Kittie’s Reunion and Comeback: A Conversation with Mercedes and Morgan Lander
Aftershock Festival Appearance
During their recent performance at the Aftershock Festival, Kittie’s drummer, Mercedes Lander, and guitarist/vocalist, Morgan Lander, took the opportunity to sit down with San Francisco’s 107.7 The Bone. The sisters discussed the band’s 2022 reunion, the success of their comeback album, Fire, and what the future holds for the iconic metal band.
The Spark of Reunion
Mercedes shared that the reunion was somewhat unplanned, catalyzed by persistent outreach from Live Nation. She recalled, “We could not ignore the e-mails from Live Nation in our inbox any longer… I remember writing Morgan and being like, ‘Hey, we should probably reply back to this guy, ‘cause he’s written us at least three times.’” This initial outreach set the wheels in motion for Kittie’s return.
Fan Support and Growing Popularity
Morgan emphasized that the reunion was not solely due to industry contacts, but also a response to the growing demand from fans. “It wasn’t just that — it was that more people were listening. Spotify numbers were growing, and people just asking for new music. The voices just continued to get louder and louder,” she explained. This enthusiasm from their fanbase played a significant role in revitalizing the band.
From Festival Dates to New Music
Initially, Kittie had only planned to perform a handful of festival dates, but they soon found themselves with new opportunities. This included signing a record deal with Sumerian Records, which led to the creation of Fire, their first studio album in over a decade.
Momentum and New Collaborations
Mercedes reflected on the unexpected momentum: “Our plan was just to play a couple of shows and then be like, ‘Okay, bye.’ … And then that morphed into us getting an offer for a record deal, and then getting to write new music. … We got to work with the dream team — Nick Raskulinecz and Josh Wilbur.” This collaboration has reinvigorated the band’s sound and creative process.
Looking Ahead
When asked about what lies ahead for Kittie, Morgan confirmed that Aftershock marked their final performance of the year, but hinted at more activity in 2026. She stated, “We get to go home and relax. We’ve got a few things brewing next year — more festivals, more shows, maybe some headline stuff. And maybe start thinking about new music too, just for fun.” This suggests an ongoing journey of creativity and performance for the band.
Celebrating Milestones
In addition to their recent activities, Kittie also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Spit, with the release of the Spit XXV EP on September 19 via Sumerian Records. This milestone serves as a reminder of their lasting impact on the metal genre and their dedicated fanbase.
Conclusion
Kittie’s reunion and the success of their album Fire highlight the enduring legacy of the band and their ability to connect with both longtime fans and new listeners. With hints of more music and performances on the horizon, it’s clear that Kittie is far from finished, and fans can look forward to what the future holds.
FAQs
What prompted Kittie’s reunion in 2022?
The reunion was largely influenced by persistent outreach from Live Nation and an overwhelming demand for new music from fans.
What is the name of Kittie’s comeback album?
Kittie’s comeback album is titled Fire, which was released after signing with Sumerian Records.
Are there plans for new music in the future?
Yes, Morgan Lander hinted at the possibility of working on new music in the coming years, alongside more festival appearances and shows.
What milestone did Kittie recently celebrate?
Kittie celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Spit, with the release of the Spit XXV EP.
