Famous Strangers are a band built on instinct, chemistry, and the kind of shared musical obsession that starts in childhood bedrooms and jam rooms and never really lets go. Formed by four musicians who once felt like “famous strangers” to one another, the Edmonton heavy‑rock outfit have quickly carved out a sound that’s raw, dynamic, and emotionally charged — a blend shaped by lived experience, classic influences, and a creative process that hits like a sudden wave. With their latest release LSC pushing them into sharper, heavier, and more ambitious territory, the band step into 2025 with momentum, purpose, and a fire that shows no signs of slowing.
Who is answering the questions today?
Jeff: Jeff Kittlitz
Braden: Braden Sustrick
Beej: Brian Jolly
Amanda: Amanda Kiernan.
Together we are Famous Strangers
How did you get the band name and what does it mean to you?
Jeff: I came up with the name while driving, listening to ‘Perfect Strangers’ by Deep Purple. I pulled up at a red light and saw a donair shop called Famous Donair. It clicked. I thought, “Famous Strangers.” It reminded me of the band members themselves, people I’ve admired and wanted to play with, who all felt kind of famous to me, but we hadn’t played together yet. We were strangers, in a way. It just fit. Even now, it feels like it applies to everyone…the fans, the crowd, the people we meet. We’re all a little bit famous, and still kind of strangers too.
When did you realise that you wanted to do music full time?
Jeff: Since I was a baby. I was literally napping on jam room floors while my dad played music. In kindergarten, when they asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wrote “rockstar.” That dream never changed. Amanda: I had the same kind of story. In kindergarten, music was my favorite subject. I got my first acoustic guitar and fell in love with it. Then I joined The Order of Chaos at 17 or 18, played my first show, and that was it. I knew right away that this was all I ever wanted to do. Beej: I was just a little kid with a Fisher-Price drum strapped around my neck, banging on things and making noise. I knew even then. It was always music for me.
How did the idea for your latest release come about?
Amanda: The guys laid down some heavy riffs, and the lyrics just poured out. I was thinking about how bugs mate — like black widows and praying mantises — how they kill their partner after. I thought that was metal as hell. That concept became LSC. Beej: The idea just kind of exploded all of a sudden. Jeff: Yeah, it hit like a wave and all came together fast.
Can you tell us about the themes and influences that run throughout your music?
Jeff: For me, it’s all based on life. The music reflects what kind of day it is. If it’s a good day, maybe something upbeat comes out. If it’s heavy or dark, the music follows. Everything influences me — good or bad. Amanda: Same here. I grew up on the classics — Pink Floyd, The Doors, all that stuff. But the cool thing about this band is the freedom they give me to be fully creative. The stuff that resonates most with people usually comes from my own life experiences. I just try to write about real things, and it seems to connect. Beej: Yeah, you nailed it. It’s all about life, emotion, and how we filter that into the songs.
Who produced the release and what were they like to work with?
Jeff: We self-produced a lot of it, but we also worked with Phil Anderson. He helped us shape the sound. Joel Wanasek mixed it, and Maor Appelbaum mastered it. It was the first time we brought in an outside producer, and it really helped to have that outside ear. Sometimes we took their advice, sometimes we stuck to our guns, but it was a great process. Amanda: And doing parts of it ourselves — like vocals and guitars — that gave us a lot of flexibility and freedom. It’s nice not being on a strict schedule. Jeff: That said, you still need to set deadlines. Otherwise, it never ends.
How would you say the sound of your band has grown or changed over the last couple of years?
Jeff: We only officially launched about a year and a half ago, but already things have evolved a lot. At the beginning, some songs were already written and Amanda added lyrics. Now, we’re writing more organically as a band. Everyone’s voice is in it, and it feels more cohesive. It’s definitely maturing.
What do you want your latest release to do in representation of the band?
Amanda: I want people to feel fired up. Whether they’re at the gym or going through something hard, I hope this song gives them that extra push. Jeff: Sonically, I think LSC shows the kind of dynamic we’re aiming for — big choruses, moody verses, space for everyone to shine. It’s a strong direction for us. Amanda: And honestly, we barely remember writing it. Sometimes it’s like you black out and wake up with this song in your hands. LSC raised the bar for us. It made us all want to level up.
What else can we expect to see from the band in the future?
We’ve got lots coming. We played a cancer benefit show at Starlite Room in our home town in support of Cam Kroetsch’s (from Gravemass,) wife and we did a mini-tour in Alberta in November 25. We’re also deep into writing and recording new music this fall. Plus, keep an eye out for the official video for “Deepstar” ~ it’s gonna be a wild one.