CMJ PREVIEW: The Kickdrums

The Kickdrums consists of producer / singer / songwriter Alex Fitts (Fitts) and DJ / Producer Matt Penttila. The two met while working as engineers at a studio in Cleveland, Ohio. They shared many common interests and both had reputations as skilled producers. Combining their efforts, the two united as “The Kickdrums” and spent the next five years perfecting their craft behind the scenes, producing records for major and independent artists across the boards.

In 2007,  The Kickdrums had grown tired of the redundant songs in rotation on television and the radio. Fitts dived deep into his alt rock roots and Penttila began experimenting with his love for electronic music. With their focus shifting, The Kickdrums started distancing themselves from working with outside artists. Fitts would spend his days penning songs and unraveling chord progressions, while Penttila would break down records and flip obscure samples on his drum machine. All the rules were thrown out the window. The end product would be mesh of alternative rock, soul music, and hip hop laid over heavy drum breaks and fuzzy guitars.

You will be able to catch The Kickdrums and many more artists at The Couch Sessions’ very own CMJ showcase, “The Circus” Tonight at Drom NYC. It’s free for badge holders and $10 for non badge holders. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online here.