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Kittie

From Alfawiki
Kittie
Company typeIndependent
IndustryMusic
Founded1996 in London, Ontario, Canada
FounderFallon Bowman, Mercedes Lander
Headquarters
London, Ontario
,
Canada
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsMusic albums, merchandise
Number of employees
Band members (varies)

Kittie is a heavy metal ensemble originating from London, Ontario, Canada, established in 1996 by guitarist Fallon Bowman and drummer Mercedes Lander. The lineup expanded in 1997 with the addition of guitarist and vocalist Morgan Lander alongside bassist Tanya Candler. Morgan and Mercedes have consistently remained the foundational members of the group. Collectively, their independently released material has achieved sales exceeding two million copies globally.

The choice of the band's name reflects an intentional contrast in appeal. After securing a deal with Ng Records, Kittie unveiled their inaugural album Spit in 1999, which was subsequently re-released by Artemis Records. This debut predominantly embraced a nu metal style and attained over 600,000 sales within the United States, earning gold certification from the RIAA. Their follow-up records, Oracle (2001) and Until the End (2004), showcased a transition toward a heavier and more intense sound incorporating elements of alternative metal, groove metal, and death metal. However, these albums did not replicate the commercial impact of Spit, culminating in their departure from Artemis Records in 2005.

Following this, Kittie founded their own label, X of Infamy, under which they released Funeral for Yesterday in 2007. The band later signed with eOne Music in 2009 and issued two albums—In the Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011)—both featuring bassist Ivana "Ivy" Jenkins. After these releases, Kittie entered an indefinite hiatus as members explored other ventures.

In celebration of their 20th anniversary in 2018, Kittie released the documentary Kittie: Origins/Evolutions and held a reunion concert. They reconvened once more in 2022 to perform at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival and the When We Were Young festival. Their first studio album in thirteen years, titled Fire, was launched on June 21, 2024, through Sumerian Records.

Formation and early development (1996–2004)

The formation of Kittie took place in September 1996 when guitarist Fallon Bowman connected with drummer Mercedes Lander during gymnastics class. Shortly thereafter, Mercedes' sister Morgan joined as vocalist and guitarist, with Tanya Candler completing the lineup on bass by November 1997. The band began producing demos and performing live shows throughout 1998 before securing a contract with NG Records in 1999 after impressing executive Jason Wyner.

Their debut album Spit was released on November 13, 1999. Following NG Records’ acquisition by Artemis Records and bassist Candler’s departure, Talena Atfield was brought on board as her replacement. Artemis reissued Spit with updated artwork on January 11, 2000. This record became Kittie's most commercially successful release to date, earning RIAA gold certification with sales exceeding 600,000 units in the U.S. and approximately 40,000 copies sold in Canada. To promote the album, Kittie toured alongside Slipknot.

In 2000, Spit garnered five accolades at the Metal Edge Readers' Choice Awards including "Female Performer of the Year" awarded to Morgan Lander. Additionally, their home video release Spit in Your Eye featured interviews and live performances. By December 2001, Billboard recognized Kittie as "the most successful female band in modern metal."

Work on their sophomore album Oracle commenced early in 2001; this release adopted a more aggressive tone integrating influences from death metal and thrash metal. Weeks prior to recording sessions, Fallon Bowman departed due to creative disagreements, prompting Morgan Lander to record all guitar parts herself. Artemis announced that Kittie would continue as a trio with guitar technician Jeff Phillips joining for touring purposes. Released in November 2001, Oracle had shipped nearly 220,000 copies across the U.S. by 2004.

On March 18, 2002, Talena Atfield exited the band and was succeeded by Jennifer Arroyo two days later. In April 2003, Kittie alongside producer Garth Richardson initiated legal action against Artemis Records over approximately $900,000 owed in royalties and breaches of contract; this dispute was resolved out of court by March 2004. That same year saw guitarist Lisa Marx joining while Jeff Phillips concentrated on his side project Thine Eyes Bleed. The band released their third studio effort Until the End on July 27, 2004.

Separation from Artemis and release of Funeral for Yesterday (2005–2007)

On March 23, 2005, Morgan Lander announced that both Lisa Marx and Jennifer Arroyo had left Kittie. Arroyo's departure was amicable whereas Marx’s exit came as a surprise; both cited financial challenges linked to inadequate promotion by Artemis Records as primary reasons. Lander also disclosed ongoing negotiations with Artemis while expressing intent to part ways with the label. Arroyo subsequently joined Billy Graziadei’s band Suicide City. On March 31, 2005, Kittie officially severed ties with Artemis Records due to disagreements over funding for their fourth album.

The band welcomed Tara McLeod on guitar and Trish Doan on bass during this period. Morgan and Mercedes Lander also launched the Poisoned Black apparel line that year. Additionally, they appeared in documentaries such as Metal: A Headbanger's Journey and Heavy Metal - Louder than Life. On February 7, 2006, Kittie released their EP Never Again through Rock Ridge Music. Morgan contributed vocals to Kataklysm's album In the Arms of Devastation later that year.

Establishing their own record label initially named Kiss of Infamy Records—which was renamed "X of Infamy" following a cease-and-desist order from Kiss Catalog Ltd.—Kittie released their fourth full-length album Funeral for Yesterday on February 20, 2007 under this imprint. Accompanying the album's release was a planned 45-minute DVD presentation. In February 2007, they embarked on the Funeral for Yesterday Tour alongside Walls of Jericho, 36 Crazyfists, Dead To Fall, and In This Moment.

Trish Doan departed post-tour due to anorexia nervosa developed during recording sessions. From July through September of that year, Kittie headlined the Sweet Revenge Tour featuring It Dies Today, Silent Civilian, Bring Me the Horizon, and Blessed by a Broken Heart; Jeff Phillips temporarily filled bass duties before Ivy Vujic was appointed as permanent bassist.

In the Black and I've Failed You era (2008–2011)

On August 2, 2008, David Lander—the father of Morgan and Mercedes Lander who also managed Kittie—passed away from a heart attack.

Kittie signed with E1 Music on June 26, 2009; their fifth studio album titled In the Black was released on September 15 that year. Music videos were produced for singles "Cut Throat" and "Sorrow I Know". The track "Cut Throat" debuted on MTV2's Headbangers Ball as well as Canadian program Much Loud, additionally featuring on soundtracks for films such as Saw VI and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. European distribution was handled by German label Massacre Records.

In January 2010 Kittie toured Europe promoting In the Black, supported by acts like It Dies Today and Malefice, covering several countries across the continent. Morgan Lander announced plans for a music video for "Die My Darling". March saw them touring North America alongside God Forbid, Periphery, and Gwen Stacy. Between May and June they participated in the Happy Daze tour headlined by Insane Clown Posse featuring artists such as Coolio and Kottonmouth Kings.

During July and August of that year they joined the Thrash and Burn tour with bands including Asking Alexandria, Born of Osiris, and Chelsea Grin before opening for Devildriver on a subsequent North American tour.

Their sixth studio album I've Failed You was issued on August 30, 2011; promotional videos were created for "We Are the Lamb" and "Empires (Part 2)". In that same year drummer Mercedes Lander became part of all-female group The Alcohollys which included former bassist Tanya Candler.

Documentary release, passing of Trish Doan & hiatus period (2012–2020)

On February 13, 2012 Kittie announced Ivana "Ivy" Vujic’s departure with Trish Doan returning to bass duties shortly thereafter. They performed at Toronto's Spread the Metal Festival on September 7, 2013 but soon entered an extended hiatus due to escalating costs related to touring and production alongside dwindling audience numbers at live shows. Both Morgan and Mercedes Lander expressed sentiments that Kittie's presence may have overstayed its welcome following their last album release. By 2017 Mercedes described this hiatus as indefinite though without formally disbanding; Tara McLeod later reflected that publicly acknowledging an end would have been deeply painful.

In early 2014 Kittie hinted at an undisclosed project via social media platforms; on March 28 they launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign aiming to finance a documentary DVD commemorating their twentieth anniversary along with an accompanying biography book—surpassing their $20,000 target within eight hours and ultimately raising $40,525 (203%). Rob McCallum directed the film while Mark Eglinton co-authored the book.

Plans for a U.S. tour with Ill Niño were announced for April 2015 but cancelled due to immigration complications. Later that year in October they recorded a cover version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" featured on Cleopatra Records’ tribute compilation; this track was completed within one day under producer Siegfried Meier's guidance.

In October of 2016 Mercedes Lander launched sludge/doom metal outfit The White Swan releasing single "Illuminate" followed by debut EP Anubis in November.

Bassist Trish Doan passed away on February 11, 2017 at age thirty-one after struggling with depression; she had relocated to Australia in late 2013.

On August 30 that same year Kittie announced a three-set reunion concert scheduled for October at London Music Hall featuring both past and present members performing material spanning their career history; this event coincided with launching their documentary project DVD including contributions from former members Candler, Bowman, Phillips Arroyo & Vujic. The concert recording was later released on DVD in March of 2019.

The documentary titled Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, filmed prior to this reunion show but excluding participation from Atfield & Marx—though Atfield expressed support without appearing—was released on Blu-ray/DVD March 30th ,2018 accompanied by a live performance CD.

In interviews during late-2019 Morgan Lander voiced uncertainty about continuing without Doan’s involvement; she also joined melodic death metal band Karkaos as lead vocalist during that period.

By October of 2020 Mercedes indicated that future reunions were improbable absent substantial financial motivation combined with full participation from all former members citing difficulty moving forward without Doan.

Resurgence & new material: Fire era (2021–present)

With nu metal experiencing renewed popularity toward late-2021 Kittie received invitations to perform select shows leading them to officially end their hiatus January-2022 welcoming back Jenkins on bass duties. Their first live appearance since late-2017 occurred September-8th at Blue Ridge Rock Festival Virginia followed by performances across all three days at When We Were Young festival Las Vegas October-2022.

Subsequently signing with Sumerian Records under Ash Avildsen’s leadership they commenced work on new recordings January-2023.

On May-13th they debuted “Vultures,” marking first new material release after twelve years during Sick New World Festival Las Vegas appearance; by November-19th they confirmed ongoing sessions for upcoming album produced by Nick Rasculinecz at Nashville’s Sienna Studios.

February-13th ,2024 saw premiere of “Eyes Wide Open” via Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal channel followed next day by official single/video release coupled with announcement regarding Sumerian Records signing; critical acclaim followed from outlets including Consequence , Exclaim! , Metal Hammer , Revolver .

After “Vultures,” Kittie announced their seventh studio album entitled Fire, scheduled for release June-21st ,2024.

Musical style and influences

Throughout their career Kittie's sound has traversed numerous genres such as nu metal, alternative metal, heavy metal, death metal, extreme metal, groove metal, thrash metal, gothic metal, punk influences ,and hard rock elements . Their vocal approach often combines death/black metal growls alongside clean singing techniques; notably on debut Spit, vocal styles ranged from screaming to rapping interwoven with melodic singing . Critics have drawn comparisons between them and prominent acts like Pantera , Slayer , Mudvayne .

Initially rooted in Seattle grunge influences Morgan Lander cited bands such as Silverchair , Alice in Chains , Nirvana shaping early work especially during creation of Spit. As she joined fully ,the band's direction shifted towards nu metal drawing inspiration from Korn , Deftones , Sepultura . A wide array of influences including Nile , Today Is The Day , Placebo , Far , Weezer , Orgy , Fear Factory , Hole , Tura Satana , Human Waste Project , Babes In Toyland , Misfits , Blondie , Nasum were acknowledged during interviews circa late-1990s . With release of Oracle, there was deliberate movement away from nu metal towards more extreme metal styles .

Morgan has additionally recognized Marilyn Manson , Metallica , Cannibal Corpse , Carcass , At The Gates , Acid Bath , Testament among key inspirations influencing ongoing evolution .

Legacy

Described by Tiny Mix Tapes as “arguably best known all-female band” within nu metal era various media outlets credit them as pivotal figures inspiring female representation within rock/metal scenes . In addition to being named one of most influential all-female bands ever by ROCKRGRL’’ magazine back in ’04 they have motivated artists such as Djamila Bozen Azzouz ([Ithaca]), Lzzy Hale, Serena Cherry (Svalbard, Noctule) plus pop-metal artist Poppy. High-profile admirers include celebrities like Demi Lovato & Caroline Polachek while rapper Princess Nokia declared them her favorite metal act featuring them prominently within “Dragons” video off her debut ‘’Metallic Butterfly’’ (2014). In ’16 ‘’OC Weekly’’ ranked them eighth among top Canadian metal bands .

Band members

Current

  • Morgan Lander – lead vocals / guitar / piano (1996–2017; resumed activity since January-2022)
  • Mercedes Lander – drums (1996–2017; resumed activity since January-2022), backing vocals (from mid-2005–2017; resumed January-2022)
  • Tara McLeod – guitar (from mid-2005–2017; resumed January-2022)
  • Ivana "Ivy" Jenkins – bass (2007–2012; briefly returned during ’17 reunion; active again since January-2022)

Former

  • Fallon Bowman – guitar / backing vocals (1996–mid-2001; appeared during ’17 reunion)
  • Tanya Candler – bass / backing vocals (1997–1999; participated during ’17 reunion)
  • Talena Atfield – bass (1999–early-2002)
  • Jeff Phillips – guitar / backing vocals (mid-2001–end-2003; participated during ’17 reunion), bass (briefly mid-2007)
  • Jennifer Arroyo – bass (early-2002–early-2005; appeared during ’17 reunion)
  • Lisa Marx – guitar (early-2004–early-2005)
  • Trish Doan – bass (mid-2005–mid-2007; returned early-2012 until passing ’17)

Timeline

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BarData = bar:Morgan text:"Morgan Lander" bar:Fallon text:"Fallon Bowman" bar:Jeff text:"Jeff Phillips" bar:Lisa text:"Lisa Marx" bar:Tara text:"Tara McLeod" bar:Tanya text:"Tanya Candler" bar:Talena text:"Talena Atfield" bar:Jennifer text:"Jennifer Arroyo" bar:Trish text:"Trish Doan" bar:Ivy text:"Ivy Jenkins" bar:Mercedes text:"Mercedes Lander"

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Awards & nominations

Juno Awards
Year Nominee/work Award Result
2001 Kittie Best New Group Template:Nom
2025 Fire Metal / Hard Music Album of the Year Template:Nom
Kerrang! Awards
Year Nominee/work Award Result
2000 Kittie Best International Newcomer Template:Nom
Metal Edge Readers' Choice Awards
Year Nominee/work Award Result
2001 Morgan Lander Female Performer of the Year Template:Won
Kittie Template:Nom
Spit in Your Eye Home Video of the Year Template:Won
Kittie New Band of the Year Template:Won
Who's Going to be the Next Big Thing Template:Won
Most Underrated Band Template:Won
2002 Mercedes Lander Drummer of the Year Template:Nom
Morgan Lander Female Performer of the Year Template:Won
Kittie Template:Nom
Tied with Shavo Odadjian & Dave Ellefson}} Bassist of the Year Template:Nom
Kittie Most Underrated Band Template:Nom
2005 Kittie Most Underrated Band Template:Won

Discography

Template:Main list Studio albums

References

Notes

Citations

Sources

External links
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