Waterford-based electronic duo SX2 (brothers Scott and Clive Sullivan) have joined forces with alt-electronic artist 3rd Degree for a new take on breakout single, Feel It Coming. We asked 3rd Degree the BIG questions . . .
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Originally released by 3rd Degree (aka Jason Burns) and produced alongside composer Micko Roche, the track climbed to the #1 spot on JunoDownload's Alternative/Indie chart.
"Following the massive success of his debut single Feel It Coming, 3rd Degree returns with a summer-ready remix that takes things to a whole new level," say SX2. "We wanted to honour the original while pushing it into a space that feels exciting, raw, and club-ready."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is Jason Burns. I'm a musician, vocalist and producer from Waterford. I've played guitar and sung in bands for the best part of 10 years. My last band, The Silk Road, recorded two EPs. It was through this band that I fell in love with music production and developed a real appreciation for electronic elements and synthesizers in music - this eventually led to my latest solo project, 3rd Degree. My debut album, Connected, is set for release later this year.
The name 3rd Degree actually started as a joke! Because my surname is Burns, my friends used to call me 3rd Degrees sometimes just 3rd. It stuck, so I ran with it. People still take a second to get it, but when they do, it usually gets a laugh.
I also love collecting records. I inherited a collection of old school house and techno from my uncle years ago, and I was instantly hooked. My mates and I run a DJ collective called Locker 43. We throw quirky parties in cool venues around Waterford, and the energy is always electric. You can expect anything from funk, soul, disco, and reggae/dub to house, garage, and jungle. I think the mystery of what comes next is part of what makes it so fun. It can be a labour of love hauling bags of records around but it’s such a buzz! (Shoutout to Tom at Philly Grimes Pub for letting us take over the place every time!)
How would you describe your music?
I think it’s a blend of organic instrumentation and electronic elements. Naturally, I’m a guitarist and singer, but I also love music that has a real groove to it, so I try to merge both worlds. I guess you could call it alternative/indie dance, while staying rooted in the rock, funk, and jam-band traditions that shaped my early musical identity.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I started out loving blues and rock, so artists like Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors were big for me. Later, I got into more post-punk and alternative bands like Talking Heads, Joy Division, Pixies, Radiohead, and Smashing Pumpkins. I'm also drawn to music that fuses electronic and real instruments - so bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Whitest Boy Alive, Cut Copy, and New Order. I think my own music pulls from all of the above.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
O Emperor at the Theatre Royal, Waterford, off the back of their first album Hither Thither so probably around 2010.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My dad loves The The and made me buy Soul Mining for educational purposes. A timeless record! (your dad is a very wise man - Ed)
What’s your favourite song right now?
Mixed Bizness - Beck.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds" -Bob Marley,
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I’m most active on Instagram: @3rdDegreeMusic_. My music is available on all streaming platforms - Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc. My debut album Connected is set for release later this year, so be sure to give me a follow!
Alan Corr
