Thanks so much to Vasilis and George and the rest of the Kissamatic Lovebubbles for the interview! The Kissamatic Lovebubbles was a superb Athens band from the early 90s that only got to release one 7″ on the legendary This Happy Feeling label. One of my favourite Greek bands for sure! These days the band is back playing some gigs in their hometown of Athens and they have a very cool Facebook group if you feel like being a fan! The band is now working on new songs and can’t wait to see what comes out of that!
++ Hi! Thanks so much for getting in touch! How are you? Where are you based now? In Athens?
Hi Roque! Thank you for your invitation for this interview. We are fine; all the members of Kissamatic Lovebubbles are based in Athens.
++ I noticed that you have reformed and you are playing live again. What triggered this reunion? Did the Facebook group that asked you to reform had anything to do with it?
Yes, after all we are back again. 4/5 of the original line up with the addition of our good friend Stathis on bass guitar. The rest members are the same: George Otemperis – guitar, Dionisis Drogaris – guitar, Konstantinos Petropoulos – drums and Vasilis Chountalas – vocals. It was something we always had in mind and there were several attempts in the past for this reunion, but it seems that the right time has arrived. This Facebook group was created by a very good friend of ours and now it is our tool to communicate with our friends and fans.
++ I saw and listened to a new song, “Football Fans”, that is a brand new song! Are you working on more new songs? Perhaps a release? And how different is it for you all to create new songs now compared to the 90s?
Yes, it’s true that we had a new song that we played in our latest gig with the Groove Farm. We have in mind to work on more new songs and proceed in some releases. We are thinking of 1-2 seven-inch singles. The problem is that we do not having a lot of free time available, as we are all have regular full-time jobs, families, children and every day life obligations. Another problem is the distance between us as we all live in different Athens suburbs. But, we are trying our best without additional pressure as music is a way of relaxing for us, and for sure it makes us feel better.
++ Are there more gigs in store? I read somewhere too that you are thinking of starting a label?
After KLB reformation, we have played two gigs, the 1st was our reunion gig in December 2017, and the second was in a mini popfest festival with bands from Athens and Bristol (The Groove Farm, KLB, Le Page and The Rev. Jonny Kinkaid), in May 2018. There aren’t any more gigs in store until the end of the summer, so it is probably a good time to concentrate on writing some new songs and make some new recordings. We have in mind that we might have to release our new songs through a new label that we can start, but nothing official until now. It seems that our main concern is to find out if there’s any label in place that can express any kind of interest in releasing a new 7 inch single, initially.
But in our near plans is to record a live session for our friend Rocker, which a lot of great bands have been made sessions in his studio. Rocker will make the final mix and the production of the songs. We really appreciate his support and we send him our regards from Greece!
++ But now let’s start from the beginning. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen at home while growing up?
George: Well I remember when I was 12 the song that made me start listening to music was “the wall” by Pink Floyd, I then started listening to various bands from heavy metal to disco 80s! As I was getting deeper into music world, I took to bands like Depeche Mode, Pale Fountains, the Cure, the Smiths, but also the hits of the 80s music as we know it.
My first instrument was an Ibanez bass SG shape which I bought second hand from a friend who had a local record shop. I started playing in a school band cover songs from different kinds of music like Empty Rooms by Gary Moore but also Blue Monday by New Order! In the late 80s I sold the bass and I bought an ARIA PRO-II ES guitar which I still have and play in KLB.
Growing up in the 80s, the main music source was the radio stations and only one tv programme every Wednesday at 19:00! I remember rushing home after school to watch this programme that played the video clips of these days.
++ Had any of you been involved with other bands before being in Kissamatic Lovebubbles?
From the existing members, Stahis has been involved in the past with other bands, like Pillow, Mind Over Matter, Seaside and Mavro Kokkino. George has also play with Seaside, Teenage Lust and Starblind. Vasilis and Dionisis were always dedicated to KLB, and at last, Konstantinos has played with other bands like Impossible Tymes, Sound Devise and Dr. Vodkatini.
++ Were all of you originally from Athens?
Yes, we are all grew in different Athens suburbs like Glyfada, Voula, Vyronas and Petroupoli. Vasilis has been born in Cyprus though, but he came to Greece at the age of 4, and George was born in Brazil and he came to Greece at the age of 2!
++ How was around Athens back then? Were there any bands that you liked? What were the good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?
Early nineties were a golden era for the Greek Indie pop scene. There were bands, labels, fanzines and of course venues where the Indie Pop kids had the chance to express their feelings. No one can forget bands like The Jaywalkers, One Night Suzan, Impossible Tymes, Sound Devise, and others. Next Time Passions and Kissamatic Lovebubbles are the two bands back in life from that period. The main way of being in touch, with what was happening around the world, were the mail-order catalogues of Indie Pop labels, especially for the original small Indie labels. There were also some good record stores in Athens and Thessaloniki, like Pilgrim and Noise. I know several people who have spent small fortunes to buy records from it. At least, no one was ever getting bored at night as there were also a lot of bars playing Indie music, especially around Exarchia square and of course bigger clubs like Mad and Plan B.
++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?
The band started on a rainy night of Christmas 1992. This is when we meet (Vasilis, Dionisis, Konstantinos) from the current line-up, with Lakis and Chris from Sound Devise. Lakis was one of our two original guitarists and the only one who’s not active nowadays. Chris was playing bass guitar initially before George arrival, as he started with us until finding our own bassist. George was a guitarist though, but the only open position back then was for a bassist. It was just for fun and joy. We didn’t have in mind to release several albums, but making friends and act positively.
++ Why the name Kissamatic Lovebubbles? I suppose because of the Strawberry Story song? I saw on some forum someone saying that you had the tweest name ever, agree or disagree?
I remember that Vasilis had a cassette with Strawberry Story’s demos. One of the songs was called Kissomatic Lovebubble. So, it’s true that our name came from a SS song. It’s also true that our name sounds as Twee as can be. I don’t think that our sound can be called twee, as it is a mix of the Undertones and the Wedding Present, and we use to say that our sound is punk pop. Nothing more and nothing less.
++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?
It was all a DIY thing for us. We knew that we weren’t good musicians. But we are glad that with our attitude we gain a lot of respect by other bands and all our friends. We weren’t posers of course, we were just the boys next door. We were low profile people and we still are. We were practicing at George’s house and in a studio at Pangrati called Sub. As we were students back then and we wouldn’t be able to spend much money on high tech recordings, we just record some low budget demos, and two of those songs (Endless, Only Lust) were released as a 7 inch single by This Happy feeling records.
++ Did you ever sang or considered singing in Greek?
No. Greek is not fit with this type of music.
++ And who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?
We can mention our beloved labels and bands : Creation, Sarah, Subway, 53rd and 3rd, Fire of London, Glass, etc.
Favorite bands : The Clash, The Undertones, The Barracudas, Ramones, the Wedding Present, The Pastels, the Fall, The Vaselines, the Shop Assistants, the Primitives, JAMC, Filed Mice, Boyracer, the Groove Farm, Ride, Adorable, Slowdive etc.
++ Your only proper record came out on the legendary This Happy Feeling label. Today it has that status of course, but how was back in the day? Was there a big scene that revolved around the label and its bands? And how did you sign with them?
It was mostly a company of Athenian Indie Pop kids. Same clubs, same gigs, same ideas. There were pop fanzines like “In those days”, “little charmer” and “Make Me Happy”, there were Indie Pop parties and through this procedure some local bands were created. I remember seeing for 1st time in my life “Next Time Passions” and “One Night Suzan” on stage. This is when I realized that we had to contribute to this scene. And as a matter of fact, Kissamatic Lovebubbles were created. So, this happy feeling was an event between friends. We didn’t sign any contracts, it was just an one minute discussion and that’s all. Would you like to release a single for us? Yes, of course.
More bands appeared during the same period, like Sound Devise, Pillow, Seaside, Common Sense, Mute , MCS and others. It was a pure and healthy collaboration.
++ How was your relationship with the label and the rest of the bands? Who were you closer with, who do you play more gigs with? Did you share band members with other bands?
We were all close as I can remember. The band that we were the most close with were the Sound Devise. We never forget Chris assistance, as he was playing bass in the very beginning of KLB and until recruit our own bassist.
We didn’t exchange members with other bands. George joined KLB when he left Seaside. Stathis was also member of Seaside back then and close friend.
On most of the gigs we played we shared stage with the bands mentioned above.
++ The “Only Lust” 7″ came out in 1994 and included two songs, “Only Lust” and “Endless”. Wondering if you could tell me the story behind these two songs, what inspired them?
Well, Endless was written by Dionisis and it’s a song about endless loves and broken hearts.
Only Lust was written by Lakis (the other guitarist) and it’s a very personal song about his family.
++ These songs were recorded at Studio 5 in Athens. How was that? How many days did they took to record? Any anecdotes you could share from the recording sessions?
Well I don’t remember a lot I think it lasted 2 days and It was a pleasant experience for me (George) as it was my first time recording in the studio. I only remember when Lakis wanted to add an acoustic guitar part at the end of “Endless” and he played it several times before he managed to get it right; when he did, we were shouting as if we had scored in a match!
++ Was it the first time you went to a recording studio? Had you have any recorded material before the single? Perhaps some demo tapes? Or earlier versions of these songs?
The recording of the single in This happy feeling was the second one, the first recording was a demo version of “Endless” and the song “Someday you’ll be mine” as you can find it in the new Compilation “Sparkling from the past”. This recording was done also in Studio 5 with Chris as a bass player.
++ And how come there weren’t more proper releases by the band?
Actually after those two recordings we had a 3rd one when we recorded the songs “Me” and “Total Hangover”. Those songs were supposed to be released as a single in THF but unfortunately this single never came out.
++ Was there any interest from other label?
There was an interest by Shelflife records, some years after the end of KLB. The song Total Hangover is included in the picnic basket compilation.
++ You did appear on a handful of compilations back in the day. There is one called “The Only Original” that I’ve never heard but looks like a mixed bag of different music styles. Was that common in Athens? Like you shared gigs with hardcore and punk bands? How did you feel about that?
That was a tape compilation released by Radio utopia, an alternative radio station from Thessaloniki. They promoted Greek bands of all styles. A live recording of the song “Dreamland” is included by us with other songs from punk, garage and other Greek Indie bands. It wasn’t really common, but just imagine about early nineties in a small country like Greece, without today’s social media or other resources that available today. It was the really pure years for music lovers.
It seems that from the so called “Pop” Greek bands, we were the only one making an impact to people involved with harder styles of music, like punk and hardcore. Our sound is “punk pop” and we were fine with the acceptance by a “different” audience.
++ Then there’s also the Plouf tape compilation were you contribute “Someday You’ll Be Mine”. This was a French tape. So I wonder how did your music ended up in other corners of the world? How did you connect in the pre-internet times with them?
Yes, the tape was released by some guys we were in contact back then. Marianthi and Christos, probably the most famous Greek pop kids around the globe, introduced us. I’m sorry that I can recall the names of the guys running the fanzine “Les Tartines” and I’m looking forward to getting in touch again. Plouf tape was given with an issue of the fanzine.
The communication was made through standard mail. We exchange parcels with fanzines, mail-order catalogues and records. DIY at its best.
One of the closest friends we made back then was Jens for the German band “the Legendary Bang”. It was really a pleasure getting in touch again before some months and discuss about our lives, our families, our children, after all those years. The connection between people involved globally in this Indie Pop thing is remarkable and unforgettable. And it seems that most of the people were good people with great hearts!
++ I discovered your music thanks to a compilation, the “Try a Little Sunshine” that was released by Pop Art in 1999. I believe a lot of people did too. I think this is a very special compilation. Would you agree with me? Did you notice in the noughties a new interest in Greek indiepop from all around the world?
The compilation was released by Nektarios, the owner of one of the most influential Greek record stores called “Vinyl Microstore”. In our opinion this compilation is giving the best view of the Greek Indie pop scene. Most of the bands weren’t active when the compilation printed.
++ And it must have been a surprise that a US label like Shelflife was interested in having a song of yours in 2001’s compilation “Picnic Basket”, many years after Kissamatic Lovebubbles had stopped making music. I suppose this time it was thanks to the internet?
Yes it’s true, Ed been in touch by email asking about the songs. He came in contact through THF and finally we sent him a CD with the song Total Hangover slightly shorter as we cut a bit the pause in the beginning of the song. This version in the picnic basket is slightly different than the one in “Try a little sunshine”
++ Are there more unreleased songs by the band?
We have plenty of other songs that can be released, but we must go to a studio first. All our studio recordings have been released by now.
++ You were part of the This Happy Feeling scene of course, which is now getting new love by the people from Make Me Happy by re-releasing the music from that time. Don’t know if there are plans for this, but have you considered to do a retrospective compilation of your music at some point?
Everything is under consideration. We are not in a hurry and we are trying to “steal” some time from our everyday life’s and obligations. As we have already mention in previous questions we are looking forward for some new releases. Do you think that Cloudberry can show interest for a new KLB release?
++ I have good Greek friends in London who always talked about you, and how amazing you were and all. I wish I could have been at your gigs, they must have been special! I wonder how were your gigs? Did you play short sets? Were there a lot of fans at the time? Did you have merch to sell? Are there any funny anecdotes you could share with me?
When it comes to London, we know that you are talking about Marianthi and Christos. They are our biggest fans and very good friends. We lived the early nineties Indie Pop explosion together and there’s a big connection between us. They used to run their own label “Atomic Beat” between 2007-2010. We are always happy thinking of them and the great times we had spent together.
Our gigs were funny and “hangovered” most of the times. A lot of fun and alcohol. I remember that our first gig was for 10 minutes, as we only had 3 songs available.
I remember when we played at the 1st Indie Free Festival back in 1993, a festival that is still alive. We had our fans in the audience and 5 minutes after the beginning of the gig we lost our drummer, as his seat was broken, and he fell behind the scene.
But, the mot funny thing I remember was a mini festival in Chania where we were invited as the main attraction by M.C.S., a local Indie band. When we arrived, we realized that there were around 800 people, and most of them were punks and headbangers. Oh god, I still remember that guy with a “Megadeath” t-shirt and his friends. We ended up drinking beers with our thrash metal friends until early morning hours.
++ Did you play many gigs in total? All over Greece perhaps?
Not that many. They were all in Greece of course and no more than 10 In our first period between 1992-1995, and 2 now.
++ And were there any bad gigs at all?
We cannot remember any bad gigs. But as we are not professionals, we have never paid that much attention in avoiding mistakes and be perfect at all. Support and enjoy. That’s all!
++ When and why did Kissamatic Lovebubbles stop making music? And what happened immediately after?
Unfortunately, one big issue in Greece for young men, is that they must fulfill a military statutory service obligation after the end of their studies. So, the main reason for the termination of the project was the army obligations. We had to spent around 1,5 years in the borders. It’s the price we pay because of the geographical position of our country and the “friendship” with our neighbors.
Then we had to face true life. Find regular jobs, making families, growing our kids. The good thing is that after all those years, full of good and bad times, loses of beloved people, divorces, tears and joy, we are still here, more dedicated and thirsty for music than ever. Pure music lovers.
++ And during the past couple of decades have you been involved in any other music projects? You were in Starblind, right?
George was in Starblind. Konstantinos was playing for Dr. Vodkatini, with members of Sound Devise. A kind of bossanova music. Stahis was also active with Pillow and Mavro Kokkino. Vasilis and Dionisis were waiting for the reform.
++ Did you get much attention from the radio or press?
Only alternative radio shows. It seems much easier now, as during the last 2-3 months we gave more interviews than ever.
++ What about from fanzines?
A lot of fanzines back in early nineties. Now nothing. Just to name few “In those days”, “Little charmer”, “Make me happy”, “ Chrysalifourfouro”, etc.
++ I feel you still enjoy indiepop, and still follow it. What are the last records you have enjoyed?
It’s always a pleasure. Last albums really enjoyed were from The Total Rejection, Arrest! Charlie Tipper and I, Ludicrous and Alvvays.
++ And today, aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?
We are collecting stamps and butterflies! No, we are joking. It is our main hobby still and until the end of the world. We also enjoy good food, drinks with friends and movies.
++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?
Although we had a lot of nice moments in our live appearances the highlight was the release of our single back in ’94. Maybe we didn’t realize when it was released but it’s really amazing to see nowadays on the youtube unknown people from allover the world presenting their favorite singles and our single to be one of them!
++ Never visited Athens, would love to go to Greece some day. It is due. So maybe I can ask for some suggestions? Like what are the sights I shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try? Ones that I can’t find where I live hopefully, I’m in Astoria, the Greek area of New York!
Ok then. So, you should have experience the Greek food we guess like souvlaki and moussaka. Greek food mixed with Mediterranean cousin is more than perfect. For sightseeing, there are plenty of monuments to visit in Athens and much more if you wish to travel round 2-2,5 hours away. But, our suggestion is to spend 2-3 days in Athens and the rest of your time in some Greek islands, and not the crowded ones like Mykonos and Santorini. Try Amorgos, Ikaria and Antiparos, and for fun Ios.
Anyway, just give us a call and we will arrange everything!
++ And I must say I’m a big fan of guitar pop made in Greece, but would love to ask what are your top all-time bands from your country? And if you could recommend me a few obscure bands too?
We admit that the best Greek band ever is “The Last Drive” and especially their two first albums. Their sound was a mix of garage punk rock.
Of course, we love the Jaywalkers, Next Time Passions, One Night Suzan and Sound Devise.
The band we admire, and love nowadays are the Callas. They have release plenty of records, some of them produced by Lee Ranaldo od Sonic Youth and Jim Sklavunos of the Bad Seeds.
And from the new blood of Athens Indie Pop we like Le Page and Postal Lovers, both pure Indie pop sound.
++ Thanks again! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We would like to thank you for this interview and we believe that cloudberry is keeping the flag of indie pop high by releasing excellent New music and presenting hidden treasures of the past. Keep on having good taste in music.
Cheers from Greece!
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