Kiss Chasy Interview

Kiss Chasy Interview

Melbourne band, Kiss Chasy has released their third single, Dinosaur, from the most recent album, Seizures. This single tells of a long distance love and contains soulful lyrics.

Dinosaur can be heard on airwaves around the country but to really appreciate the song you have to see the video clip. The song, Dinosaur, is accompanied by the inspiring animated video created by Chris Scott Baker, a Melbourne Swinburne University animation student.

Kiss Chasy discussed the idea for an animated video for their song last year and instead of following the usual channels they invited students from Australia's leading animation school to enter an animation competition. The band chose Chris's video and not only does he have his video accompanying Kiss Chasy's track, Dinosaur, he was give cash as extra encouragement.

Baker's Dinosaur video clip features simple illustrations and portrays the tale of a dinosaur that has to save the world whilst his girlfriend waits for him to return, safety.

Review: Kiss Chasy has an alternative style of music that Australians, especially young Australians, can relate to. The four band members are extremely talented musicians who create emotive rock-punk-pop music. Since Kiss Chasy won fans with their first major single Do-Do's & Whoa-oh's, back in 2005, their music has definitely developed and their latest album Seizures showcases their natural ability to write solid, clever and thoughtful lyrics.

If you like rock, this album has it, if you like pop harmonies, this album has it and if you like the angry side to punk, this album has that too! Seizures is an addictive album which won't let Kiss Chasy fans down.

Awards
*Kisschasy play Groovin' the Moo 2010
*Kisschasy voted Channel [V] Artist of the Year 2009

Interview with Joel Vanderuit

Joel Vanderuit is the bass player for Kiss Chasy.

Tell us about the new single Dinosaur?

Joel Vanderuit: Basically dinosaur was the last track Darren wrote for 'Seizures' it was a song written about us leaving for three months to create this album in another country, and missing someone he had to leave behind.


What is unique about the video clip for Dinosaur?

Joel Vanderuit: The clip for dinosaur was created by a student, an idea we had to get some fresh ideas and outlook on a clip. It's a really sweet little story and illustrates the purpose of the song perfectly. It's our first ever animated clip.


You always have unique video clips, such as Opinions Won't Keep You Warm at Night and Dinosaur, where do the ideas for these music videos come from?

Joel Vanderuit: A lot of the time they might come from the band direct, sometimes they are treatments we've been given from directors. We like the idea of having something a little different and quirky for our clips. Help them stand out a little bit.


How was performing at the Big Day Out?

Joel Vanderuit: It was an amazing experience, such a massive festival, to see how well it's run, and how everyone has such a great time. Bands/crew and audience all are treated so well. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of it.


How does it feel to hear your songs played all over the airwaves?

Joel Vanderuit: It used to be really weird, like a real trip. The weirdness has kind of gone, but it's still exciting, knowing that someone cares enough to play your music to a mass audience, and if they keep playing it, then that means the audience likes it, so it's super cool.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Joel Vanderuit: Not really, everyone tells you to watch your back, and that is true, there are people out there trying to take advantage of bands/artists that are a little ignorant or uninformed. But there are also plenty of people that want to help, and share in the good times, not just profit from them.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Joel Vanderuit: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Jay-Z, rise against, and I recently bought an audio book, Stephen Hawkings "the universe in a nutshell" that's been getting quite a workout on the old iPod.


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Joel Vanderuit: We are playing a few shows in Melbourne - March 2 at Monash Uni and March 7 - The Pushover Festival.
In May we set off on tour as part of the Groovin the Moo festival playing all ages shows along with Silverchair, Empire of The Sun, Grinspoon and heaps more. Come along it will be fun!


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Joel Vanderuit: Not really, there are tough times on tour, and when recording, You spend a lot of time with your band/crew, so friendships can be tested, but we're pretty good at knowing when to push those buttons, and more importantly knowing when not to.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Joel Vanderuit: Performing live is why I'm in a band. Everyone is different, but touring and playing shows is where it's at for me.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Joel Vanderuit: I guess bands like Blink 182, Nirvana, Green Day etc were pretty big when I started playing guitar, I never thought id be in a touring band though. That just kind of happened.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Joel Vanderuit: Keeping audiences interested is kind of tough, knowing how they communicate and react to different things. Keeping on top of the latest tools for promotion etc.


What's a typical day like?

Joel Vanderuit: On tour, it's basically.... Breakfast, press, lunch, soundcheck, relax, dinner, showtime. Either that or we're in an airport or crammed in a van en route to the next city!


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Joel Vanderuit: Being able to get on stage and perform something we love and see it give pleasure to others is an amazing feeling. That, and playing as much golf as I desire when I'm home.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Joel Vanderuit: I would love to do something with either a cool hip-hop artist, or a delicate voice, someone like Lisa Mitchell.


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Joel Vanderuit: www.kisschasy.com or www.myspace.com/kisschasy


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Joel Vanderuit: Balance, Friendship, Family, Passion and time for yourself.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Joel Vanderuit: We'd like to thank our fans for all the amazing support over the years. Everyone that comes to the shows, requests us on radio and television, votes for us, and supports Australian artists. Without your support we and many other bands/artists wouldn't be able to continue to make music! So thank you.