AloneKitty is a Toronto-based shoegaze band led by Michelle K, drawing inspiration from icons like Sonic Youth, Slowdive, and My Bloody Valentine. Formed after Michelle was laid off from her tech job, she dedicated a year to crafting their debut album, AloneKitty, and assembling a live band to bring her vision to local venues. Michelle describes her music as a "wall of sound" that immerses listeners in a unique state of bliss, with lyrics reflecting her personal struggles. As 2025 approaches, the band, featuring drummer Stefan Loebus and bassist Jonathan Knowles, is gearing up for more live performances and a new release.
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
The band was formed after almost a year’s worth of writing and recording. Finding the right people to play this has been an uphill climb but I hope the struggle will be worth it now that I have the super talented guys I love playing with. The name AloneKitty was a bit of a fun take on the cat in the first Alien movie that Ripley rescued. Saved in the first movie and then abandoned in second one but then there are lots of possible explanations...is this one true?
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
I’ve mostly been involved in cover bands, some interesting and some not so much. AloneKitty is really me putting myself out there with no filter or wall. It’s as real as it gets for me. I have my mum to thank for getting me a guitar at age12 and introducing me to The Beatles, Cliff Richard and Elvis.
First concert that you ever went to?
The first concert I ever saw was a cover band at Disneyland in California as a kid, and I’ll never forget seeing them play the Queen song ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and being wowed by the energy. Such a vivid memory. Locally the first real bands I remember seeing were friends playing places around town, I couldn’t tell you who they were!
What's your writing process like?
It varies from thunderbolts of inspiration to hours flogging away with a drum beat and numerous chords hoping something meaningful appears. It’s a real mystery. I really believe if there were any evidence for the divine it would be the magic that happens when art and music are created.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
Bob Mould: this man can do no wrong. That wall of guitars, those deeply personal songs, and the earnest live shows. He’s everything that I feel I want to be. His songs are so vital and urgent, and can make me rock out or occasionally bring me to tears. Just the best.
Sons of Freedom: they really changed everything for me. While everyone was into Nirvana I was into these guys from Vancouver and their relentless loud guitars and bass, with heavy drums and such gritty lyrics.
Sonic Youth: I don’t know what to say about a band that probably started a million other bands. They are mesmerizing to listen to and seem so unencumbered by any of the bands that came before them, forging a new way
80s King Crimson, Slowdive, and HUM just sculpt sound in unique ways. Whether it’s intertwining guitars, jangly chords at full volume or the subtle and quiet use of delay pedals these guys occupy space in my brain when I think about music.
XTC were kinda like the modern Beatles to me and Ivy sort of followed in their footsteps in their own way. Just great songs that I couldn’t stop listening to. Probably among my fave songwriters in the modern era.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be its own thing?
I feel like there should always be an element of uncertainty when a band plays live. Sections where anything can happen, good and/or bad are things I really like, it’s when ‘mistakes’ show me new insights.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows? worst shows?
We’re currently just playing local shows but we’ve received some great feedback and look forward to lots more. We’re spreading out to small places outside the city very shortly.
What's up next for the band?
We will soon be heading into the studio to start working on the follow up to this record followed by playing live as much as we can.