Interview: Todd Kerns

After releasing Apocalyptic Love earlier this year, guitar god Slash and his band of Conspirators have been travelling the world bringing their phenomenal show to the masses! We caught up with bassist Todd Kerns, whilst the band are currently in Canada for a little chat about the album, touring and nunchucks?!

Firstly, congrats on Apocalyptic Love! It is has had an amazing reception, you guys must be really proud?

I can’t speak for the other guys but I sure am! The record turned out better than I could have imagined. It’s been really rewarding listening to audiences round the world singing along!

You are touring the album at the moment, what places have you loved playing? Where are you most looking forward to visiting?

I love playing in the UK and Europe. The audiences are the best and really appreciate Rock N Roll. It’s great to get to go to places like New York City, New Orleans, Nashville etc etc.

I am currently in Canada and it’s amazingly rewarding being able to play in my home territory. Australia rocks, Can’t wait to get to New Zealand and back to Japan.

And of course South America which is the rowdiest audiences in the world.

You have started singing more songs in the live shows, how does that feel? What is your favourite to perform?

I’ve been singing Doctor Alibi since the last tour. Sometimes I would sing We’re All Gonna Die. This tour I’ve been doing 2 songs. Alibi plus either You’re Crazy or Out Ta Get Me from Appetite. It’s always an honor to get to sing with these guys.

We hear on the grapevine that The Conspirators and Myles will be working with Slash on his next album, is this true?

It’s a little on the early side to tell just yet but I truly hope that is the case. The chemistry of this band has been undeniable. Apocalyptic Love was so successful it would be a shame not to capitalize on it by following up with the bigger and the better!

Speaking of The Conspirators, how did that name come about?

Slash had initially wanted to call the band The Collaborators. I countered with The Conspirators and that was that. Both were taken from watching History channel shows about WWII.

And also, how is Frank settling in as the newbie to the group?

Frank is amazing. He is my little brother. We have a good time. He plays great and is definitely 100% a Conspirator.

Your solo album Go Time! has recently become available again, has touring with Slash gained you a whole new set of fans?

It has. I only made Go Time! Available again because of the demand for it. It means a lot to me that it has found a new life. It was initially released in 2004 so to see those songs finding life 8 years later is very cool.

You have a pretty hectic touring schedule with Slash planned for the rest of the year, can we expect to see you guys back in the UK/Europe at all?

Hell yes. We will be back your way in October I believe. We love it over there. So much of my favorite music is from over there.

We also had a few questions some of your fans wanted to ask…

Do you have any amusing anecdotes from the recording of Apocalyptic Love?

I think every day was amusing. We laugh a lot. We have a great time together. It was awesome to be in Hollywood recording a rock n roll record. We ate at a mexican stand almost every day. Good fun. I can’t think of any particular funny stories but the experience itself was such a good time.

What are you most passionate about offstage?

My passions have always been the same. Music, movies, some TV, comics and comic related stuff, sci fi, some horror. But mostly music. My house looks like a cross between a guitar store and a novelty/records/books/movie store.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that not many people know about?

I’m pretty good with the nunchakus (we know them as nunchucks) believe it or not. I love Bruce Lee films and taught myself to use them watching his movies.

If you could travel back in time and do one thing what would it be?

I’d probably go back and tell myself to stick with it! I don’t really have regrets but there are things I would have done differently had I known I’d still have such a passion for this.

What’s your favourite band/album at the moment you are listening to?

Currently I am obsessed with Ginger Wildheart’s 3 part solo album 555%

I have always been a fan but have never gotten to see him live. Maybe next time I’m in the UK!

As announced this morning, you can catch Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators back in the UK this October! You can also find copies of Todd’s solo album Go Time! over at www.toddkerns.com.

Posted on July 30, 2012 with 8 notes

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