Interview with Kitten

Photo by David Andrako

"I just let it all out on stage"- Chloe

Kitten: Chloe- Vocals, Max- Drums, Andy- Guitar, 

Chris- Bass, Sam- Keys

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Kitten is a Los Angeles based band with energetic, danceable, rockin' pop tunes. Singer Chloe moves along to the beat, banging her tambourine and going crazy when performing live. It's refreshing to see a singer move. You wouldn't think she was 15. But her musical history traces most of her life. When she was 10 she joined her first band Wild Youth, an apt name to describe her band now, too. Wild Youth indeed. The youth are taking over. We're seeing teenagers making bands and playing. It's great. They're the future. Chloe's voice, lyrics, image, and performance are years ahead of her. You can tell she really feels what she's singing. when she performs. She knows how to rock and put on a show. When I first saw Kitten at Rebel for Syndicate's pre-CMJ party, she was all over the place. She was bumping into her guitarist, dancing on top of speakers, getting into the crowd, and dancing in the bird cage. It was quite a performance. 

During Sneak Attack Media's CMJ showcase at the Delancey on Oct. 20, I spoke with Chloe after the band's set. She spoke to us about her performance, her influences, and being the youngest member in the band.

1) How's CMJ been going so far?

Chloe: It's been going awesome. It's been great. We just played a show for The Syndicate, a college deal, then we have two more.

2) How was the Syndicate Party?

C: It was packed. It was super fun. We played with a lot of cool bands [Nada Surf, Oh Land, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.], so it was a lot of fun.

3) I just saw you perform and you were all over the place. What brings out that performance aspect?

C: I don't know, I guess I just let it all out on stage. No one's judging you. That's what you're supposed to do. Because I can do it. You know?

There's bands that don't do much on stage and the music justifies movement. There's bands you see play and it might be about playing and the musicianship and whatever but some bands just don't move and that's boring. So it's good to see a performer that moves.

C: Oh. Thank you.

Seems like you have a lot of energy, which is great.

C: Thank you. 

4) What three words would you use to describe Kitten?

C: Darkly inflected pop.

5) Who are your and the band's musical influences?

C: Karen O. (of Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Joy Division. I really like Arcade Fire. Our drummer used to be in bunch of punk bands. His dad was in TSOL. He used to play in a bunch of punk bands. So punk, in general.

6) What other shows are you playing?

C: Tomorrow [Oct. 20] at Arlene's Grocery and the Purevolume Party Artist Lounge.

7) I know Arlene's and this place [The Delancey] are 21 and older. How are you playing these shows? They're kind of sneaking you in?

C: Yeah. Just come early and stay long.

8) So you just come early and they don't bother you?

C: Dude. I play. I make this shit happen.

9) You're 15. How old are the other guys in your band?

C: The  guitarist and drummer are 19, then 22 and 23.

10) How is it working with musicians that are a little older than you? Intimidating at all?

C: There's a lot of busting balls going on. Sometimes I'm like the joke of everything. Like the bottom of their shoe but musically it's fine. We all get along well. Hanging out with boys a lot of times- they're always joking with each other. I gotta stay tough. 

11) Have you done anything in New York yet?

C: I got a euro at one of the hot dog stands. I'm excited to eat here. I saw Surfer Blood here.

12) What music are you listening to lately?

C: I'm really into The Drums right now. Sleigh Bells I was really into for a while...Tyler the Creator  [from L.A.] is really good. If I could get his name out there. He's super bomb. He's like a 16 year old rapper, but it's kind of like art-rap, if that's what you call it.

13) Why do you feel compelled to be in a band?

C: I've been doing music all my life. It's what I do. I play drums, guitar, and started playing bass. I started in my other band. I played bass in my other band [Wild Youth] and sang.

14) If you could change one aspect of the music industry what would it be?

C: If it weren't about who you know. But based on your talent. That's what I don't like about it. Obviously if you're a great band, you get out there no matter what but some bands quicker than others....

15) Any final words?

C: We just released our EP October 19 called Sunday School. So you can buy it on iTunes or download it for free on our MySpace.We have a 7-inch vinyl we carry with us at shows. We sell it for $5.

Thanks for the interview!

C: My pleasure.