Track-by-Track: KillerStar Detail Their Debut Self-Titled LP

Many artists and bands try to rekindle the magic of 1970s rock n’ roll, but KillerStar has taken things to a new level. The recently formed band is led by Rob Fleming and James Sedge. Their goal is to strive for the elite musicianship of the ’70s within an art-rock frame. But rather than try to do this all themselves, they’ve enlisted an elite stable of collaborators. In looking to the music of David Bowie for inspiration, Fleming and Sedge have sought out many of The Thin White Duke’s key collaborators. Some of those featured on KillerStar’s self-titled debut album include Earl Slick (guitar), Gail Ann Dorsey (bass), Mike Garson (piano), Emm Gryner (backing vocals), Mark Plati (bass), Tim Lefebvre (bass), and Donny McCaslin (saxophone).

As a group, KillerStar has accomplished both sounding new and fresh while channelling the creative mindset and independent spirit of Bowie himself. The songs featured on the album were all written and arranged by Fleming and Sedge. They were then passed over to their top-tier collaborators for their contributions. It was a highly ambitious idea for an album that has turned out about as well as it could have. Taking on a project like this takes guts. It could go horribly wrong if mismanaged. But Fleming and Sedge understood from the get-go what would be required to steer this ship properly, and they’ve done just that with this debut album.

Joining us today for a special track-by-track rundown of their album is Fleming and Sedge. They break down each song and describe how they were all written and recorded.

1. “Should’ve Known Better”

“This is a cinematic rock song driven by powerful drums and bass playing by James and Gail Ann Dorsey. But it has some unexpected twists and turns in the bridge that leads to a big chorus based around a catchy riff and some big vocals and harmonies. The outro has a steadily building epic vibe focused around lead guitar soloing by myself and piano melodies by Mike Garson. We are so happy with the sonic feel and production of this track. Big kudos to Dave Eringa, who mixed this and the whole album.”

2. “Everybody Loves A Hero”

“A song of two halves really. The verses and bridge sections have a swamp, ethereal quality. The choruses have a glam rock vibe based around a guitar riff and vocal hooks. This song features flavours of analog synths alongside the crunchy guitar. The end section features Earl Slick on the lead guitar and some layered choir-like vocal harmonies.”

3. “Got Me All Wrong”

“A rocking number with a ’70s rock pop sensibility. This features an earworm guitar riff/hook throughout and a sing-along chorus. The extended outro features some breathtaking virtuoso piano playing from Mike Garson, who at the end invokes his famous playing on David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane album.”

4. “Go (Hold On Tight)”

“This was actually the last song we wrote for the album. The verses are slinky and guitar riff-driven, mixed with an ambient synth riff. The choruses are massive. It’s a widescreen singalong based around crunchy guitars and big vocals, and harmonies. The incredible Tim Lefebvre played bass on this track (and two others). We were blessed to have two of the best bass players in the world on this album: Gail Ann Dorsey and Tim.”

5. “You’re A Chameleon”

“This was the first song we wrote as KillerStar. It’s a modern hard rock song which again is driven by Gail Ann Dorsey and James’ rhythm section. It’s peppered with some choice guitar licks from Earl Slick and analog synth and bass pedals. The chorus has joyous vocals from Rob and Emm Gryner on background vocals. This song spawned the album, which was not planned until after we finished this recording and thought, ‘why not write some more songs for an album?’”

6. “Feel It”

“This one is a straight-ahead rocker. It’s about feeling the music and why it does or does not move people. Gail and James are the rhythm section driving ahead with crunchy guitar riffs by Rob and Earl Slick intertwined. We will release this song (along with ‘Go (Hold on Tight)’) as a 7-inch single.”

7. “Too Late”

“This song is the closest to a ballad on the album but with a soaring chorus underpinned with analog synths and guitar riffs. And then as we get to the outro there is a duel solo from Rob on lead guitar and Mike Garson on piano.”

8. “Falling Through”

“I suppose in many ways this is the album epic. It’s seven minutes in length, and it’s a song of two halves. The first is an evocative melodic verse plus big choruses. The second half goes over into a huge semi-ambient rock instrumental section underpinned by soaring sax by Donny McCaslin. Donny played sax on David Bowie’s Blackstar album, and he brings some of that emotion and distinctive playing to this song.”

KillerStar ‘KillerStar’ album artwork