Famous Strangers interview: Q&A with Jeff Kittlitz

15 hours ago

6 min read

Based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, the four-piece band with Jeff Kittlitz, Amanda Kiernan, Braden Sustrik and Brian “Beej” Jolly has spent more than two decades crossing paths through other musical projects before finally sharing a stage as a band.

Now, that journey has reached a major milestone with the release of their self-titled debut full-length album, a record nearly three years in the making.

Q&A with Jeff Kittlitz

In this Switching Styles Q&A, guitarist Jeff Kittlitz sits down with Dylanna Fisher to talk about how Famous Strangers came together, the unexpected moment that pushed the band to go all in, the experiences and influences behind their music, their songwriting process and the realities of navigating today's music industry.

Tell Us, Where Did It All Start?

Famous Strangers didn't form in a moment. They built up to one. Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz and drummer Brian "Beej" Jolly were jamming together for years before the band had a name. Bassist Braden Sustrik came in next when a reunion show of an old band of Brians happened. He was asked to fill in on the bass. After that, the three of them kept playing together as a cover band and loose jam band. When Amanda Kiernan was called in to run through covers, the chemistry was undeniable. What started as a jam session turned into the four-piece that is now Famous Strangers.

Famous strangers four-piece band with Jeff Kittlitz, Amanda Kiernan, Braden Sustrik and Brian “Beej” Jolly

What Was the Spark That Got Everything Started?

I feel we owe this to our long-time friend at the time (now our manager and webmaster), Art Szabo. He had told us to announce to our community that we had this band we were doing. We felt at the time we were not ready; however, that announcement forced us to be ready. The day was April 24, 2023, which just so happened to be the anniversary day of my dad passing. Looking back, this was absolutely perfect, and we are so happy this is the way it went. From that day forward, we were ALL IN.

What’s One Surprising Fact About You That Fans Might Not Expect?

We all have known each other for 20+ years, and all shared the stage with our other projects but never together till this band. There are also very large synchronicities involving birth dates/ Death dates and family histories amongst us all.... Amanda and I also share a tattoo of our late fathers' initials that are the same letters. D.L.K

How Would You Describe Your Sound or Style to Someone Who’s Never Heard Your Work Before?

Our sound is wide. Some nights it's straight metal. Some nights it's hard rock, blues, or punk. They write from jams, not formulas, and they aren't afraid of the left turn. The roots run through Dio, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and W.A.S.P. The modern lane runs through Halestorm, Jinjer, Spiritbox, and Unleash the Archers. When the four of them lock in, it sounds like Famous Strangers, and nothing else.

What Artists, Experiences, Or Moments Shaped Your Current Style?

We all come the Classic rock/ Heavy Metal influences that have mainly shaped our careers. However, it does not stop there; we have roots in Jazz, Folk, Blues, Classical, and EDM. We have all taken something from every Genre, Artist, Show, and experience in life. Obviously just too many to name however it has all been an influence for us. We do not stick to one sound or formula, we write on emotions and life experiences and are always open to any and all ideas.

Can You Walk Us Through Your Songwriting or Production Process?

It usually starts with a riff or melody created by Jeff playing acoustic casually. From there, Jeff and Beej will play around with it and get some sort of structure.

Braden then adds to it to the point where we can present it to Amanda. She will put lyrics on it and usually once the 4 of us collaborate on it develops to something very different from the original starting point.

As said before, there are no limits. Sometimes a song will start with Amanda or Braden, and sometimes even from a guitar effect or sound that creates a riff around that sound. We have even captured and kept moments in the studio where something was created as we are recording. That is the beauty of music and art, there is no limits.

If You Could Collaborate with Any Artist, Living or Dead, Who Would It Be and Why?

This Question is always asked, and the answers always change. Today we will go with Elvis, Ozzy, Deftones, and Beethoven.

What’s On Your Current Playlist?

Nirvana, Dead Kennedys, Graveyard and Dozer. I think we can all say Famous Strangers makes our playlists also.

What’s One Piece of Gear or Software You Can’t Live Without?

We are all capable of making do with or without. We prefer our own personal gear but can succeed with anything. Give us something to keep time and create some pitch, and off to the races we go.

When Do You Know a Song Is Finished?

We'd like to say once it's recorded, but even after that, sometimes things develop or change as we change and grow.

How Much of Your Personal Life Makes It into Your Lyrics?

It depends on what happens in that moment in life, but generally 80-90%. Some days it's healthy to get away from life and create some fantasy. Even then, life seems to sneak in.

Four friends take a sunny outdoor selfie under a clear blue sky, smiling and making bunny ears; one holds a coffee cup.

How Do You Handle Creative Block When It Happens?

We usually will move on to a completely different feel or genre/ different song. If we get stuck or not everyone is in the same emotion/vibe, it's usually time for a break or try another day.

What’s Been Your Proudest Moment in Your Career So Far?

Everyone has different highlights from touring the world, collaborating with our heroes, and playing with our best friends, but the completion of our debut record was/is/and has been a milestone for us all. So happy and proud of this band for this accomplishment.

What Were Some of The Biggest Challenges You Faced Early in Your Career?

One of the biggest ones would have to be learning to be comfortable with yourself. Having confidence that being you is enough. Trusting your gut and doing what makes you happy. Everything else will fall into place after that as long as you are true to yourself and others. Work hard and show up, and challenges will be minimal.

What’s Been Your Most Memorable Show So Far — Good or Bad?

There has been a few, but everyone is in agreement that our very first one was very special. It signified that we are together and this is real. A huge shoutout to The Devils Sons and Starlite Room Edmonton for this.

What Changes Have You Noticed in The Music Industry Since You Started?

All of us started in "the good ol days" before digital was even a thing, before the internet, at a time where you grinded it out usually on the road just to get your band /music heard. You would physically mail your music out across the world through the post office. Now anyone can hear you from anywhere with a click of a button. This goes for every aspect of the industry, anyone can make music, record it, and publish to the world from the living room.

These advancements have been constantly evolving and changing quicker almost daily now. As for the musician to fan relationship the available music out there is very abundant. So much for all to hear and experience. Unfortunately, it has created some laziness and an extremely short attention span. For an artist, it is very difficult to maintain an audience without becoming saturated and literally forcing it into people's minds. It seems sometimes the days of rare memorable moments get lost in the chaos of today's fast-paced lifestyle.

One last thing and most detrimental is how difficult it is to make a living being an artist. All costs have gone up for everything except the musician's income. There are less places to play, less ways to sell your music and everyone feels entitled to a piece of the pie while the musicians keep getting pushed down. This change has been the greatest next to technology and the most difficult to overcome.

What’s A Part of The Music Business Actually Takes Up Most of Your Time?

Content, Content, Content... enough said.

What’s A Stereotype About Your Genre or Scene That You’re Tired of Explaining?

We get judged by what we listen to, what we wear, what we say, how we look. For someone outside of the music community who doesn't know, they think anything heavy, loud, or that they can’t understand is evil. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially in the metal communities. It is all love, peace, unity and non-discriminatory. We support you no matter what differences we all have. No judgments, no violence, no separation... the way it should be, in our opinion.

What Advice Would You Give to Emerging Musicians?

Show up. Work hard. Support your scene. Be kind. Follow your heart. Know that each of you has something amazing to offer. We all start at the beginning and are all capable of reaching the stars.... We are all Famous Strangers