Kittie

This article is about the Canadian heavy metal band. For other uses, see Kitty.

Kittie
Kittie performing in 2010
Kittie performing in 2010
Background information
OriginLondon, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active
  • 1996–2017
  • 2022–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websitekittie.net

Kittie is a Canadian heavy metal band from London, Ontario, formed in 1996 by lead guitarist Fallon Bowman and the Lander sisters, drummer Mercedes and lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Morgan. Tanya Candler completed the band's early line-up on bass. The Lander sisters have remained the band's sole constant members. Collectively, their material released via independent record labels has sold over two million copies worldwide.[1]

Kittie was chosen as the band name because the name "seemed contradictory".[2] After signing to Ng Records, Kittie released their debut album Spit (1999), which saw a wider release under Artemis Records the following year. The album, which primarily exhibited a nu metal sound, sold at least 600,000 copies in the United States and was certified gold by the RIAA. Kittie's subsequent output, including Oracle (2001) and Until the End (2004), saw the band transition towards a heavier, more aggressive albeit melodic sound featuring characteristics of alternative metal, groove metal and death metal. Neither album was able to replicate the success of Spit, and Kittie parted ways with Artemis Records in 2005.

After leaving Artemis, Kittie created their own label, X of Infamy, and released their fourth album Funeral for Yesterday in 2007. In 2009, the band signed to eOne Music, with who they released In the Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), both with bassist Ivana "Ivy" Jenkins. After the release of I've Failed You, Kittie went on an indefinite hiatus and the band's members pursued various other projects.[3][4] In 2018, a documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, chronicling the history of the band was released in co-ordination with its 20th anniversary, followed by a one-off reunion concert. In 2022, Kittie reunited to perform at the Blue Ridge Rock and the When We Were Young festivals.[5][6] Their first album in 13 years, Fire, was released on June 21, 2024, through Sumerian Records.[7]

  1. ^ "KITTIE's Career-Spanning Documentary 'Origins/Evolutions' To Arrive In March". Blabbermouth.net. January 9, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  2. ^ Hannaham, James (January 2002). "Underage Against the Machine". Spin. Vol. 18, no. 1. pp. 25–26. ISSN 0886-3032. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  3. ^ BraveWords (January 18, 2017). "THE WHITE SWAN Featuring KITTIE Drummer MERCEDES LANDER Confirm More Live Dates For Southern Ontario". bravewords.com. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  4. ^ Begai, Carl (April 15, 2024). "Kittie - Rise Above The Flames". bravewords.com. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  5. ^ "KITTIE Announces Band Lineup For Reunion Shows". Blabbermouth.net. January 26, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  6. ^ Blabbermouth (March 13, 2023). "MORGAN LANDER: 'It's The Perfect Time' For New KITTIE Music". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Carter, Emily (May 8, 2024). "Kittie announce first new album in 13 years: "We cannot wait for you to lose yourselves in the passion and strength of Fire"". Kerrang!. Retrieved May 8, 2024.