Morgan Lander recently opened up about the key factors that led to Kittie’s decision to return to touring and recording. She shared insights in an interview with TotalRock.
When asked about the defining moment that mentally drove Kittie’s decision to return to active status, Lander explained the gradual process that brought the band back together.
“Well, there were a lot of little things that sort of led up to it,” Lander said. “I think maybe the catalyst for it would’ve been the documentary that we put together.”
She elaborated on the documentary’s original purpose and unexpected impact on the band’s future.
“It took us three years to put it together, from 2014 to 2017, when it was released,” she continued. “And that was really supposed to be our way of getting the band together, but to sort of celebrate what we had and put a nice cap on things. It wasn’t ever meant to be, like, ‘Let’s restart things.'”
Lander described how the documentary’s reception led to new opportunities that the band hadn’t anticipated.
“But the interest in that sort of led to some offers for festivals in the United States to have us kind of reunite just for a few shows,” she said. “And that was all we were planning to do. And then from there we met some people at our [current] label [Sumerian Records] who were, like, ‘We loved your show. We are interested in putting out an album.’ And we were, like, ‘Do we do this?’ And then, of course, the answer was yes.”
She concluded by reflecting on the band’s unexpected journey back to active status.
“So it’s just all these little things that have sort of led up to this moment right here where five years ago we were definitely not doing the band at all,” Lander said. “It wasn’t even on our radar. And over the last few years, we played our first shows, we went into the studio and recorded a new album, and here we are at Download.”
The band’s return to active touring has proven more successful than they initially anticipated. Their reunion performances generated significant fan enthusiasm and industry interest.
Metal Injection reported that their triumphant return to the stage at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival in September 2022 marked a turning point for the band. Mercedes Lander reflected on the experience, describing the powerful feeling of being back on stage after their extended hiatus.
“When we stepped onstage, I was, like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is how it’s supposed to be. This is what I’m supposed to be doing,'” she said. “This is a fantastic feeling.”
The band’s music, rooted in teenage angst, continues to resonate with fans old and new, proving its timelessness. Metal Injection noted that Morgan commented on their enduring edge, stating that the fire and anger that fueled their early work remains present in their current incarnation.
Additionally, Blabbermouth documented that Kittie’s original lineup reunion moments have been captured in recent concert films. This includes “Kittie: Live At The London Music Hall,” released in 2019, showcasing the band’s enduring energy and fan engagement over the years.
