Today we’d like to introduce you to Kittie Farmer.
Hi Kittie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have loved singing as far back as I can remember, all the way to singing along with my Spice Girls CD in pre-school. In elementary and middle school, I loved singing in school musicals, and it was also in middle school that I fell in love with heavy metal. In high school, I sang in a few metal bands with friends.
When I was 19, I moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. At that time, I put my dream of singing on hold, but I found another way to get involved with the music I loved. Throughout my college years, I was a DJ at UT’s student-run radio station, where I hosted my own heavy metal radio program. I was lucky enough to interview lots of my favorite local musicians on-air and was happy to support the local music scene.
My early and mid-20s were somewhat chaotic with complications in my personal life and working long hours. I auditioned for a few bands during this time, but I was not chosen for most of them, and those I did work with fell apart. Things stabilized in my late 20s as I advanced in my career and got married. During this time, my friends and I did live band karaoke with a group called Karaoke Apocalypse. I had a great time singing Slayer and Metallica songs with a live band, and it inspired me to give finding my own band just one more try.
At age 29, I auditioned for a local metal band. Much to my surprise, they chose me as their lead singer! We had many great times together, playing lots of shows and recording an EP. It all happened so quickly, and it was honestly more than I had ever dared to hope for. They were my first working band, and I will always be grateful that they gave an unproven singer like me a chance. Unfortunately, I left the band in mid-2020, which of course was a rough year for all musicians.
Things turned around in late 2020 when another local metal band called Flooded Tomb invited me to try out for their lead singer position. They ended up choosing me, and we got to work writing music and playing shows. Although I was worried about keeping up with such great musicians, they encourage and support me every step of the way. I am having the time of my life and excited to see what the future holds for us!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would say the road hasn’t been completely smooth, but much of that was my own doing. In the past, I often did not try at all due to fear of rejection. For example, during my early and mid-20s, I wanted to sing in a metal band, but I was afraid to tell my larger social networks. I was afraid they would see me as a failure if they knew I was trying out for bands but not being chosen or if they knew the bands I was working with fell apart. Now I realize that no one will judge me for these things — they understand that oftentimes in life, things just don’t work out the way we want them to.
My good friend Jake has always told me that “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” He is a talented musician and one of the few people who has always known of my desire to sing in a metal band. Knowing such a great musician is in my corner has given me courage, and I could say that for my whole network of creative, talented, and supportive friends. Also, my confidence and willingness to face rejection has naturally increased the older I get. So now I take Jake’s advice to heart — whenever I feel uncertain about trying for something I really want, I remind myself that there’s no chance at all unless I put myself out there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the lead singer of a local metal band called Flooded Tomb, for whom I also write lyrics. I have also sung with other local metal bands and contributed to my friends’ musical projects.
What makes me most proud is the progress I have made on my own personal journey. I’ve come a long way from my days as a pre-teen singing along to my favorite songs alone in my room. Through education, experience, and trial and error, I have improved my skills over time. I have also shown that I can front a band onstage and act as a team player behind the scenes.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention I am happy I can contribute to visibility of women extreme metal vocalists. In the past, it was sometimes unexpected to see a woman singing in this style, but over time, it’s become more and more common. I want to let girls and women know they can follow their heart wherever it leads, and I will be standing behind them!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My husband, friends, bandmates, colleagues in the local music scene, and co-workers support me in expressing who I really am, flaws and all. This freedom to be fully and completely genuine allows me to express myself through my singing and lyrics. In turn, I think expressing my true self helps me connect with people listening to my singing, either on a recording or on stage. I would like to think folks can relate on some level to the emotions I am expressing — that’s a big part of why I love heavy metal myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: kittie.farmer@utexas.edu
- Website: KittieWaltersFarmer.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kittiewaltersfarmer
- Facebook: facebook.com/floodedtombtx
- Other: FloodedTomb.com
Image Credits:
NecroBlanca Photography and Design Roger the Meditating Mantis
