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METAL PULP AND PAPER
METAL PULP AND PAPER INTERVIEW
Mike Grippo/ Kissing Candice
Kissing Candice is a masked metal band based out of Long Island NY. We have a huge range of influences both musically and visually, including everything from industrial to horror cinema. We don't use masks to be gimmicky, but we like the idea of when you go to see Kissing Candice you are also seeing a stage show and production... Something to visually accompany the music.
-Mike Grippo

©negative/burn photography
 METAL PULP AND PAPER:
What about Kissing Candice are you most proud of? 
 
MIKE GRIPPO:
As of right now, I am most proud of our brand new single "Taken". It represents a new era for the band. In addition to having new members since our last recording, we also worked with a new producer for this one. 
 
MPAP:
Describe you're break through moment. When did you know you Kissing Candice had finally made it? Or do you believe you’ve still haven’t made it yet and you’re just getting started? 
 
MG:
We have had some great moments... Fans getting logo tattoos, main stage at The Gathering of The Juggalos, Mayhem Fest... The list goes on. However, this is still just the beginning. We won't slow down and we won't look back either. 
 
MPAP:
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together? 
 
MG:
The music has shifted directions a bit with each recording. I believe we have finally found our sound though and can't wait to sit down to write the next album to build upon it. 
 
MPAP:
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? 
 
MG:
Living in a van and the constant grind of tour. This is a full time job, in addition to also having a full time job. It becomes a lot to handle. Being in any band in this time of music is a massive challenge. 
 
MPAP:
Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how were you able to make it work out? 
 
MG:
Just thinking of what's ahead and being grateful for everything we have had so far makes it easier to block out the challenging parts. 
 
MPAP:
As Kissing Candice was getting started, how was it decided what each person would look like? 
 
MG:
Everyone has their own freedom of what they want to do with their character. It helps that we all share a mindset which allows us to do what we like but it still comes off as a cohesive unit. 
 
MPAP:
What's the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage? 
 
MG:
So much weird surrounds everything about this band that I couldn't even pinpoint one moment. The carnival aspect of the Gathering of The Juggalos was bizare yet amazing. 
 
MPAP:
Who has been your biggest musical inspiration? 
 
MG:
I have always been very inspired by Nine Inch Nails
 
MPAP:
What's the hardest thing about being in a band? 
 
MG:
Balancing your money and not going poor while on tour. 
 
MPAP:
So far who has been your favorite band to tour with? 
 
MG:
This list could go on forever. We have A LOT of bands we love to tour with. A few recent favorites from this year were Scare Don't Fear and It Lies Within
 
MPAP:
Who is on your bucket list of bands to share the stage with? 
 
MG:
Marilyn Manson is my number 1 for this. We have done some sort of festivals with most of the other ones. Would love to do a mask tour with Slipknot of course. 
 
MPAP:
Do you have any touring stories you can share? 
 
MG:
I will not tell any stories from it as there are just too many, but 
everyone should go experience the Gathering of The Juggalos for themselves. What an absolutely crazy couple of days we had there. Everything about it. Anyone who goes will come back with stories for days. 
 
MPAP:
The Helevated Tour you were on with Scare Don't Fear that started in July was about a month long with not so many days off. What do you do to pass the time or calm the insanity of the hundreds of miles you'll end up traveling? 
 
MG:
I try to get as much sleep as possible. When I'm up I will try to catch up on TV shows or do some reading. 
 
MPAP:
Is it a constant party, or do you each have limits on what you do before and after a show? 
 
MG:
The intense schedule doesn't allow for much partying. Everyone in the band has their own personal limits, but we try to keep it as professional as possible. 
 
MPAP:
While out on the road which do you prefer, truck stop food or the venue's you’re playing at bucket of greasy chicken? Do any of you try to home cook anything as soon as you get a chance? 
 
MG:
We experience so much Little Ceaser's pizza at every venue we play, so greasy chicken would be very welcome at any point for me personally. My diet is mostly Taco Bell and Doritos while on the road. 
 
MPAP:
What can fans expect after the Hellevated tour? 
 
MG:
Us promoting our new single "Taken" for a bit then hitting the road again. Hopefully some more new music on the horizon. 

KISSING CANDICE:

Founded: 2011
 
Genre: Metal 

Band Members:
Joey - Vocals 
 Dreamer - Guitar/Clean Vocals 
 Grippo - Bass 
 Pak-Man - Drums 

Hometown: Long Island NY 

Record Label:Victory Records

KISSING CANDICE have debuted 'Taken,' a brand new song via Bloody Disgusting.“’Taken’ represents a new era of KISSING CANDICE,” declares bassist Grippo. “We went into the studio with open minds and a blank slate, leaving everything at the door. ‘Taken’ is the song we have wanted to write.” Guitarist Dreamer adds that the track is "an emotional introspective of the psyche when the most important footholds in life are taken away from you, whether by force or other means.”
CLICK HERE TO HEAR "TAKEN"
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