Interview: Kisschasy – drummer Karl Ammitzboll, September 2006
I was fortunate enough to secure an interview with Aussie indie rock group, Kisschasy. Due to their current touring schedule, it worked out easier to do this via email through their manager, Michael Panetta (thank you for putting up with my constant emails!).
Kisschasy are a 4-piece band from Melbourne, Australia. Their debut album, “United Paper People” was released in July 2005, and has recently gone gold. It was recorded and produced in Sydney by Phillip McKellar, who has also worked with Aussie superstars, Silverchair and Grinspoon, and mixed in Seattle by Barrett Jones, who has also worked with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Their first single “Do-Do’s & Whoa-oh’s” enjoyed heavy play on music channels and radio, both commercial and alternative. The band also received a Best Breakthrough Artist – Single nomination at the ARIA awards for the single.
Even though the average age of the members is only 20, they have been touring nationally for the past few years. They have released two successful albums (one EP) on indie label, Below Par Records, and have played alongside such bands as Gyroscope, Pennywise, Simple Plan, The Ataris and on their upcoming tour, Panic! At the Disco and Something With Numbers (also on their label). Check them out at www.kisschasy.com.
The DVD
Katey: First of all, congratulations on “United Paper People” going Gold in Australia. What was your first reaction when you found out?
Karl: We thought it was never going to happen! It was so close for so long, we’d given up (haha). But it was very satisfying to see our debut album go gold in the first year.
Katey: You have a DVD coming out later this month, “Kisschasy: The Movie”. Give us a brief rundown on what it’s all about.
Karl: It’s basically us on the road for our Kisschasy LIVE tour June/July 06 with Trial Kennedy and Limbeck (USA). We had reached our peak of touring in Australia for us, so we decided it would be cool to document it.
Katey: And what is your favourite moment from the DVD?
Karl: I just saw it the other day - there are so many in jokes - but I’d say the band fight is pretty funny.
Katey: You’re touring with Panic! At the Disco in October. Personally I think it’s a strange combination, with both bands having really different music styles. What is the story behind hooking up with them?
Karl: No story behind the Panic! Tour really, we haven’t actually met the guys, but the powers that be wanted some shit hot Aussie music to compliment them, so they recruited Kisschasy and Something With Numbers, it will be amazing.
Katey: What do you miss the most when you are on the road touring?
Karl: All the friends and family that you don’t see on the road, you feel like a bit of a social retard when you get back home and don’t know what’s going on.
Katey: Who were your biggest influences when you growing up? (Doesn’t just have to be music-related)
Karl: Definitely Michael Jackson - Moonwalker the movie and the game on megadrive. I wanted to sing and dance like that guy, didn’t everyone? That or Silverchair. They basically showed me you could play music and be good at a young age.
Katey: If you could do a cover of any song, what would it be?
Karl: Platypus - Mr. Bungle
Katey: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Karl: Aside from the usual stretches etc I seem to knock Sean our guitarist every time we play a show. When he’s tuning or while we’re warming up. We just started noticing it, it’s like an unconscious ritual that we’ve become aware of. We didn’t do it on purpose once and we sucked.
Katey: Who would you love to play with in the future?
Karl: John Farnham on his next last time tour.
Katey: Best venue you have played, and why?
Karl: Rod Laver Arena, because it was massive and a sellout crowd. In your hometown even as a support it was amazing.
Questions from fans
Katey: Why does Darren only wear socks on stage?
Karl: Mainly for comfort, and maximum slippage dance moves.
Katey: Why did Darren dye his hair pink?
Karl: 2 words. ‘98 Punk.
Katey: How many 'old man' hats does Sean own?
Karl: 12, and fans keep buying him more.
Katey: Has Darren’s new vegan ways affected the band in any way?
Karl: Not really. What he chooses to eat and not eat shouldn’t directly affect us. It is kinda funny when we’re chomping on meat pies and all he can eat is chips. But good on him!!
Katey: What is the best thing a fan has ever done for you/the band?
Karl: Two fans in Adelaide made Kisschasy dolls - that was kinda weird but cool!