The Sun are a Warner Bros. band from Columbus that put out a pretty good EP last year. They got a little bit of buzz around the country, and had the honor of opening for Hot Hot Heat and The Flaming Lips for a bunch of shows.
In today’s Columbus Alive, our alternative weekly newspaper in town, lead singer Chris Burney writes an unprovoked letter to the editor and slams Warner Bros and major labels in general. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes:
There was a major label ?bidding war? for my band. We played for every record executive in shit town after really only being a band for three hours. We took a small, smart deal with Warner Bros. looking to have a career. This was stupid. If you are ever in this position, look those liars in the eye and tell them what they want to hear. Once you have gained their trust, take every penny you can and save it for rainy days ahead.
…..
Playing for dicks and using up chickenheads on the coasts was fun to laugh about with Sam, Brad and Bryan, but the best shows I have ever played were either in someone?s basement, living room, or at Bernie?s.
….
I had to sell my guitars for gas money so I could drive to St. Louis to sleep on the floor in my mom?s apartment. Thanks Warner. Love your family, friends and, for God?s sake, peace.
Read the full letter here. Also, there’s a great discussion going on about the letter and the Sun in our message board. Check it out and respond here.
Like I said, I have no idea why Burney wrote the letter. I also have no idea what he means by using up chickheads on the coasts. Either way, it’s an interesting look inside of a young band working the major label system, maybe on the verge of falling apart.