SPOTLIGHT | BILLY KERNKAMP

By Ashley Eliot
KUCI Promotions Director &
Host of Press Pass Music

He is probably one of the nicest and funniest musicians you’ll ever meet. And trust me he isn’t shy, since he’s dropped his pants and shown me the tattoo on his tush twice during my radio show. If you were at the acoustic finals on Friday, then you noticed his natural stage presence and his charismatic personality as well. Billy Kernkamp and his band of major studs wooed the crowd at the acoustic showcase finals and earned the title of the 2010 OC Music Awards Live Best Acoustic. The country/Americana band will be performing at the big event on March 6.

I caught up with Billy and wanted to know everything from his matching tattoo and his awesome karaoke hosting to his great digs and his soon to be released full-length album.

1) How does it feel to win Best Live Acoustic? Anything in particular you’re looking forward to getting with that Fender gear voucher?

Honestly, I am embarrassed. There were so many talented acts that performed in the showcases. Such as my dear friend Barrett Johnson who I felt should have received this honor.

Yes, my bass player Justin Deckert is in dyer need of a new bass. We will also get a new guitar amp for Dallas Kruse at Zion Studios.

1) What is the best part about making music in Orange County?

There are really attractive people in O.C. It’s nice to play for people who have a full set of teeth and good hygiene.

3) If you could only describe your music in three words, what would you say?

Honest, simple and lived.

4) When will your first full-length album be released and what are two songs on it that people must listen to?

It will be released at the end of March. I feel “Hard Sell” and “No Such Thing” are two of the most intimate moments of the record.

5) You host karaoke, when and where does this happen? And what song are you known for singing when you do karaoke?

Ha, ha, ha! Every other Monday at Harvey’s in Huntington Beach on Springdale and Warner. I’ll do anything by The Smiths, Morrissey or Elvis.

6) You always dress pretty snazzy. Tell us about what you were wearing at the acoustic finals.

It was a vintage 70’s western suit that I purchased when I was 19 for my first big show. That was the first and last time I wore it, until last Friday. It felt appropriate to bring the suit back for the Yost show. I guess it brought me luck.

7) If you could share the stage with any musician/band, who would it be and why?

Wilco! I have loved their music forever. They always take chances in their art. Adam Lambert would be a close second. ; )

You and some good friends have matching tattoos, correct? Tell us about it.

Brian Crain, Justin Deckert and myself got drunk one night and decided it would be a good idea to get matching cowboy boots tattoos on our asses and the rest is history. We would love to show you anytime, Ash! [ From Ash: I have seen it twice during my radio show btw]

9) Do you have a personal motto or saying?

A) There is no big win, there is no brass ring and there is no carrot at the end of the stick.
B) All that matters is what we do today.
C) To live life as it should be, to show people what it could be.
D) Or all of the above.

10) What can we expect next for you and the band?

I can’t imagine doing anything different than what we have been. We write songs, perform them for our friends and hope they might find a piece of themselves in the music.

Web site: www.myspace.com/billykernkamp