Almost a Decade of Chasing the Rock n’ Roll Dream

In the summer of 2016, Edward's musical journey began, ignited by the powerful lyrics and expansive rock sounds of Portugal. The Man, led by frontman John Gourley. Captivated by their artistry, Edward’s passion for music—particularly the guitar—took root. After much persistence, his grandparents handed him an old acoustic Epiphone guitar that had been gathering dust in their church. That summer, under the scorching heat of Davis, North Carolina, Edward spent countless hours teaching himself the guitar, writing original music, and immersing himself in the sounds that would shape his future. By the time summer came to a close, before returning to his hometown of Raleigh, Edward discovered a new influence—Slash of Guns N’ Roses. While browsing YouTube, he stumbled upon a video titled “Knocking on Heaven’s Door 1992 Tokyo Dome” and was instantly mesmerized. Watching Slash’s effortlessly cool performance, his black Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar, and the iconic swagger that defined him, Edward was hooked—captivated by everything rock 'n' roll.

As the summer faded, Edward set his sights on forming his own band. The result was Burban, a hard rock group that would go on to tour extensively across North Carolina. In their three-year run, the band graced iconic venues like Pour House Music Hall, Imurj, and Deep South the Bar, while releasing their EP Shot of Rock and singles such as “She’s Hungry,” “All Dressed Up (With Nowhere to Go),” and the ballad “October Love.” The band’s success and growth led Edward to dream of taking Burban to Los Angeles, but those plans were derailed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the band disbanded, Edward took a brief hiatus from music to finish college and reflect on his artistic identity.

In 2021, Edward returned to the music scene with a bold statement—his debut solo single, “Who The Hell (You Think You Are),” a gritty rock anthem laced with slinky lead guitars and infectious riffs, marking the beginning of his solo career. He followed this up with two more hard-hitting singles, “Snake Groove,” “Mystery,” and “California Cruisin’,” each brimming with the raw energy and guitar-driven sound reminiscent of Guns N’ Roses, showcasing his evolving style and musical prowess. During this time, Edward also established Burban Records, a boutique recording studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he not only creates his own work but offers recording services to fellow artists.