Kissin’ Dynamite are currently treading the boards alongside Powerwolf and Amaranthe. Drummer Andi Schnitzer took the time out to answer some questions about the tour, and the latest album ‘Ecstasy’. Read on, and if you are catching one of the gigs, make sure you check out these rapidly rising melodic rockers. Hi there Andi, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. It’s much appreciated. “Thank you, you’re welcome!” Best place to begin has to be the current tour with Powerwolf and Amaranthe. You’ve been out on the road with Powerwolf before, but is this the first time with Amaranthe? “Actually the tour in October/November was also the first real tour with Powerwolf. Before, we only played some single shows together. And yes, it was also the first tour with Amaranthe.” Where does the connection with Powerwolf come from? Have you been friends for a while? “The first time, we met them many years ago in the Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg. Back then, they had been much smaller than today. Since then, we played several times together, either on the same festival, or even as a single support. So, by the time we got to know each other and latest now, we became friends. I’m currently in Toulouse, where we will have the first show of the common tour tonight.” As well as being a fantastic value for money bill, it’s also quite a varied. There is the classic power metal of Powerwolf, the electronica aspects of Amaranthe and the stadium rock of Kissin’ Dynamite. Is this a testament to you guys that you can play on any bill? “In theory everybody can play on any bill. The question is just if it makes sense in terms of not being too far away style wise in order to serve the crowd, and in this case, I think, we fit quite well with Powerwolf. It’s not the same but also not too far away. We can’t complain, the people are really passionate.” It’s all rock n’ roll I guess. How do the Powerwolf fans react to the more melodic aspects of Kissin’ Dynamite? “I think Powerwolf is very melodic, too. That’s why it fits really good together!” Current album ‘Ecstasy’ is very strong. You must be happy with the way that it turned out? Once an album is out there, do you look back on it critically at all? “Of course, you’re always proud of what you put out, but in the case of ‘Ecstasy’, we’re especially proud, because I think it turned out to be an album that shows what I would call the pure core of what Kissin’ Dynamite is about well. After a few years, of course you’re living under different conditions, so you’re not gonna do the same album again, but when you look back, you say, ‘Yes, at that time, that was exactly that which was appropriate for us.” ‘Ecstasy’ is a very instant album, there is no hanging around with it. It’s straight to the hooks and very catchy. Are these important aspects to the Kissin’ Dynamite sound? “Absolutely! Catchy choruses always have priority in Kissin’ Dynamite.” One of the many stand out moments on the album is the title track. It, of course, features the incredible Anna Brunner on guest vocals. How did the collaboration come about? “Since Hannes is a songwriter and producer for other acts, he got to work with Anna as a part of Exit Eden. So he noticed her outstanding voice and asked her to sing a song together with him on our new album. I think the result is awesome.” Although ‘Ecstasy’ is a classic melodic/stadium rock album, it doesn’t forget about the guitars, they play a major role on the album, ‘Breaking The Silence’ in particular. Some similar bands have been turning the guitars down in the mix, or forsaking solos and riffs for a catchy chorus. It seems to me that the guitars are still crucial to Kissin’ Dynamite? “Of course! You need guitars if you wanna make big balls rock music!” You’ll be hitting the road during the Spring for your ‘Europe In Ecstasy’ headlining tour. You must be counting down the days! Also, what can you tell us about the two bands that you are taking out with you: John Diva & The Rockets Of Love and Supernova Plasmajets? “John Diva & The Rockets Of Love we got to know on the Full Metal Cruise 2017. They’re really nice dudes who know how to party hard! Also Supernova Plasmajets is a great young band we have already played with several times. It’s gonna be an explosive package, I’m sure.” It’s quite a full on tour; 20-plus dates in seven countries, in just over a month. How difficult is it being a touring band in current times? “Touring is always hard. You take on quite difficult conditions in order to do just one thing: play live! It’s worth it many times over if the band is rockin’ and rollin’ and the energy level is high. Although, much has changed since the 80’s, I think touring is more or less still the same. In terms of party: Everyone can choose how much he parties. As long as the show doesn’t suffer, everything is allowed! Haha!” Lastly, once these dates in March/April are over, what’s the plan for the remainder of 2019? Festival appearances looming? “Yes, we’ll play on several festivals and in autumn we’re gonna play another Europe Tour. It’s gonna be a great year, I guess.” Thank you for your time Andi. Good luck with the impending live dates, hope you have a blast! “Thank you! We will!” Full list of Kissin’ Dynamite tour dates here. Interview: Dave]]>
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