The formation of JUNKSTAR is not a typical story...
Physicists have speculated that The Big Bang happened 14 billion years ago when an extremely hot and dense universe rapidly expanded and cooled off, allowing for greater expansion - and - well, life as we know it. On a much smaller scale, but, perhaps, equally important on an artistic level, was the bang created when five international musicians came together in London to form Junkstar. A concise and adventurous blend of angular rock'n'roll, built around a modern and anthemic synth-pop exterior.
The band has been wowing audiences around the globe, and critics have quickly rallied behind the band.
Alexander Havering of Q Magazine (on the bands #2 charting single Kicking K): 'Kicking K kicks with the velocity of a bazooka rocket and burns up the turntable. It's a glorious racket; muscular pop power and a beat hit as regular as a starters gun. Play often enough and you will be brainwashed by the perfect chorus hooks on display!'
Lynda Burke of NME recently wrote: 'Junkstar... a band so dynamic and energetic it's very hard to forget the spectacular presence they have on stage. With thundering beats and sweet melodic riffs, they are a class act destined for great things.'
Chris Hawkins, of BBC6 music concurs: 'Think full-on, catchy pop songs! There's something a bit special about this north London five-piece.'
Formed in 2010, and re-modeled with the addition of two new members, Junkstar are shooting their way through the very competitive UK music galaxy, with rave reviews, exposure on both national radio and television, a growing legion of fans, a number 2 Amazon charting single release on Genepool / Universal, and a series of memorable shows in England, and other European Countries.
"We've all had to make sacrifices for the band," says ROLAND endorsed co-founder Anna Reinoso, who plays synth & keyboards, and is one of its primary writers and vocalists. "We've put our time, money and energy into Junkstar because we've always believed in the band and it has never stopped being important to all of us."
Adds co-founder, singer/songwriter and ROTOSOUND/ORANGE AMPS endorsed guitarist JC Connington, "The idea is simple - to emulate the coolness and edginess of bands like the Wombats, Faith No More, Ga-Ga and the Fall and fuse it with a British pop sound, referencing classic artists like the Beatles. But, like all well-planned exercises, it's gone off in other directions, as well. What has resulted is simply us - Junkstar."
Completing the line-up are guitarist Emy Santoro, ROTOSOUND endorsed bassist Katy Zee and drummer Simon Hartop, who is recently endorsed by PAISTE. With Connington and Hartop hailing from England; Reinoso, a Londoner; Santoro from Sicily and bassist Katy Zee, who is a star in her native Hungary; Junkstar bring a broad international vibe to their music, fashion and attitude.
2011 saw the band record the song "Inside My Face," for BBC Comedy Show IDEAL and marked the release of the number two charting single "Kicking K" - issued in the UK on Genepool / Universal Records. (Home to the Noisettes, Gary Numan, Hard-Fi and others). The band is putting the finishing touches on its first full length album, due for release in 2012.
A number of shows in the UK, Hungary, Germany and the US are already booked for 2012. (See GIGS page)
The formation of Junkstar is not a typical story.
JC, an edgy and friendly Northerner, and Anna, a strong but sensitive Southerner, formed the band JUNKSTAR over a bottle of wine, in Islington, London.
"It was originally intended to be Junkstore Superstar" - says Connington, referencing the name. "The idea being that you could have star quality, even in a junk shop - but we wanted a simpler alternative – and 'Junkstar' was it."
Soon, the duo were writing and recording demos at a furious pace, while the other members in the early days came and went. Later in 2010 they hooked up with Santoro, who brought a distinct innovative guitar style, as well as strong writing initiative.
"Everybody in my family plays an instrument so it kind of came natural to me to embrace one," says Santoro. "My dad taught me the basics just to be sure that I was being serious about it. When he realized that I just didn't want to strum some Oasis songs but actually I wanted to learn to play properly then he sent me to a jazz teacher. I took lessons for a while then I went on my own."
In 2010, the band released Magazine, its first EP, as a CD and limited edition Vinyl 7" release. The next release soon followed - a remix package of crowd favourite Bluebottles, which caused a stir in the club scene, being at the forefront of the 'electro-fidget' genre, and being championed by Pete Tong / Kissy Sell Out on their radio shows. The band toured the USA and Europe on the back of these 2 releases, and often met to rave reviews, supporting acts like Supergrass, the Ting Tings, The Drums, Fight Like Apes, We Are Scientists, White Rose Movement, and Athlete in the process.
The single and video, "Bluebottles" received considerable attention, and remains a staple in the band's live show. At the same time, Junkstar began building a solid fan base in London, and eventually in other European countries.
Hartop and Zee were the last to join, in late 2010, when the band's original drummer left and Reinoso decided to focus on keyboards rather bass. Zee was already a rock star in her native, Hungary, being among the few female musicians in a music landscape dominated by men. She joined the established band, SID, and Omega, with whom she played nearly 500 shows between 2005 and 2010.
Upon moving to London in 2010, she connected with Junkstar, who was in need of bass player. "I joined because of the music," she says. "If I wasn't a member of Junkstar, I would be a crazy fan in the front row at every gig."
Hartop, who had played in previous bands with Connington, has a long history of formal training, successful bands and studio work. "I've played, toured and recorded with a heap of people and now find myself in Junkstar! The band is important because we've all ended up there, and the songs speak for themselves."
Aside from critical raves, the band's songs have allowed them to connect with its fans, many of whom can be seen singing all the lyrics during band performances. Blending the power of classic rock with the pulsating rhythms of techno-pop, Junkstar has created a sound that is clearly in a league of its own.
The band is moving forward quickly, in many ways because there is less conflict. Says Reinoso: "It has been a love / hate relationship at times. The newer members (Simon and Katy) have brought a sense of balance. We're not as dysfunctional as we used to be."
"We're constantly writing, arranging and creating," says Connington. "It's always about the process of building the perfect song and then showing it off in a passionate performance."
Adds Reinoso: "The connection you have with each other as a band is what counts. We want to develop that and see it grow."
