Interview with Christina Chriss of Kaleido
Interview conducted September 1, 2018
by Daniel Locke
The trials and tribulations of being Rock N’ Roll survivors in an ever-changing Music business has made Stalwart Detroit Rockers Kaleido stronger and tougher, and that is reflected in their muscular new single “My Enemy“, which was produced by Johnny K (3 Doors Down, Disturbed, Pop Evil, Megadeth, Adelitas Way). They are on the road as part of the Summer Soul Collection Tour with September Mourning to support the release, which is now available on all streaming and sales sites.
Kaleido have been pounding away as an independent Rock band for the last 6 years, releasing 2 EPs and an album independently, while touring constantly. They’ve opened for notable bands like Seether, Halestorm, Rob Zombie and Evanescence; and they kicked off 2018 with two performances on the Shiprocked cruise. Recently they played a handful of dates on the final Vans Warped tour.
Comprised of Christina Chriss (vocals), Joey Fava (drums), Ronnie Rosolino (Guitar), and Cody Morales (bass) Kaleido is a fresh, modern day incarnation of Detroit Rock N’ Roll: a straight-up, piss-and-vinegar band. Their authentic and memorable songs are highlighted by a dynamic show, which has garnered them accolades on the live music circuit.
Dan Locke: What influenced you to get into music and what did you listen to growing up?
Christina Chriss: I came out the womb bangin’ my head and thrownin’ up horns! Rock and music in general has been my entire life. I was never influenced to get into music: The music is in me. I listened to any and everything as far as musical styles growing up. I started playing instruments at a young age. Rock has always been my absolute favorite – it’s in my bones, but I really love and appreciate all kinds of music.
What is a straight up piss –and –vinegar rock band?
*googles “piss and vinegar definition*: Aggressive energy + rock band = Kaleido
How did you come up with the name Kaleido?
The universe handed it to me while daydreaming out the car window on the way to a recording session… It just came to me.
Do you know there is a record company with the name Kaleido? Founded by Duskus and Subtact.
Now I do!
You go between various styles of music in your singing. What is your favorite style of music?
Rock, first and foremost.
You have opened up for people like Kid Rock, Aerosmith and September Mourning. How did you get picked for these concert dates? And can you tell us something you learn while performing with these artists?
It’s always an honor sharing the stage with legends and musical idols. We soak it all in and try to absorb from everyone – each experience is different and we learn new things from each artist.
How is your tour with September Mourning going so far?
Great! We’re having so much fun, playing a ton of shows and enjoying every second we get with our fans in each city. Come out to a show!
You have worked with Alien Ant Farm on a song together. How did that come about?
We did a couple tours together and got really close. Those guys are like our brothers and have been really awesome to us. They brought us out on our very first national tour, and also our first international tour.
We went out to Riverside, CA (their hometown) to record at Mike Cosgrove’s home studio. Dryden came through and we wrote “Love & War” together, then recorded it on the spot.
How was Van Warped Tour? Anything you would like to say about it?
It was Hot. And super fun. We’ve played in past years, but being included this year was extra special because it was the very last coast to coast Warped Tour. Warped was a big part of our lives, not only as kids going to watch and discover new bands back in the day, but also as a great platform for exposure for us as a band.
Are there any artists you would like to work with?
Tons. A quick few include Caleb Shomo from Beartooth, Dave Grohl, Linda Perry, Post Malone .. I could literally go on and on. Collab magic for days. ;o)
How was the Shiprocked cruise?
INCREDIBLE!! Can’t wait to play again someday. Not only did Kaleido play twice on the ship, I also got to be a part of a tribute performance to Tom Petty with The Stowaways” – including Dave Buckner, Phil Buckman, Bumblefoot & Joey Fava (from Kaleido), I sang “I Won’t Back Down”. It was epic.
How rocking is Detroit as a city?
Detroit’s pretty rockin’. The city has consistently turned out some incredibly talented, hard-working artists. It’s also really on the come up recently with a
Christina Chriss of Kaleidao by Steve Sergent Apple
lot of new businesses moving downtown. There are renovations and improvements happening all over – it’s very exciting to see and be a part of.
Tell me about the Hall Of Fame Most Wins on the 89x People’s Choice with ‘Love & War’ Best Band in Detroit 2013?
We have really amazing fans, we call them our KaleidoFam – and their support and voting is responsible for getting us into the Hall of Fame on 89x as well as Loudwire’s Battle Royale. There’s a KaledioFam group on Facebook where they all electronically congregate, go join!
I have to tell you all of the videos you guys do, are well produced. How do you get the funds to create your video media?
Thanks, we’re independent – so we hustle hard and make it happen. Tons of hard work and perseverance, and the ongoing support of our fans.
Any winter tours coming up?
Not currently, but check our website and Socials for updates. We’re headed home after this tour to record some new songs we wrote, and then we’ll go from there.
What do you see for your band in 5 years?
Doing what we love and touring the world. Putting out influential, meaningful music.
Anything in closing?
Find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @KaleidoBand … subscribe to our mailing list at www.KaleidoBand.com to stay up to date on tour dates, new releases and all things Kaleido!
2018 Summer Soul Collection Tour (with September Mourning)
- 8/30 Wilmington, NC – The Calico Room
- 8/31 Fayetteville, NC – Drunk Horse Pub
- 9/01 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
- 9/02 New Orleans, LA – Southport Music Hall
- 9/04 Fort Worth, TX – Rail Club
- 9/05 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
- 9/06 San Antonio, TX – Rock Box
- 9/07 Houston, TX – BFE Rock Club
- 9/08 Abilene, TX – Homer’s
- 9/11 El Paso, TX – The Perch
- 9/12 Scottsdale, AZ – Pub Rock Live
- 9/13 Las Vegas, NV – Vamp’d
- 9/14 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction
- 9/15 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
- 9/16 West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go-Go
- 9/18 Salt Lake City, UT – Liquid Joe’s
- 9/19 Grand Junction, CO Mesa Theater
- 9/20 Denver, CO – Herman’s Hideaway
- 9/21 Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios
- 9/22 Omaha, NE – Wired Pub
- 9/23 Shawnee, KS – Aftershock
- 9/25 Louisville, KY – Trixie’s
- 9/26 Kansasville, WI – 1125 Sports Park
- 9/27 St. Louis, MO – Fubar
- 9/28 West Dundee, IL – RocHaus
- 9/29 New Baltimore, MI– Diesel
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