3AM interview with Chino Burga
There’s something different about 3AM. It’s too late to be early and too early to be
late, but apparently magical things can happen then. Just ask Chino Burga! A minimalist drum loop that sounds
reminiscent of The Raveonettes teamed with enough reverb and feedback to deafen
anyone in the general vicinity Burga is a one-man army. His motto?
DIY no-fi. His mission? To spread drone across the planet like a
plague of locusts. An accomplished
musician in several other bands Burga created 3AM during a musical lull to
literally prevent himself from going crazy.
The psycho-active psychedelic juices were just flowing too hard with no
outlet, had it not been for 3AM he might have landed himself in an asylum. As it stands Burga managed to create one of
the most honest, raw and intriguing DIY bedroom albums that I’ve ever heard,
The UFO Blues Tapes. Scheduled for
release in August via Levitation and Ogro Records, the album has been done
since last year and streaming on SoundCloud ever since. Thankfully I was tipped off to the stream by
Lulu from Electric Moon and instantly began digging on the vibe of 3AM. After listening to the album stream about a
million times and getting tired of waiting for an album announcement, I decided
it was time to track Burga down and get the skinny straight from the source!
late, but apparently magical things can happen then. Just ask Chino Burga! A minimalist drum loop that sounds
reminiscent of The Raveonettes teamed with enough reverb and feedback to deafen
anyone in the general vicinity Burga is a one-man army. His motto?
DIY no-fi. His mission? To spread drone across the planet like a
plague of locusts. An accomplished
musician in several other bands Burga created 3AM during a musical lull to
literally prevent himself from going crazy.
The psycho-active psychedelic juices were just flowing too hard with no
outlet, had it not been for 3AM he might have landed himself in an asylum. As it stands Burga managed to create one of
the most honest, raw and intriguing DIY bedroom albums that I’ve ever heard,
The UFO Blues Tapes. Scheduled for
release in August via Levitation and Ogro Records, the album has been done
since last year and streaming on SoundCloud ever since. Thankfully I was tipped off to the stream by
Lulu from Electric Moon and instantly began digging on the vibe of 3AM. After listening to the album stream about a
million times and getting tired of waiting for an album announcement, I decided
it was time to track Burga down and get the skinny straight from the source!
The UFO Blues Tapes on SoundCloud.
What
is the band’s lineup? Is this your
original lineup?
is the band’s lineup? Is this your
original lineup?
Well, in the studio it’s just me, Chino Burga on guitars, drones, loops
and vocals. On stage I play with the
help of a friend in the rhythm guitar.
As I’m the only steady member, I’d say it’s the original lineup.
and vocals. On stage I play with the
help of a friend in the rhythm guitar.
As I’m the only steady member, I’d say it’s the original lineup.
Are
any of you in any other bands? Have you
released any material with any other bands?
If so can you tell us about it?
any of you in any other bands? Have you
released any material with any other bands?
If so can you tell us about it?
Yes, I play in La Ira de Dios, a psychedelic punk band who have released
five albums through some German labels.
I also play in La Garua, that’s a heavy, dirty, psychedelic blues band
with very Bukowski-ish lyrics, really saying something and we’re about to
release the debut album on World in Sound Records. Then there’s Necromongo, a crust punk band
which has a 7” by Lengua Armada Records and Los Entierros which is a psych
post-punk band, we’re actually recording now.
In all of them I play the guitar and in some (La Ira, Necromongo) I also
sing. Oh! And Obskuria which is a jam band that formed
when we were on tour with La Ira in Europe.
It’s a multinational combo with people from all around the world.
five albums through some German labels.
I also play in La Garua, that’s a heavy, dirty, psychedelic blues band
with very Bukowski-ish lyrics, really saying something and we’re about to
release the debut album on World in Sound Records. Then there’s Necromongo, a crust punk band
which has a 7” by Lengua Armada Records and Los Entierros which is a psych
post-punk band, we’re actually recording now.
In all of them I play the guitar and in some (La Ira, Necromongo) I also
sing. Oh! And Obskuria which is a jam band that formed
when we were on tour with La Ira in Europe.
It’s a multinational combo with people from all around the world.
When
and how did you all meet?
and how did you all meet?
Every day in the mirror ha-ha-ha!
What
led to the formation of 3AM and when was that?
led to the formation of 3AM and when was that?
Hmm… Well, it was during a period
in my life where I had nothing to do. No
job, no band, no nothing. So I got to
the point to where it was like I decide to start a new project or go crazy! And because sometimes it’s hard to organize
practices and recording sessions and stuff, you know, move your band
partners. I started to play with some
software for programming drums. Didn’t
know much about it, and still don’t, but anyway, I managed to make some songs. And then I quit it. This happened like two years ago. But last year, in August two weeks before I
went on tour with La Ira, I decided to play over the programmed drums again but
with new riffs this time. One week after
I was recording the eight tracks from the album and a couple more. After the La Ira’s tour I returned home and
mixed it, and that was the beginning of 3AM.
in my life where I had nothing to do. No
job, no band, no nothing. So I got to
the point to where it was like I decide to start a new project or go crazy! And because sometimes it’s hard to organize
practices and recording sessions and stuff, you know, move your band
partners. I started to play with some
software for programming drums. Didn’t
know much about it, and still don’t, but anyway, I managed to make some songs. And then I quit it. This happened like two years ago. But last year, in August two weeks before I
went on tour with La Ira, I decided to play over the programmed drums again but
with new riffs this time. One week after
I was recording the eight tracks from the album and a couple more. After the La Ira’s tour I returned home and
mixed it, and that was the beginning of 3AM.
Where are you originally from?
From Lima, Perú. Born and raised.
Where is the band currently located?
I live in Lima.
How
would you describe the local scene where you at?
would you describe the local scene where you at?
Well the underground scene is a very active and cool one. There are a lot of bands with fresh ideas and
very different styles, everything from noise, electro, garage, psych, stoner
and doom, to punk, crust, surf and more.
Nice audience too. But it has
problems like everywhere, lack of support by the media, lack of venues to play,
lack of sponsors, same old bullshit. But
bands still play and have fun.
very different styles, everything from noise, electro, garage, psych, stoner
and doom, to punk, crust, surf and more.
Nice audience too. But it has
problems like everywhere, lack of support by the media, lack of venues to play,
lack of sponsors, same old bullshit. But
bands still play and have fun.
Are
you very involved with the local scene?
you very involved with the local scene?
To be honest not very much. I’m
very lazy and kind of a hermit. I just
go out practice and get wasted, and then to play live. Years ago I was more involved, you know. I organized shows and even had an internet
radio show… Now I just like to walk my
dog and get stoned.
very lazy and kind of a hermit. I just
go out practice and get wasted, and then to play live. Years ago I was more involved, you know. I organized shows and even had an internet
radio show… Now I just like to walk my
dog and get stoned.
Has
it played a large role in the history or evolution of 3AM?
it played a large role in the history or evolution of 3AM?
Hmm, not sure… I guess it had an
influence on me somehow. So did my
experiences touring abroad.
influence on me somehow. So did my
experiences touring abroad.
What
does the name 3AM mean or refer to? How
was it chosen?
does the name 3AM mean or refer to? How
was it chosen?
I have an obsession with the number three and love the early
morning. There you go.
morning. There you go.
Can
you tell our readers who some of your major musical influences are? What about the band as a whole rather than
just personally?
you tell our readers who some of your major musical influences are? What about the band as a whole rather than
just personally?
Loop, Suicide, Stooges, MC5, Hawkwind, Dead Moon, Spacemen 3, Alien Sex
Fiend, Silver Apples, tons of 60s garage and post-punk.
Fiend, Silver Apples, tons of 60s garage and post-punk.
I
absolutely hate to label or classify music, how would you describe your music
to our readers who might not have heard 3AM yet?
absolutely hate to label or classify music, how would you describe your music
to our readers who might not have heard 3AM yet?
I would say it’s like Alan Vega and Martin Rev meet Ron Asheton on a
very hard drinking binge, strung out on drugs and decided to play some Joy
Division covers. It’s drone, it’s
haunted. It’s rock’n’roll…
very hard drinking binge, strung out on drugs and decided to play some Joy
Division covers. It’s drone, it’s
haunted. It’s rock’n’roll…
Let’s talk about 3AM’s writing process, is there just a lot of
exploratory jamming or does someone approach the rest of the band with a more
finished idea to compose and polish?
exploratory jamming or does someone approach the rest of the band with a more
finished idea to compose and polish?
I just get a riff and then I build the drums and that’s it. Lyrics come at the end. I leave a lot of space for improvisation in
the form of guitar solos when I’m recording.
It’s a very laidback and easy process.
And the riffs, I get them walking my dog, showering, cooking, whenever,
wherever.
the form of guitar solos when I’m recording.
It’s a very laidback and easy process.
And the riffs, I get them walking my dog, showering, cooking, whenever,
wherever.
You
are getting ready to release your awesome debut album UFO Blues Tapes. Can you talk a little bit about the recording
of that album? Where was it
recorded? Who recorded it? When was it recorded?
are getting ready to release your awesome debut album UFO Blues Tapes. Can you talk a little bit about the recording
of that album? Where was it
recorded? Who recorded it? When was it recorded?
Yeah sure. Well, we recorded in a
friend’s bedroom over two nights, and then we recorded the vocals in my kitchen
using a computer. I had no money at the
time and couldn’t afford a proper studio.
Like I said earlier, this was early August 2012. When I returned from touring I took a break
and in January this year (2013) started mixing it. Two friends help me with the engineering and
mixing stuff; Daniel Reyes and Sebastian Cruz Saco. Daniel also took care of the mastering thing
and I produced the whole album.
friend’s bedroom over two nights, and then we recorded the vocals in my kitchen
using a computer. I had no money at the
time and couldn’t afford a proper studio.
Like I said earlier, this was early August 2012. When I returned from touring I took a break
and in January this year (2013) started mixing it. Two friends help me with the engineering and
mixing stuff; Daniel Reyes and Sebastian Cruz Saco. Daniel also took care of the mastering thing
and I produced the whole album.
When
is UFO Blues Tapes scheduled for release?
What format(s) is it going to be released on? Who’s releasing it?
is UFO Blues Tapes scheduled for release?
What format(s) is it going to be released on? Who’s releasing it?
The album is coming out this August.
It’s being released on vinyl by Levitation Records in Denmark and Ogro
Records from Lima is gonna release it on CD.
It’s being released on vinyl by Levitation Records in Denmark and Ogro
Records from Lima is gonna release it on CD.
Other than UFO Blues Tapes do you have any other releases planned for
this year?
this year?
Don’t know. I’m definitely going
to record some stuff, I would hope and guess it would be released later this
year or sometime next year. But I will
record again very soon for sure either way.
I have a lot of new material already.
to record some stuff, I would hope and guess it would be released later this
year or sometime next year. But I will
record again very soon for sure either way.
I have a lot of new material already.
With
the recent international postage increases where is the best place for US
readers to purchase your music? What
about international and overseas readers?
the recent international postage increases where is the best place for US
readers to purchase your music? What
about international and overseas readers?
We are looking for some distributors in the US. For now, write to Levitation Records or you
can probably get a copy through http://www.discogs.com/
can probably get a copy through http://www.discogs.com/
What
do you have planned as far as touring goes?
Is there any chance of you making an appearance in the United States?
do you have planned as far as touring goes?
Is there any chance of you making an appearance in the United States?
Tour Peru some more again and then next year Europe. And If I find a way to cover the plane
ticket, other expenses not to mention find a rhythm guitar player in the US, I
will!!!
ticket, other expenses not to mention find a rhythm guitar player in the US, I
will!!!
Who
are some of your favorite bands that you’ve had the chance to share a bill
with?
are some of your favorite bands that you’ve had the chance to share a bill
with?
Orange Sunshine, Baby Woodrose, Spectrum, Gnod, Electric Moon and in
Peru, I’ve played with Los Saicos and the singer of Autopsia, two legends in
garage and punk down here.
Peru, I’ve played with Los Saicos and the singer of Autopsia, two legends in
garage and punk down here.
Where’s the best place for readers to keep up on the latest news like
upcoming shows and album releases at?
upcoming shows and album releases at?
Fucking Facebook.
There’s something irreplaceable, almost magical about physical albums to
me. Having artwork to look at, liner
notes to read and just having something to hold in my hands make the listening
experience more complete, at least for me.
Do you have any such connection with physical releases?
me. Having artwork to look at, liner
notes to read and just having something to hold in my hands make the listening
experience more complete, at least for me.
Do you have any such connection with physical releases?
Oh yes! I have an obsession with
vinyl and love exactly what you mentioned.
The thing is you have to drop the needle and take a seat, but then you
have to stand up and turn the side, it’s like a ritual to me that helps me to
focus on the music somehow. I love the
scratches, the smell, the big artwork.
Vinyl is almost like a fetish to me he-he-he…
vinyl and love exactly what you mentioned.
The thing is you have to drop the needle and take a seat, but then you
have to stand up and turn the side, it’s like a ritual to me that helps me to
focus on the music somehow. I love the
scratches, the smell, the big artwork.
Vinyl is almost like a fetish to me he-he-he…
Do
you have a music collection at all? If
so can you talk a little bit about it?
you have a music collection at all? If
so can you talk a little bit about it?
Yes I do. Not a really big one,
but think it´s good so far. It’s only on
vinyl and I basically have lot of garage, psych, punk, post-punk and then some
classic heritage from my father, lots of Peruvian 60’s garage 45s. And of course, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk;
love them.
but think it´s good so far. It’s only on
vinyl and I basically have lot of garage, psych, punk, post-punk and then some
classic heritage from my father, lots of Peruvian 60’s garage 45s. And of course, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk;
love them.
I
must admit that I love having a digital copy of an album to listen to wherever
and whenever I want but digital music is rapidly changing the face of the
industry to say the least. It’s exposing
a lot of bands but destroying decades of infrastructure inside the industry and
I’m always curious to hear artist’s opinions on digital music whenever I talk
to them. What is your take on digital
music and distribution?
must admit that I love having a digital copy of an album to listen to wherever
and whenever I want but digital music is rapidly changing the face of the
industry to say the least. It’s exposing
a lot of bands but destroying decades of infrastructure inside the industry and
I’m always curious to hear artist’s opinions on digital music whenever I talk
to them. What is your take on digital
music and distribution?
I think it’s good for information, you know? I can download an album, take a listen and if
I like it, I buy it on vinyl. If not I
just go looking for another album, simple.
I think the digital format is a good thing to promote your music like a
flyer to spread the word. I really don’t
care about the music industry or any of that corporate shit. For me it’s a good excuse to go back to
playing live a lot and doing good albums, you know, all killer, no filler. Not to mention a good reason to dive into the
underground scene and stay there, ‘cause that’s the music that really matters.
I like it, I buy it on vinyl. If not I
just go looking for another album, simple.
I think the digital format is a good thing to promote your music like a
flyer to spread the word. I really don’t
care about the music industry or any of that corporate shit. For me it’s a good excuse to go back to
playing live a lot and doing good albums, you know, all killer, no filler. Not to mention a good reason to dive into the
underground scene and stay there, ‘cause that’s the music that really matters.
In
hopes of keeping up with at least half of the amazing music that’s out there
right now, who should I be listening to from your local area or scene that I
might not have heard of?
hopes of keeping up with at least half of the amazing music that’s out there
right now, who should I be listening to from your local area or scene that I
might not have heard of?
All the bands I mentioned that I play with HA! And of course Ermitaño Reino Ermitaño,
Serpentina Satelite, Liquidarlo Celuloide, Bondage, Chamanes, Grita Lobos,
Varsovia, Bang Bang Band Girl, The Muertos, Sistemas de Aniquilación and Tica. You have doom, psych, garage, drone, crust,
noise and punk bands there.
Serpentina Satelite, Liquidarlo Celuloide, Bondage, Chamanes, Grita Lobos,
Varsovia, Bang Bang Band Girl, The Muertos, Sistemas de Aniquilación and Tica. You have doom, psych, garage, drone, crust,
noise and punk bands there.
What
about nationally and internationally?
about nationally and internationally?
Well I totally love the music of some of my label mates like The
Hedgehogs, The Road to Suicide, Spokraket and a Spanish band called
Pyramidal. Oh! And Don Vito from Berlin, they’re a freaking
awesome live band.
Hedgehogs, The Road to Suicide, Spokraket and a Spanish band called
Pyramidal. Oh! And Don Vito from Berlin, they’re a freaking
awesome live band.
Is
there anything that I missed or that you’d just like to talk about?
there anything that I missed or that you’d just like to talk about?
Drop the school, do drugs, hit the road, kill a politician and buy the
album. Not necessarily in that
order. Thanks for the support and DRONE
ON!
album. Not necessarily in that
order. Thanks for the support and DRONE
ON!
DISCOGRAPHY
(2013)
3AM – The UFO Blues Tapes – CD, 12” – Levitation Records, Ogro Records
3AM – The UFO Blues Tapes – CD, 12” – Levitation Records, Ogro Records
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2013
© Copyright
http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2013
http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2013
Array
