Kostars

Lore & Background

Kostars was conceived in 1995 by Vivian Trimble and Jill Cunniff during a headlining tour with their primary band, Luscious Jackson. Seeking an additional creative outlet, they wrote and recorded under the name Kostars. Their debut album, Klassics with a 'K', was recorded at the home studio of Luscious Jackson drummer Kate Schellenbach, who also played drums on the album. The record featured a guest guitar spot by Gabby Glaser of Luscious Jackson, as well as contributions from Gene and Dean Ween of Ween. The album was engineered and recorded by Tony Lash and others.

Reader's Guide

Kostars occupies a small but notable place in the 1990s alternative music landscape as a side project of two members of Luscious Jackson. Their sole album, Klassics with a 'K', and the single 'Hey Cowboy' were released on Grand Royal, the label founded by the Beastie Boys that also housed Luscious Jackson. The project is significant for its collaborative nature, drawing in musicians from Luscious Jackson, Ween, and the Breeders. Josephine Wiggs' role as engineer on the album marked a milestone in her career, and she later formed the duo Dusty Trails with Vivian Trimble. Though Kostars released only a limited body of work, it remains a footnote in the broader story of 1990s indie and alternative rock, illustrating the interconnectedness of artists in that era. The distribution rights for Kostars releases were later sold to GR2 Records. Vivian Trimble died on April 4, 2023, at age 59, due to cancer.

Did You Know?

• The album Klassics with a 'K' was recorded at Luscious Jackson drummer Kate Schellenbach's home studio.
• Tony Lash and others engineered the album.
• Kostars released only one full-length album and one single, both on the Grand Royal label.