More often than not, it’s difficult to take teenage rockers seriously. I mean who, at age 17, is capable of writing totally non-cheesy lyrics, listing an assortment of everlastingly cool and iconic influences, and delivering downright badass performances? Not many, that’s for sure. Chloe Chaidez, however, is a rare breed. At only 17, Chaidez has fronted her band Kitten as they opened for huge acts like No Doubt (and at present, Paramore) and has continually made a name for herself by intoxicating crowds with her wild energy and powerful vocals.
Although she comes from a musical family––her father was the drummer for East L.A. punk band The Undertakers, and her brother’s knowledge of programming and electronic music helped her with the production side of music-making––her sound is entirely unique. She cites 80’s bands like New Order, Siouxsie And The Banshees, and The Eurythmics as some of the many influences for her music, while her high-powered performance antics and visceral style of vocalization are reminiscent of a young Karen O.
Along with her success at such a young age, her style is to be both admired and envied. Going in accordance with her effortless glam rock vibe, she channels earlier decades in combinations of spandex, lace, and leather and consequently, puts even the most fashionable 17-year-olds to shame. Needless to say, she’s far beyond her years in terms of talent and presentation, and she is–in all probability–much cooler than you and me.
Your on-stage presence is so dynamic and wild. Was this something that developed as you started performing regularly, or have you always been a natural entertainer?
I think it’s funny because my first show––I was like, 10––I was in a band with a bunch of cousins. That’s the only time I can remember being nervous or anything––or I guess uncomfortable––and it was like tearing off a Ban-Aid. The next show I played, something clicked inside of me and I was never nervous or uncomfortable again.
Growing up, did you specifically idolize or try to model your image after any particular front-men/women?
Yeah. I mean definitely, I think I just watched DVD’s of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and they were performing Fever To Tell. I just watched that religiously. Karen O was the only person that mattered to me, probably, from 13 to 14. I think you know like, Ian Curtis as well, Iggy Pop, Alice Bag are kind of like superheroes.
Just like awesome punk performers?
Yeah. They’re not really real, you know? I think I wanted to sort of give off that intangible superhero thing. Just constantly watching and listening to that music and understanding their personas, I sort of developed my own. I think most of it is just a part of yourself you can’t hide anyway, you can’t put away.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t know…Kurt Cobain and an Arabian princess.
Do you have a favorite article of clothing or accessory to wear on stage?
Probably all my rings––I probably have like, 16 rings I wear, and my choker.
Being so young and the only female in your band, do you ever feel as though you face more pressure than, say, a female in a band with an equal gender ratio?
I don’t know, I can’t really. I’ve never really been a band with another girl, you know? I don’t know if it’s better or easier or less stressful. I’ve only known this, I’ve only ever been in a band with a bunch of guys. I guess the grass is always greener, but I don’t know.
You’ve proclaimed your impressive love for 80’s music, which can definitely be identified in your sound, but do you have any more contemporary influences as well?
Definitely. I really like Blood Orange.
Influence aside, who are you listening to at the moment? Any favorites that might surprise your fans?
I really like the new Foxygen record, and the new My Bloody Valentine record. I actually really like a lot of hip hop like Future and Mike Will Made It. It’s awesome. I totally think they’re pushing boundaries right now in modern music. They utilize technology in a way that not a lot of artists are able to.
If you could have one of your songs remixed by anyone, who would it be?
That’s a hard one! I really like Elite Gymnastics’ remixes. I know that’s not like, reaching for the stars but I really like his remixes, I think that’d be really cool.
Photos from Atlantic Records
