Meet: Bea Burridge; Making Loud Music For Angry Girls

Give us a potted history of yourself

I’ve been writing music since I was at university. I started off writing poetry and it just seemed like a natural progression. I’ve been actually recording music and my own songs for around six years with my amazing producer Sean Kennedy playing every single instrument on my tracks. He’s insanely talented. Now, we’ve just got a full band together so I can finally do full scale live shows not just acoustic, which I am super excited for! I’ve just released a new single, Cigarette Smoke, and I have been overwhelmed with the reception. It got over 10,000 plays in its first week and honestly I am just blown away. I can’t believe people would listen to me thst many times so thank you if you have. 

Who inspired you to start making music

My dad is massively into music so I was brought up being surrounded my super old records from the 50’s and 60’s as well as 70’s punk. He’s a big inspiration to me. Foo Fighters are my favourite band of all time. Some people call them dad rock but I challenge anyone to see them on stage and not be blown away. After seeing them for the first time I knew that was what I wanted to do. 

And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically

Nevermind. I genuinely believe it is one of the greatest albums of all time. Also American Idiot, it’s not Green Days greatest record but it was the first CD I ever owned and I remember the first time I ever heard the opening cords of the title track when I was 13 and thinking; wow. What is this. I need more. 

If you’re trying to explain whom you sound like to someone that’s never heard you, what do you say

I get quite nervous when I talk to people about my music because all the songs are so personal and it’s almost like sharing my diary with someone but I usually say it’s just angry girl rock with a punk influence. I would never want to compare myself to other female artists because I can only ever aspire to be an talented as them but you can definitely hear how much Joan Jett and Hayley Williams have shaped my music. 

Tell us about your new track

My new track has a big 80’s rock influence which I think can definitely be heard in the drums and the guitar. I had a clear idea of what I wanted this song to sound like and the genius that is Sean Kennedy made it happen. We’ve worked together so long he knows exactly what goes on in my head when I’m writing. The song is about seeing someone with it going nowhere, knowing this, continuing with it anyway but also asking yourself “what am I doing”.

Where can we get hold of it 

You can find Cigarette Smoke on all major streaming platforms now!

Tell us how you write

I’ve been told I write in a weird order by so many bands but I always start with the lyrics. I think where my sound doesn’t have a specific genre and has so many different influences I don’t feel contained to sound a certain way. To me, when I listen to a song I really listen to the words and so when I write, what I want to say shapes the sound of the song. Usually the instruments and the melody then write themselves. 

Tell us about your live show

I have my first live show with my full band on September 18th in Camden as part of Camden live and I am so excited. I’m also a dancer and have been doing live shows every week since lockdown ended but nothing compares to being on stage and playing music. It’s feeds my soul whether I’m on the stage or in the crowd. To stand and see people together with one common interest, that to me is what life is about. 

What can we expect from you in the near future

My second EP is coming out later this year, complete with my first music video so I’m super excited for that! And then I just want to do as many live shows as possible! 

Tell us your favourite records that’s rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo

At the moment I’ve got Motörhead on repeat. I’ve been trying to work out a lot and nothing gets me going like Lemmy gobbing off in my ear. That man is motivation in my ears. Plus, the usual Fleetwood Mac, Motley Crüe, Kiss. I have the music taste of a 50 year old biker. Other than that, I love country music. Most people who listen to the type of music I’m in to turn their nose up at that, but I don’t know, there is something about it I just love. It’s great to just have on whilst I’m working, cleaning and pottering about life. 

Find out more via her Facebook

Check out the single ‘Done Wrong’, below: