In my life, I've been in one (very crappy) band, and I played one (very crappy) gig. Which didn't actually really constitute as a gig, since it was a talent show, and we came second ? beaten by a ten-year-old Irish dancer.

But still. I was scared shitless. There were all these people in the crowd, looking up at me expectantly. I stood there, clutching my guitar with sweaty hands; my mouth so dry I didn?t think I?d be able to sing.

For emo band Kiss and Tell, they have all this and worse to come next Sunday, 4th April, at Plymouth Phoenix Tavern. Their first gig. Bugger me. But are they worried? I spoke to Rich, the bassist, to find out more?

How long has the current line up been together?

We started off without a drummer in November 03, this was just after the split of mine and Luke's previous band. We started writing songs, just the 3 of us. Whilst outside of practice we were looking for a suitable drummer to join us. Then in about February 04 we found what we thought was a reliable drummer, unfortunately he left in March and we quickly found a step in drummer to replace him. So the band is now Luke (vocals), John (guitar), me (bass), and Alex (drums).

Yeah, I hear you've been having drummer troubles recently?

Yeah - Chris Tremlett - he told us that he couldn't be part of the band until May. He called it A-Level work; I call it slackness. However, we quickly found a replacement, Alex Pitcher, and were able to carry on.

So, your first gig on Sunday, nervous?

We did have a practice gig at a party a couple of weeks ago to prepare us! but I suppose that one doesn't really count because everyone was a bit too wasted to pay attention to us. No, I'm not nervous - not right at this moment, anyway. But I'm sure we will be come Sunday; its been a very long time since I've played a gig as big as this one and it is our first gig as Kiss and Tell (previously part of Few Against Many). But there isn't anything not to be nervous about really! We are playing with some awesome bands, and from what I've heard there's gonna be fuck loads of people there In fact - fuck, there's plenty to be nervous about!

Especially all those hardcore, emo-hating punkers. You should be nervous of them.

Yes, we are very scared of hardcore punkers - they are mega threatening with their tartan.

Well, it is like red burberry?

Yeah, its basically the same, punks just think it's okay and not swilly cos it's a different colour!

And what can we expect after the scariness of your first gig wears off?

Aha! The future! What possibilities that brings! Probably just drinking beer at laughing at townies....no, we are planning to record an EP of some sort in May/June, and then we just want to gig and get our name out as much as we can, and hopefully build a strong following.

Can I drink beer with you?

(Grins) Course you can, the more the merrier!

And how come u and the whole truth have a bit of a war going? can we expect any battles of the bands (literal ones) anytime soon?

(Laughs) No, I think it was just a misunderstanding between us; they slagged off the music we play when they were playing at a party, which we also played, and we just thought it was a bit of nasty thing to do. I caught up with the guitarist, Charles, the other night at the Phoenix and all has been forgot about now. Long live Whole Truth!

And long live Kiss and Tell! Check them out at their debut gig next week, or http://www.kissandtell.tk

Written by Luce