A Dirty Dozen with MEGAN EMISH from BURNDY – April 2025

Photo credit: Julie Didomenico

According to a recent press release: “BURNDY is pleased to unveil their newest single, “Static.” Now playing at Decibel Magazine, the track is featured on the trio’s eponymous debut, set for release independently on May 2nd. BURNDY – a term used to describe something that is slightly burned around the edges – is an all-female Chicago-based outfit that fuses industrial, noise, and post-punk into their own indescribable genre. Comprised of Jessie Ambriz (Starless, Girl Activity) on bass, Sally Sachs on bassoon, and Megan Emish (BLOODYMINDED) on electric ukulele and vocals, together they drive their songs forward with ominous electronic beats, bursts of static, and pulsing rhythms.” We get Megan to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This is our debut release and we’re just excited to have it out! I think the ‘hidden nuggets’ would be the multiple layers of the backing tracks. I really love using unusual instruments and sounds (I mean, we have a bassoon in the band!) to see what we can make.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I come from a musical family and have been involved with music my whole life so kind of always.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

So many! I have always gravitated towards heavy, abrasive sounding music and there is so much great music out there – but I after thinking about it, I would have to say that Swans probably have had the most influence on our music. Across their body of work (so far) they maintain an intensity and immediacy that I’m drawn to. I don’t know if we’ve achieved that in our music yet, but it is what we’re reaching for.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Just one!?! Right at this moment, I have three in no particular order. 1. Algis Kizys – bass. I saw Algis in Swans many times but also love Of Cabbages and Kings and saw a few of his other projects in NYC in the 90s. I just love the power he gets out of the bass and his vocals too. 2. Phil Puleo – drum/percussion. We don’t even have actual drums, but I have a favorite drummer. Cop Shoot Cop is one of my favorite bands of all time and there is no one like Phil. I can’t even imagine how we would sound together but I bet it would be cool. 3. Scott Fair from Mandy, Indiana – Guitar/Producer. I love the sound of this band and Scott brings that sound to his other projects too. So good!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I love going to see live music and theater but also spending time with my two German Shepherds.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Hahahaha this is the hardest question for us to answer! We’re noisy and angry music with a bassoon and an electric ukulele. I usually ask people to describe us to me and so far everyone finds it difficult.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I think we are all down for takeout and beer.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

We played with a local Chicago band that I love last year (LILAC), and I think everything that came out of my mouth to them was probably ridiculous.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

None of us are full-time musicians so that would be fun, but I think no job would be my dream job.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Well, this is our first interview, so I don’t have an answer for this one yet. I’ll get back to you!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would have started this band sooner.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would go back in time to be a part of Big Black’s Atomizer. I LOVE this album. It’s so abrasive, MEAN, and smart. It struck a chord in me when I first heard it, and I still love it every time I listen to it. It means even more now that we’ve lost Steve Albini. It is part of the reason it meant so much to us to be able to record our album at Electrical Audio!

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Category: Interviews