Switzerland's proto riot grrrl punk group Kleenex/LiLiPUT just released Live Recordings, TV-Clips & Roadmovies on Kill Rock Stars. Guitarist/singer Marlene Marder talked with us briefly about anarchy in Zürich, the concert audio tapes, the emergence of their newly released songs and the life and times of one of the world's greatest girl groups.
The live Kleenex/LiLiPUT performances are wonderful on the new Kill Rock Stars release. What was the story on the emergence of these shows to a proper release after thirty years?
Kill Rock Stars wanted to re-release the double CD on vinyl and we thought we should offer some other stuff on top of this, as some people already have the songs in either form and do not want to have the same thing, just with a new cover.
We had this audiotape “live in Biel” and the video “Roadmovie” and didn't know what to do with it at first. The request from KRS brought the idea, so we asked KRS what they thought of it, to release these things too. For those who have never heard of the band yet, or hadn't the chance to see Kleenex/LiLiPUT live, it makes the possibility of getting our complete works, together.
How did you guys write songs back in the day?
Mostly jam sessions, sometimes I had a concrete idea about an arrangement. The lyrics came with the music, or Klaudia and Astrid searched “strange” English words in the dictionary and put them together.
What’s the likelihood of another LiLiPUT record being released?
This is it. (We guess).
How did the Zurich youth riot of 1980 affect Kleenex/LiLiPUT?
We were rehearsing, in the cellar. Above our heads streetfighting was going on. To be honest, we agreed with the claim of some free space for us (the youth) to be creative and supported the effort to get it. But not the violence!
What are some other Swiss bands from that period that you all liked?
Mothers Ruin and TNT…
Internationally?
Influence maybe not, but Raincoats, Aupairs, Ramones, Wire, Delta5, Siouxsie, all these bands.
The new songs on the live disc, “Geirewally,” “Pink
Hit” and “Where Do You Find the Time” are super fun and dancey. What
kept them from being formally recorded studio wise?
Can't remember, maybe we just forgot them? Or we were bored with it, or thought they are not good enough to be recorded.
What advice can be imparted for your followers, devotees and fans?
Never mind the bollocks, do what ever you want to do – but be responsible, respectful and don't hurt anyone.
