SOULFLY Bassist Talks About Upcoming Album

Soulfly Web conducted an interview with SOULFLY bassist Bobby Burns shortly after the band began tracking its sixth album in early October.

Soulfly Web: Right now, SOULFLY is in the middle of work on the sixth album. Can you give us some insight on how you feel the album is turning out?

Bobby Burns: The album is coming out fuckin' killer!!! We're all very happy with it.

Soulfly Web: Where is the band recording the new SOULFLY album and how decide you guys decide to work there?

Bobby Burns: We're recording in Orlando, FL at my studio called the Porch. Gloria and Max [Cavalera] are both very aware that I'm a studio owner, and Max loves Florida so he wanted to come down and do it there. He tells me on a daily basis how comfortable my studio is and how much he's enjoyed the sounds and the process.

Soulfly Web: For this album, is the band working with anything new aside from the recording location?

Bobby Burns: It's just SOULFLY, you know? We don't really ever set out to be different. We just do what we want when it comes to the music.

Soulfly Web: How do your write your parts on bass for a SOULFLY album? Can you describe a typical Bobby Burns practice session prior to recording?

Bobby Burns: I don't really have any type of practice session that I do. I usually write all my parts on the spot and just try to be as creative and off the cuff as possible. I like to keep my playing in the pocket and open. I'm not a show off player and I like to keep the groove.

Soulfly Web: Since joining SOULFLY, what would you say the most beneficial experience has been as a bassist and musician?

Bobby Burns: With SOULFLY we never practice; ever. I think that has made me a better musician all the way around actually.

Soulfly Web: Once you've jammed out a bass groove to tape, is it typically set in stone, or do you guys listen to it, critique it, make changes where you feel necessary, and then do one final recording?

Bobby Burns: Nope, it's all said and done at that point. I record my bass by myself, alone. I work better that way and Max trusts me enough to do each song justice.

Soulfly Web: Are there any bass musicians that inspire you to play the way you do in SOULFLY?

Bobby Burns: I never really get inspired by individual "musicians," per se, but by entire pieces of music, if that makes any sense.

Soulfly Web: What are the upcoming plans for SOULFLY after tracking on the album is completed? What about for Bobby Burns? You've been busy recording with your other projects and touring all year; is there a rest in sight for you?

Bobby Burns: SOULFLY as a group are taking the rest of 2007 off and gearing up for a big year of touring next year to support the new record. As for myself, I don't rest. I'm always doing something. At the moment, I'm out on the road with my other two bands — PRIMER 55 and LOVE SAID NO. I've been pulling double duty each night playing bass in LOVE SAID NO and guitar in PRIMER 55.

Soulfly Web: Can you tell us a little more about the re-grouping of PRIMER 55? You just reformed the group earlier this year. Had you kept in contact with the rest of the band through the years leading up to the reformation?

Bobby Burns: Not really; some of us were in a bad way for the past five years, and I joined SOULFLY and kept on working and playing music. Jason, the vocalist, and I started talking again about a year ago. Now we're on tour through the U.S. and we have DVD/CD coming out on November 26th so check it out!

Soulfly Web: What about your other band on the tour, LOVE SAID NO? When and how did this side project form?

Bobby Burns: I don't view any of my bands as side projects; they're all full time commitments. Erik, the vocalist, used to be in a band called STEREOMUD, and we met years ago. I had a ton of songs written, so I called him one day and asked if he wanted to sing on it. He said yes and here we are! The drummer, Frank, used to be in a band called STUCK MOJO and was friends with Erik and Billy Grey is just a slammin' little fucker on guitar!

Soulfly Web: Truly, there is no rest for the wicked at this point. Is there any point at which you say to yourself that you are due for a vacation? What keeps you motivated to continuously go out on the road?

Bobby Burns: Every day I wake up the first thing I say to myself is, "I need a fucking vacation"! Then I start my day and forget all about it. My motivation to stay on the road is plain and simple; the fans. I don't need to play in three bands for the money. I do it for the love of music. I'm in three bands that are totally day and night from each other. I love all types and styles of music and I play what I like.

Soulfly Web: SOULFLY was able to do a short tour in Europe this year, but only played one North American show. How would you describe a European show, compared to a show in the U.S.?

Bobby Burns: Shows in Europe are fuckin' INSANE! I love playing over there. In the States, the crowds are a little tamer and just like to observe, it seems. But in Europe, everyone is into every note 100%.

Soulfly Web: SOULFLY's album is planned for release next summer. Are their any plans in the making for a big tour around the release of the album?

Bobby Burns: We're going to start the touring machine up again soon before the album is set to come out, I'm sure. Probably right when I decide to take some time off haha! Thankfully, with a new record comes a new world tour. So, yes, we'll be hitting the states and everywhere else again next year!