Eddie Burns, drummer and producer, has just released his debut single, titled “Polka Dot.” The song, a collaboration with singer and songwriter Demetruest, is a quick odyssey through Burns’ unique and playful imagination. It opens with what sounds like a kitten softly meowing, before the video settles in on a shot of Burns holding a stuffed bunny and smiling up demurely at the camera.

The track, a mere minute and a half, is the first taste of what Burns sounds like as a solo musician. He has spent the last couple years touring as the drummer for rising superstar Clairo. Before that, he worked for many years with local Chicago artists, and alongside his brother, Isaac, as one half of The Burns Twins.

“I come from a Family of Music,” said Burns. “My father is a classical trumpet player and would always have lessons in the house growing up. These students included Nico Segal (FKA Donnie Trumpet) and Will Miller. Those 2 musicians were a part of starting the entire Chance, Vic Mensa, Chicago Rap music wave and Nico mentored my brother and I, putting us in tons of rooms with Chicago Legends. After years of simply being around and in the scene, starting multiple bands and groups, it’s implied that we live and breathe Chicago. Every connection you make going to an event or show gives off a certain energy that is super special. Here especially.”

After spending so long working as one part of a larger team, Burns has finally decided to figure out what he sounds like with full creative control. The result is something like smooth electropop. It calls back to the jazz and rap and medley of sounds in Burns’ past, without being held too firmly to any one point in particular.

The soft voice on the track is that of Demetruest, who met the burns twins in LA while he was working as a background vocalist for Noname. “It was truly love and community at first sight,” said Demetruest. “Eddie and I formed a strong working relationship that blossomed into the most beautiful friendship. In a world of naysayers and yes men, we have been able to cultivate a safe space where we can be authentically us. When I work with Eddie, I feel like I’m encouraged to play and nurture that inner child- working from a pure and honest place.”

“When I made this song I was in a really comfy space with my music and my relationship,” said Burns. “Now feels like the time to share this energy with everyone.”

Check out the new track below, and stay tuned for upcoming solo releases and collaborations by Burns.