London ON based rock band lives for music Hey lets face it, its the only thing their good at. With infectious melodies and hard hitting riffs, Kottintrip proves that in uncertain times rock can still prevail.
Kottintrip: A veteran Canadian hard rock band, formed in the spring of ’99.
Infectious melodies and hard-hitting riffs have made Kottintrip a rock staple in their native town of London Ontario. The band consists of expert musicians with vast musical knowledge and a wide background of musical influences. Famed producer Dan Brodbeck, [Dolores O’riordan of the Cranberries (Universal), The Salads (EMI), Landon Pigg (RCA)], was quoted as saying, “Kottintrip is a great band! Fun, energetic; a band that is definitely going places.” The London Free press also had this to say, “Kottintrip invokes a Pistol-esque energy onstage with its hard-hitting riffs and powerful presence”.
Kottintrip is a group that lives for the music they create. They put their lives into music with dedication and passion for their craft. With their savvy business sense Kottintrip has secured great legal representation, consisting of Matt Greenburg of the New York Entertainment firm Greenberg Traurig LLP. Right Now, they are weighing their options actively seeking management and record label representation as well considering the independent approach. To date, the band has had lots of success with TV and Radio including an appearance on a nation wide television special entitled, “Garage to Glory”, and Radio-play on some of Canada’s finest radio stations including Bookie’s Indie Show on Toronto’s 102.1 The Edge. Additionally, the band has played numerous legendary clubs including The El Macombo and the Horseshoe Tavern standing in the footsteps of giants Like the Rolling Stones, U2, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Elvis Costello.
Currently Kottintrip are in the studio (October of 2008) working on their latest album and third studio release, yet to be titled. The band is also working with the charity “Engineers Without Boarders’, on a Canadian benefit show likely to be held in London or Toronto early in the new year.
Kottintrip is the brainchild of singer John Besterd also known as Johnny Kottin. Which he conceived in early '99. Throughout the years John has worked on perfecting his craft working with wonderful, influential people. John spent time In Los Angeles, California working with famed vocal coach Lis Lewis of Britney Spears, Linkin Park, and Jack Black Fame. He has also worked with Sony/Playtone rep and Producer Mark Wolfson on artist development which helped shape him to live and survive in the studio, on the road, and face all the trials and tribulations that can occur in the world of music.
Throughout the years, John has assembled some of the best musicians and songwriters around to make Kottintrip the powerhouse they are today. Along side John, the band consists of Aaron Murray on guitars and vocals, Scotty Cruickshank on Drums and backing vocals and Dennis Varrilas on Bass.
Aaron Murray has already had a lifetime of musical experience in his 25 years. Graduating top of his class from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology; Aaron has a vast knowledge in the application of music engineering in the studio as well as live situations. Over the coarse of three years Aaron worked alongside famed Kottintrip producer Dan Brodbeck on many major label releases, which taught him the inner working of both the technical and business aspect of the music industry. Aaron has toured the country with his first successful band star 67 whom toured alongside The Boston Post which featured Scott Moffat of the Moffat’s prior to joining Kottintrip in early 2007.
At a young age Scott Cruickshank’s energetic rock drumming was recognized by multiple cover acts, and he began to sit in as a session drummer. At this point he realized that drumming could be more than theory or a hobby, but a profession worthwhile. Scott was noticed by and recommended to play with Canadian Idol finalist Aaron Walpole. Over the next two years he enjoyed a healthy learning experience while with Walpole, playing multiple headlining acts across southwestern Ontario. His talent and determination has landed his many great opportunities. One he is most proud of, was an audition with Canadian rock act Fairground (Pete Lesperance – Harem Scarem) and (Mike Turner – Our Lady Peace). Scott Joined Kottintrip in early 2008. His hard-hitting Bonham-esque drumming style is the heart-beat of the band. Scott was the missing link in the chain, which pulls Kottintrip forward.
In the next year Kottintrip plans to use their unique sound, drive and determination to bring them to the next plateau. With the release of their third studio album, the tour to follow, and their charity work with “Engineers Without Boarders”, Kottintrip aspires to make the adventure they’ve set forward on, not to be just a job but also a long passionate career.
