In Conversation With #202 - Kills Birds
Los Angeles based band Kills Birds have just released the new EP 'Crave' via Lucky Number, home to the likes of Dream Wife and Hinds. A solid release from the band - which sees comparisons to Deftones and Sleigh Bells while still offering something fresh and exciting to the genre.
Produced by Aron Kobayashi Ritch (Momma, Been Stellar) the ‘Crave’ EP is the band’s first new music since 2021 sophomore album “Married”, and their debut release for Lucky Number. Fronted by Nina Ljeti, a Bosnian Canadian filmmaker the Los Angeles Times called “L.A.'s most electrifying new rock singer,” Kills Birds’ renowned performances are truly visceral, with guitarist Jacob Loeb’s blistering riffs and Fielder Thomas’ pummelling basslines now rounded out with the addition of new fourth member, drummer Griffin Kisner. While 2019’s self-titled debut captured the promise of their grunge-inspired sound and Ljeti’s unflinching lyrics, sophomore 2021 release “Married” signaled a notable step up with the band recording at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 with legendary producer Yves Rothman.
They took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Kill Birds, how are you? So your EP is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?.
We’re really excited! We hope that people enjoy listening to it as much as we loved making it.
It is called ‘Crave’ – what is the meaning behind that?
While writing the songs we thought a lot about our childhoods. Jacob and I grew up in the Midwest and there’s a sense of nostalgia tied to that— the memory of being a kid and dreaming of something bigger than us. That’s what inspired our artwork and the song “Madison.”
Then you fast forward to our adult lives in Los Angeles, post pandemic, feeling left behind and out of place; like we missed our chance that we had been waiting for.
Forever craving something more, searching for something or someone.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
In Los Angeles with Aron Kobayashi Ritch— an amazing producer, friend, and the producer/bassist in Momma. The recording process for me was difficult because it had been four years since we recorded anything. I was terrified of singing and was therefore having tantrums prior to recording every song. I remember crying in front of the microphone and looking over at Aron in the control room and he was so patient and understanding with me. And then Jacob would come in to calm me down as he always does.
What are the key influences behind the EP?
Deftones, hardcore music, heavy metal… Trace has a little bit of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs influence in it.
If the EP could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
They Follow — the It Follows sequel. No reason except I think our music suits horror.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
“completely and lovingly blind” — a state of being for many of us
Now the EP is out there – what next for you?
I’m developing my feature which is about a band. I’m currently in the Film Independent Lab working on that with an incredible cohort of screenwriters and directors. As for the band— we have a show on MAY 24th at the ECHO! With Promiseland and Wayne Miller. Come see us!
