Gliss

by Fernando Pichardo

photo by Ivan Fernandez

While Gliss is a relatively new band, with a mere three years of history together, its members have long aspired to live the rock and roll dream. It is thanks to this desire, alongside much dedication and no lack of talent, that its members have accomplished so much in such a short period of time.

In 2003, the original four-piece band went through a heavy transitional period when two of its members split, leaving Martin Klingman and David Reiss stumped and wondering what the hell was next. The remaining duo went on a search and came across the beautiful and multi-talented Victoria Cecilia.

Originally from Denmark, Cecilia’s great talent proved to be more than enough, and, in 2004, Gliss solidified as a trio.

“I knew I wanted to play music all my life,” recalls Cecilia, “and always wanted to move to L.A. and join a band.” And join a band she did-- one after another without finding one that took music as seriously as she did.  Then she found Gliss.

“I met David when they needed help with bass, and pretty much right away I was into the music. I was so excited, it was an instant connection,” she says.  The boys must have felt the same way, because, at that moment, they decided to stop the search and agreed on alternating positions between vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, thus creating a unique and mesmerizing musical collective.

It is this remarkable dynamic between the three members that sets Gliss apart and draws fascination, with each member's distinct personality bringing something unparalleled to the table. This unique alternation is not only present in the recordings, but also at live shows.

The band's dark, atmospheric eclecticism draws fans the world over. This in no small part thanks to supporter Billy Corgan, who first heard the band’s debut EP back when Gliss had barely ventured out of its permanent home base of Los Angeles. Enthralled by what he had heard, Corgan jumped at the opportunity and brought the band along on his solo European tour. Since then, Gliss has toured with the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, We Are Scientists, and Editors.

“What inspires me are bands with a great work ethic, the ones that work hard, singers who work their vocal cords. Not so much the ones that sleep around” says Cecilia. And inspired she is.  In addition to singing and playing multiple instruments, Cecilia has directed and edited some of the band's videos.

With the recent release of the band's debut full-length, Love the Virgins, a successful opening slot for one of the Smashing Pumpkins first American concerts in seven years, song “Huh What?” featured in a MasterCard commercial, and this fall’s 10-show tour with Danish masters of darkly electro rock, the Raveonettes, Gliss is one busy trio.

Cecilia concludes, “I go for what I want and I spend all my energy trying to get it. It’s what makes me happy… I hope all this hard work pays off.” It’s safe to say, it already has.