Band Background & Evolution
1. Kitsa formed in the Pacific Northwest and blends sludge, stoner rock, ’90s heavy
metal, and grunge influences. How would you describe the band’s core sound,
and what initially brought the three of you (Skot, Chris, and Randy) together to
create this heavy, groove-driven project?
– I would consider our sound all over the place. We all like multiple genres
of music. One song might have a real heavy or metal style riff while the
next one is a Dead by Dawn style song. What brought us together was the
result of me going to local shows and asking if I could be in everyone’s
band that performed. It was a Mos Generator show and I asked every
single person on that stage that night. I guess it worked.
2. Your debut album Dead By Dawn (2024) was produced by Tony Reed. Looking
back, how did that first record shape the band’s identity, and what lessons from
that experience carried into the making of II?
– There was a lot of getting to know each other musically and the band was
formed largely during the writing process of Dead by Dawn. When Skot
joined the band, we had probably 5 songs of just music already written
and he had to play catch up. This record is more of our identity. The result
of building that bond and playing lots of shows. I think its more of what
Kitsa’s sonic identity moving forward.
3. After the debut, you lost your bassist Jeremy Reede. How did that change impact
the band emotionally and creatively as you moved into the new album?
– Jeremy Deede was a founding member of this band and we wish him luck
in his future endeavors. The impact to the band was a set back and it did
take a while to recover. Creatively, I think the process of writing had
changed as we developed as a unit which was far before his departure.
This is a riff driven band 90% of the time. So the writing process starts
there for us. Then usually Rando (our drummer) and I hash out a few parts
and record that immediately. And then the fine tuning and lyrics come after
that. Everything is written together for the most part now.
Collaboration with Tony Reed
4. Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.) not only produced,
recorded, mixed, and mastered II, but also stepped in on bass for the album.
What was it like having such a legendary figure so deeply involved in the project?
– I think it goes without saying that Tony is rad. During pre production he
had some time off the road from the Pentagram touring. We actually got
together in the studio and just jammed the songs and that’s just what he
does. He just jams man. He pushes for that feel and it was a really fun
time. There were a few times while playing that I look over and was like
damn, Tony is jamming with us! Haha! And we are thankful and lucky to
have his involvement. You’ll learn a bunch from just going through this
process from him. It is honestly, a really good time. He is great to bounce
ideas off of we sat there and just riffed a few of the parts in the studio. He
has all the badass guitars and amps. Super fun time!
5. Tony’s production style is known for its organic, heavy, and honest rock sound.
How did working with him again push Kitsa’s sound further into “heavier, darker
territory” while sharpening your hooks and grooves?
– A lot of the songs on this record are darker and grungy. His style is like
that because he records in a no bullshit fashion. Its all about good takes
and proper skill. He won’t waste his time if you aren’t ready and he isn’t
going to auto tune your voice or fly in some audio clips from another
section of the song. That’s how he rolls man. Like I said, he likes to jam
and if you aren’t ready you will go home until you are. As far as pushing it
into further darker territory, all the songs were really dark. But it is the little
things where he asks us to play a part a little longer or don’t resolve the riff
and let it breathe. That’s what set his style apart because he hears things
you don’t
6. The album was recorded at APL and Heavy Head Recording Co. What was the
recording process like this time around compared to Dead By Dawn?
– Honestly, it wasn’t that much different than Dead by Dawn. It was recorded
at the same places. There were just a few minor differences, I did all the
scratch tracks from home and sent them to APL so they could do drums
and same with the solos. I recorded those from home which gave me
more time to get them how I wanted while Tony is off touring. But we sat
down and did all the main guitars the same way and the vocals the same
way. The results from Dead by Dawn were great so we figured if it ain’t
broke don’t fix it.
The New Album II & Single “Avaleigh”
7. II is set for release on September 18. How does this record build on Dead By
Dawn? What new elements or evolutions in songwriting and heaviness can fans
expect?
– Since we have been established as a unit for quite some time, we were
able to lock in together and share far more ideas this time around. I think
Skot really knocked it out of the park lyrically. His ideas for harmonies and
vocal structuring was crucial this time as I think he was the captain of that
ship. Also, the songs are more lock step. There are tight parts where we
lock in as a band for tight notes, guitar solo sections with time changes,
and again, vocals that just rip. We expounded upon the harmonies and
Skot delivered his signature swagger.
8. Your lead single “Avaleigh” (released July 7) tells a deeply human story inspired
by a real encounter in Oregon. Can you share more about the person behind the
song and how that brief connection translated into such a weighty, atmospheric
track?
– It was a refreshing encounter with a person we had just met. Hearing their
story of fighting how they really feel or how they perceive their identity and
being scared to let that out resonated with us. I think we have all felt like
that and society can be a real asshole. There is not a lot of love in this
world but there is plenty of hate. Hearing the story of someone’s journey
and them deciding to step out with courage and saying this is who I am
and I don’t care if the normal cookie cutters accept me was powerful but it
took a life time. Skot just ran with it and it was amazing. Tying a heavy
melodic riff to such powerful story is what makes a good song to us.
9. The song carries themes of connection, vulnerability, and the lasting impact of
sharing life with strangers. How does this more personal, narrative-driven
approach fit into the overall heavier and darker direction of II?
– All of our songs are exactly how we feel. Live music brings people from all
different walks of life together. Complete strangers can share an incredible
experience one night only together and never see each other again. All
because of one killer night of music that connects our souls. I think that is
how our music connects to people. We are writing songs about real life of
an average American. We are playing small shows in small venues. We
are grinding that reality of sometimes only playing for the other bands that
are playing. It’s tough to get outta your hometown these days! All of us
have families, full-time jobs, and its not always rock and roll. Nothing but
authenticity.
10. What are some standout tracks or moments on II that best represent where Kitsa
is heading next?
– I really love the track God of Broken Wings. I think it’s a down right true to
the core Kitsa track. Its more of what you would expect from us I feel. I
also love the song Sick and Tired. Every time I listen to it, I get a different
feel of it. I those two tracks will stand out the most. Skot has some killer
vocal melodies on that track and he again came up with a great concept.
Influences, Songwriting & Creative Process
11. Your sound pulls from Pacific Northwest grit, Southern sludge, stoner haze, and
’90s metal muscle. Which artists or eras have been particularly influential on the
new material?
– There was a lot of early Soundgarden and Alice in Chains that ended up
coming out. I think all of us are just heavy Seattle fans. I personally, love
Down and Black Label Society. I love Mark Tremonti’s solo stuff and I am
heavily influenced by all of the bands I just mentioned and I love super
heavy music like Killswitch and Lamb of God. But each of us have
different musical influences we pull from. I would say some 80s metal
bands inspire us as well as older 70s classic rock. We are always sending
each other songs. It’s a form of communication and appreciation for us.
We feel that its pretty important to know what we all are listening to. Helps
us keep a strong musical bond. Ive always said our music style is the
result of a span of influences from the 70s to present. Some would
probably argue even earlier!
12. With Skot and Chris both contributing vocals, how do you divide songwriting and
vocal duties, and how has that dynamic evolved on II?
– It’s a really organic process and we just kind of roll with it. On this record
Skot wrote the majority of the lyrics. I wrote one of the songs lyrics and
Skot just lays down his style on it and it is rad. It goes every way you could
think of it. Skot might write a whole song or I might. It may be a
collaborative effort from the both of us and even Rando throwing in his two
cents. Then there are the parts where one of us largely has the lyrical
content and the other adds a few backing ideas and its very natural. Skot
does push me to sing more and more cause he loves the harmonies and
he is a singer so it makes sense. It allows him to stretch his legs vocally
as well.
13. The band is known for massive guitars, hard-earned melodies, and unapologetic
heaviness. What was the biggest challenge in balancing those crushing riffs with
memorable hooks on the new album?
– When writing riffs for Kitsa, I am constantly thinking about the hook and
how we can make it memorable. That is a big focus for us when writing
the songs. Heavy riffs with us are also super melodic so it lends itself to
the vocal hook really well. The biggest challenge is typically tying it
together with a verse or a bridge effectively along with coming up with a
great melody vocally.
Live Shows, Future Plans & Personal Reflections
14. How has the material from II been translating to the live stage so far? Are there
any particular songs you’re especially excited to play live?
– We play most of the album live now already. I personally love playing God
of Broken Wings and The Weight which is a heavier song if not the
heaviest on the album. The solo in The Weight is challenging as well so it
pushes me personally to be better. The songs have been getting great
responses. Avaleigh also has been really fun to play live with our vocal
antics and the musical changes. We have gotten some really nice
compliments about the new material.
15. With Tony on bass for the album, what are your plans for performing these new
songs live moving forward?
– Tony Reed played the bass amazingly on the record. Really locking in with
the drums and complimenting the riffs. Obviously, its going to be bad ass
when he is on the track. But with that said, when we first heard it we were
like oh man, we have to find someone who can do that! That was a tall
task and we had a few people try out and a good friend of ours help us out
for a while rehearsing. But we found our guy eventually. His name is Tony
Napoli and he has been in the band for a few months now and he kills it.
We had a show in May and he came to rehearsal like 3 days prior. We had
never met and never struck a chord together before. He jammed the
songs like he had been playing them all along. Super pro for sure, and we
played a show that weekend and the rest is history.
16. What’s one thing you hope listeners take away from “Avaleigh” and the full
album II?
– The biggest take away I am hoping for is that they see the growth and
maturity of our music as a band and appreciate the fact that we are still
trying to maintain the authenticity of our sound. The overall response from
our debut record was overwhelming and totally surprising. We just
appreciate all the love and support. We hope that people will enjoy this
record as well.
17. Now that Kitsa is entering its next chapter with a heavier, more focused sound,
what are your goals or dreams for the band in the coming years?
– We would love to get out on the road more or play big and better shows
and see our fans out in the world. We would love to grow this thing and
share it with a bigger audience. Europe has always been a dream. As far
as the next chapter is concerned, I think I would like to explore a heavier
sludge sound. With the boys’ permission.
18. Any funny, wild, or memorable stories from the recording sessions with Tony
Reed that fans might enjoy?
– As far as the studio sessions, it’s like hanging out with the boys. He is
always on tour, and he comes back in spurts. We might hit lunch or
something like that. It’s pretty much just like a hang out, but we also write
and record albums. The funniest story is a night where we played a show
and we opened for Mos. Our vans were parked next to each other and our
bassist had left ours running. Tony moved it around the front of the venue
making our bassist and drummer think it was stolen with all our stuff
inside. Tony was also recording it and sold the whole thing well. I have the
video, it’s hilarious.
Closing / Fun Questions (optional)
19. If II had a visual aesthetic or vibe (like a movie, book, or feeling), how would you
describe it?
– It would look like the sun coming up on the day after the world ends.
Nothing but a lawless dystopian world with few survivors looking to make it
in the world.
20. What’s one album or artist you’ve been listening to a lot lately that’s inspiring
you?
– Dark Chapel from Vegas is really cool. I love their record. Tons of local
favorites too.