Interview – Anton Kellner & The Lone Stars

Alternative/americana artist, Anton Kellner recently announced the release of his sophomore record. This California-based artist now performs with his band under, Anton Kellner & The Lone Stars. Kellner’s debut album, You Were The Fire, was released in the summer of 2014. The new record, Understand, is set to be released in late February. In the meantime, fans can listen to the title track and possibly expect another release later in the year. Learn more about Anton Kellner from the responses below and be sure to keep an eye out for our review of Understand. Don’t forget to check out “Understand” below.

How would you describe your music to others?

Ah good question. If I am asked this at shows, or something, I’ll usually keep it simple and say alternative/americana. But more specifically (especially with this new record) we fuse folk, rock and roll, blues, jazz, alt country, and rock.

How did the band meet?

My drummer (Josh Lucas) and I used to tour the country full time in a hardcore band called Holding Onto Hope. Once I relocated back out to California, we were introduced to Nolan (who produced both records). I straight up asked him if he would like to play bass for me, and he stepped up to the plate!

What is the story/meaning behind the name, Anton Kellner & The Lone Stars?

To be completely honest, I think I am going to lose the “& The Lone Stars” part very soon. You have no idea how many times over the years, people have asked me if we are from Texas, the lone stars state. None of us are from Texas so maybe I chose the wrong name. At the time I thought it matched the sound of the music that I was making. Kind of had a western theme to it. At shows, I usually just introduce us as One Direction just to avoid the “are you guys from texas” question.

Who and what influences your music? Why?

That’s a tough one. I am influenced by many things. Real life situations, interactions with people, scenery/landscapes, dreams. I find the best things to write should be based on a feeling, a situation, an emotion. Those things are all truly real and frankly it’s all that we have.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am a musician, but I’m also a huge fanboy. I spend a lot of time checking new artists out or keeping up to date on my favorite musicians. I love watching UFC. My best friend and I have a coast to coast craft beer trade collateral. I also have an obsession with Indian food.

How would you describe your writing process?

Usually I have melodies stuck in my head all day. I literally whip out my iPhone and record god-awful voice memos to use as reference. Then I will go home and record them. I then send them out to the rest of my mates and ask their opinions on it. We then head out to a cabin to practice them. That’s the typical writing process.

How often and how long do you practice together?

Honestly, a lot less than we should. Usually before shows we practice two-three times. We have practice gaps. Bad bad bad.

From start to finish, how long did it take to create, Understand?

A whole year and a half! Longest record to create ever.

Can you talk about the inspiration behind the track, “Understand”?

I’m not a therapist, but the whole album was written from the perspective of someone who offers help. Nothing on the album is personal, although a ton of it is inspired by real people that I know and situations that I have witnessed. The track “Understand” is literally about the grass being greener on the other side. Two people wanting more than what they have, and how its slowly tearing them to pieces.

Do you play covers at practices or shows? If so, which ones are your favorites?

Not really. Although we love jamming on “Wipe Out” by the Surfaris, and “Slide” by The Goo Goo Dolls. A long time ago we recorded a cover of “One Headlight” by The wallflowers but we never released it.

What do you typically do post-gig?

I usually just go about my day like I normally would not playing a gig. Once we arrive I freak out a little bit. Get pre-show anxiety attacks. Have a beer or two, then go on stage and have fun!

What image do you think your music conveys?

That’s a tough one! Can I think about this one for like thirty minutes?

What has been one of your biggest challenges?

Record labels. Either they love me, but aren’t picking anyone up, or they simply hate me. DIY is the way to do it!

What has been your funniest or craziest fan/show experience?

One time on tour, we played at a venue in Georgia. We had a game that we would play on tour called “buffalo”, Pretty much if someone is holding a drink in their left hand and you call “Buffalo” they have to chug whatever it is. However if it is in their right hand, and you call buffalo, you have to consume whatever it is. That day, I was on a roll calling “buffalo”….until I called it on a person that was holding mustard in their right hand. I bet you can guess what happened next? Yep, and then the whole venue watched me drink it.

What is something odd you want fans to know about you?

I’m terrified of spiders and I hate sweet potatoes.

What can we expect from Anton Kellner & The Lone Stars in the coming months?

A bunch of shows, and some incredibly exciting secret news!