Interview with Koozie Johns

of Sinnerstar

By Chris Rocks on

 

 

Heralding from London Town one of the most charismatic bands in years. 'Sinnerstar' deliver heartfelt Rock'n'Roll straight from the soul, with rock from the hip and guitars slung low.
Well crafted passionate songs about love, pain, faith and hope. Sinnerstar on stage resemble characters from a 'Guy Richie' movie. A must see must hear act, tough and sincere with an unlicked edge, a swerve off the beaten track.

C : So, I've been hearing a lot of good things about this band 'Sinnerstar', what's your story?

I grew up listening to Elvis Presley via my mothers records that she'd play continually day and night. My first records I bought myself were glam rock followed by Punk. I have a passion for a good song and love Creedance Clearwater Revival, early Bowie and Iggy Pop to name a few.

I began my music career as a bassist playing with various acts such as 'Wild Crash 500' that included former 'Professionals' guitarist 'Ray McVeigh' and the original Tenpole Tudor guitarist 'Bob Kingston' and drummer 'Gary Long'. I lived in Tokyo Japan for a while playing with J-Rock band 'Oblivion Dust' and have also played with ex-Clash mk11 Guitarists 'Vince White' and 'Nick Sheppard'.

In the 90's I played with 'Tyla' working on his solo stuff as well as a version of his former band 'Dogs d'Amour'. Plus various other bands and numerous sessions etc.

In 1999 I switched  to guitar and started singing my own songs which eventually led me to putting 'Sinnerstar' together as well as working with 'Sex Pistols' bassist 'Glen Matlock' in 'The Philistines' and have played with Sex Pistol 'Steve Jones' in LA.

 

Within the ranks of 'Sinnerstar' you'll find..

KOOZIE JOHNS  on Vocals/guitar

CHRIS MUSTO  on Drums and Percussion
ex - Johnny Thunders, Joe Strummer, Glen  Matlock
PAUL SLACK  on Bass
ex - UK Subs, The Flying PadovaniS
KIEN LIM  on Guitar
ex - Simon Kirke, Dave Stewart

 

C : You recorded with the Philistine's, was anything released?

Not as yet, but there are a few new tracks kickin' around that'll  probably surface in the future.
 

C : Last year you played support slot for the New York Dolls, that must have been cool?
 

Yeah very cool, I flew back from LA to do that show at The last minute and had a blast. Sylvain Sylvain was on my side of the stage throughout  our set and loved our show. It was also good to catch up with Sami Yaffa who is a friend of mine.
The Doll's rocked and it was a very good night. I was well impressed with Steve Conte , great player love his style. Really liked the new album yeah cool show.

 

C : The 'Sinnerstar' acoustic sets that you've been playing, how have they been received?

Very well indeed I'm pleased to report. We enjoy stripping it all down and showing another side to 'Sinnerstar'. You'll hear flashes of country,
Blue Grass and Americana folk all served up with a Rock'n'Roll edge.
The shows have been fun and intimate with a lot of audience participation.
 

C : Do you plan any more acoustic shows?

Yeah, we have a few more coming up in London at 'The 12 Bar Club' and we will also be introducing a few acoustic songs into our electric set later this year.
 

C : I'd heard a rumour that you may be playing some live electric shows ??

Yep that rumour is true and we are busy rehearsing up a stompin' electric set ready for shows this autumn that we are all really excited about. Alice Cooper recently said on his radio show that 'Sinnerstar' were the best unsigned band around at the moment which was very nice of him... Bless him.
 

We  have a DOWNLOAD single out this Week called 'Bella La Rocka'

BUY IT NOW !

Get it from itunes here  or Tescodownloads here

 

 

C : What's your stage set-up?

I use an old 78' Gibson Les Paul deluxe with P-90's and a single cut away Jr as a back up all cranked up through a Fender twin and a Boss overdrive.
I also use a 1972 Gretsch super chet that i've had customised......great sound.
In the acoustic set I use a Gibson j-45 and a Gibson j-200.
 

C : Gibson or Fender?

Gibson
 

C : Where can people find out more about you, and more importantly, where can they see you live?

www.myspace.com/kooziejohnsofficial
www.myspace.com/sinnerstaruk
www.sinnerstar.com
 

Sinnerstar will be comin' to a town near you very soon!!

...and, if you live in the UK, they'll be playin' the following dates:

at the 12 Bar Club - 26 Denmark Street London WC2

Tuesday 6th November (Acoustic set)

Monday 19th November (Acoustic set)

Monday 17th December (Acoustic set)

PHOTO CREDITS:

Sinnerstar band pic by DANNY CLIFFORD ©2007
B&W Koozie pic by DANNY CLIFFORD ©2004