Biography
"A North Carolina invention more earthshakingly historic than the Wright Brothers' first flight, more delicious than Cheerwine, and hotter than Vick's Vaporub."
Fujiwara is a three piece punk rock and roll band formed from the ashes and dust along the Kill Devil Hills beach road in North Carolina in 1996. Featuring the “rebelliously youthful voice” (Eastern Surf Magazine) of lead singer and bass player Billy Burley, the dancing and guitar stylings of fan favorite Chris “Buc” Clemmons, and the hyper kinetic drum skills of the masterful Kirk “Skillet” Kellett-- this band has already proven to be worth the outside attention they are finally receiving.
With musical influences like Youth Brigade, The Descendents, and Bad Religion, Fujiwara has perfected the tight sound and melodic riffs of quality punk rock. Their live performances are almost as notorious as the music itself, and have earned Fujiwara a solid reputation in the East Coast surf, skate, and snow community. Their music has been featured on several surf videos, most notably with Lost Enterprises "5’5” x 19 ¼” Redux"-- where "FTW" made the soundtrack along with songs from other legendary bands like Fugazi, Sublime, and Bad Brains.
Fujiwara has shared the stage with The Misfits, The Angry Samoans, The Candysnatchers, ASG, Guttermouth, and The Supersuckers, gaining fans and followers at every show. When Fujiwara is the headlining band, fans know to expect a packed venue.
As one writer noted, "Through the years, Fujiwara has become legends of the East Coast Surf and Skate communities with their hard hitting and energetic punk rock anthems. Undistracted by social media and self promotion, their sound and history embody the individualism and rebellion of punk rock and the underground." (Indie Band Guru). With the support and infrastructure of a label behind them, Fujiwara is keeping punk rock on the map-- and will be for many years to come.