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This email interview was conducted by Abby and done on behalf of the whole band by Dino Kourelis on April 7, 2007

WMG Abby: When was Lovehammers formed and how did you guys come up with the name?"

Dino Kourelis: Bob and Marty started playing together in High School. Dino joined after buying a bass, and there have been a few other key members to the band throughout the years. Billy Sawilchik joined in the late 90s in college. The current lineup took form in 2003. Other notable members include Ben Kelly and John Murdoch. The name actually used to be Swinging Lovehammers. We had always wanted to change it, but couldn’t think of anything else that we liked. Eventually, we dropped the Swinging and Lovehammers were formed.

WMG: How would you guys describe your relationships with one another?

DK: Since we have known each other most of our lives, and have lived with each other since High School, we can be considered brothers.

WMG: What does the Lovehammers' music sound like?

DK:Wikipedia has us listed as post grunge. After looking that term up, I think it hits it right on the head. I would say, Post Grunge with Pop sensibilities.

WMG: How do you feel being dubbed as "The most un-pretentious rock-n-roll band"?

DK: The exact quote was actually “The most un-pretentious Fuck You rock-n-roll band” It is very accurate. We like to rock, and have an attitude when it comes to the music and performing, but at the same time we never take anything for granted and appreciate our fans more than most bands do. We always invite fans to hang out, party, sleep at our house – the door is always open – ah yes, the world famous HAMMERHOUSE!

WMG: Has there been any changes after Marty Casey joined Rockstar?

DK: Our biggest problem was always exposure. Anytime we had the chance to tour with someone or play in front of people we had success. We knew if given the chance, people would fall in love with the band and the music – and they did. Chicago is a great sample of what you can do because of its diversity – we felt that if we could reach all these different people and become the biggest rock band in Chicago, then we could succeed in the rest of the world.

WMG: How do you deal with popularity now that you have a growing fan base?

DK: We try to still have a connection with every fan and we still try to be available to everyone. The Internet has made it very easy with Podcasts, Websites, MySpace, etc to stay in touch with people. We always hang out with fans after shows as well – we don’t like having a barrier.

WMG: What was it like being praised and awarded such prestigious accolades? Such as "Best Rock Entertainer/Best Rock Album" at the 26th Annual Chicago Music Awards?

DK: It means a lot to us, because we respect all the other bands that were listed – Wilco, etc. Additionally there is a sense of satisfaction that people are starting to “get it.” We have been busting our asses since we were 15 trying to create a career for ourselves – we were always self managed and never had a label or agent to promote us. Knowing that the same songs that “industry people” said were not very good are now winning awards is very gratifying. We never changed or tried being what people wanted us to become – we never chased fads. We did grow musically, but never lost our roots.

WMG: What was it like touring alongside INXS?

DK: INXS was great to us. We learned a lot playing with people that will most likely get enshrined in the Hall of Fame. They were always helpful and made the tour go smoothly. It was a great tour, and having every show sell out in advance speaks for itself. We should do it again.

WMG: Marty sang your infectious single "Trees" on Rockstar, since then has it gained more notoriety that before??

DK: Rockstar was a great outlet for Trees to be exposed to the world. We knew it was a great song, and just needed to get it out there for people to hear. The great thing about Trees and a lot of our songs is that all types of people dig them – it is pretty wild to see 4 generations of a family coming to shows and singing all the words to our songs.

WMG: How would you deal if you were criticized as another musician?

DK: Having been doing this and struggling to work our way to the top in Chicago, we have heard it all and have gotten really thick skin. Criticism is great – it helps you grow and become better.

WMG: Let's talk about your latest album, Marty Casey and Lovehammers: How did you create the right sound for the record?

DK: All the songs except Casualty were existing songs that we had. The record is more or less a “greatest hits” of all the old Lovehammers songs. We felt strongly about releasing these songs and giving people a History of the band.

WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you have written?

DK: They are all our babies, so picking one, wouldn’t be fair to the others – LOL

WMG: Any gigs going on?

DK: We are currently writing new songs, but may have a couple big shows this summer.

WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

DK: Answering your questions for the 100th time, explaining how it feels to have won out 10th Grammy!

WMG: Thanks so much for the time. Any last messages to your fans?

DK: Thank you all for your support!!!! We are fortunate to have the greatest fans in the world – cliché, but very true in this case!

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