KillerStar is a new band led by Rob Fleming (vocals, guitar, synths) and James Sedge (drums) which features an array of David Bowie’s most trusted collaborators: Mike Garson on piano, Earl Slick and Mark Plati on guitar, Gail Ann Dorsey and Tim Lefebvre on bass, Emm Gryner on backing vocals, and Donny McCaslin on saxophone. Collectively they have crafted a sound which fuses the scale of classic rock with sophisticated harmonies and elements of art rock.
The song’s drama is amplified by the engaging video with its focus on a male character—played by actor Sami Erkkila-Pinta—who goes about his business secretly and enigmatically in the streets of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was directed by Laura Lynn Petrick, whose credits include music videos for Weyes Blood, Jessica Pratt, Allah-Las, Girl in Redm, and TOPS. Her films include Lempo (coming soon, 2024) and Superior (2016), featured in Cannes Aviff.
As heard on their introductory singles “Got Me All Wrong,” “Falling Through” and “Should’ve Known Better,“ KillerStar expresses timeless ’70s musicianship and art-rock invention through a contemporary prism. The band was formed byFleming and Sedge (drums) to capture a sound that they felt was missing: one that linked the current resurgence of psychedelia, the contemporary indie and alternative scenes, and the primal rush of early ’70s rock ‘n’ roll. While they were definitively David Bowie fans, the idea of assembling a team of his collaborators arose more by chance than design when Rob invited Emm Gryner to contribute vocals before the other members arrived almost fortuitously.
With songs exuding gritty rock ‘n’ roll and time-honoured glamour, the record was full written and arranged by Rob and Jamesbefore being completed by some suitably top tier collaborators. Mixing was provided by Dave Eringa, best known for his long-term creative connection with Manic Street Preachers, while digital mastering was provided by Joe La Porta and vinyl mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road.
The album is available on limited edition 180-gram gold vinyl, black vinyl, CD and digital formats.
On the live front, KillerStar will play a special UK album launch show at London’s 100 Club on March 16th. Rob and James will be joined by three of the key musicians on the album in the shape of Mike Garson, Mark Plati, and Emm Gryner (who will also play an opening solo set) along with keyboardist Dom Beken (Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, The Orb), and guitarist Kevin Armstrong.
Album Tracklisting
- Should’ve Known Better
- Everybody Loves A Hero
- Got Me All Wrong
- Go (Hold On Tight)
- You’re A Chameleon
- Feel It
- Too Late
- Falling Through
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