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Middle Eastern heavy rock titans Winterburn have announced the release of their high-octane new single and accompanying music video, The Abyss, arriving worldwide on Friday 6th November. Frontman, guitarist/vocalist Nas (the first West Asian/Middle Eastern artist endorsed by iconic brands Gibson Guitars and DR Strings) joined us to spill the beans on the band.
What are the origins of Winterburn? How long have you been playing together?
The band originally formed as an offshoot of my solo band in Dubai in 2018. My solo band had been together for ages (debut record in 2010 onwards). It eventually progressed to me moving our base to Qatar in 2021, then Bahrain in 2024. The current lineup has been together since early last year.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Winterburn?
Straight up kickass no bullshit rock n’ roll. We put on a show that’s a groove fest that’ll make you boogie, and we don’t stand still like dull statues, we move around and boogie too.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
Well, I’ve been playing for ages, since I was 17. We always get nerves but they’re not debilitating, we’re confident, everyone knows their abilities and that we can put on a killer show.
This current lineup’s first gig was a warm-up to us opening for Guns N’ Roses. It was a bit nerve-racking, primarily because of gear issues rather than anything else, but we’re all seasoned musicians who’ve been playing or touring for a long time, so we were alright.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Well, we’re putting out “The Abyss” as our first single; it’ll be followed by a couple of more singles before we release our full-length LP “II” by the end of the year. We’ll also be gearing up to tour both regionally and internationally next year.
Regarding a similar audience, which band at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Our style is varied, but I’d say Deathchant, Lucifer, Rival Sons, even Guns N’ Roses haha.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Our good friends Thrown Into Exile, Hippie Death Cult, GATC, and Karman Line are all hard-working and touring bands that have been doing this for years and deserve a big break.
What frustrates you about the music business?
Gatekeepers. I mean, I just find it so disingenuous how people whinge about how there are no more new good bands or artists yet, at the same time somehow they’re the authority on what deserves coverage or not, sorry but who the fuck are you to stifle someone’s progress? I got to accommodate your ego, be of a certain race, or come out of England to be worthy of coverage in your outlet? It’s just utter bullshit, and I despise it.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say “I want to do that”?
There are a couple. Watching Guns N’ Roses’ Live at the Hippodrome concert and hearing Jimi Hendrix’ “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” live at Woodstock in a commercial made me want to become a guitarist for real.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Ironically, it was an Arabic artist, Kadhim Al Saher. I don’t go out to gigs as much when I’m outside the UK or the US, to be honest. I like playing gigs more than going to them!
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
AI really infuriates me, technofascist oligarchal billionaires, genocide, the unjust targeting of immigrants. I as a muslim have faced so much racism as of late thanks to the vile rhetoric being pushed around by politicians. Any form of injustice towards any human being just really upsets me, and I’m passionate about combating it.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I don’t think people would be surprised cause I listen to everything; maybe Dusty Springfield “Dusty in Memphis.”
Everybody is a fan of something; who or what are you a fan of?
George Michael
What new music have you enjoyed so far this year?
Mucho Drums’ “Let it Rip” and Deathchant’s “Kova” are some I really dig; you’ve put me on the spot here. I have a feeling I’m going to love Tony Iommi’s new record.
What does the next six months hold for Winterburn?
Put out more singles, we’d love to play, but we’re literally stuck between multiple regional wars, no joke; bombs were falling, and we were trying to finish this record, so playing live is on hold here at the moment. We just want to get our new music out, the LP by the end of the year, and get out and tour.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’ve always been very active on Instagram; that’s the one place you’ll always find me, and it’s how I like it. I don’t have the mental capacity or time to be on multiple apps.
