We caught up with American artist Burning Bridges who has recently been making waves following music signed to DJ Heather’s Apollo Music Group and Chuck Daniels’s Sampled Detroit. His tracks have been picking up DJ support from the likes of Claude VonStroke and Stacy Pullen, so now seems like a good time to catch up with this exciting new talent.

1. When it comes to music I understand you like to keep things anonymous, so I guess a good place to start, is to ask what influenced your decision to take this secretive approach?

I don’t know. To be honest, it’s not like I have a disguise or anything. I just tend to stay away from posting my life up on social media. However, I don’t mind sharing my music and the process of making it. My job is to create and make people dance their asses off.

2. I’m told you are based in Chicago which has of course been a location that played a key role in electronic music and the development of house. How do you think the city has influenced your sound and approach to making music?

I’m actually not based in Chicago but I do spend a lot of time there (I’m here as we speak). I’ve also been pinned to Detroit and for the record I’m not from there either. I live on the East Coast. That being said, both cities have influenced me and if I had to describe them, it’s Yin and Yang; I try to walk the fine line between the two. Blend some of that Detroit rawness with that Chi-Town energy.

3. Without giving too much away, is Burning Bridges the first alias you have used for music, and what made you pick that name?

It isn’t my first alias. Burning Bridges was born out of self-sabotage and actually burning myself out. I took a break and almost threw in the towel, and weirdly enough some stuff just clicked when I reached that tipping point. I realized that I need to stop giving so many f*!ks, and get back to why I got into making music in the first place, having fun.

4. You have also collaborated with Chuck Daniels who has been a prominent figure in Detroit’s music scene. How did you guys meet and are there plans to work together again in the future?

We met through a mutual friend. Chuck is an amazing guy and we have come to be great friends over the years. He believed in the music when many labels didn’t, and had me on the roster year after year for his Movement Detroit after-party. You’ll see another collaboration for sure.

5. I’d first discovered your music via your most recent release on a label called Apollo Music Group, which is run by DJ Heather plus a couple of her friends Lil’ Mark and Dan X. Could you tell us a bit about the release and how you first made contact with the label?

Dan hit me up for a remix last year, then after that he asked if I’d be down to do a full release on Apollo Music Group, and here we are. Heather, Dan and Mark are one hell of a crew and really make you feel like part of the family. I have to give a special shout out to Heather, as she’s given me so much support and inspiration over the years. Love ya H.

https://soundcloud.com/apollo-music-312/flex-what-u-workin-wit-feat-ke

6. It appears you have a couple of quite influential fans with Claude VonStroke and Stacey Pullen both playing your tracks. Which artists do you find most influential when it comes to being a fan of music by other people?

To call them fans is maybe a stretch, but I’m very honored that they shared my music with their massive fan base. Barclay and Stacey are both so influential in today’s scene, and also such great examples of how to balance artistry and success. I can think of many more names to add to that list, but one that really sticks out and is a personal favorite is Green Velvet.

7. In your opinion what makes your music stand out and does it link with your DJ style?

I’m not sure exactly what makes it stands out to people, but I do think I’ve got a sound I’m proud to call my own. Come to think of it, maybe it’s because I use the same pieces of gear on every track. I don’t have many software plugins either, so in a way limiting myself contributes to me staying focused… hence making similar sounding shit haha. Also, when making a track, two things need to happen; 1. I’ve got to be at the edge of my seat doing the bounce, and 2. I always question is this something I’m going to play myself? The latter pretty much dictates if the project is trashed or recycled.

8. What are your goals for the future and do you have any other things planned that you want to share?

I’ve got a few things in the works, but I’m just not ready to share the details just yet. For the time being I’ll stick to the formula; Create, play and repeat.

You can pick up a copy of Burning Bridges new release on Apollo Music Group from HERE.