A Visit With Kitty Kowalski
Hello Kitty
Part One-Forming The Kowalskis
Meet the driving force behind one of New York's hottest bands. Kitty Kowalski lead singer, guitarist, songwriter, and all around rocker has had to battle more than the music industry to achieve success. First there was the angry wrestler Killer Kowalski who made the band change their name. Then there was New York's former Mayor Giuliani who closed her club.
Kitty began her journey as "Lindsey Anderson" in a Westchester County suburb of New York City. She was in three bands before the Kowalskis. The first was a hardcore band the "Vatican Commandos." She was kicked out for not fitting into the look. The next band, "Starkist" was an all girl band she made up with some friends. Shortly after their demise she played in what was to become "The Kowalskis."
The Kowalskis formed almost six years ago originally as "The Killer Kowalskis," a tribute to a 60's wrestler. He didn't take it as a compliment. After using the name for two years, a club owner received a fax from the wrestlers agent that included a cease and desist order, right before the band was about to perform. Kitty did call the wrestler and try to negotiate. Killer, felt that people would be disappointed if they came to a show to see him and realized it was a rock band. With no money and no intention to fight the wrestler the band changed their name to The Kowalskis and rocked on. That is until the record company fearful of any further problems insisted the band take out any reference to Kowalski. Kitty once again contacted the wrestler and got a faxed approval to use the name The Kowalskis. They may be the only band to have the documented blessings of a pro wrestler.
Killer Kowalski was an interesting choice to name a band after for a girl who list her influences as Harriet Tubman, The Carpenters, and David Bowie, until you hear Kitty talk about how she connected with the music of The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and Blondie. Kitty recalled how everyone seemed to accuse The Sex Pistols of "not knowing how to play." She couldn't believe it when she listened to their music. They knew how make music.