Jason Burke
Happy Friday!! We're back again with another First Show Friday! This week we had the pleasure of talking to the infamous Jason Burke!
“My introduction to the music scene was in high school (1998-2001). It was amazing seeing people like Alicia Penney sing on a trip to Lake Wind Studios (i think?), and Guilt Trip playing in the little theater. I didn't know that being in a band was even an option up until this point.”
“After a few years of jamming with different people I finally joined my first band, Dethridge, with Kyle Tutty, Marc Langille and Corey Macleod. Dethridge had already played some shows in the scene, and I ended up joining them after they parted ways with one of their guitar players. I played my first show with them at the South End Community Centre in January 2004. I remember Undertone, Violent Theory, erosion, Apathy, and maybe Spasmodic being on the bill. I was extremely nervous. We were set to be the last band of the night, and as things started running late, we were told we'd have to cut our set to 5 songs. 10 minutes later we were told it would be 3 songs. Right before we were about to play we were told we only had enough time for 2 songs. We picked the 2 songs we wanted to play and ripped into the first one. Then we were told to cut it off. My first set was 3 minutes long, and we had an audience of 7 people. Not the best start to being in a band. But after that song, Matt Canova (who i later got to be in a couple great bands with) yelled out “that was fucking glorious!” and the feeling of having someone in a crowd react to your music like that completely overshadowed the disappointment with the length of the set, or the size of the crowd”
Jason not only plays a big role in the music scene through his music, but he has always been a huge supporter of all things local.
“I've been lucky to be in a whole slew of bands over the last 20ish years. Dethridge, Ground Zero. Athymia, Centralia, Stygian Sky, Mortality Work, Abattoir, The Novemberists (Decemberists tribute) Tamarack, The Shithawks, Cap Gun, Super Mario Burkes, Pen Cap Chew (Nirvana tribute), The Yarnells, Low Rentals, Riff Raff (classic rock cover band), and was absolutely honored to be asked to join Yellow. Oh, and playing with Alicia Penney currently untitled solo band!”
“Ive been able to open for some awesome bands (Bucket Truck, Fuck The Facts, Anvil, Green Jelly, The Brains, Cancer Bats). Ive been able to jam with some of the best musicians, and become close friends with some of the best people. All because I decided to pick up a guitar when I was 13 years old!”
It's always great talking to Jason. We can't wait to see everything life brings along for him. As always we'll see you again this time next week with another First Show Friday.
