Charleston Embraces the Rise of Indie Band KIT with Their Debut EP ‘SYZYGY’

Charleston Welcomes New Indie Band KIT

In the heart of Charleston, the air was filled with a sense of nostalgia and excitement as we caught up with Matt Calonius and Mitchell Cassaday from the Athens, Georgia-based band KIT. Sitting on a cozy back porch, we chatted about their recently released debut EP titled, SYZYGY, which quite fittingly means the alignment of opposing forces, like the sun and moon—a metaphoric nod to their journey in music.

The Story Behind KIT

Though the band officially formed last year, the roots of their musical connection date back to their childhood in Charleston, where they first started making music together. Calonius, who takes charge of vocals, guitar, and keyboards, shared how the duo, along with their Athens-based bandmates Jeff Webber (guitar and synths) and Cameron Kelly (drums), quickly jumped on stages to showcase songs that had been brewing for years.

However, by the summer of 2023, Calonius found himself in a creative whirlwind, yearning to record these pieces and share them with the world. “I really felt the pressure,” he reflected. “If I didn’t put these songs out now, I would regret it forever.” With determination, they got down to business, reaching out to another Charleston music scene veteran, Ben Sewell, to help with drumming at Racquet Recording in Athens.

Crafting the EP

After recording drums, the remaining tracks were created in their home studio over the next seven months. Calonius’ unique approach to recording was colorful; he even dubbed his makeshift vocal booth The Shame Chamber, where he spent countless late nights wrapped in a blanket fort, recording until the early hours. “I told everyone I knew that I probably wouldn’t see them for the next few months,” he chuckled.

The effort behind SYZYGY shines brilliantly through its production. The songs are a blend of warm and expansive sounds, featuring reverb-laden guitars, synths, and Calonius’s emotive vocals, all underpinned by Cassaday’s creative bass lines. The EP kicks off with “IT’S OVER,” a catchy tune that radiates dance vibes while exploring deeper themes about life’s fleeting moments. “It poses the question: ‘Did you do everything you wanted to?’” Calonius explained. One could say these are not your typical disco beats—the songs dive into topics of death and loss, all wrapped in melodies that make you want to move.

Exploring Themes

Other tracks like “One More Ticket” and “Happiness” follow suit, giving insight into love and the pursuit of emotional satisfaction. With a nod to the psychedelic sounds reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the tracks are a delightful mix of pop and rock; they transition fluidly from upbeat verses to groovy choruses, keeping listeners intrigued throughout.

On “Feel Love,” the band dives deeper into the highs and lows of emotions, while the closing track, “Zuzu’s Petals,” serves as a powerful reminder to cherish what we’ve got in a world full of distractions. The inspiration drawn from bands like MGMT and Unknown Mortal Orchestra is evident in their sound.

Musical Roots in Charleston

Reflecting on their upbringing in the Charleston music scene, both Calonius and Cassaday agreed that it profoundly shaped their artistic journey. From playing at iconic local venues to jamming with fellow young musicians, every experience added fuel to their creative fires. “Those local shows, collaborations, and just the vibrancy of it all drove us to create something meaningful now,” Cassaday expressed.

A Final Note

As our conversation wrapped up under the glowing full moon, it became clear how much their friendships and shared experiences influenced SYZYGY. “These songs are like a scrapbook of our lives,” Calonius emphasized, as he and Cassaday shared a smile. The journey has been anything but ordinary, but it’s the memories, laughter, and lifelong connections that truly make their music shine. Fans can now stream SYZYGY on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with plans for more new music rolling out soon. Keep an ear out for KIT—they’re just getting started!