Kitty Coen's "Dark Soul": Where Punk Meets Honky Tonk

Kitty Coen’s newest single “Dark Soul” sets a beachy mood, recalling a mermaid cat in a cowboy hat aesthetic that could only be Kitty’s. Coen and her three-piece band create a uniquely infectious sonic concoction that sets the stage for her bluesy vocals --  it’s a punk honky tonk of a time.

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I met Kitty Coen in South Austin during band practice a few weeks back to discuss influences and her new single. Kitty was clad in a purple cropped sweatshirt and red, white, and blue lightning jeans. Heavy silver chain necklaces hung around her neck, her bright pink hair in pigtails. Some might categorize the look as an e-girl outfit. 

As an artist, Kitty’s in sync with her art. It’s an extension of her personality. Being herself is tantamount to creation. Prior to singing, Kitty danced, acted, and played piano. Kitty has always felt drawn to performance, but it’s always under the direction of someone else. Their vision, their song choice, their choreography. At 23, she’s taking back that control. Kitty Coen is the star of the show. In an industry dominated by men, it’s refreshing to see a young woman be unapologetically in charge of her career.  

Now Kitty calls the shots and works with creative collaborators. For her song, “Center of the Sun,” Kitty worked with Christian Bland of the Black Angels. The track features palm-driven grooves, mimicking the motion of an ocean wave. This is how deeply Kitty is connected to her art, the melody and the instrumentals are not just parts to a musical formula -- they’re pieces inspired by life and nature. Her inextricable link to her songs is evident. 

Kitty’s eyes lit up as she explained her songwriting process. Sometimes, she’ll have the idea of a melody that builds into something else & et voila, music. With influences ranging from Lana Del Rey and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Jack Johnson, her overarching mood is beachy. Think of the guitar instrumentals associated with the surfer movies of the mid-twentieth century or the ones in the Nickelodeon show Team Rocket Power. Then add psych rock and country with pop-punk as accompanying undertones.

Songwriting and performing is all somewhat new to Kitty. Not too long ago, she was studying political science at Texas State University in San Marcos. And she just started doing professional gigs a month ago, but her confidence and ease on the stage suggests otherwise.