Tribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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Tribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Billy May's Kiss Nation As The Starchild's His Journey & Beyond EP : 006
Tribute Band Sessions
57 minutes
1 week ago
Billy May's Kiss Nation As The Starchild's His Journey & Beyond EP : 006
🎸 Alright Rock ’n’ Rollers — buckle up!
This episode of Tribute Band Sessions dives into the electrifying world of Kiss Nation with Billy May, the powerhouse frontman who doesn’t just play Paul Stanley — he becomes the Starchild.
Billy shares his journey from lifelong KISS superfan to stepping into those platform boots and living the dream on stage. From his early days as a confident performer (but shy offstage) to fronting one of the most respected KISS tributes in the world, he reveals what it takes to make a tribute truly credible.
Spoiler: it’s not about makeup or pyrotechnics — it’s about pure musicianship. As Billy says, “If you’re not a good musician, just go trick-or-treating!”
We explore how Kiss Nation honors KISS’s legacy — capturing the power, spirit, and theatricality of the originals while keeping every show authentic and musically tight. Billy also gives a sneak peek into his new project, One Live Kiss, a Paul Stanley solo tribute, and talks about performing at the legendary KISS Cruise Landlocked event.
He opens up about the physical grind of maintaining his voice, the realities of tribute-band economics, and how to connect with fans beyond imitation. It’s equal parts inspiration, education, and pure rock ’n’ roll energy.
This isn’t just an interview — it’s a masterclass in becoming your musical hero.
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Find Billy May Here :
🌐 kissnation.com
From Fan to Starchild: Billy May’s Origin Story (0:00)
Growing up steeped in KISS lore, collecting bootlegs, and finding early comfort on stage — setting the foundation for his future as the Starchild.
Becoming Paul Stanley (4:00)
Starting in original music but constantly compared to Paul Stanley. The “blessing and curse” of sounding like a rock legend — and the fateful call that led him to Kiss Nation.
Musicianship Over Makeup (6:53)
Billy’s philosophy: great musicianship comes first. Why nailing the sound always trumps fancy props — and how smaller, raw KISS shows inspired his approach.
Crafting the Illusion (9:34)
How Kiss Nation recreates the feeling of a real KISS show, not just a scaled-down copy. Prioritizing iconic elements like the logo, amps, and accurate song arrangements.
Band Life, Vocals & Setlists (14:32)
Managing vocal fatigue, performing with seasoned pros, and evolving the setlist. How discipline and rehearsal keep the magic alive.
One Live Kiss & Tribute Economics (25:29)
Billy’s solo Paul Stanley project and how tribute artists make it work financially. Staying authentic while navigating today’s social media landscape.
Connecting with Fans (32:40)
Creating magical “Mickey Mouse moments” for fans, from meet & greets to crowd sing-alongs. Why certain songs are untouchable KISS staples.
Advice for Musicians (46:29)
Develop rare skills: strong vocals, harmonies, melodic bass, and keys. Focus on finesse over volume — and learn how to elevate everyone on stage.
Looking Ahead (50:55)
What’s next for Kiss Nation and One Live Kiss — from casino residencies to tours in Japan and South America.
🎸 Tribute Band Sessions — where legendary music is reborn every week.
New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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Tribute Band Sessions
Tribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
