KITTIE frontwoman Morgan Lander discusses the band’s new album “Fire” and their return to the live stage
Morgan Lander, the guitarist/vocalist of KITTIE, shared insights with Metal Hammer magazine regarding the musical trajectory of the Canadian band’s forthcoming album, “Fire.” Set for release later in 2024 through Sumerian Records, this album marks KITTIE‘s return after a hiatus of 13 years.
“There’s a lot of variety,” she said. “I think the kind of variety that you will expect from KITTIE. If you listen to the production of [the LP’s recently released first single] ‘Eyes Wide Open’, that kind of visceral, raw, but very modern sound is prevalent throughout all of the songs. The songwriting is definitely next level.”
“Eyes Wide Open”, which was released in February, was produced by Nick Raskulinecz.
In November of last year, it surfaced that KITTIE was in the process of crafting a new studio album at Sienna Studios in Nashville, under the guidance of producer Nick Raskulinecz. Having relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville approximately 16 years ago, Raskulinecz boasts an impressive resume, having collaborated with renowned acts including RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, RISE AGAINST, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, SKID ROW, and DEFTONES.
Regarding the response to the band’s live return in 2022, Lander told Metal Hammer: “I just think that the world is ready for us now. A lot of the things that we were doing 25 years ago were still… I don’t want to say controversial, but they seemed so new. It definitely has a lot to do with a shift in thinking and acceptance and representation in the years since the very first time that KITTIE came out. Sometimes it just takes the world a bit of time to catch up and appreciate those things.”
At recent performances, the band has been showcasing a fresh track titled “Vultures“. The band made a notable return to the stage in September 2022, marking their first concert in five years at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival held at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
The current lineup of KITTIE features guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana “Ivy” Vujic alongside Morgan and Mercedes Lander. Prior to their appearance at the Blue Ridge festival, KITTIE had last graced the stage during their reunion show at the London Music Hall in their hometown of London, Ontario, back in 2017. This performance commemorated the release of the band’s documentary “Kittie: Origins/Evolutions“.
Ivana “Ivy” Vujic became a member of KITTIE in 2008, contributing her bass talents to the band’s fifth studio album, “In The Black,” released in 2009. She continued her collaboration with KITTIE by writing and recording bass for their sixth album, “I’ve Failed You,” which came out in 2011.
In January 2022, KITTIE‘s original lineup—comprising Morgan, Mercedes, Fallon Bowman (guitar), and Tanya Candler (bass)—reunited for an online chat to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of their gold-certified debut album, “Spit.”
