reid burton

What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy?

Being able to see the students so excited and happy every time they’re about to take the stage.

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Hometown: Penfield, NY
 

Your musical focus/instruments you play: 

Primary: voice

Instruments: guitar, bass, drums

 

What is your musical background?

I started choir and orchestra (on cello) in 4th grade. I performed in musicals from 6th-12th grade at Penfield High School, Mercy High School, and at the West Herr Auditorium Theater. I’ve been in bands since I was 12 years old, and am currently with BB DANG, The Reid Burton Band, and Reid Burton Unplugged. During college, I received 4 years of classical vocal training with an emphasis on integrating those techniques into my rock singing. I graduated from Nazareth University in the spring of 2023 with a Bachelors of Science in Music Business. 
 

What are your musical influences/favorite bands? 

Chris Stapleton, Rush, Dave Matthew’s Band, Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Pink Floyd, Watchouse, TOOL, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and so on.

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What one album would you choose if you were stranded on a deserted island?

"Traveller" by Chris Stapleton

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What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve performed?

Venue: Rochester Beer Park

Event: Lincoln Hill Farms 4th of July Celebration 

 

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on-stage?

Thankfully nothing too crazy has ever happened, but it’s never a fun time when you forget to bring something, or a string breaks, or your pedal board just turns off. It keeps me fresh and on my toes, though.

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What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?

It wasn’t a piece of advice, so much as it was training. When I was working with my voice teacher in college, we worked for an entire year on my tongue placement alone. There is so much that your tongue does while you’re singing that can be a real aid, or a real detriment to you. And I worked for a year to make sure that my vocal chords and throat stay happy and healthy for a long, long time. Practice and technique is so crucial!