Post by Kari on Dec 9, 2006 3:35:01 GMT -5
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Dino Interview with Lovehammers Teen Club...
Current mood: pleased
Category: Music
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with DINO KOURELIS
For Marty Casey & Lovehammers Teen Club
by Zach Hosoda
Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood and your Greek background?
I was born in Chicago. Moved to the suburb Hickory Hills when I was around 4 or 5. My parents are from Greece, so they spoke it as we were growing up, giving me the ability to learn it. Unfortunately, they also made us go to Greek school - YUK!!!!
Have you ever been to Greece?
Yes. We used to go when we were kids. I have been there as an adult as well. Once while backpacking through Europe with friends, and once with my family - all within like the last 5-10 years.
Do you speak Greek?
Yes
What kind of a student were you?
I always got good grades, but never studied. I spent a lot of time in the Deans or Principals Office. I would never do anything malicious or something that would hurt a student or teacher. I mostly was into doing things that would make us laugh.
Can you share any childhood pranks with us? Bad behavior?
Ummmmmmm - anything I say probably wouldn't sound too funny. I think they are all things you had to be a part of, witness or actually hear me telling you the story. Come to the shows, and ask me, and I will tell you guys some stories.
Were you a popular guy?
I was fortunate enough to have an older brother and sister in the same school. They were popular, so I automatically fell into that category. I am honestly a rather shy person though, so that was a little tough, and is still a little hard for me now. Sometimes people tend to mistake my shyness for me being an asshole.
It's been a pretty exciting and busy year for you, with all the shows, radio interviews, and fans... Did you always want to be in the limelight or did it just happen?
I don't necessarily like to be in the limelight, but I do like performing for people and love getting reactions from people - good or bad. I love doing interviews, meeting fans, and all that exposure - I just love it when it is a 2 way street. I like to learn about fans as much as they like to learn about me.
What was the first record you bought?
I think it was Centerfold by the J Giles band. Not really sure why, or if I even knew what it was. I think the actual album I got was 1984 by Van Halen. Bob and I split it. I remember my mom being pissed cause the cover was a baby smoking - LOL.
Did you parents support your career choice?
No, they wanted us to get "real" jobs. I don't really blame them. They spent all this time and money on school, and we were literally eating out of garbage cans.
Have you ever had "stage fright"?
Not sure if it is fright, but I do get nervous still. I usually pee a lot and start to dry heave.
Most embarrassing moment on Stage?
I had just gotten back from Mexico and had the runs. By runs, I mean horrible diarrhea. We were playing a huge Frat gig at U of I. Everyone had beer on their amps, and I had Pepto. Well, during the second set, the Pepto stopped working, so I had to run off stageand get to a bathroom FAST. I did find one on time...
Favorite song you play live?
I think it changes, but I like the faster tempo ones like SAAA or something that really gets people going. Sometimes a nice ballad can get some great emotion out of people too.
How can someone in the audience get your attention?
Flash their boobies - guy or girl - LOL. Calling my name when I am tuning or something is probably something not to do - even if I hear you, I will ignore you. Sometimes people scream funny stuff that gets my attention - if you see me smirking, I heard you!
Any fun road trip story you can share?
Nope - I will save that for the over 21 interview
Where is home when you're off the road?
Chicago
Which "dead" performer would you have liked to have seen?
John Belushi, Layne Staley
What is the most important part of your role in the Lovehammers?
I think that changes. Everyone has an important role. I think the main thing is for each of us to pick each other up if we are down. Everyone goes through periods where they need a little support, and I feel like it is up to the rest of the guys to be there. The band can be a really strong force if it sticks together and just stays hungry - some would say unstoppable.
You have been around the music scene for a long time but when you signed your major record deal with Sony, what surprised you the most?
I wasn't really surprised - everything happened so fast. I was surprised at how much we had already known and been through.
What made you decide not to carry on touring with INXS last winter?
The powers that be made that final decision. I think there were a bunch of factors that contributed to that decision. The biggest misconception is that we didn't' get along. We got along great with those guys, hung out with them, and learned a lot from the tour. I think it was a great tour and a great package - as was seen by the whole thing selling out in advance.
Dino Interview with Lovehammers Teen Club...
Current mood: pleased
Category: Music
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with DINO KOURELIS
For Marty Casey & Lovehammers Teen Club
by Zach Hosoda
Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood and your Greek background?
I was born in Chicago. Moved to the suburb Hickory Hills when I was around 4 or 5. My parents are from Greece, so they spoke it as we were growing up, giving me the ability to learn it. Unfortunately, they also made us go to Greek school - YUK!!!!
Have you ever been to Greece?
Yes. We used to go when we were kids. I have been there as an adult as well. Once while backpacking through Europe with friends, and once with my family - all within like the last 5-10 years.
Do you speak Greek?
Yes
What kind of a student were you?
I always got good grades, but never studied. I spent a lot of time in the Deans or Principals Office. I would never do anything malicious or something that would hurt a student or teacher. I mostly was into doing things that would make us laugh.
Can you share any childhood pranks with us? Bad behavior?
Ummmmmmm - anything I say probably wouldn't sound too funny. I think they are all things you had to be a part of, witness or actually hear me telling you the story. Come to the shows, and ask me, and I will tell you guys some stories.
Were you a popular guy?
I was fortunate enough to have an older brother and sister in the same school. They were popular, so I automatically fell into that category. I am honestly a rather shy person though, so that was a little tough, and is still a little hard for me now. Sometimes people tend to mistake my shyness for me being an asshole.
It's been a pretty exciting and busy year for you, with all the shows, radio interviews, and fans... Did you always want to be in the limelight or did it just happen?
I don't necessarily like to be in the limelight, but I do like performing for people and love getting reactions from people - good or bad. I love doing interviews, meeting fans, and all that exposure - I just love it when it is a 2 way street. I like to learn about fans as much as they like to learn about me.
What was the first record you bought?
I think it was Centerfold by the J Giles band. Not really sure why, or if I even knew what it was. I think the actual album I got was 1984 by Van Halen. Bob and I split it. I remember my mom being pissed cause the cover was a baby smoking - LOL.
Did you parents support your career choice?
No, they wanted us to get "real" jobs. I don't really blame them. They spent all this time and money on school, and we were literally eating out of garbage cans.
Have you ever had "stage fright"?
Not sure if it is fright, but I do get nervous still. I usually pee a lot and start to dry heave.
Most embarrassing moment on Stage?
I had just gotten back from Mexico and had the runs. By runs, I mean horrible diarrhea. We were playing a huge Frat gig at U of I. Everyone had beer on their amps, and I had Pepto. Well, during the second set, the Pepto stopped working, so I had to run off stageand get to a bathroom FAST. I did find one on time...
Favorite song you play live?
I think it changes, but I like the faster tempo ones like SAAA or something that really gets people going. Sometimes a nice ballad can get some great emotion out of people too.
How can someone in the audience get your attention?
Flash their boobies - guy or girl - LOL. Calling my name when I am tuning or something is probably something not to do - even if I hear you, I will ignore you. Sometimes people scream funny stuff that gets my attention - if you see me smirking, I heard you!
Any fun road trip story you can share?
Nope - I will save that for the over 21 interview
Where is home when you're off the road?
Chicago
Which "dead" performer would you have liked to have seen?
John Belushi, Layne Staley
What is the most important part of your role in the Lovehammers?
I think that changes. Everyone has an important role. I think the main thing is for each of us to pick each other up if we are down. Everyone goes through periods where they need a little support, and I feel like it is up to the rest of the guys to be there. The band can be a really strong force if it sticks together and just stays hungry - some would say unstoppable.
You have been around the music scene for a long time but when you signed your major record deal with Sony, what surprised you the most?
I wasn't really surprised - everything happened so fast. I was surprised at how much we had already known and been through.
What made you decide not to carry on touring with INXS last winter?
The powers that be made that final decision. I think there were a bunch of factors that contributed to that decision. The biggest misconception is that we didn't' get along. We got along great with those guys, hung out with them, and learned a lot from the tour. I think it was a great tour and a great package - as was seen by the whole thing selling out in advance.
. I need to learn some Greek words, lol.
