Michael Kiske, best known as a vocalist with Helloween, Place Vendome and Unisonic expands on his singing career and what the future holds with regard to new music and live gigs.
Who were your influences in the early days and have you always wanted to be a singer?
Elvis, to see him in 1977 on TV made me want to become a singer.
Have you ever auditioned for the vocal spot in any notable bands?
Nope.
You have appeared on a great number of albums. Do you have a favourite and why?
Kiske-Somerville, Place Vendome, Avantasia, because I like the music.
Do you still get the same buzz out of singing live as you did in the past?
Most of the time, yes, but it is now in a different way because I’m older.
Some vocalists are on strict dietary regimes or gargle with special liquids. How have you kept your voice in tip top shape all these years?
Being in control in what I am doing, that's it.
Your voice is very versatile, have you had any formal vocal training?
Nope.
Are there any musicians that you have not worked with, but would like to in the future?
Davina Michelle maybe. The best singer I have ever heard and most exciting young artist of today in my eyes.
Is there any unreleased recorded material from your days in Helloween or any bands you’ve been involved with that could be released?
Not that I remember; but might be?
I particularly enjoyed your output with Place Vendome and Unisonic. Is there a chance we could see additional music from these bands? Or even “Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Part III”?
Unisonic I would love to, but that must be done by Dennis Ward. He was the driving force behind it.
As close as Keeper 3 could be is what we do with Helloween now, I think. 😉
Do you have any plans to release another solo album?
I am on it, but I take all the time I want. Shall be fun.
Being part of the Avantasia project must be a blast. How is it for you?
Avantasia was always special for me. I love Tobi (Sammat) and everyone involved.
I did my first real tour with the Avantasia back in 2011.
You have released two albums with Amanda Somerville. Are you likely to complete another album with her or perhaps another female vocalist?
You never know, but nothing is planned yet.
You appear to be very busy. What do you enjoy doing on your downtime?
Reading and writing.
With the live circuit opening up again, is there a possibility that we could see you performing some live shows in the UK?
I am sure! We played in the UK right after the pandemic in 2022 and will return probably next year.
Are you interested in doing some production work for other bands?
Not really, too much technical work. 😉 And I am not interested in that.
Do you have anything in the pipeline at the moment that you would like to share?
Yes, we are working on the new Helloween album and are quite busy.
Interview by Stuart Dryden
