Today we’d like to introduce you to Issac Burgess.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started playing guitar at 7 years old. I was getting ready to go to college to become an English teacher when I decided to jump ship & explore music as close to full time as I could, so I packed my bags & moved to Detroit in 2016. It has been my home ever since. I’ve made some small & large jumps in the decade I’ve lived here — some include playing the infamous “Dally In The Alley” festival, having songs played on 101.9 WDET/NPR Radio & very briefly meeting Jack White. I still feel like I have such a long road ahead of me to get where I’d like to be, but I am thoroughly enjoying the ride there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s always setbacks. Whether it’s falling out with other musicians, losing gig opportunities, sometimes working hard on a song you think is really good just to end up with something you’re not happy with. I’ve recently lost 2 close friends whom I played music with constantly, Sam Carroll & Matt Szakal. That was a big blow, but I am keeping their memories alive by continuing to pursue what we all held so dear to our hearts, playing live music & writing new material.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked in corporate IT for 8 years. I recently lost my job, and in this economy, finding another one is slim to none, so I am picking up where I left off 10 years ago — pursuing music full time. I honestly haven’t felt this happy in years.
I’m currently helping a friend run an open mic night in downtown Detroit, I’m taking some paid gigs doing private parties, etc, and I’m moving with the hustle & bustle of the city.
I recently completed and released an EP titled “BEAT”, which took me just over a year to complete, and I am currently self producing a follow up record titled “IN STEP”.
I’ve got a few festival opportunities to keep me busy in the interim, so right now I’m focused on finishing this record & keeping the live band as tight as can be.
As far as what sets me apart from others, well I think nothing. I think as artists we are all equal, we are expressing the way we feel through our art. I’m just another drop in the very large pond we all share.
How do you think about happiness?
Taking an idea for a song & seeing it through to completion, as well as playing live music.
A few weeks ago on my walk home, I saw words painted on the side of a local bar, they read “Good Morning, Afternoon, Evening & Night”. I immediately thought it would be a great lyric. I pulled out my iPhone, opened the voice memo app & hummed a melody on the spot using a variation of those words. By the time I got home, I had 2 verses and a chorus written. After a few hours, I had completed the entire track. I’m not a religious man, but sometimes I find myself in these moments where it feels like the universe is working or speaking to me through music. Another power takes control & pens emotion into music. That was one of those moments.
Same with playing on stage. Every time I play a show, even with all of the experience I have, I get nervous. I question whether or not I’ll forget a lyrics, or mess up a solo or chord, and whether or not the band will do the same. When I step on stage, my mind goes blank. It feels like we are on fire, just pure heat & adrenaline, but I catch myself in the moment using all of the momentum we built up at rehearsals, and our sets have always turned out great! Seeing all of the hard work pay off in realtime & sharing that experience with an audience is the most gratifying feeling I’ve ever experienced.
I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many great & supportive musicians, and I am incredibly grateful to have the current lineup I do with my bandmates. They do the songs justice every time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealissacburgess?igsh=MTRsM2FiNnJldGFkeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@demcdetroit?si=Io-Sq2ovmKOUWjtc
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1l6zkb5GC8zAJGmUHuUJUQ?si=6EOA-9cUTNalIcAw6R0_lQ
