Kid Kilowatt
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Kid Kilowatt was a short-lived American rock supergroup formed in 1996 and disbanded by 1997, comprising members from Cave In, Converge, and Piebald. Their sole album, Guitar Method, was initially released through Second Nature Recordings in 2003.
Stephen Brodsky characterized the group as a "softer rock outlet compared to the metal sound of Cave In," highlighting a style that was "considerably more mellow" than their other main bands.
History
The origins of Kid Kilowatt trace back to August 1996 when it was first called "Ester of Wood Rosin," founded by Cave In's Steve Brodsky. Motivated by his appreciation for Giants Chair and seeking a creative alternative to Cave In, Brodsky enlisted Adam McGrath (also from Cave In) on bass, drummer Matt Redmond, and guitarist/vocalist Aaron Stuart from Piebald. Brodsky took on guitar and lead vocals, crafting what he described as "rock n' roll tunes that were sentimental but not overly so."
Within a few months, they composed early tracks destined for Guitar Method, such as "Teg Nugent" and an original extended nine-minute rendition of "Tug of War." By fall 1996, they recorded a four-track demo at GodCity, the home studio of Kurt Ballou. Approximately 400 copies were produced and sold rapidly. In spring 1997, after Stuart departed to concentrate on Piebald, Ballou joined the lineup permanently, prompting the band to adopt the name Kid Kilowatt, inspired by a song from Guided by Voices.
With Ballou's addition, the group revisited material originally penned by Stuart and continued developing new songs including "Radio Pow for Now." Their debut performance under the Kid Kilowatt name took place in Methuen, Massachusetts, where they opened for Giants Chair. Over the following six to seven months, members' obligations to other projects limited rehearsal time and live appearances; nevertheless, they shared stages with acts such as Piebald, Jejune, and Regulator Watts.
Kid Kilowatt recorded only one session before their breakup—in July 1997—capturing "Bicycle Song" and "The Scope." The former track was featured on a sampler released by Hydra Head Records.
Following Brodsky's entry into Converge while still active in Cave In during 1997, his availability for Kid Kilowatt significantly decreased. Redmond relocating to New Hampshire further dampened the group's momentum. Their last concert occurred in January 1998 at Providence’s Met Cafe. Shortly thereafter, Brodsky left Converge to dedicate himself fully to Cave In as guitarist and vocalist; meanwhile, McGrath and Ballou remained focused on their primary bands, and Redmond joined Eulcid. As Brodsky explained, the lack of time ultimately led to Kid Kilowatt’s dissolution.
In November 1998, the band made an effort to record all their songs. Recording sessions at GodCity proceeded intermittently until October 1999. This period saw new compositions such as "Memorial Drive," "Glass of Shattered Youth," and "Cadence for a Rainy Day" take shape. The final track completed was the album version of "Tug of War." Mastering was completed at M-works in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Members
- Kurt Ballou – guitar
- Stephen Brodsky – guitar, vocals
- Adam McGrath – bass
- Matt Redmond – drums
- Aaron Stuart – guitar
EPs
- Hit Single (2001)
Albums
- Guitar Method (2004)