Rockin' royalty...

Hot on the heels of playing the Glastonbury Festival, roots rock 'n' roll siblings Kitty, Daisy and Lewis will be back on our shores next week for their fifth tour of the country.

Daisy (left) and Kitty off stage at Glastonbury (photo via Instagram)

Firm favourites with New Zealand audiences as their previous sold-out tours will attest, the British trio Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, famous for their rockabilly looks and love of vintage sounds, has built a reputation as one of the best live acts around. This is thanks to a decade of solid gigging which has seen them headline major theatres and festivals around the world as well as opening for the likes of Coldplay and Stereophonics. 

Their new album fittingly titled The Third was recorded through the summer of 2014 in a converted former Indian restaurant in north London and produced by long-time fan and former Clash member Mick Jones (who makes a great cup of tea, says Kitty).

The Third, recorded on analogue gear (like the previous two albums) embraces their growing spread of influences – from blues, rockabilly and country to soul, funk and reggae, but retains that unmistakable Kitty, Daisy & Lewis sound – a heady mix of old-school rhythms and Ska-infused grooves  and a dash of Hawaiian flavour and has been hailed by critics as their best yet.

On the eve of their New Zealand tour, Claire Gormly had a quick chat to Daisy Durham...

Your third album shows a range of influences. If you could wave a magic wand who would each of you love to play with from the past of music?

"I would probably choose T-Rex. I reckon we could get a good jam going. Plus Marc Bolan is hot".

 Do each of you contribute equally in the creation of a song?

"We typically write our songs separately and then develop them together. Everyone has an equal say but we dont always agree with each other – which can cause conflict. A lot of it is developed through jamming and just finding what naturally rocks and feels right".

You each have quite a distinct style of dressing - What is your wardrobe like? Do you have a fashion inspiration from the past?

"My wardrobe is a mixture of new and old. I am really into the '70s – a lot of denim, suede, leather and lurex. My favourite items at the moment would have to be my black leather shorts worn with a hand carved belt – made by myself and my over the knee boots. I also love my flares that I bought from Primark. My boyfriend and I both bought them in white and dyed them green. I am influenced by so many peoples' fashion - Marc Bolan, Blondie, Suzi Quatro and Elvis are the main ones for me".

Daisy's style icons from left to right: Marc Bolan, Blondie, Elvis and Suzi Quattro

What are your thoughts on the current trend for all things vintage and retro?

"I think its nice that people are discovering old styles and being creative with it. I think it is important to wear what makes you happy and not to just follow what they think is cool. I'm not keen on a lot of the repro stuff. I think it is pretty unoriginal".

---

Glory Days magazine has a double pass to Kitty, Daisy & Lewis in each city to give away. To enter visit our Facebook page and tag the friend you would like to take along!

The New Zealand tour dates and ticket outlets are...

28th July Christchurch - Allen Street (www.undertheradar.co.nz)

29th July Wellington - Bodega (www.undertheradar.co.nz)

30th July Auckland - Powerstation (www.powerstation.net.nz)