Q&A with Alberta Metal Band Famous Strangers

Famous Strangers is a rising force in the music scene, captivating audiences with their unique sound and dynamic performances. Their latest release has been making waves, drawing in fans with its infectious energy and metal lyrics.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, this deep dive into Famous Strangers will give you an inside look at the passion and artistry driving their success.

Q&A With Famous Strangers And Switching Styles

In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with the band to discuss their creative process, musical influences, and what’s next for them.

Famous Strangers Was Formed In 2023. What Was The Driving Force Behind Bringing You All Together?

Jeff explains It’s kind of wild how it all came together. The roots of this band go way back—over a decade ago—when some of our first big metal songs were written. Beej and I had played in a band before, and when that project ended, we weren’t ready to stop. We had an entire album written that never even got released, so we just kept going, kept writing. Over the years, we tried different projects, experimented with different ideas, but that hunger for something bigger never really went away. Eventually, we crossed paths with Brayden through another project and started revisiting some of those old riffs. Brayden had played bass with him way back, so there was already that connection. Then, when we started looking for a vocalist, we thought of Amanda—we’d known her from past bands we’d played shows with. At first, it wasn’t about forming a band; we were just jamming, playing covers, having fun. No one came into this thinking, “Alright, this is it, we’re starting a band.” Beej states that the fire was always there in all of us. What started as just jamming Iron Maiden/Megadeth covers a year ago has turned into a full-fledged band with 10 songs recorded and a vision that keeps fueling us forward. It’s been this natural evolution, and now we’re locked in, full speed ahead.

How Would You Describe Your Sound In Your Own Words To New Potential Fans?

Famous Strangers blends the power of classic heavy metal with the grit of modern rock, delivering dynamic, emotionally driven songs that hit hard both musically and lyrically. Our sound is built on soaring vocals, driving riffs, and atmospheric depth—designed to connect, move, and stay with you long after the last note fades. We craft music that’s as anthemic as it is raw, channeling intensity, melody, and storytelling into something that feels both massive and deeply personal.

Every song carries weight—whether it’s the fire of defiance, the ache of longing, or the rush of letting go. We take influence from the legends who shaped the genre, while carving out something that is uniquely ours. At the core, Famous Strangers is about honesty and impact—music that doesn’t just fill a room, but resonates with the people in it. If you’re looking for something powerful, something real, and something built to move you, this is where you’ll find it.

You’ve Shared The Stage With Bands Like Three Inches Of Blood And Riot City. What Has Been The Most Memorable Live Performance For You So Far?

For Jeff, our very first show with The Devil’s Sons stands out the most. After not playing live for so long, stepping on that stage again felt like Christmas—just pure magic. It was the moment everything became real. Then, to follow that up with a show alongside Three Inches of Blood? You couldn’t ask for a better way to kick things off. That first show wasn’t just a gig; it was the moment we became a band. It felt like the beginning of the rest of our lives. Amanda said, I’ve got a soft spot for our show in Drumheller, too. It was our first out-of-town gig, and there was this intimate energy to it. I think we were just starting to feel everything, getting into the rhythm of who we are on stage. It’s tough to pick just one because every show so far has been a milestone. We’re a brand-new band, and every time we hit the stage, it’s another first—first show, first out-of-town gig, first time playing with some of our heroes. Even though we’ve all played live before, this feels different. It feels like ours. And we’re just getting started.

How Does The Songwriting Process Typically Work For Famous Strangers? Does One Member Take The Lead, Or Is It A Collaborative Effort? Amanda explains A lot of the songs we’re playing now have been in the works for over a decade. When I joined, Beej and the guys already had around 20 songs written and just dropped them on me like, “Here you go, learn these.” Jeff and Beej, writing has always followed the same process—we’ve been playing together for 15 years, across multiple bands, and it always starts with a riff. You bring it to the jam space, lock in with the drummer, and build from there. That’s the foundation—the meat and potatoes of the song. Then comes the fun part—the sprinkles, as we call them. That’s where everything starts to evolve, and suddenly, what started as a raw riff turns into something completely different and exciting. Our writing is super organic. We jam everything out, record it all, and just keep playing the songs over and over, tweaking things on the fly. Sometimes it clicks instantly, and within a jam or two, we’ve got a full song. Other times, it takes months, and we’ll be reworking parts until it feels right. We’ll come back to a song thinking it’s perfect, then the next day, we hate it and tear it apart again. It’s all based on emotion. Every song has its journey—some come fast, some take time, but in the end, it’s all about the energy in the room and letting the music take shape naturally.

Your Latest Single, I’ll See You In The Stars—Can You Dive Into The Inspiration Behind This Track?

Jeff explains, Instrumentally, this is one of those songs that Beej and I wrote years ago. It had this emotional depth and journey to it that made it stick with us—we kept playing it, even when we weren’t sure if it would ever become a full song. At first, we just thought of it as an instrumental. It had this atmospheric, moody quality, and we nicknamed it Tones because it reminded us of something Deftones might do. The name stuck as our working title for years. Once we found Braden and started adding bass to it, the song took on a new life, and we started seeing its full potential. But the real turning point was when Amanda joined. We handed her this stack of songs, and something just clicked. It was like the lyrics were waiting to be written, and suddenly, everything just started pouring out of her. Lyrically, this one is deeply personal. Amanda took inspiration from an experience—one of those moments in life where you’re stuck yearning for something that’s never going to happen. It’s about learning to let go, trusting the universe, and realizing that sometimes, what you’re holding onto isn’t meant for you. It wasn’t an easy song to write, but it flowed. Everything about it came together naturally, like it was always meant to exist.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from I’ll See You In The Stars?

Amanda wants this song to reach deep into people, to stir something inside them that they might not even realize they’ve been holding onto. Not in a way that brings out negativity, but in a way that helps them confront what’s buried, process it, and let it go. We all carry things we don’t even realize are weighing us down, and sometimes, you need something—music, lyrics, a moment—to help release that and make space for something new. At its core, this song is about growth and change. It’s about trusting that even when things don’t go the way you expected, it’s okay. Sometimes, we chase things we think we need, only to realize they were never meant for us. If this song can help someone see that, to trust the universe a little more, to let go of what isn’t serving them, then that’s everything.

Were There Any Specific Challenges Or Surprises That Came Up While Recording This Track?

Jeff says. Since we recorded this DIY-style, everything was in our hands, which comes with its own set of surprises. The drum tracking went smoothly—Beej always nails it—but when it came to guitars and bass, we ran into something weird. Brayden and I kept hearing this slight tuning or intonation issue. Some days it was there, some days it wasn’t, and it drove us nuts. We double-checked everything—tuning, gear, settings—but couldn’t find the problem. Eventually, we ran it through an auto-tuner, and everything lined up perfectly. Turns out, it was probably just our ears playing tricks on us or the way the speakers were set up. But in the moment, it was one of those “What the hell is happening?” moments. Once we got into mixing with Amanda’s vocals, the issue just disappeared, and no one’s heard it since. For me(Beej), the biggest surprise wasn’t technical—it was personal. I never expected to record this song, let alone play it live. It always felt like something that would just exist in the studio, but now, it’s out there, and I’m damn proud of it. And for Amanda, this song was like an emotional purge. It wasn’t something she meant to write—it just exploded out of her. The recording process was intense, full of raw emotion, but in the end, it became something cathartic. Looking back, it’s like the song forced her to confront something she had been holding onto for so long. By the time it was finished, it wasn’t just a song—it was healing. Music is therapy, and this track proved that.

You’re Releasing Multiple Singles Leading Up To A Full Album In 2025. How Does I’ll See You In The Stars Fit Into The Larger Story Of This Album?

Originally, we planned to drop a full album right away, but in today’s landscape, releasing singles makes the most sense—not just from a strategy standpoint, but for us as a band, too. We’re still evolving, still shaping our identity, and releasing singles allows us to introduce different sides of who we are. Choosing our first single was a difficult decision because we wanted something that showcased both the heavier and more melodic sides of our sound. We landed on Deep Star because it felt like the perfect middle ground—a song that represents both the intensity and emotion we bring to our music. After that, we just had to get George out there. That song is pure metal, and we knew people would be expecting something heavier after Deep Star. So we gave them what they wanted. With I’ll See You in the Stars, we’re showing another layer of what we do. This song has been a defining track for us—it captures so much of what we want to express: heaviness and softness, aggression and vulnerability, raw emotion and intensity. It’s a song that showed us and our listeners that we can be dynamic, that we’re not just about one sound or one mood. As we continue writing and preparing for our first full-length album in 2025, this song helps set the tone. It’s a glimpse into the depth and diversity we’re bringing to the record. There’s going to be a lot of exciting, heavy, and emotional material coming, and Stars is a perfect piece of that puzzle. It shows our maturity as songwriters—proving that we’re not just about pure heaviness, but about crafting something real, something with meaning. And trust us, we’re going to keep feeding people all sorts of things along the way.

Can you give us any hints about the themes or direction of the upcoming album?

Honestly, every song has its theme. Each track tells a different story, explores a different emotion, and brings its energy. It’s hard to pinpoint a singular direction because the album itself is still evolving. Right now, we’ve got about ten songs written, but we’re constantly writing new material—some of which we’re already falling in love with even more. What we can say is that this record is shaping up to be as diverse as we are. There’s heavy, there’s melodic, there’s raw emotion, and there’s straight-up aggression. We’re not sticking to one formula because that’s not who we are. We want this album to represent the full range of what we do, and right now, we’re just embracing the process, letting the songs take us where they need to go. So, any hints? Just sit tight. It’s coming, and it’s going to hit hard.

Are there any collaborations or surprises fans should look forward to on the new record?

We should—that would be awesome. We’ve always loved the idea of hidden tracks and special guest appearances, and we do have one recorded right now. We won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say it involves a very special guest… and a saxophone. So yeah, that could be a pretty cool surprise when the time comes. As for other collaborations, we’re still figuring things out. We’re a new band, and we’re shaping our sound as we go, but there are people we’d love to work with in the future. Some names that come to mind are Cyn Mercredi, Britney Slayes, and Val—artists who inspire us and whom we’d love to create something special with. What’s cool is that when we think about collaborations, we naturally lean toward artists within our scene rather than just chasing big names. There’s something real about working with people you genuinely connect with. So, while we can’t say too much just yet, we can promise this—there are surprises in the works, and we’re excited to bring them to life.

What can fans expect from your live performances this year? Any upcoming tour dates or special shows in the works?

We’ve got a lot coming up, and we’re just getting started. Our first headlining show is happening May 10th at the Starlight Room in Edmonton—an all-ages show featuring some killer local acts: Black Friday, King Thief, and Ember. Check them out, they’re all great bands. Beyond that, we’re stoked to be playing three major festivals this year—Decimate Fest, Loud As Hell Festival, and Armstrong Metal Fest—so keep an eye out for those announcements. We’re also hitting the road for a Western Canadian tour right before Armstrong Metal Fest with our friends in Gravemass.

As for what to expect from a Famous Strangers live show? Energy. Power. Movement. Emotion. We bring intensity, but we also bring depth and vulnerability, and yeah—we have fun up there. We want every show to take you on a journey, to keep you locked in from start to finish. We’re serious about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously—we’re here to put on a show you won’t forget. No dull moments, no looking away. Just full-throttle, all-in, raw, live music.

Each of you brings a different energy to the band. What’s one thing about each member that fans might not know?

Alright, here we go—some fun facts about the Famous Strangers crew:

Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals)

Jeff Kitlitz is the guy behind the scenes, making everything sound incredible. Aside from playing in the band, he works in live production as a front-of-house and systems tech engineer. Oh, and he recorded, engineered, and produced all of our music himself. When he’s not drowning in cables and gear, he’s hanging out with his two beloved dogs.

Brian Jolly aka “Beej” Beejerson (Drums)

Beej isn’t just our powerhouse drummer—he’s got some serious jazz roots. He was the best drummer in his class at the first annual Jazzworks event back in 1991 and trained through the Royal Conservatory. He’s also a cat lover with four kitties and a wife whom he adores (yes, in that order).

Braydon Sustrik (Bass, Vocals)

Braden wears a lot of hats—he’s a teacher, a bassist in multiple bands, and even does stand-up comedy. He might come across as the quiet one at first, but once you peel back the layers, he’s one of the funniest, quickest-witted people you’ll ever meet. On top of that, he’s got the biggest heart—he treats everyone with kindness, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Amanda Keirnan (Vocals)

Amanda is a wild mix of things—she DJs at a strip club, bakes like a pro, and is a full-on tree hugger (literally). Her neighbors probably think she’s a bit eccentric, but she fully embraces her inner hippie. She’s also studying to become an herbologist, so if you ever need some mystical plant wisdom, she’s got you covered.

Famous Strangers

Every one of us brings something different to the band, and that’s what makes Famous Strangers what it is. We’ve got the metal, the heart, the humor, the jazz, the hippie energy—it all comes together to create something real. What is the ultimate goal for Famous Strangers? Where do you see yourselves in the next five years? Taking over the world, Pinky. No, but seriously—that’s the goal. Touring across countries, playing to massive crowds, and bringing our music to every corner of the planet. This isn’t just something we want to do—it’s what we have to do. We want to wake up every day knowing we’re making music, making memories, and leaving behind something meaningful. More than anything, we want to bring people together. We want our shows to be more than just concerts—they should be experiences, moments that stick with people. We want to spread love, unity, and positivity everywhere we go. It’s about creating a movement, about connecting with people on a deeper level through music. If you’ve ever seen that Twisted Sister video for I Wanna Rock—that kid in his room with a guitar, ready to take on the world—that’s us. That’s the energy we’re bringing. We’re here to make noise, to make an impact, and to make the world a little better, one show at a time.

This is what we were meant to do, and we’re coming for you. See you out there.

Final Thoughts

Famous Strangers continues to carve out their space in the music industry, blending raw emotion with electrifying soundscapes. As they gear up for new projects and live performances, their dedication to crafting meaningful music remains stronger than ever.

Listen To Famous Strangers Now

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Stay connected with Famous Strangers by following them on social media, streaming their latest tracks, and keeping an eye out for upcoming shows. This is just the beginning for a band destined to leave a lasting impact on the music world.