June 16, 2007 - We chatted with Burn Season front guy Damien Starkey right before their farewell show at Freebird Live in Jacksonville Beach, FL. He talked about the break up of the band and what's in store for him as a musician among other things.

FES : When Burn Season announced their break up everyone thought the band was in the process of making a new album. What happened that made Burn Season decide to break up?

Damien: Well, to be honest, it got to the point where I was writing the whole record by myself while my band mates were pursuing other interests. Not because they didn’t believe in the band, but because they were bitter about our label and didn't believe in them anymore because of our last record not getting the exposure that a lot of people felt it deserved. I on the other hand, thought that we should just complete the record and get it out there for the fans before calling it quits, but that's how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

FES : Do you have any regrets?

Damien: There are always going to be things that could have been done better on all sides. But I don’t regret anything in my life, I consider everything to be growing pains and I have become quite good at learning from my mistakes which to me, is the most important part.

FES: Is there anything in particular that that has affected you as a person and/or musician that you'd like to share and what will you miss most about your band mates?

Damien: That’s a difficult question. Burn Season has been my life for so long that it's hard to really believe that it's over. Fortunately I don't have to really miss my band mates because we're all still close, but I will definitely miss the fun times we shared being on tour and doing the crazy, wild, things that we used to frequently find ourselves caught up in. But the best times I think we ever had was before we were signed for the second time and we had this huge loft downtown, a block from the bus station. It was the sickest band room/crash pad ever! 3,000 sq. ft. with 30 ft ceilings, an old scary elevator, and more parties than you could imagine. We had our whole careers ahead of us and thought we were Motley Crue and could not be stopped in our quest to rule the world. Great times.

FES : Freebird Live is a venue that holds a lot history for the Jacksonville community and has supported bands like Burn Season, Shinedown and other local bands for years, what are your expectations for the June 16th show?
 
Damien: I'm sure it will be absolutely ridiculous. Not only will we be playing our last show, but we will also have our great friends from Shinedown, Limp Bizkit, and Cold helping us make the show even more memorable for the people. Anyone who misses this one, will surely be missing out.

FES : Is there anything that you would like to say the fans that have supported you from the beginning and to your new ones as well?

Damien: I’ve always been very thankful that people enjoyed our music and would actually spend their money on it. We've been blessed to have amazing fans all over the country who have supported us and for that I hope they know I love each and every one of them. Much more music will be coming and hopefully the old fans will still love it and can help usher in new ones as well.

FES : What does the future hold for you as an artist? Are you heading out as a solo artist or will you form another band?
 
Damien: In the next month I will have my new record done for Damien Starr which is one of my new projects that’s more straight forward rock. As well as I am in the works to put together a heavy super-group with my good friend Sam Rivers that will be surfacing in the coming months as well. 

FES : Are you finding interest from any labels or have you signed with anyone yet?  If not, do you plan on staying in Florida?

Damien: I'll always live in Jacksonville. I've been all over the country and I will admit that it would be much more convenient for my career to live in L.A. or N.Y. but I'm just not interested in doing that. I have contacts at many different labels who are anxiously awaiting the completion of my record but I am taking my time with whatever is going to be my next move business wise. This is a very screwy biz and I will make sure that this time, I get everything that I want before I sign with anyone.

FES : What has the Florida Music Scene in general meant to you over the years and do you think it is a good place for up and coming bands?

Damien: I truly believe that Florida, Jacksonville in particular, is the most looked at entertainment market in the country right now. We have had so many successful acts come out of the 904 area code in the past 10 years its just ridiculous. Limp Bizkit, Shinedown, Cold, Summer Obsession, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Yellowcard..... It’s crazy. If a band really wants to make it, don’t move to L.A. move to Jacksonville [Laughs].

FES : Well, I wish you the best of luck with everything in the future. 

Burn Season's last performance was at Freebird Live in Jacksonville Beach , FL on June 16, 2007.

Burn Season Band Line-up:

Damien Starkey – Vocals
Kevin Renwick – Guitar
Adam Silk – Bass
Bobby Amaru – Drums

To sample Music visit the Burn Season page at myspace.com.