Interviews: Winterburn

We have had the opportunity to interview the Heavy Rock band Winterburn from Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It genuinely just popped into my head one winter as I was about to have a toke and I thought it sounded cool so I named a song I wrote that and years later, we thought it would work as a band name too.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I’ve always been drawn to rock music in all its variations and styles since I was a child. It’s empowering and uplifting. What also makes it enjoyable is it’s like a canvas where you can incorporate so many elements from other genres and it's like adding colours, there are no rules and I am allergic to rules, especially with music.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Some of us were friends for years and played with different bands in the local scene, some of us became friends after working together in the band.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, KISS and Megadeth.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything from current events to personal situations inspires us. Obviously learning new music or techniques (Naser: I still study theory and new styles on bass and guitar all the time) usually leads me to write new music, spontaneously.

6. Where was your last gig?

We did a showcase launching the band in Dubai, UAE.

7. Where would you like to play?

Wembley Arena is the dream for sure.

8. Who would you like to support?

We’d love to support either Guns N’ Roses or Metallica, our style of music falls between both Hard Rock and Metal so either would work.

9. Who not?

There are quite a few in metal and rock but I don’t want to start trouble. But in general, definitely anyone like Morrisey, what a dick.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I (Naser) do, I get pretty bad nerves, but I try my best to relax and repeat to myself in my head “you’re the musician here, you know how to play these tunes with ease, just relax” cause my fingers tend to freeze up, which as a lead guitar player is very scary. I then try breaking the ice with the crowd.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The bands we mentioned above, as well as bands like Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Thin Lizzy, UFO and Ratt. The list is endless.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I’m not going to lie and say I’ve ever been asked to sign a boob or anything, but aside from people wanting pics or sticks, asking for a sweaty towel was a weird one. One thing that makes me uncomfortable is random people asking me to collaborate on Instagram, I really don’t like it, I find it both weird how “professional” musicians are so warped in this fake virtual world and would just put their name to anything even if its mediocre online content.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We’re very grateful and love everyone that supports our band.

14. What do you think of our site?

Love the site, loads of content and news to look through and it’s a great place to check out new music. I’m always looking for new stuff to listen to and I’d definitely recommend it.

15. Something to add?

Just want everyone to look out for the new record and come out to see us once we tour the UK next year.