Exclusive Interview: SUNBURNT on Creating Their Sound, Sonic Evolution, and What's on the Horizon
- Mikaila Storrs
- May 5
- 4 min read
For the members of SUNBURNT—Alex, JT, and Will—making music has always been more than a hobby. What began as a pandemic-era idea among friends has blossomed into one of the most promising alt-rock acts to emerge from SoCal’s indie scene. Alex and JT have been playing music together since high school, and Will and JT had been working together in more recent years. "During the pandemic, while hanging out at JT’s place, Will brought up the idea of starting a new band. But after being in multiple bands over the years, we knew we wanted to do things differently this time. Instead of chasing a sound or trying to fit into a scene, we focused on writing what felt natural—what we knew we were good at playing." That clarity of purpose paid off. Drawing from years of experience and a strong network of collaborators, SUNBURNT found their footing fast, launching a new project with energy, direction, and heart.
One of the band’s proudest moments came recently, when they opened for one of their high school idols. “We recently had the chance to share the stage—our biggest one yet—with Hidden in Plain View on their 20-year anniversary tour. It was a full-circle moment for us. Back in high school, we were fans of theirs and even saw them at Warped Tour, so getting to be part of this milestone show was incredibly surreal and meaningful.”
The band’s latest single, “Promise,” is a departure from their usual high-octane pop-punk style, leaning into deeper emotional textures. “Honestly, it was a refreshing change. When you’re writing within one genre for a while, it’s easy to get creatively boxed in, so stepping outside that was something we welcomed.”
The thematic tone follows suit. “We also wanted to take a crack at writing a heartbreak song—something we hadn’t explored yet. While most of our songs tend to focus on real-life changes and more adult themes, 'Promise' gave us the space to write from a different perspective. Still, the beauty of it is that listeners can interpret the lyrics however they connect with it—it doesn’t have to be just about heartbreak.”
That openness started with a single spark. “I think the lyrics ‘I made a promise to forget you’ was ultimately the first line we came up with when writing the song. From there, everything just clicked—we caught fire creatively and were able to build the rest of the track around that moment. While on the surface it might feel like a breakup song, the lyrics are open to interpretation. It could just as easily reflect a time, place, or version of yourself that you’re trying to move on from. That emotional flexibility is what made 'Promise' such a powerful song for us to write.”
Bringing in Jayden Seeley, who’s produced much of SUNBURNT’s music, took the track to another level. “The idea to bring Jayden Seeley on board came naturally—he’s produced the majority of our songs, and we wanted this track to not only reflect our evolution, but also feel like something that would align with his solo work. Jayden’s vocals sit in a similar range to JT’s, which made the collaboration feel really natural—almost like a duet. It wasn’t something we initially planned, but once the pieces came together, it felt like the perfect fit.”
Music isn’t confined by genre for the band, and that fluidity has become a core part of their identity. “As a band, we all listen to a wide range of genres—from R&B to hardcore—and that diversity plays a big role in shaping our sound. We think it’s one of our strengths as songwriters. You’ll hear subtle influences from different styles woven into each track, even if it’s just a small moment or a melodic choice. In terms of specific artists, we draw inspiration from all over the map—Sabrina Carpenter to State Champs. It might seem like an unusual mix, but that’s exactly what helps us create something fresh and uniquely ours."
And the fans are responding to their unique sound. “With 'Promise' now out—and already performing as one of our best releases to date—we’re more motivated than ever to keep building on that momentum. Our focus right now is on continuing to book shows throughout the SoCal area and staying active on stage. At the same time, we’re committed to writing consistently, whether it leads to an EP or a full-length album. We want to make sure we’ve always got music in the pipeline, ready to go. In today’s fast-paced music landscape, attention spans are short—so we know how important it is to have a strong follow-up ready to keep people engaged.”
That drive comes with purpose. “We’ve always believed that music can be a powerful escape—especially for people dealing with anxiety or going through a difficult time. One of the best things about live shows is that everyone’s there for the same reason: to connect with a band they love. That shared energy can be healing in a way nothing else is. With 'Promise,' we just hope it can be a song that genuinely lifts someone’s mood—or at the very least, helps them feel a little less alone.”
As SUNBURNT continues to carve out their place in the scene, “Promise” is proof that they’re not afraid to evolve. With each release, they move closer to the band they’ve always wanted to be—authentic, dynamic, and deeply connected to the stories they tell.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUNBURNT:
