Almost A Dirty Dozen with FAMOUS STRANGERS – February 2026

According to a recent press release: “Edmonton, Canada’s alt‑metal visionaries Famous Strangers, have unveiled the long‑anticipated music video for “Deepstar,” their debut 2024 single and the first song the band ever released. After two years in the vault, the cinematic visual finally arrives in 2026, marking a major milestone in the band’s evolving creative journey. Originally released in September 2024, “Deepstar,” mixed by Juno‑winner Phil Anderson (Econoline Crush, Garth Prince, Van Halst) and mastered by world‑renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Dokken, Dream Theater, Limp Bizkit), introduced listeners to Famous Strangers’ signature blend of atmospheric storytelling, haunting melodies, and emotional intensity. The new long‑form video brings the track’s cosmic narrative fully to life.” We get the band to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our latest release is the “Deepstar” music video. There are definitely some hidden gems if you’re paying close attention. In the skyline, you’ll catch our logo subtly built into the signage on one of the buildings — kind of a blink-and-you-miss-it detail. And if you look at the very beginning, you’ll see Ziltoid sitting on the drum kit and receiving a kiss. We like sneaking in nods like that.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Jeff: I got into music through my dad, Darrell Kittlitz. I honestly can’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a musician. I was that kid sleeping on the floor at band rehearsals, soaking it in before I even knew how to talk. Same goes for the rest of us — music wasn’t something we found later, it’s something that’s always been there.

Beej: Ever since I picked up a Fisher-Price snare in ‘75, I was hooked. That was the moment.

Amanda: In kindergarten, when they asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “rock star.” That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Jeff: Outside of my dad’s influence, it started with stuff like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Puff the Magic Dragon” when I was a kid. Then I got into choir, the Beatles, and it evolved into rock and roll. Metallica’s “Fade to Black” was a turning point. Seeing The Smalls live as a teenager really blew the doors open for me.

Amanda: My stepdad played a lot of Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel around the house. My first concert was Sum 41, but the one that changed everything was Damageplan at the Starlite Room — I got snuck in underage and saw Vinnie and Dimebag live. That was it for me. Edmonton’s metal scene raised me.

Beej: I remember watching drummers at shows growing up and thinking, why are they doing it and I’m not? That was always the fire — knowing I could do it, needing to be up there.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be and why?

Beej: Chino Moreno from Deftones. There’s something hypnotic about his style — I’d love to bring that into our sound.

Jeff: K.K. Downing from Judas Priest. Lifelong hero. I’d love to pull some of that classic energy into the room.

Amanda: I can’t pick one. Alice In Chains, Acid Bath, Slipknot, Lacuna Coil, Nightwish. Let’s go.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Jeff: I like going to shows, cooking, and playing golf. Yeah, golf and loud guitars — go figure.

Beej: Gaming, hanging with my cats, and maybe some shopping.

Amanda: Studying herbology at my favorite coffee shop, hugging trees, sitting by the river, and listening to music. That’s my peace.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’s never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

We make hard rock and roll with a metal edge. It’s haunting, moody, melodic, and built to take you on a journey. We’ve been lucky with most comparisons, but someone once said LSC was “the new age of metal and it sucks” — that was a fun one. Another reviewer called the video “disgusting.” We wear that with pride.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Jeff’s the cook. Braden’s on drinks. Amanda cracks out the acoustic first. Beej is close behind with the spoons or a harmony. It’s a thing.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Amanda: Dax Riggs. We were at the same hotel, same floor. I didn’t say anything, but his presence was huge. That whole show was unreal.

Jeff: Lars Ulrich’s drum kit at Power Trip Festival. I was backstage and got to stand next to it. That kit had energy. As well K.K. Downing at Bloodstock. Got a photo with him — that was a big one.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Amanda: The best part is that sense of belonging, like I’m part of something real. If I weren’t doing this, I’d either be dead or out in the woods somewhere studying plants. Or both.

Jeff: Freedom, expression, and connection. Making music that speaks to someone else is everything. If I couldn’t do it, I’d probably try to be an astronaut.

Beej: Nothing compares to the thrill of playing. If I wasn’t doing that, I don’t think I’d be here.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask — and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Amanda: I wish more people asked fun stuff — horror movies, fantasy islands, video games. One time we did an entire interview about horror and it was the best. I get tired of the same ten questions. Mix it up.

Jeff: Ask us what gear we use. I play Ibanez guitars and use a Fractal Axe-Fx. I’m over being asked who I want to collaborate with.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Jeff: I got fired from a band once. I wasn’t ready and I wasn’t putting in the work. It hurt, but it taught me what it meant to commit.

Amanda: I’ll always wish I pushed harder earlier. I feel like I’ve half-assed things at times and I’m done with that. I want to see what full effort really looks like.

Beej: I sometimes think about the time I’ve spent on people or projects that didn’t align. But lessons learned, and no regrets.

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Category: Interviews