Rory Burt

Transitioning from a private school to a more free-spirited high school, Rory’s decision to pursue live music as a full-time recreational activity was greatly influenced by the people he has met at school.

“It’s a fun scene, and it’s honest, most of the time,” Rory said. “I didn’t really know any punks until my freshman year, but then I joined my first band and they took me to my first local show.”

However, Rory was drawn to punk rock music from a very young age, which his experience in high school only reinforced.

“I’ve been listening to punk rock for a really long time,” Rory said. “Ever since I heard it for the very first time, it just made me feel different.”

Rory accredits his father, guitarist for OC hardcore punk band ‘Insted,’ with giving him his first taste of the music he came to love.

“My dad would play a lot of stuff around the house, ” Rory said. “I remember being four years old and hearing all of it, and even then it made me feel really good.”

Sure enough, Rory’s fascination with the music from his childhood later prompted him to create his own.

From live performances to studio recordings, Rory has provided rumbling bass lines for Fullerton punk band Chemical X, and a raw, tenacious lead guitar styling for his own band,  Highground.

Rory’s comfort onstage has only fueled his passion for performing, experimenting with each project he encounters.  

“If I was doing anything else, I’d probably find [performing live] hard,” Rory said. “This music speaks to me most and influences me, so I just want to be that.”

As for now, Rory plans on attending junior college and is curious as to what the future holds for him. However, he sees himself continuing on the musical pathway for as long as possible.

“I feel like [music] is what I’m supposed to do, and I’ll do it because I don’t feel myself without it,” Rory said. “I’m going to hold this [experience] in my heart for the rest of my life.”