K is for KISS

At the top of my writerly Bucket List is this: To work on something - anything - with the marketing genius that is Gene Simmons. 

No, really.

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. KISS is my perfect "K" choice.

For starters, Gene Simmons is a true marketing guru. From his conception of the band that became a multi-billion dollar business (yes, business), to his individual branding as a rock God, Gene has his fingers in every media pie. He's the star of his own TV show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, he owns his own record company (and supports Canadian talent!), he's launched a few graphic novels, etc. and etc., and yet remains one of the most down-to-earth people in the biz.

Yes, I've met him. He is that awesome.

KISS began as a seed of an idea...and morphed into one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Sure, they're commercial, and in the beginning, they relied on a number of gimmicks to brand themselves - but it worked. Not only has KISS produced some of the most memorable rock anthems, their white and black face make-up, tall boots, and Gene's tongue are world-renowned.

With or without his trademark costume, Gene Simmons is my publicity idol. Over the years, I've tossed around a couple of ideas I'd like to pitch to him, including...uh, never mind. It's nothing. *cough*

I could list a number of KISS songs that have inspired me, but I'll leave you with I Love It Loud, which sounds best when played really... loud. 

Sidenote: Last year, my friend Sue and I went to Las Vegas. One of the highlights of that amazing whirlwind trip was a stroll along Freemont Street, where a KISS "concert" played in the light show overhead. Absolutely amazing!

So...does KISS float your boat? 

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn


The Book In My Bag Today: Rot & Ruin, Jonathan Mayberry