#KISSKIE | LAKEFEST 2023 AMPED! | INTERVIEW

Competing up against 543 up and coming artists to secure a slot on the Lakefest Main Stage alongside Gaz Coombes and Johnny Marr, Bristol based trio Kisskie made it all the way to the grand final. The final, which took place last month at Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter saw the winners of the three regional semi finals come together for the ultimate battle of the bands. On the day, Kisskie faced competition from WALLS, BARSTAFF, Laurie Wright, The Chase, Jordan Hemingway, Leon O’Leary, Morning Tourist and eventual Amped Competition winners Two Pounds Down. Despite not collecting the grand prize, Kisskie are still excited to be joining all finalists and semi finalists on Lakefest exclusive AMPED! stage.

The self proclaimed ‘Party Punk’ trio released their first single back in 2021 and have been busy touring home and away ever since. From festivals to pubs with a committed dose of busking in between, Kisskie have played cities all over their home country and across borders with gigs in Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast too. Their biggest ‘gig’ actually came last year when the band hosted a 3 hour radio session for BBC Radio Gloucestershire live from a pub in Brussels. Their music is just as rambunctious as their touring schedules and even wrote an endearing song about fellow AMPED! competition finalist Laurie Wright years before they even hit the Bristol finals together. With their infectious energy and charm, it’s no surprise that Kisskie warmed the judges cockles.

KISSKIE

Describe your sound in three words?

Juicy jamboree skank

Congratulations making it all the way to the Amped final last weekend! How did it feel to get down to the final 10 out of over 500 artists?

It was honestly astounding! it was a real pleasure to be a part of so much talent, both they days we played, the semis and the finals; felt like little nuggets of the festival on the highstreet. We’re very excited to see our new friends in August.

The competition was strong, did you have a favourite to win (from final or semi finals?)

We really bro’d down with Two Pounds Down – those guys are awesome, we’re gonna be hanging out over the festival, especially after our little water fight, also gotta give a shout to our brothers in Laurie Wright, a true inspiration.

As with all Amped finalists and semi finalists, you will still play this year’s festival on the dedicated Amped stage. What can festival goers expect from your Lakefest set?

Beautiful carnage

Who are you hoping to watch at Lakefest?

We’re especially looking forward to our friends in Dub Catalyst, as well as BARSTAFF, and Morning Tourist.

If you had won, what would you have the £5K prize been put towards?

We wanted to put it towards a van and get some new music out – and a chunk for the rent

What else do you have planned this year that you would like to share with our readers?

We’ll likely be doing a lot of busking for rent or leaving the country. If you see us drop a tenner, stay tuned.

Finally, if we see you at the bar what are you having??

Leon will have a White Russian, for Ru – a Margarita on the rocks, and Max? Just a keg and a straw!