This is Bobby Burns yo
Remember Dave Mirra’s freestyle BMX? That is when I fist heard Primer 55’s Loose, and I was blown away by their sound and attitude. Later on, the guy who masterminded Primer picked up the bass and joined another favourite band of mine, who were in their heyday at the time - the (once) mighty Soulfly. He was a massive influence I was always happy to follow. Recently, that same guy has been keeping quiet and I was interested to see what’s going on in Bobby Burns’ world, so we did this short interview. Here goes:
LC: What is it like to start a band in the States today compared to when you started playing music?
Bobby: Today? It’s hard? I mean it’s easy to start anything but if u want to make it? Almost impossible. Especially for heavy music.
LC: Primer 55’s story is a wild journey and I am not sure many people were able to follow it as closely as they would’ve wanted. What are your feelings towards this project at the moment?
Bobby: P55 is gone to me. I’m happy about what I did and the songs and the records I’ve made but I don’t want to live my life through it. My main goal right now is Murder the Flesh.
LC: I feel that Soulfly’s last really good record was Dark Ages (2005). Was there anything that changed after that album that also made you want to quit the band?
Bobby: I really enjoyed making that record 100%. We were strong as a band and unit at that time but things started to fall apart right after. When we made the Omen (2010) record I wasn’t even into it. I just wrote and recorded my bass tracks as fast as I could and went home.
I enjoyed making the Conquer (2008) record. The Cavaleras just have a knack for pushing people out that have a voice and that will stand up. They don’t like that. And I don’t care. I will always have a voice.
LC: After all you’ve been through with Primer 55 and Soulfly, what made you want to start Murder the Flesh? Has there ever been a time where you thought you didn’t want to do this anymore?
Bobby: Yea of course I’ve taken the past few years off from music actually. I’m just now getting Murder the Flesh back together.
LC: How important is it to get a record deal in music today?
Bobby: To me it’s not important at all. Anyone outside of pop music that has a deal is complete shit. Saturated. Anyone can get a deal these days and that’s why music sucks now.
LC: Have you seen any new bands live recently? Or old ones for that matter?
Bobby: Powerflo with Billy from Biohazard, Sen Dog from Cypress Hill and Christian from Fear Factory. Awesome fucking band, top notch. Love those guys, love Christian. P55 toured with Fear Factory back in the day and he was the most stand up dude in that band.
LC: How would you describe your life today compared to Bobby Burns 15/20 years ago?
Bobby: I’m good with my life today. I don’t take orders anymore like I did in Soulfly. I do what I want when I want to. Murder the Flesh is my new release.
I don’t want Soulfly fans thinking I’m talking shit because I’m not. I just have my own opinion just like everyone else.