Burning Brides: Three Syllables of Success

In an industry based around mass-produced, easily consumed pop-rock acts, originality is to be treasured and clung to like an ass crack on a hot leather sofa. With Burning Brides’ third release, Hang Love, there are so many redeeming, unique qualities to the sound throughout the record that it would be criminal not to recognize this raw, unadulterated talent as something noteworthy. From Dimitri Coats’ focused, gritty vocals, to Melanie Coats’ consistent, dark basslines and Pete Beemans’ fluid tempo drum underlay; this band has the makings of something epic. Enigmatic, personable lead singer Dimitri admits that he is behind this record 100 percent as something that will make a deserving impact on the way listeners perceive modern rock.

“This record is more hands on; we were more involved. It’s better business, y’know?” Dimitri explains using one of his many unique anecdotes to describe this process like owning a restaurant - the food will be much better when it’s produced by hand, with more control over the elements that go into each piece. Dimitri cites the independent release of this record as allowing for more original influence to be present, from the artwork to t-shirts, to interaction with radio djs. “More of our personalities come out in every aspect… it’s more work, but more satisfying in the end.”

Dimitri is not hesitant to mention how proud he is of what his band has achieved with this record in particular, commenting that “The last record we made [Leave No Ashes] we stepped away from the overall band vibe a little bit: it was a bit more clinical or commercial sounding, because we brought in a producer for it. I’m proud of that record, but this one is me producing the album, like our first one [Fall of the Plastic Empire]. This is our heaviest, most vulnerable, most personal album. I’m actually a fan; I can put it on and listen to it, which is very hard for an artist to do.”

Influenced by everything from Cream to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dimitri recognizes that musical inspiration is crucial in developing a new sound. “I was writing songs while I was recording this record and sometimes I’ll see a band or pick up an album and be inspired to pick up the guitar and go ‘Ah fuck man, I wish I had written that song, I really like that song” and it’ll just rub off in what I end up creating.”

One of his personal friends-and collaborative partner-Chris Cornell also influences him with his classic rock appeal and genuine humility as an artist. “Recording with him was one of the greatest experiences of my life. He’s one of the greatest rockstars of our generation; it was amazing to sit with him one on one and be treated like an equal. Definitely a real deal rock and roll star and a good person.”

If Dimitri’s personality is any indication, this band will be among the musical prodigies be both innovative, admirable talents and down to earth role models for generations to come.

- Kate Davis 









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