By: Caitlin Carter
January 25th, 2024
2023 was the year of living the rockstar lifestyle for Tampa, Florida rock duo Kamenar. Wrapping up the year with 3 headlining tours, twin brothers Sean and John Kamenar made memories to last a lifetime as they toured across the US, supporting epic bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and L.A. Guns, even meeting music legend Steven Tyler along the way. With that being said, the Kamenar brothers have hit the new year running with a new single that dropped earlier this month and a festival appearance in the Florida Keys. Sean and John joined Hype the Sound to reflect on 2023 and what to expect to see from Kamenar in 2024.
You guys have been busy this past year! Three extended headlining tours in 49 different cities and sharing stages with notable acts like The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Puddle of Mudd, L.A. Guns, Dokken, and Saliva; reflecting on this past year, how does it feel for you guys?
John: “2023 was a great year for the band. From 3 headline tours to sharing stages with some of our favorite bands, it’s been amazing. We really wanted to focus this past year on staying out on the road, bringing our music and live show to new audiences.”
Any cities or tour moments that stick out to you as most memorable?
Sean: “Every city has a different story which is a pretty fun part about being out on the road. We went up to Boston, MA, and Lake Sunapee, NH last summer on our Crazy Life Tour. Some great shows and off-day hangs.”
John: “We had two shows back to back in Wyandotte, MI with Puddle of Mudd, Dokken, and Lynch Mob. That was an eventful weekend. Lots of laughs backstage as you can imagine haha.”
This past year you’ve had the opportunity to tour around the U.S. and meet so many great people, but one person that stands out above the rest is rockstar legend Steven Tyler! How did that happen?
John: “After being out for over a month on the Crazy Life Tour, we didn’t take much downtime, as we decided to go back out on the road to follow Aerosmith’s Peace Out Tour around. We happened to run into Steven, one night in Philly. Right place at the right time type of moment for sure!”
Sean: “It was one of those holy sh*t did that just happen moments haha. Aerosmith is the reason we started our band back in 2015, so to meet Steven and have a great conversation, was truly a special moment for us.”
During this year I’ve had the pleasure of getting to see you guys perform twice, and at both shows people never failed to ask the question are you two related, only for their minds to be blown when they are told that not only are you two brothers, but you are twins. What’s it like being in a band and touring the United States together?
John: “It has its moments haha. But at the end of the day, it’s a pretty cool thing to be able to tour the country and work alongside your brother. We’ve had some really good times. People always tell us that they’ve never seen a band composed of twin brothers, and we find that really cool. Our goal is to do something unique that hasn’t been seen before.”
John on drums and Sean on guitar and vocals, performing at various locations in Tampa, Florida
Photos by Caitlin Carter
You currently have an EP out and a brand new single called “Now That We Both Know” that was released on January 5th. Tell me a little about the track, what’s the story behind it?
Sean: “Our new single “Now That We Both Know” is a song about a past relationship that I was in. The relationship ended up
getting toxic and just wasn’t meant to last. It was one of those things where the frustration and emotion of dealing with heartbreak just kind of wrote itself into the song.
We’ve been sitting on this one for a while, so it felt really good to finally release it after all this time. I think a lot of people out there can really relate this song to their own experiences.”
Who are some of your music influences that can be heard through your music?
Sean: “It’s No Surprize that Aerosmith is our biggest influence, but we’ve always been into the 80s hair bands like Ratt, Faster Pussycat, and Motley Crue. All the way to newer bands like Nothing More, Seether, and Chevelle. We’d like to say that you can hear an 80’s hard rock influence, mixed with a new, fresh modern rock sound.”
How is 2024 looking for Kamenar?
Sean: “2024 is looking pretty busy already. With our brand new single that just came out, to more singles and a full-length album to follow, we are really going to focus this year on releasing new music. We will embark on a handful of tours to promote the new songs throughout the year as well.”
You guys are listed to perform the Pre-Parties at RokIsland Fest 2024 from 1/17-1/20 in Key West, FL, with bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Night Ranger, Bret Michaels, Buckcherry, and Tom Keifer on the lineup. What are you guys looking forward to the most?
Sean: “There’s nothing like RokIsland Fest. Just really good vibes down in Key West. This is going to be our second year performing and we are very grateful and stoked to be back.”
John: “We’re fans ourselves of the bands playing, so it’s an honor to be a part of such a great event.”
Any bands you want to see?
Sean: “You can catch me sidestage when Enuff Z Nuff is on haha. One of my favorites.”
John: “The whole lineup is killer, but I’m definitely looking forward to catching Dee Snider and seeing our guys in Trixter. We’ve played shows with a few of the bands on the lineup, so it’s going to be great to catch up with everyone.”
Any final thoughts, or messages to your fans?
John: “A heartfelt thank you to all of those who have continued to support the band over the years. We have a lot of exciting things coming up this year and look forward to seeing you all out on the road soon.
Thank you guys!
John: “Thank you for your time Caitlin, it was great talking with you!”
Be sure to check out Kamenar’s latest single, “Now That We Both Know”, available now on all streaming platforms! You can click here to follow Kamenar on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for the latest on new music and future shows! Links to Kamenar’s website, merch, and show dates are below.
Link to Kamenar's website: https://www.kamenarofficial.com/
Link to Kamenar's merch: https://www.kamenarofficial.com/store
Link for Kamenar's tour dates: https://www.kamenarofficial.com/shows
Yorumlar