Curtain Call for Kiss or Kill - The Final Daze

Curtain Call for Kiss or Kill - The Final Daze

originally sent 10/03/07

We have collectively decided to end Kiss or Kill this year on Weds.
Dec. 12th.

This was a difficult decision to end a project that has so many
memories & that had such great impact on my creative & personal life.

Kiss or Kill is now closing on it's 5th year of existance.

A home to a collective group of artist's with like minded
influences. Kiss or Kill started with 2 bands with common goals that
helped build a community of over a 100 great bands that was a
driving force in the regional club scene. Out of that initial
energy, Kiss or Kill gained national & international recognition.

When I started Kiss or Kill, LA had the worst big city reputation as
far as the pay to play issues that plagued the creative minds of the
city, the bookers & clubs feeded off young hungry musicians that
wanted their voices heard. LA also had the reputation of a jaded
city that is plastic in aesthetic & personality. Even though this
was not the driving force behind our efforts. We proved this was
farthest from the truth to create an envirornment for a positive
shared experience between the artist & the listener. People said it
couldn't happen in LA & it did.

At our peak, we as a collective drew close to 1,000 people to the
Knitting Factory for the Compilation 2 release party. That for me
was the highlight as a musician. Hundreds of people singing your
song back to you. This was done organically. No major label backing
or commerical radio air play. Sincere word of mouth & a community of
open minded individuals searching out & experiencing good Rock &
Roll.

As I write this note, I started revisting the compilations we put
together & I am revisting all the great music that has come through
the Kiss or Kill banner. We were able to bring together over the top
personas that together created a vibrant scene. The music was too
good, the personatlies were seductive, & the style was great.

I know that I helped create something special to a lot of people &
also create a stage where great bands were accepted & heard.

We have November & the first 2 weeks of December open. That is 28
slots for 5 years worth of bands for one last goodbye.

This is an open invitation to great bands to reunite one last time.
So, if the Faders, Zeitgiest Auto Parts, Midway, Billion Stars want
to get back together. You have first dibs. Also I would love to have
the Dollyrots back if they were interested in coming back one last
time.

I would like to thank Cooper for her shared vision & creation of
this experience. Andre Tusques (who without none of you would have
the updated listings)and Amanda "Jones" Castillo the team behind the
Kiss or Kill Posters and Website and always willing to help without
fail when needed & Matt Southwell for the support & creative input.
Siria who has been been the backbone of Kiss or Kill these past few
years, & Rob Z who has remained the face & signature voice of Kiss
or Kill for 5 years. Without the Masterbator of Ceremonies - it just
wouldn't have been the same.

There are 11 Kiss or Kills left before the Final Curtain Call.

Hope to see you there.

Carpe Diem,
Johnny 99