Promise to Burn: Older and wiser

The members of Promise to Burn have learned something since their rocket start two years ago and the reported buzz around major label interest.

They've learned that, in the world of music, things take time. So now the modern-rock five piece -- two sets of brothers, Derek and Damon Pearson, Luke and Ben Sample and singer Heath Hartwell -- finds itself a little more grown up, and a little more patient.

"I think we learned it takes awhile," said drummer Ben Sample. "Instead of just, you know, 'Hey, these people are going to hear our songs and we're going to get a big record deal' ... you're not always that fortunate."

Not all the buzz always turns out to be the next big break, said bassist Damon Pearson.

"We've heard a lot of things and ... we just decided most of the time not to pursue very many of these things."

Matt Sanders interviewed Promise to Burn, from left, Derek Pearson, Ben Sample, Luke Sample and Damon Pearson. (Fred Lynch)

Since their start jamming in a local basement, the band has played before major label representatives and got an experienced producer and sound engineer in Malcolm Springer to make their debut EP.

But so far, nothing solid on the major label level has materialized.

The band isn't disheartened, just a little older and wiser.

Now they know there's more work to be done before their musical efforts pay off big, and they're taking a cautious approach to the future.

"At first we had no leverage. We had a five-song EP and no live shows, so speaking to these people, they owned us," said Luke Sample. "It's not a good feeling."

Promise to Burn played a gig in February at River Nick's. (Kit Doyle)

"Really I think the goal for all of us right now is to tour and get a little bit of a regional following, which helps our clout with labels and producers and everyone else, and then back into the studio," Luke Sample said.

The band is now focused on playing live shows, both in Cape Girardeau and spreading out to places like St. Louis and Poplar Bluff, Mo. They're honing their live chops, getting tighter and working to develop a fan base in the old-school way, touring.

Of course, they still have a rather large cadre of devoted, local fans in Cape Girardeau.

The band's also focused on making contacts in the music industry, still eyeing the golden ring of a major label contract.

Just last week Promise to Burn was in St. Louis, playing the Bodog Battle of the Bands -- a great opportunity to see what their peers are doing (the competition included bluegrass and jazz bands) and make those important contacts.

"There were some great musicians, obviously some good talent," said guitarist Luke Sample. "It was a great time. ... Some of the judges were industry people, so there was a promoter there who was interested in getting us to play some St. Louis venues."

Part of that networking has also been with bands who've gone through the motions of getting major label deals, giving Promise to Burn valuable advice, and some perspective on the industry.

Promise to Burn has live shows scheduled in Southeast Missouri through January, but after that the attention will focus on getting in the studio and recording a round of new songs.

Ben Sample said a new sound might emerge from the recordings. On the band's debut recording, songwriting was a purely collaborative effort.

The writing, said Derek Pearson, was almost formulaic.

Now all five members are bringing different song ideas to the table, recording sketches on their cell phones to preserve for rehearsal.

"It's kind of coming from everywhere now," said Ben Sample. "The songs are more mature ... I hate to use that word, because everybody uses it, but that's kind of what it is."

When the new music will be available hasn't been determined yet.