my-epk

3rd Degree is Waterford native Jason Burns’ project, merging live energy with electronic precision. A guitarist, vocalist, and vinyl selector, he blends rock, funk, and electronica, honed through years of playing in live bands, with debut album Connected out on Feb 13th 2026.

3rd Degree is the brainchild of Waterford native Jason Burns, a seasoned musician with over a decade of touring experience in various bands and projects. Known on the dance music circuit as a respected vinyl selector and DJ, Jason created 3rd Degree as a fusion of his two musical worlds: the raw energy of live performance and the precision of electronic production. Blending organic instrumentation with digital and electronic sounds and samples, 3rd Degree crafts a sound that sits confidently between alternative dance and electronica, while staying rooted in the rock, funk, and jam band traditions that shaped Jason’s early musical identity. Primarily a guitarist and vocalist, Jason’s foray into electronic music began during his time fronting the jazz-funk/disco outfit The Silk Road (2016–2020). The band released two acclaimed EPs known for infectious basslines, tight drum grooves, and bold synth work layered around catchy hooks and lyric-driven vocals. That experience sparked Jason’s deep appreciation for synthesizers and keyboards, helping shape the sonic foundation of 3rd Degree — always with a main focus on groove. This groove-first philosophy naturally led Jason to the dancefloor, where he became a regular figure in the Irish electronic scene as part of the Locker 43 collective. Hosting parties both locally and nationally, the collective has spent years honing their instinct for what truly moves a crowd at venues and festivals. That understanding is at the heart of 3rd Degree’s debut album Connected. The album is co-produced with acclaimed Balearic and fusion producer Micko Roche, known for his works with artists like Chris Coco, Afterlife and Blank & Jones. Connected is due for release in February 2026 on My.Co.Records. The album is packed with percussive energy, hypnotic rhythms and gritty, attitude-laced guitar work.