'Never say die' is a phrase that many will recognise from 80s cult classic The Goonies, but for London based 2 piece Kissimmee, it's a rule that they live their life by. A phrase that in the depths of complete darkness, can make you stand up, grab your balls and say 'shit happens, let's show the world what we're made of'. Three little words that remind you that some things are worth fighting for…
After suffering anxiety from School Phobia through her childhood, Alexandra chose to complete her A level studies at a Music College in Weston-Super-Mare. Meanwhile, Wale had failed his GCSE's, with the exception of music, and was looking for a college that would take him in for his musical flair rather than his academic achievements. Weston College saw his potential and so the scene where these two would meet, was set. An occurrence that they both put down to fate. However, it wasn't an immediate attraction, in fact, Alexandra explains her first opinion of Wale as 'cocky' and 'a complete show-off.' But the friendship slowly blossomed and the pair became best friends.
Songwriting collaboration came naturally, each having their own strength; Wale's uncontrollable habit to hum melodies and Alexandra's need to write lyrics about her teenage heartache was nicely pulled together by a few friends who signed up to play as their band. A band name was chosen - Sliced Peach - and they recorded their first demo using the college studio.
Leaving college in 2004, Wale and Alexandra knew that they wanted to continue writing and performing together. Having lost all other band members to university or work commitments, they looked for people who had the same drive as they did. A good friend of Wale signed up to play bass, whilst they auditioned for a drummer.
Continuing to be known as Sliced Peach, the band started playing in their town's well known rock venue 'Hobbits'. Playing regularly built up a strong local following and the birth of social media site Myspace enlisted a larger audience further a field, allowing them to tour on a regular basis. It was at this point their bass player left the band, and they re-recruited.
In 2006 they were offered the opportunity to spend 2 days recording with producer Michael Raphael (Busted/Michael Russo) who was visiting the UK. It was during these two days that Raphael invited them to go to LA and record an album with him. After receiving such a positive response about the 2 tracks recorded in this two day session, including radio play and interviews, they knew that they could do great things with Raphael and accepted his offer. Six weeks with Raphael's undivided attention, Wale and Alexandra embraced the opportunity to learn and enhance their songwriting and musicianship. An album of 11 tracks was recorded.
On returning to the UK, their line-up changed once again; Alexandra now laying down her guitar and concentrating purely on vocals, they enlisted a lead guitarist and a new bass player. After 4 months of boot camp style rehearsals, the band finally felt ready to show off their finely tuned pop-rock sound and their first show at Hobbits sold out.
A few months later Raphael came to the UK to meet with several major record labels to showcase the album. Although impressed by what they heard, the feedback was conclusive. It seemed that the pop-rock wave that Busted had started was over and indie had claimed pop's mass audience - labels were now looking for the next Arctic Monkeys. Undeterred by the comments, they battled on; Supporting Son of Dork at a sold out Shepherd's Bush Empire was next on the list. Followed by an audition for Season One of Britain's Got Talent, where they got through to the top eighty finalists. The year was topped off when they were spotted by a management company based in London and signed a 2 year contract with them.
2008 started with a clear goal on what should be achieved in the year ahead. But it wasn't to last long. The management company effectively 'shelved' the band and they were left to ride out the 1 year clause of their contract. Trying to keep a positive mental attitude intact was tough, especially when the line up changed once again and another lead guitarist and bass player were replaced. But the band could still tour so all was not lost.
After spending another year in each others pockets it was clear that relationships were starting to break down and everybody needed some space. After a heartbreaking decision, in January 2009, they decided to go their separate ways and the band split. Both Wale and Alexandra took time out of music altogether; Neither of them wanting to write, record or perform.
A year or so later, Wale and Alexandra found themselves gravitating towards a reunion, but this time it would be just the two of them. And what better way to kick it off than opening for Bowling for Soup on their 2010 UK tour at Middlesbrough Empire and Coventry Kasbah. Spending the next year writing an album, they then decided to work with producer Frankie Torpey and mix engineer John Mitchell (You Me At Six/The Blackout) to bring the songs to life.
Now working with Strutter Records and Quite Great PR, Kissimmee are attempting to put Great Britain's rock scene back on the map of mainstream music.
