What do you get when you get a band of Cats, a band member with the Name O-Face, and some CA based Punk Rock? You get the band, Kittenhead. Founded about 10 years ago, Kittenhead has quite an interesting history.
Sure as Fate
Most of the bandmates went to school together and each of them has played with one another in different bands prior to Kittenhead. The band’s current and past lineups have talented individuals from various bands like Green Jelly, Butt Trumpets and Blackjack Betty. The supergroup facet of the band is great, but one of the best aspects of Kittenhead is how inclusive the band is. The group have played for numerous Pride events including Oakland Pride. The band also consists of two gay members, a trans bass player, and two straight men who are allies. It is no wonder why their music is unapologetic, in your face, and just screams of rebellion.
They have a few songs that audiences should keep an ear out for. Their cover of “Pleasant Valley Sunday” took an already good song from The Monkees and gave it more of a pop-punk edge to it. Their number “Bloom” is a hard rock ballad with a music video showing the struggles of the world and how we can rise out of them. It’s a beautiful song and by far my favorite one from them so far.
Interview:
I got to sit down with Kittenhead to ask them a few questions about their future and a few of their influences.
Q1: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kittenhead will be touring Europe and Asia regularly. Releasing music and generally living our best lives.
Q2: What’s your favorite song of all time?
Very difficult question. When you love all sorts of music and parts of everything, how to choose? I do not have one song that is a favorite, I don’t even have one artist that is the one and only. I’m simply not that linear.
I do listen to many vocalists like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Lennox. Two of my favorite songs are Cold (Annie) and Summertime (Ella). I like how the beauty of the song belies the darker nature of the lyrics. It just shows how you can communicate ideas in many different ways.
Q3: If you could pick an artist, dead or alive, to perform with, who would it be?
Foo Fighters would be a great band for Kittenhead to tour with, as we are a good match musically. Personally, I would love to share a stage with David Bowie or Prince.
Q4: How has COVID effected your music and playing live?
We have played very limited shows since COVID. We play a benefit in Reno, NV, almost every year called Marianarchy, which we played in May 2022. Kittenhead is a great band to see live we generate a lot of great energy. It is very challenging as a performer not to have that outlet. I believe most musicians on all levels are depressed to a certain degree because we need that interaction with our fans and the crowds at shows.
Covid has given us more time to focus on writing and recording music. I am proud of the new music we are producing. Especially our new song Home, which will be dropping in early September. We did a fun cover of “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and had a great time making the music video. We have a holiday song and a bunch of new music that will be coming out over the next 6 months.
Q5: Who is your greatest influence in music?
Top 3 for Kivi:
Annie Lennox
David Bowie
Nina Simone
Top 3 for DD:
X
Broadway Musicals
Blondie
Top 3 for Mike:
The Who
The Sex Pistols
The Ramones
Top 3 for Erin:
Black Sabbath
Queen
Incubus
Top 3 for Owen:
Rush
AC/DC
FEAR
Q6: Where have you always wanted to perform on stage at?
The Icelandic Airwaves festival and Midnight Sun Festival in Norway. I always enjoy playing in the UK as well.
Looking Ahead
Kittenhead is definitely one band to be on the lookout for! With their musical talent, they are sure to create amazing works in the future. The band’s amazing style and stellar hits are bound to catch the attention of punk audiences everywhere. With both their rockin’ music and messages of inclusivity, Kittenhead is a name to remember. They believe in building a better society thru art.