Todd Kerns Talks About SIN CITY SINNERS Christmas Album; New SLASH Due In May
November 23, 2011, 12 years ago
SIN CITY SINNERS will release A Sinners Christmas on November 25th. The band will hold a special CD party and Toy Drive at Club Madrid in Henderson, Nevada on November 25th. BraveWords.com's Deb Rao recently spoke to Sin City Sinners frontman Todd Kerns regarding a number of topics including the festive release, the upcoming SLASH (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) album and his recent hometown appearance in Vancouver.
BraveWords.com: Tell us about the upcoming release of A Sinners Christmas on November 25th. What made you choose the song 'We Three Kings'? Also, George Lynch (LYNCH MOB, DOKKEN) is playing guitar on that song.
Kerns: "When we started going down the list of Christmas songs it was like so many billions of songs. I always liked the chord changes and I thought we could make it really heavy and we did. I sing like three songs on the album then we have guest singers. We have a bunch of guest stars including George Lynch, Ron Keel, and Jizzy Pearl. Slim Jim Phantom, Frank Dimino of ANGEL. It's goes on and on. There are tons of characters. There are a couple of traditional Christmas songs. Then there is one that Ellis sings with Slim Jim. That is kind of a rockabilly song. It has a STRAY CATS kind of vibe."
BraveWords.com: Do you think you will go into the studio and record another studio album with The Sinners?
Kerns: "My schedule is so ridiculous. I don't know when I will have time. But you never know. I would like to do that. I am always cooking up new songs so you never know?"
BraveWords.com: You just got back from Los Angeles recording with Slash. You were working with famed producer Eric Valentine. What was it like working with Eric and tell us about the upcoming Slash release.
Kerns: "It was really cool the fact that we are doing it all analog not digital that is the coolest thing. It is all done live off of the floor. We were playing the drums, bass, rhythm guitar together live off of the floor. Usually you record the drums; you record the bass and guitar separately. Back in the day, you used to record everything at once. Slash wanted to do it that way. I was like Hellyeah! I used to do that back in the day with my punk rock recordings. It's great. It's really strong."
BraveWords.com: How would you describe the sound of the upcoming Slash release? Does it have a GN'R/Velvet Revolver vibe?
Kerns: "Slash is very on top of what is going on. There is always a little bit of a throwback familiarity to it. But I think it is pretty relevant like modern wise."
BraveWords.com: When is it slated to come out?
Kerns: "Next May."
BraveWords.com: You are one of the most dynamic frontman to hit Vegas. You recently returned to your hometown in Vancouver to perform an acoustic show at the Media Room. Tell us about your special hometown appearance.
Todd:” It was my first show in Vancouver in five years. It kind of a random thing. Usually you play a show to promote something. I always said to my old band someday we should just set up a show and play. It had been so long and it just kind of came up. Next thing I knew it was happening. I was like OK bang! It was awesome."
BraveWords.com: You also performed acoustic at the Brentwood Tavern in Vegas. Do you have any more acoustic shows on tap?
Kerns: "I don't have any more line up. But when I came back a friend of mine said come play an acoustic show. I love playing acoustic shows. It was kind of a random thing. I am so busy I would like to work more in."
BraveWords.com: As the year comes to a close what has the highlight of 2011 been for you?
Kerns: "This morning when I woke up and wasn't dead!" (Laughter)
BraveWords.com: With your busy schedule. You are one of the most sought after musicians in Vegas.
Kerns: "My whole life is just 90 miles an hour! There have been a lot of Highlights for me. I have been around the world twice."
BraveWords.com: What was it like performing with your fellow Canadian SEBASTIAN BACH?
Kerns: "It was great. I have met Sebastian many times through the years. Different situations from recording. He was a really cool guy."
BraveWords.com: In closing, what can the fans expect to see from Todd Kerns in 2012?
Kerns: "A Christmas album this week, a Slash album in the Spring. Then back on the road. I will be out with the Sin City Sinners for the first bit of 2012. The Sinners are doing a New Years Eve show at the Hard Rock in Vegas."