About
DOWNKISS
BIOGRAPHY
The band’s first unit was formed in San Giovanni Valdarno in May 2004 by:
Mirko Sanni – guitar
Enrico Zappalorti – drums
Mattia Dori – bass
The boys intended to compose and play their own songs only without any specific reference genre other than simply rock music.
The band was to have a female singer and short name containing the words “down” and “kiss”.
In November 2004 the american singer Joann Pate joins the band and a very inspired and productive period begins.
On December 30th 2004 Downkiss perform for the first time in public presenting an hour of original repertoire and obtaining a good reaction from the audience.
In February 2005 the band records a 6 track EP called “I’m so speechless” mixed by Federico “Fefo” Forconi (Malfunk’s, Almamegretta’s, Toxic Reasons’ (USA) guitar player).
In January 2006 Downkiss play at Cencio’s Club, one of the most important rock clubs in Italy.
In April 2006 the collaboration with the management and promotion agency “Alkemist-Fanatix Europe”, begins.
In November 2006 the guitarist Mirko Sanni leaves the band and Gianni Mugnai takes his place.
In December 2006 also the drummer is replaced by Andrea “Buddy” Brogi.
In February 2007 the band signs a contract with the independent label “Hurricane Shiva Records”.
In June 2007 Downkiss take part and win the “ArteMusica Contest”.
In July that same year the production of “Push me to the limits of the calculating madness”, the band’s first official album, begins.
The music is recorded and mixed at “Trade Digital Records Studio” in Montale (PT). Federico Forconi takes part in the recording and mixing of the album.
The LP, is available in Europe and World widely from June the 2nd 2008.
In December 2008 Ciro Scarpati (formerly drummer from the surf/rockabilly band "the Bavadoodo") replaces Andrea Brogi after his leaving the band for personal reasons.
In March 2009 the band plays at Hoodoo Music Club in Terranuova Bracciolini (AR) sharing the stage with Pino Scotto (formerly vocalist of the Italian metal band “Vanadium”) and in August that same year Downkiss play at “The spirit of Woodstock festival” in Mirapuri-Coiromonte (NO) sharing the stage with Michel Montecrossa and the Chosen Few (joining the official compilation of the festival with the song "Venom") and at “Full Moon Party” in Laterina (AR) in an unusual acoustic version sharing the stage with “Ushi Laar Trio”.
In July 2009 Downkiss take part in the “Bye Bye July Contest” finishing at the second place.
In 2009 Downkiss take part also in the “Tour Music Fest”.
In October 2009 Downkiss sign a contract with M&M Italia for the recording of the band's first official video of the song “Mellow Boredom” released in January 2010.
In November 2009 the Italian-american drummer Eugenio Rizzo replaces Ciro Scarpati that leaves the band to follow other musical ways.
In August 2010 the band takes part in the "Fresh out the box compilation Vol.2" distributed by Frozen Aisle Magazine. Fresh out the box vol.2 is the second compilation from unsigned bands and artists who joined “The Battle of The Bands” and “Warped Tour”.
This compilation has been distributed at the “Warped Tour 2010” in August in California and can be downloaded for free from the site of Frozen Aisle Magazine.
In September 2010 the drummer Emanuele Pesciolini (formerly "Small out in movements") replaces Eugenio Rizzo and Downkiss sign a contract with Nomadism Agency.
In December 2010 the band recorded the second official video of the song "Venom", which is published officially in the DVD/compilation "Nomadism 2.0.11 The New Season" available from February the 15th 2011. The DVD also contains three new songs, preview of Downkiss’ second official album that will be out in 2012.
In April 2011 Downkiss publish a new digital EP called “Wind Chimes” .
In August the drummer Beatrice Becattini replaces Emanuele Pesciolini.
DOWNKISS ARE:
JOANN PATE – VOCALS
GIANNI MUGNAI – GUITAR, BACKING VOCALS
MATTIA DORI – BASS, BACKING VOCALS
BEATRICE BECATTINI – DRUMS
