Over the weeekend, female metal mainstays Kittie launched a much-teased crowdfunding campaign for a new DVD documentary about the 20 year (!) history of the band.
"For 20 years we have given our blood, our sweat, and our tears. We have toured the world, met thousands of amazing people, traveled a million miles, laughed with you, cried with you, screamed with you, waited out in the cold with you, bled with you and grown up with you. We have defied the rules, the status quo and sometimes even each other. We have broken the mould by which metal had cast for us and sprinkled its shards kicking and screaming across 5 continents, 6 albums and thousands of shows.
Whether we have been there for 2 years, or for 20, you have stood by us. We have done all these things together, with you, and now it is time to give back to you, to say thank you for 20 years of your continued love, support and understanding. We have seen it all together, but what you know is only half the story."
The band asked for $20k via Indiegogo for DVD production costs and biography pitches and achieved their goal within 8 hours, which is impressive for the band.
As of this writing, the total amount is about to pass $32,000. Kittie couldn't be more pleased:
“UNBELIEVABLE! You have officially spoken! In just 8 hours, you have proven to be the most amazing, dedicated, giving fans anyone could ask for! This project is going to be so great, thanks to you! We have REACHED OUR GOAL! If you still want to contribute, there is PLENTY of time to do so, and a ton of stuff still available.
KITTIE ARMY FOREVER!”
What's truly shocking to me though is that the band has had so many members. According to their Wikipedia page, the band has had nine active members over the years:
Current members
Morgan Lander – lead vocals, guitars, piano (1996–present)
Mercedes Lander – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1996–present)
Tara McLeod – guitars (2005–present)
Trish Doan – bass (2005–2007, 2012–present)Former members
Tanya Candler – bass (1996–1999)
Fallon Bowman – guitars, backing vocals (1996–2001)
Talena Atfield – bass (1999–2002)
Jennifer Arroyo – bass (2002–2005)
Ivana "Ivy" Vujic – bass (2007–2012)
The band also briefly had a male session guitarist on tour, Jeff Phillips, and briefly had guitarist Lisa Marx on tour in 2004.
I don't even recognize most of these women, but kudos to Kittie for sticking with it and making it happen for 20 years and then some. I look forward to the documentary.
