This past May fans were stunned by an unlikely source during the sold-out Paramore show that filled the confines of the Fillmore Auditorium. While the headliners held their own, a young opening band named Kitten was what favored the post-awe conversations and live social media updates. The synth-laced rock of the female-fronted outfit left an impression on Denver, and comes back this weekend appearing at The Riot Fest, with its new EP “Like A Stranger” in tow.

The Rooster was able to grab a few minutes from the 18-year-old frontwoman Chloe Chaidez before her Sunday performance. She’s carried through the nostalgic synth-rock genre by supporting members: Lukas Frank, Bryan DeLeon, Waylon Rector and Zach Bilson. Their set is scheduled for 1:10 on the Riot Stage. 

Still unprepared for this weekend's festivities? Remember to stop by our Inventory Of Forgettables article to check off some cliché, but necessary supplies.

You’ve got your new EP “Like A Stranger” out now, how do you feel that it’s out?

It feels great. I think after I put out music I don’t really think about the recordings anymore because you just have to move forward. It’s out of your control. But people seem to like it, so that’s great!

You had to reschedule some dates in September supporting Charli XCX, were those to support the EP or was it a few one-offs?

It was to support the EP. It was a bummer, because the timing was just perfect, but the rescheduled dates are posted for October / November. We’re doing the two Riot Fests, Denver and Chicago, and we’ll probably do connecting dates in between or after.

Last time you were here it was with Paramore, and you’ve opened up for huge acts other times, what’s it like watching those kinds of performers?

It’s unbelievable. The Paramore show every single day was unreal to me, and everyone involved; everything from catering to dressing rooms and of course the fans and their enthusiasm for our show. No Doubt was one of the biggest bands we’d opened for at that time. It’s also just great to see and witness those performers and how they compose themselves and what they do on stage.

Did you get to interact with them at all or are they kind of sheltered from opening bands?

No, we hung out with pretty much every band we played with. Last night (Sept. 7) we opened for Gary Numan, and I mean, our dressing rooms were right next to his. There was sort of no hiding. They’ve all been really cool. He was really cool.

You’re part of a musical family, how has that shaped your approach to music?

Well, my dad was in a punk band in the 80s in east LA and, funny enough, that wasn’t really where his heart was. I mean he’s always gonna love punk and he raised me on that, but he really listened to a lot of classic rock too, like Mott the Hoople, David Bowie and obviously Led Zeppelin and those sorts of bands… My brother’s really into electronic music as well and introduces me to a lot of things. He goes to MIT but does music on the side. He introduced me to a lot of the electronic music that I’m in to now. We’re always competing as far as who knows the coolest new band or whatever. In between my brother and my dad there’s a lot of things coming out of me musically that’s help shaped who I am today.

Who are you stoked to share the festival with at this year’s Riot Fest?

The Replacements, The Pixies…. all of them! It’s insane to think about! Of course, I’m so excited about that.

Do you get a chance to hang out at the festival or is it a pretty quick turnaround?

Well because of our postponed tour, now we have time to hang out at the festival – which will be great. Who knows if I’ll get to meet Debby Harry (Chicago), though, but I’m gonna try!

Are you even thinking about writing now or getting back in the studio?

We’re gonna release a full length in April or May, so I mean we’re sort of, we have deadlines. When you’re in a band you’re always making music. Right now as we rehearse for the shows coming up, at the end of practice we always sort of jam on something. I’m always writing something. That aspect of what we do, as artists, should never stop.

Is that the future for Kitten, is getting the album out and picking up larger tours?

Ya, of course! Hopefully by that time we’ll be able to headline our own tours, but you have to see where it all takes you. Hopefully we’ll be headlining when the album’s out – or on a bigger support – either way I’m fine!