bandcamp.

Alabama metalcore outfit Brainburn will be releasing their EP, Winter Demonstration, on January 27th on all platforms. Brain Burn was kind enough to answer some questions about their artistic process and the EP.

Nat: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me! At a shade under six minutes, Winter Demonstration is a quick listen, and I’ve given it more than a few spins. I love the short format, as I feel like it gets what y’all are about across in a clear, concise way. Brainburn refers to itself as a metalcore band, but you are very obviously straddling the line with hardcore. The tempos are a bit slower, but you’re still hitting breakdowns and two-steps. In your mind, what makes Brain Burn a metalcore band rather than a hardcore band?

Brainburn: We really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us! We draw from a very wide variety of influences, a lot of which aren’t Hardcore or even Metal at all. This gives us a sound we think to be a unique blend. To us, our willingness to take these elements that are traditionally more “metal” and give them a more hardcore feel would be why we call ourselves Metalcore instead of Hardcore. 

Nat: I am, admittedly, fairly uninitiated when it comes to the world of hardcore, but this mix feels a bit less compressed and more live than most of the modern hardcore I’ve heard. Was this a conscious choice? What was the production process like?

Brainburn: As far as the mix goes, that’s entirely thanks to Taylor McGilvray of Smiling Duck Productions. We told her we wanted a raw but somewhat polished sound, and we think she nailed that. As far as recording goes we did make the conscious decision to record live drums (courtesy of Sudduth Studios) while the strings are all DI.

Nat: For the gear nerds, the guitars and bass are filthy. Come on, spill the beans on the tones of Winter Demonstration.

Brainburn: For the guitars, Taylor used the TSE X50 with the SPRES Impulse Response, and for the bass, she used the TSE BOD (there were a smattering of other things, but we can’t give away all of our secrets. Thank you so much though!)

Nat: Let’s talk about the songwriting process. Maybe it is just my bass player ears, but I get the feeling that the rhythm section really drives Brainburn. The drums act as the lead in many of the riffs with the guitar accenting the drums rather than the other way around, which is much more typical. Is this intentional or am I simply reading too deep into this?

Brainburn: To be honest most of the drums are written to the guitars, but we wouldn’t say that you’re wrong with the rhythm section driving us. Most of the time when we write, it’s in our bassist, Ty’s, home studio with either him or our drummer, Will, steering the writing session in a productive direction. Everyone gets input. Every riff passes through everyone’s hands before we reach the final product, but when it comes to the final say, the rhythm section gets their way.

Nat: You were kind enough to provide the lyrics, and, judging by these, I think it’s safe to say that you guys don’t back the blue. You don’t get much more direct than “Fuck you dirty pig.” Obviously, a wide swath of the population has become critical of the state of policing in the United States, but you’ve made it a focus. What prompted this? “Swine” seems to be referencing a specific event. Do you mind sharing more information about that?

Brainburn: You’re absolutely correct in our views on the American police system. Its origins and actions are rooted in racism and slavery, not to mention they only protect property and have no obligation to protect the public. We wouldn’t say a specific event is being represented but the lyrics are more of a general commentary on police brutality towards people of color, the inability of the police force to do their jobs, and the fact that they face little to no repercussions for their discrimination and ineptitude.

Nat: Judging by the titles, I’m assuming this is related to the previous question, but I can’t help but notice a theme. Your last EP was titled Spring Demonstration, and this release is titled Winter Demonstration. Is this an ongoing protest series?

Brainburn: It’s an ongoing series of demos that showcases the evolution of the band, but we did not set out with the intention of creating a protest series. However, we as a band are very politically motivated and find it easy to draw lyrical inspiration from current events, so to answer your question, probably.

Nat: I know you’re hitting the road coming, but, beyond that, what’s next for Brain Burn? I’m still upset that my screamo band couldn’t hop on the New Orleans show, by the way.

Brainburn: Ty showed all of us your guys’ demo, and it was sick. We’re really bummed you couldn’t make it. Maybe next time? 😉 After we get back from tour, we have a couple of shows to announce, some songs to write and record, and then we have another tour to be announced soon(ish)

Nat: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me! Winter Demonstration will be punching faces everywhere on January 27th. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Brainburn: Come see us on tour if you’re close by and check out the demo when it drops!! Also, we really appreciate you checking out the demo and taking the time to pick our brains about it. Thank you! (Also hope to see you at Siberia!)

Purchase and stream Winter Demonstration on Bandcamp.