Suzy Sins Studio

Todd Kerns Exclusive
The Longest Interview in the World

By: Jani Christine

I stumbled on to Todd quite by accident. I heard irresistible music as I walked through the casino in Green Valley Ranch with no particular destination in mind. I found myself outside the Ovation in front of a Poster  that read- The Sin City Sinners. I hurried inside for a closer look. I stayed for the whole performance. I was impressed and I am rarely impressed. It was after this initial discovery that I approached Todd for the first time at his next show.

Nothing would have thrown me off more than how impressed I was by the show until I had the pleasure of meeting the man myself. In person Todd is not only just as good looking as his photos boast (and also quite tall) but surprisingly unassuming for such an accomplished musician. He radiates a warmth I’ve not often made contact with.This in itself makes him very approachable. I extended my hand to shake and was caught off guard when he reached for a hug instead. I asked for an interview and he said yes. That was the easy part. As I walked away in triumph I had no clue I had just embarked on a 7 month long ordeal filled with personal and professional mile stones. Making my exclusive with Todd Kerns- The longest interview in the world.

I could cut it to pieces, dissect it, destroying the raw nature of it. However, Once I took a good listen- which was about as much fun as doing the interview itself- I found it Todd damn entertaining. That’s right – I said it! So here it is. Full frontal literary nudity. I give you Todd Kerns exclusive- The longest interview in the world.

Q; “This is the Sin City Sinners’ Last night at the railhead inside Boulder Station- What are your feelings about that?”

A: “Eh..”

I interject- “So your cool with it?”

A: “Well the weird thing about doing final gigs at different venues is it doesn’t really change. It just, you know- different stage same thing for us. It’s funny cause I was thinkin’ about it today. Whenever you get to the end of something it’s like- from the Divebar, to Wasted Space, to the Hard Rock, the gigs have changed but you know there’s always gonna be somewhere to play.”

Q: “So there’s no sentimental attachment then?”

A: “The cool thing about it is that even if it’s like- well that didn’t go as well as it should have- we picked up so many people at this venue, who now follow us to all the other venues.Places that we kinda looked at as whatever kinda gigs people have found us there and are now part of the kind of family we got out here- it’s the weirdest thing. I thought about that today… It’s a pretty sweet set up. The crew and the staff you get to know…Then you move on.”

Q: “ I was under the impression the crew was coming with you… Is that not true”?

A: “Well no not the local crew- our crew yes. They are coming with us…”  He laughs “ No we are gonna leave those guys here too..” He calls out, “ Hey Rick your stayin’ here!?”

I laugh.. “okay”

Q: “How long have you been in Vegas?”

He Signals with his fingers…

“Three years?”

A: “ Three years yeh.  I came off and on for a while. You know- it’s funny cause of all the places to come and find responsibility it was Las Vegas. Prior to this I was a complete disaster. And then you know, guys that I’d meet down here were like homeowners and responsible and adult and I thought- wow who are you people? The musicians that I knew were all like no credit cards and no cars, living off of girlfriends. Living with multiple people in one little apartment. It was really kind of hippy commune living. Then you come here and well I guess it’s kind of like a working musicians world. You can’t help but get your shit together. This is the first time in my life I’ve slept in the same bed for… any length of time. It was always kind of- never putting any roots down. I had a place where my stuff was- but I was never there.”

Q: “When did you know that you wanted to be a musician?”

A: “Pretty early.. I think most of us kind of- you know…”

Mike Ellis : “ It was Halloween 1977 when we saw KISS on a public television special just like the rest of us!”

Todd Laughs

A: “ EXACTLY YEH! That’s exactly true. As a kid it was always music. I never liked sports, I never like anything else except music. My parents were always like.. Whoa. I mean, when you live in a small town there’s nothing else to do. You play hockey.. I played music. Or..  There was you know- breaking and entering..”

Q: “What did you do before you were a musician? Any summer day jobs?”

I am even more impressed to learn that-

A: ”You know I started playing in a band when I was like 13 or 14 and since then it’s been really all I ever did.There were the summers here and there where I painted a few houses but really it’s always just been music. It’s kind of admirable at the same time kinda sad…”

Ellis:” “ Tell her about painting that house and hearing..”

Todd chuckles…

Ellis: “ yeh come on man- that’s good shit.”

Todd: “ Yeh I was telling him the other day how sobering it is cause up in Canada we had finally got signed and a record out and play on the radio.. And we are painting houses and cars are going by with my songs playing on the fucking radio and it was like- what’s wrong with this picture!?”

We all laugh..

..” Didn’t last very long because then we went on the road and all.. It’s a good thing though because it keeps you in check like- Your not so fuckin great!”

More laughs…

Q:  “Haha.. Alright. Who is currently your favorite band?

A:  “Umm.. Like new bands? That’s a tough one because even at the height of this- like in the 90’s- it was always hard to look at newer bands and be like- wow these are good bands because you were always so attached to what you were doing and where that all came from- the music of your youth. So I guess now it’s Queens Of The Stone Age and bands like that are bands I really like. “

I add-  “It doesn’t have to necessarily be a new band it can be an old one- just one that is your favorite- right now.”

A: ”You know I could try and be all clever… but it’s always gonna be KISS! I liked R.E.M. before the Document record. For me it’s always been the four food groups, The Beatles, The Stones, You need those and then after that it’s  The Ramones and KISS and then just equal sprinkles of punk rock and classic rock and just.. ROCK.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “Couch!” More laughter..” We text each other like- I’m on the couch…  A free moment is really a rare thing. I think really it’s movies. When you do this for a living- make music- it’s like my friends in the movie industry. They can’t enjoy movies anymore because they understand the making of that movie and they find themselves picking it apart. Especially when I was working in the studio a lot I’d be driving in the car with the radio on like oh I can tell he punched that vocal in there… It really sucks the fun out of listening to music. It’s like being in porn and never being able to enjoy sex again!”

Q: “What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?”

A: “ It’s funny because when you think about it when your young it’s all about chicks and we’re gonna party and eventually you realize that doesn’t really last. Well it didn’t for me- it was never really about that. You kind of realize it’s just because you really enjoy music. That’s what it is for me. Not really about needing someone to pat me on the back. I just really enjoy music and if that’s my job then I suppose really the best part is just being able to do that. Even on our worst nights it’s hard to complain cause we’ve all had painting houses or some stupid job and it’s like oh god! To sit in a little cubicle like that…”

Ellis: “ The worst day out there” (he points toward the stage) is better than the greatest day within the public..”

Todd: “And the worst thing.. Well I guess it’s hard to really think of that. It can be taxing..Privacy maybe. It’s hard to complain about that though because I can’t imagine what it’s like on a Brittany Spears level of privacy. But there are aspects of privacy that are- lost. It’s a minor trade.I’m a pretty semi-sociable guy though so it’s kind of fun anyway. There are those people who cross the line- girls do it all the time. But that happens in life anyway..

Ellis: “Really performing isn’t our job we do that for free. It’s the setting up and tearing down that we get paid for.”

Todd: “ That is so true. Because if we all had day jobs and were normal guys we’d still be doing this. We’d be here tonight if they wanted us to be. ”

Q: “Do you continue your work with the White Ribbon Foundation?”

A: “I’ve just recently been approached about it again- yes. It’s kind of more of a Canadian thing so I haven’t really been connected with it. My manager at the time was really involved in it. He since passed away… So I had kind of lost touch with that. They were really good to me. I mean Toronto is basically like your guys’ New York  and Vancouver is like as far as L.A. So being flown 3,000 miles out to play was kind of a really big deal to me…

Q: “The new album  is called Exile on Fremont Street- Why?

A: “ When I came here it was kind of like leaving my home in flames behind me. The Ex- wife and the whole thing and it felt like I was really in Exile down here in Las Vegas for a while and that kinda became a kinda catch phrase thing that I threw around as a gag. Then when the album idea came up we just kinda laughed at the title. It’s kind of like a play on the  Abby Road album cover art. It’s really tongue and cheek to us- we’re kind of giggling to ourselves.”

Q: “What’s your favorite song off the new album?”

A:  “Those always kinda change. I mean it’s always a good thing when your working on a song and your like this is fucking awesome! Some of the songs have been around for a while so you kinda start to take those for granted because they become so much a part of your DNA. Mike has got a song on the record called “I’ve Got a Girl” which is really badass…”  (YES IT IS!)  “… So newer stuff like that has been a lot of fun for us. It’s really hard to pick my favorite song.  They all kinda have elements that work. We played last night and people were singing the words and it was pretty staggering actually. To hear that those people have invested their time- without having a recording yet. They really invested their time on the internet ..”

Q: Do you ever get nervous and how do you deal with that?

A: “No”

Haha- Good answer Todd! Thanks for the interview- you rock! … Literally.

Be sure to check out Exile on Fremont Street- IN STORES NOW!
And if you happen to be in town or you live here get your behind over to a show!
See www.myspce.com/scsinners for upcoming show dates.

And don’t forget to check out www.suzysinsstudio.com!

December Clearance Sale
The following items are now on clearance! EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Luv Bug Spider Pendant.  3″x 3″ Argentium Sterling , 12mm wide pink cz and 6mm wide white cz. Black ribbon necklace included.

$65.00

Size 7.5 Argentium Swirl Ring with 5mm round natural Swiss blue topaz.

$15.00

Mz. Sinnner’s Pendant only. Argentium sterling with red Swarovski crystal accent.

$25.00

Hair adornment. Natural red Jasper, Argentium Sterling and Swarovski Crystal. 4″ long X 1.5″ wide

$25.00

Water Serpent pendant only. Argentium sterling and crystalline titanium.

$15.00

Size 7.5 genuine opal and argentium sterling

$15.00

I Heart Rock! 3 piece set MUST GO! ring is size 7.5
16″ Chain included

$180.00 (very heavy silver)

Ladies guitar pendant and 16″ chain. natural blue topaz and argentium sterling.

$80.00

If you are interested in making a purchase please contact the studio. Thank you!

XOXO

Mz. Sinner

I speak for all the free world when I state that rock and roll is more than just music. A rolling storm of melodic revelry, it is the embodiment of a free nation. In 1951 the seedling of rock was planted. Resolute to push it’s way into our very souls, it has  since managed to break the boundaries of race, religion and social stratification.

Rock and roll knows no color or religion, rather it touches the lives of any person willing to accept it. It is the dizzy love child of  labels like Chess records Chicago electric blues , Castles country and western and Sinatra’s own Reprise pop. The melding of musical styles such as Bessie Smith,  Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams, by artists such as Chuck Barry, Chubby checker, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis bid goodbye to Tin Pan Alley forever.

Thanks  to pushers Like Alan Freed and Dick Clark it wasn’t too long before this “Fad” was to engulf the globe, spreading like a California Wild fire. Burning up the boundaries between “white” and “black” music. Allowing us to come together to sing, dance and give praise to the gods of rock!

In short, rock and roll is what brings us together. It is what makes us forget our differences. All walks of life can unite in glorious sanctum and be welcomed with open arms by their fellow rockers. Many people thought rock would pass away. That  it was just a fad bound for the next train to splits-vill. That it would burn up in the atmosphere and be forgotten. Well I am here to tell you that we rockers are here to stay.

Our Country and our world have been through many changes over the centuries. Wars have been won and lost, diplomacy has been extended. Nothing speaks louder of the best kind of culture- a mixed one- than that of rock and roll. White, black, latin, asian, straight, gay, bi, man, woman, child – you are all the same in the eyes of rock.

I live it, breathe it, scream it loud-
Keep it rockin’ my brothers and sisters!

XOXO
Mz. Sinner

This Fantasy Flying “V” guitar started as a drawing for a client. He wanted something that was personal and something that no other person would ever have. He was intrigued by my rock and roll jewelry. Specifically my guitars- and wanted one of his very own to match his favorite band- KISS. We made the consultation appointment and discussed the details in length. The original drawing also included a guitar pick  with the bands name and the letters K. I. S. S. Together both were in Argentium sterling silver. He made his choice along with a few minor change requests, gave his deposit and I started work.

STEP 1)  The first step of this process was the base of the guitar. I carefully drew the shape of my design by hand with a black permanent marker. Then, using a size 0/1 jewelers saw I cut the shape out of 24GA Argentium sterling sheet. I then lined the sides with bezel creating a reservoir for the enamel I would later apply. Next came the strip down the middle and the settings for the stones which would represent the knobs.

STEP 2) The second step was the neck. Each fret was fused onto the neck one by one and the excess taken off on the sides. This is a tedious but simple step. The neck was then attached to the base/body with an easy solder.

Step 3) lastly the head was also sawn out of sheet metal and surrounded by bezal creating a cup for enamel. the middle squigly was soldered in and the entire piece attached carfull to the neck. I actuaaly took the head of and did this several times before I got it right.

STEP 4) The last step, and the funnest part, was setting the crystals and filling the piece with enamel the enamel proved to be much more difficult then I had presumed it would be. this must be done in layers. The ssets quicly, which can be a problem considering the fact that all the air pockets must be removed after appplication.

All in all this project was a blast and I was delighted to see the look on my clients face when he got to hold his dreamturned reality in his own two fingers. That is my favorite part of the job!

Recently I was at a show exhibiting my usual shameless self promotion when a gentlemen and I began to talk.  I introduced myself as Mz. Sinner as I often do as I network about. This particular show i happened to be attending was that of one of my local favorites- The Sin City Sinners. The man began to laugh at what a dedicated groupie I was. “HOLD IT!” I said… and with my rock fingers upon my heart- as
Nixon-ish as I could manage- I belted out my motto- ” I am not a groupie!”

Let’s get that straight. I am in love with rock and roll. I know more actual history than most groupies care to pretend to learn to get down band member X’s pantaloons. Although I admit that night I was in a bit more of a party mood. How could I not be with Sylvain Sylvain HIMSELF not 10 feet from where I stood- What a Doll … pun intended! To be quite honest though, I attend these events for the love of my rock and roll and the purpose of networking. I do not date people simply because they are in a band or to say that I did. Not that i’m better than a “groupie” – it’s just not my style. Mz. Sinner existed before I knew this band did. So did Suzy Sins Studio. It is for this reason that as I stumbled upon the Ovation at Green Valley Ranch about 3 months ago- that I fell in love with them on sight. They kick ass by the way and if you love rock like I do- you’ll love the Sin City Sinners. Check them out on my friends page for show times and info on their upcoming CD.

My  second issue that night came  when I was giving the man an example of my work to show him just why I had fallen in love with the band the way I did and just what Mz. Sinner and the studio were all about. These items were a  couple guitar pendants custom made for clients who would be there that night to make payment on them and wanted to see their babies. The man asked me where I got my blanks, and how many at a time I had made. Another thing to get straight my dear… YES- I make these. I actually, with my own two hands, a torch and fresh milled silver- construct everything you see in my portfolio from scratch. Verily I say unto thee- I am a full metal alchemist! I make drawings for my clients and construct them out of nothing. I have the sawed finger tips and torched flesh scars to prove it. You can not imagine the intensity at which I produce. What blood, sweat and tears go into every piece. Every piece sold carries with it a piece of My very soul.

So there you have it. Just for the record. Say it with me now….

YES! Mz. Sinner Made that. NO! She is not a groupie!

Keep it hardcore!

Here are some questions I am frequently asked…

Q: Do you have a physical shop?

A: I do not. I prefer working out of a private studio. It keeps my over head down and I am able to offer prices on QUALITY materials that NO jeweler could possibly compete with. I find that meeting my clients in a cafe or some other appropriate place works well. Haven’t had any complaints yet!

Q: Do you work in White gold?

A: YES. I recently began offering white gold as an option.

Q:What is Argentium Sterling?

A: Argentium sterling silver  is one of the latest developments in metallurgy. 3% Of the copper alloy that is found in the traditional sterling silver we all know of has been removed and replaced with a germanium alloy instead. Because copper is the part of sterling that oxidizes or “tarnishes” and turns black, Argentium is brighter, whiter and NEARLY tarnish free. It takes a very long time to tarnish and cleans up with greater ease when it does. It is for this reason that I use Argentium sterling exclusively unless otherwise requested. (though why would anyone?)

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: I currently accept cash, cashiers check, money order and PayPal. I DO NOT accept personal checks- for this there is no exception. If you choose to pay with a credit card you may do so by using paypal. I do not accept cards directly. The reason for this is because when you use PayPal you give THEM your information. The only thing I ever see is your shipping address and e-mail. This protects you from fraud and my company from being blamed for any unauthorized transactions that may ever appear on your account. If I never have the information- I can not be blamed! Also I love PayPal because they offer up to $5000.00 in insurance. That means if your $2000.00 ring is lost in the mail- Paypal will make sure you get your money back.

Q: What is your return policy?

A: All Body jewelry and earrings are NON Returnable for obvious sanitary reasons.

There is a 7 day from date of receipt of item money back guarantee for all pre-made items.

Custom Order Return Policy

There is a minimum 33% Non- Refundable materials deposit on all custom order requests. Due to the time and effort it takes to meet with the client, create drawings, give quotes, order in materials and complete the order we must insist on this policy in order to ensure the artist receives compensation for her hard work. In the event that you decide you do not want your custom item, the 33% deposit will not be refunded. In the event that the item itself is found to have structural defects within 14 days of receipt of the item and it is found that Suzy Sins Studio is at fault, the client may have the item repaired or replaced at no cost . If for any reason Suzy Sins Studio can not repair or replace the item the client will receive a FULL refund. Thank you for understanding.

Q: Do you do Layaway?

A: I do! Here are the terms: Minimum 33% deposit is required. On a custom item this deposit is non-refundable. On a pre-made item it is fully refundable but the item must be paid off within 8 weeks of putting the item on hold. For custom orders you have 12 weeks from the date of your initial custom request and deposit. In both cases payments must be at least 10% of the total cost of the item.

Example: You see a $200 item on my site you really like. You put in your 33% deposit ($66) You then make weekly (or how ever often) payments of at least $20 (10% of $200.00). It is pre-made so you have 8 weeks to pay it off. If it was a custom order you’d have 12.

Q: If I put my deposit in and make payments, when do I get my item?

A: When it’s paid off my dear.

And last but not least….

Thank you.

XOXO
Mz. Sinner