More than 25 years after the release of their groundbreaking debut album Spit, the members of Kittie continue to prove why they remain one of metal’s most enduring acts. Following a triumphant return to the road, major festival appearances, and the celebration of Spit‘s 25th anniversary, the band has entered a new chapter that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly energized.
When Kittie boarded ShipRocked, they brought that momentum with them. Fresh off a busy touring schedule and preparing for a summer that includes long-awaited appearances at legendary European festivals, the band sat down with The Travel Addict to discuss their favorite Canadian destinations, touring Europe, memorable tattoos, and how life on the road looks very different than it did when they were teenagers recording one of metal’s most influential albums.
I spent much of last summer exploring Canada, including Calgary, Kelowna, and Quebec City. If you could recommend one ultimate Canadian road trip, what would it be?
Morgan Lander: That’s easy. Drive from Calgary to Kelowna.
I used to live in Calgary and my partner is from Kelowna, so I’ve made that drive many times. We would purposely choose not to fly because the scenery is so spectacular. You can stop in places like Golden, British Columbia, and then continue through the mountains.
If you’re not from a mountainous region, it’s one of those drives that never stops amazing you. Every turn feels like a postcard.
I actually discovered Kelowna for the first time last year and completely fell in love with it.
Morgan Lander: Isn’t it incredible?
The wineries are amazing, the fruit is incredible, and it’s becoming a real wellness destination with spas, saunas, and outdoor activities.
Just remember there are bears and cougars around.
Nobody mentioned that part!
Morgan Lander: Ignorance is bliss sometimes. But yes, next time maybe bring bear spray.
You have a big European festival season ahead. What are you most excited about?
Mercedes Lander: We’re playing some festivals we’ve always wanted to do.
Morgan Lander: The biggest one is definitely Wacken Open Air. It’s our first time playing there, and for a metal band that’s a huge milestone.
Tara McLeod: That’s the one.
Morgan Lander: We’re also playing Bloodstock Open Air for the first time, which is really exciting.
We’ve always enjoyed touring Germany, and the UK has been especially good to us recently, so we’re looking forward to getting back there.
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of Spit. Do you have any favorite memories from recording that album?
Morgan Lander: It’s hard to pick just one because it was such a unique time in our lives. We were teenagers. We were literally doing homework between recording sessions while working with legendary producer Garth Richardson. At the time, we didn’t fully appreciate how significant any of it was.
We were just excited kids making a record. Looking back now, it’s kind of amazing because we were so naive. We didn’t realize how important those moments would become.
Mercedes Lander: We were definitely teenagers. We probably drove some people crazy.
Any memorable tattoo stories?
Morgan Lander: I got this blue heron tattoo in Mexico. A tattoo artist reached out before our trip and offered to do it. I honestly wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I figured even if it went badly, it would at least make for a good story. Thankfully it turned out beautifully.
I chose a blue heron because they’re important in Canada. They spend summers in our country and migrate to Mexico during the winter, so it felt appropriate given where I was getting it done. Plus, I just really love birds.
You’ve been touring heavily again over the last couple of years. What’s been the biggest change compared to earlier eras of the band?
Mercedes Lander: Everything is calmer now.
Morgan Lander: We’ve aged into touring. I remember our last European run. We weren’t staying up all night. Most nights we were in bed by ten unless we were headlining.
Tara McLeod: It was basically, “Do you want a cup of tea and then go to sleep?”
Morgan Lander: Exactly. When you’re younger, you think touring is all about staying up late and partying. Now it’s about taking care of yourself because you still have to perform every night.
Had any of you ever been on a cruise before ShipRocked?
Morgan Lander: I’ve been on a cruise before, but nothing remotely like this.
Mercedes Lander: This is definitely a different experience.
Does performing on a ship change your mindset?
Morgan Lander: Absolutely. I mean, we’re literally standing on a stage while floating in the middle of the ocean. That’s not something most musicians experience. The idea that we’re playing while the ship is moving is still kind of wild to think about.
Mercedes Lander: It’s probably more challenging for me as the drummer than anybody else.
Morgan Lander: Luckily we’ve been rehearsing these ShipRocked sets since October, so we’re ready.
Any favorite ShipRocked moments so far?
Morgan Lander: We’re just getting started but what has stood out already is how welcoming everyone has been. The fans here are incredible.
ShipRockers tend to follow bands long after the cruise ends.
Morgan Lander: We noticed that at the meet-and-greet. There were definitely people who may not have known much about us before the cruise, but they were excited to meet us and welcome us into the ShipRocked family. That’s something really special.
Mercedes Lander: It’s a very unique community.
Morgan Lander: And we love that. Kittie has always been a band that welcomes everyone, so we’re happy to adopt ShipRocked right back.
Final Thoughts
As Kittie prepares for a summer filled with firsts—including long-awaited appearances at Wacken and Bloodstock—the band’s enthusiasm remains as strong as ever. While the members may trade late-night chaos for tea and an early bedtime these days, their passion for performing hasn’t faded.
Whether they’re reminiscing about recording Spit as teenagers, sharing hidden gems from their Canadian homeland, or embracing new adventures aboard ShipRocked, Kittie continues to prove that longevity in heavy music isn’t just about survival—it’s about evolving while staying true to what made fans connect with you in the first place.