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Tropic like its hot: The best tiki bars in metro Atlanta

for Access Atlanta

Tiki bars are known for their extravagant cocktails and aesthetic ambiance inspired by Polynesian culture, combined with a retro feel. Donn Beach and Victor Bergeron originally pioneered the concept of a tiki bar not long after the Prohibition era ended, around the late 1930s and early 1940s. In fact, Victor Bergeron became known as “Trader Vic,” operating one of the most prominent tiki brand names in the world. Today, Atlanta boasts one of two Trader Vic’s in the United States (the other being in Emeryville, California).

CHECK OUT: One of the world’s top 25 beaches has been named in Georgia

While Atlanta has seen many tiki bars come and go in the past few years (RIP to Tiki Tango and Tiki Iniki), the city still offers plenty of tiki-inspired getaways. We’ve gathered a list of tiki bars and tiki-inspired menus for you to sip back and relax.

Trader Vic’s

Located in the lower level of the Hilton Atlanta hotel, Trader Vic’s is a tropical getaway nestled in downtown Atlanta. Trader Vic’s is located in 17 countries around the world, and this location happens to be only one of two in the United States. Each location has its own local flair – in the Atlanta location, enjoy a Peachtree Punch, a fun fishbowl drink made of light rum, orange, coconuts and a “soft southern whisper of peach.” Sipping on a Mai Tai is also a must because the drink is based on its original recipe invented by Trader Vic himself in 1944. Pair the potent potion of your choice with a diverse fusion cuisine incorporating flavors of East Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Location: Downtown - 255 Courtland St NE ; Website: tradervicsatl.com ; Contact: 404-221-6339

The S.O.S. Tiki Bar

Location: Downtown - 199 Walker St SW ; Website: matchloungeatl.com ; Contact: 404-228-1078

Margaritaville Atlanta

While not quite officially a tiki bar, downtown Atlanta’s Margaritaville aims to transport you to a tropical island getaway as an escape from the urban jungle. In addition to a plentiful array of margarita options (as the name would imply), Margaritaville’s drink menu offers many island-inspired rum concoctions, such as the Volcano Blast and Bahama Mama.

Location: Downtown - 155 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW ; Website: margaritavilleatlanta.com ; Contact: 470-781-2336

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First Look: Tiki Tango brings Tiki drinks and food to Midtown

Long-running Trader Vic's downtown ,  hip S.O.S. Tiki Bar in Decatur  and  newish Tiki Iniki in Virginia-Highland all prove Tiki culture is alive and thriving in Atlanta.

But Tiki Tango, a new trilevel Tiki-chic oasis located in the former Lava space in Midtown , is poised to become a destination for all sorts of entertainment, including live music, dancing and even burlesque.

The grand opening on Friday will not only attempt to set a world record for the world's largest Mai Tai with a 55-gallon cocktail, it will kick off  the first annual Inuhele , a weekender (Feb. 15-17) of Tiki bar-hopping, panels, vendors, bands, demos and more.

Scott McCray of LEAD Hospitality Group (McCray's Tavern; the Mill Kitchen and Bar) teamed up with Roswell-based artist and designer Frank Simotics, aka  Tiki Rancher , to launch Tiki Tango.

Inspired by his time in Southern California, and a three-week honeymoon trip to Tahiti, Simotics specializes in hospitality interior design, branding and marketing for Tiki bars. He also builds bamboo Tiki huts, and hand-carves Tiki idols from palm, cedar and cherry wood.

All of those skills are on display at Tiki Tango, where atmospheric lighting, original art and vintage decor combine to create three distinctive Tiki experiences, with a bar and DJ booth on each level.

On the top floor, the “Flamingo Room” is a cozy, attic-like escape with bamboo and thatch outlining skylight views of the Midtown skyline. The clubby basement “Tango Room” features a full dance floor and a 30-foot custom bar. The main floor’s “Main Deck” bar is highlighted by two of Simotics’ imposing 8-foot cedar Tiki carvings, a lighted lava wall, and the VIP “Tiger’s Den” lounge with a skull in the fireplace.

The beverage menu from bar manager Gary “Boatz” Campus, who like Simotics got the Tiki bug living in California, includes takes on traditional and modern Tiki drinks, served in both custom mugs and classic barware.

The traditional Mai Tai is described as “tart and citrusy with the rums being highlighted by the Curacao and orgeat while adding body to this classic cocktail.” The Tiki Tango is “a robust creation of Martinique rum, fresh juices and harmonious syrups.”

Bar food with a Tiki touch is prepared next door in the kitchen of another of McCray’s places, Foxtrot Liquor Bar. Look for the likes of Aloha Sliders with white American cheese, fresh jalapenos and pineapple, and Tiki Tango Tacos with coconut- and panko-crusted shrimp topped with sesame slaw and a cucumber wasabi aioli.

Last week, Simotics and Campus were at work at Tiki Tango putting together the finishing touches for the grand opening.

“I’ve been into Tiki for a long time,” Simotics said. “Living in Southern California, and going to the South Pacific. Just the vibe and ease of it, there was something about it that captured my imagination. When I came back, I built that big, two-story thatched hut you see on my website.

“That’s where it came from. And then when I started carving, all of the Tiki freaks in Atlanta came out of the woodwork and I met the community. It turns out there’s a huge Tiki community here. And this is just my passion. This is the biggest Tiki bar I’ve done, and it’s one of the biggest in the country. Every room was a major transformation, that’s for sure.”

Mixing drinks at the bar, Campus talked about his Tiki beginnings: “I needed a job one day, and they were doing a Tiki bar in my general area, and I got sucked into it,” he said. “I’d never been into Tiki. I’d only had a couple Tiki drinks here and there, but I got the job and fell in love with it.

“One of the cool things about an actual working Tiki bar is that it always keeps on moving and evolving. It’s always the new generation staying true or bringing some of their stuff to the table. And it becomes a mix of modern cocktails and Tiki drinks evolving together.”

“Scott and I really wanted to create something that was classic, and something that people who aren’t 100 percent into Tiki could come and enjoy,” Simotics said. “It’s a place they’ve never been before. It’s escapism. Come in, have a drink, and have fun.”

57 13th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-6189,  tikitangoatl.com .

Scroll down for more images of Tiki Tango in Midtown

Read more stories like this by  liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook , following  @ATLDiningNews on Twitter and  @ajcdining on Instagram .

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This New Three-Story Tiki Bar In Atlanta Will Have You Feeling Like You're On An Island

Tiki Tango Hideaway Oasis completely lives up to its name. If you're riding through Midtown, you might not even know that the little purple house on the corner is actually home to Atlanta's new elaborate three-story tiki bar .

This bar made waves when it first opened earlier this year, and it'll only keep growing as the city gets hotter and hotter. It's the perfect place to satisfy your yearning for the beach and all things tropical.  

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Each level of the bar offers a unique experience. Head to the top floor, also known as the "Flamingo Room," if you want rooftop scenic views underneath tiki torches and stringed lights. 

Go down one floor and you'll enter the "Main Deck," where you'll find the most impressive decor and the exclusive VIP lounge.

If you want to let loose on the dance floor, head to the basement "Tango Room." While you're there, you can grab a drink at the 30-foot custom bar. 

If you work up an appetite killing it on the dance floor, there are small plates available for purchase from $6-$12. Sliders, shrimp, fries, spring rolls, and tacos are just a few of your options. All menu items have some sort of tropical twist to them to take your tastebuds on a trip to the Pacific. 

Above all, the crazy flavorful and decorated drinks are the stars of the show. You've got the option to get a drink for yourself or a giant bowl to share with others. Drinks start at $8 and can seriously vary from there, so plan accordingly with a peek at the menu before you go. 

You've got plenty of chances to come grab a drink after work or spend a late night on the town here. They're closed on Monday, but swing by Tuesday - Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight. On Fridays, they open from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m., with a Saturday opening time of 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Catch a ride down to the tropics at 57 13th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Tiki Tango Hideaway Oasis

Price: Food 💸, Drinks 💸💸

Cuisine: Tapas with a Polynesian twist

Address: 57 13th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Hours: Sunday and Monday - closed, Tuesday - Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Why you need to go: This bar is the better getaway that'll make you feel like you're on vacation. The decor, food, and island vibes make it the perfect place to get away from all your worries. The sheer effort and attention put into the drinks and food will keep you coming back. 

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6 speakeasies in phoenix that only locals know about, i'm a food writer & here are 7 new toronto restaurants that you need to try this year, 9 toasty heated patios in calgary where you can chase away the cold, 7 toronto restaurants where the food is as good as the party vibe.

Tiki Tango: Island Paradise

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/8/20

Again, who knew that Tiki Tango had a great sharable menu? From our favorite Tiki Tango Tuna, plus the pineapple forward and refreshing Mauna Loa Hummus, to the Sticky Huli Huli Wings with a great sauce, crispy and tasty turmeric fried okra, and of course crispy flamingo fries with a freakin fantastic cucumber wasabi aioli, you can’t sleep on these bites.  Starting with the fresh and bright Tiki Tango Tuna, we loved the tender tuna atop of earthy and slightly peppery greens that mixed well with the savory vinaigrette and wasabi. It was a culmination of rich fish, earthy and tart ginger, greens, and the slight spice of the wasabi to be a balanced bite.

Out back on the patio, the cool night breeze picked up and remind us about those long summer nights at the beach. The last of our cocktails dwindled and the tiki lights began to grow louder. We reminisced about our favorites, so we’d love to know what you’d like to try at Tiki Tango. Next time we’re getting the drink they set on fire.

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Don’t Miss List: Our top 5 event picks for February

Trevor Noah, piña coladas, and a stripped-down run

Illustration by Pedro Lourenco

Atlanta Tiki Tour February 15–17 If you like piña coladas and getting lost in a bar crawl of Atlanta’s tiki lounges, look no further. Organized by tiki mug connoisseurs Jonathan and Allison Chaffin, this celebration of punchy libations and conga lines at the Marriott Century Center offers drinks, music, and mugs galore.

Photograph by Tom Grosscup

Dead Man Walking February 21 Based on the true story that became a book and movie, the Atlanta Opera’s Dead Man Walking tells the story of a nun, played by Georgia native Jamie Barton , and a death row inmate.

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival February 6–26 More than 70 movies exploring the diverse reality of Jewish life and culture—selections include a documentary about white supremacists and a drama about Ethiopian Jews—come to local theaters for the 19th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

Photograph courtesy of Live Nation

Trevor Noah February 15–16 The Daily Show host, best-selling author, and international stand-up star takes a break from New York, where he tapes his comedy program, to bring his “Loud and Clear” tour to the Fox Theatre.

Photograph by Jonathan Torrell

Cupid’s Run February 16 Hundreds of Atlantans strip their clothes and run through intown as part of a nationwide effort to raise funds for neurofibromatosis, a nerve disorder that affects 1 out of 3,000 newborns.

This article appears in our February 2019 issue .

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Tiki Bar on the Beltline

Cheers to good times and good vibes: unwind at the hideaway.

What better way to enjoy Atlanta’s nightlife than with cocktails on the BeltLine? The Baxter’s tiki bar, The Hideaway, has an extensive cocktail menu for all of your favorite drinks whether you prefer a cold beer or a fruity margarita. Try something classic or order one of our specialty cocktails for something more adventurous. Not a fan of cocktails? No worries! The Hideaway has 12 beers on tap, ensuring you’ll find something you love.

With our fun tiki theme, you’ll be transported to a little bit of paradise right in the heart of Atlanta. Watch the colorful lights against the backdrop of the bustling Atlanta skyline. Perfect for a fun night out on the town, our tiki bar has a tropical atmosphere that will add a bit of the beach to your night. With outdoor seating, you can have the best of both worlds with the island atmosphere of The Hideaway and the busy city at your feet. Feel the breeze in your hair from The Hideaway’s second-story seating as you enjoy your cocktails on the BeltLine. 

Want something yummy to go with your drinks? The Baxter offers some delicious food to go with your cocktails. Cooking food you’ll love is our passion, so we strive to create dishes that always leave you wanting more. Our food’s fresh flavors will perfectly pair with whatever refreshing drink you order. Try one of our mouth-watering appetizers for something light, or eat one of our signature sandwiches for something more filling. Whatever you order, it is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. 

670 DeKalb Ave NE, Ste 101

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

(404) 873- 6189

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Lalotai: Den of Monsters

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Lalotai; Den of Monsters, is the home bar of Jonathan and Allison Chaffin, part of Horror In Clay World Headquarters. Home of Hundreds of tiki mugs with a heavy pop art and horror theme. Constantly evolving and changing, birthplace of Mugcrate and Inuhele; Atlanta's Tiki Weekend and the Atlanta Tiki Homebar Tour.

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Life's too short for a normal tour

Experience a tiki tour with us

JOIN US AT ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS - 75 MINUTE TOURS - BYOB, MUSIC & FRIENDS - FLOAT ON OUR TIKI -

Our locations, take a tour with us.

Our tiki boats are a thatch-covered floating tiki boat with bar and bench seating. Our vessels are perfect for your next trip out on the water. Just book your tickets, get your group, climb aboard and drift away with us!

When you book a tour with us, you will be chartered around the water for 75 minutes on a tour. Enjoy a ride around the water while you sip on your favorite drink and listen to your favorite music!

From start to finish it was great. Our captain and his lovely first mate were so accommodating and sweet...and fun! We will be back soon!

It started with a concept we loved...

Floating tiki boats have taken over several lakes and waterways in recent years! Early on, our team was always very interested in getting 'on board' with the concept, and so we did. Most people in water towns and cities are familiar with the 'party on the water' and the adventure it brings visiting patrons. One of our owners decide to have a tiki made for personal enjoyment. He soon realized the roar and attention this was getting all over the lake. Knowing people were eager to experience this new style of boat chartering, the business was born.

Then, we started moving...

Our flagship location is on Lake George in upstate New York. Our first boats were six passenger octagon boats. Seeing immediate success our first season on the water, we were quickly on our way to building another boat to accomodate the stampede of people looking to get a tour. Within a couple seasons, we decided to design and build a larger tiki boat, one that can hold 12-14 people instead of hosting a tour for just 6. This was quite a game-changer for our business! It allowed us to attract all styles and sizes of gatherings.

And here we are now...

We have learned that by doubling the capacity of patrons we can invite on for a tour, our business has seen quite an up-kick in versatility. Bachelor/bachelorette events, birthday parties, corporate affairs, and so many more groups of people are looking to get away, get out on the water and have a great time! We would love to explore your area with you and determine if you are sitting on the next Original Tiki Tours location!

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KITTIE Announces July/August 2024 North American Headlining Tour Dates

KITTIE has announced an exclusive run of North American headline dates today. The long-awaited shows will see the band perform in five cities across the U.S. and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their recently released singles "We Are Shadows" and "Eyes Wide Open" as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.

KITTIE comments: "We are absolutely thrilled to be headlining a handful of exclusive shows this summer in support of our forthcoming album. Expect a celebration of new and old material alike, spanning our 25-year career thus far. We are looking forward to playing some set list staples and bringing back some songs that we haven't played live in decades! Although limited, look for more shows to be announced at a later date. We've missed you and we can't wait to see you again!"

Each show will feature a different supporting lineup (full details below),ensuring a unique experience for KITTIE fans in each city. Pre-sale tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. local on Thursday, April 25 (for access codes be sure to follow KITTIE on socials) with general on-sale beginning at 10 a.m. local on Friday, April 26 from Kittie.net.

KITTIE headline shows:

July 12 - Toronto, ON - History (w/ VILE CREATURE) July 19 - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square (w/ UNEARTH, WITHIN THE RUINS and STABBING) August 2 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade (w/ UPON A BURNING BODY) August 4 - Dallas, TX - The Studio at The Factory (w/ UPON A BURNING BODY) August 23 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall (w/ VCTMS and CONQUER DIVIDE)

KITTIE festival performances

April 27 - Las Vegas, NV - Sick New World May 10 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville May 18 - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple July 6 - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'Été de Québec August 24 - Jackson, MI - Havoc Festival

Earlier this month, KITTIE released "We Are Shadows" , a powerful follow-up to the band's explosive comeback single "Eyes Wide Open" , which was made available in February via new label home Sumerian Records . The new track continues the group's triumphant return offering a further look into their musical evolution after a 13-year hiatus.

"We Are Shadows" speaks to the fading certainty in a world shrouded by looming challenges and increasing division. It is both a reflection and a reckoning — a compelling narrative crafted with the band's signature intensity and a profound lyrical depth.

KITTIE guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander said: " 'We Are Shadows' is about the uncertainty of a future that we can no longer control. We have come to a critical place in life and in our world, and much like an eclipse overtaking the sun, we are losing the light. The image of shadows slowly fading in the evening darkness, and the analogy of 'us' as shadows in the night really illustrates the possibility of slowly fading into oblivion. It is not a song of hope however, it's a song of coming to terms with the damage we do and acceptance of our fate. We've let darkness take hold, and so we are resolved to fade in the night with it."

"We Are Shadows" and "Eyes Wide Open" will both appear on KITTIE 's first album in 13 years, titled "Fire" and due later in 2024 via Sumerian Records .

Morgan told Metal Hammer magazine about the musical direction of KITTIE 's upcoming LP: "There's a lot of variety. I think the kind of variety that you will expect from KITTIE . If you listen to the production of 'Eyes Wide Open' , that kind of visceral, raw, but very modern sound is prevalent throughout all of the songs. The songwriting is definitely next level."

Last November, it was revealed that KITTIE was working on a new studio LP with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Nashville's Sienna Studios .

Raskulinecz , who moved to Nashville from Los Angeles around 16 years ago, had previously worked with such acts as RUSH , ALICE IN CHAINS , KORN , RISE AGAINST , HALESTORM , EVANESCENCE , SKID ROW and the DEFTONES .

Regarding the overwhelmingly positive response to KITTIE 's live shows and music since the band's return in 2022, Lander told Metal Hammer : "I just think that the world is ready for us now. A lot of the things that we were doing 25 years ago were still... I don't want to say controversial, but they seemed so new. It definitely has a lot to do with a shift in thinking and acceptance and representation in the years since the very first time that KITTIE came out. Sometimes it just takes the world a bit of time to catch up and appreciate those things."

Last month, Morgan told The MetalSucks Podcast about KITTIE 's plans for the rest of 2024: "To be honest with you, this all just feels brand new again. I know that we're veterans of the music industry and whatnot, but we've sort of stepped into a new age and a new era of music releasing and record labels and things like that. So I think the goal is just to just enjoy — for us, for sure — enjoy the process and just — I don't know — put some smiles on people's faces, really. All of the things that come along with releasing new music and an album, like new merch and shows, headlining stuff, album-release stuff, all of that is definitely coming down the pike. But I think ultimately the goal for us is just to sort of enjoy the ride. All of those tangible things will come. It all feels so new and exciting again. So, yeah, we're just here to enjoy the ride."

Asked how she views all the platforms, with social media and music streaming services, now compared to how it was when KITTIE last released new music nearly a decade and a half ago, Morgan said: "Well, I feel like in 2011 [when 'I've Failed You' came out] and 2009 [when 'In The Black' was released], those last two albums, I actually really don't know that Spotify and music and streaming platforms were catching on. And so it was this weird sort of interim period where they may have existed but nobody cared and people were definitely still buying tangible CDs. And, yeah, so now we're in this new era of streaming, and I really feel like music is more accessible than ever and I think more people are listening than ever before, because things are just so easy to find; everything that you need is on a streaming platform. And so I definitely think that it does have its benefits. I mean, as far as being an artist and on the serving-the-artist side of things, it doesn't pay great, but I feel like the audience is greater than ever before. Way back, when we were active, I guess you could say the first time, the industry was definitely a different beast. And this time around, I feel like a lot of people, since we put out our last albums, have discovered the band, a lot of young people as well. And so because streaming [is so widely available], they've had this ability to discover and listen to our old catalog and continue to keep those songs popular and alive. And ultimately, it's that sort of simmering growth that's allowed us to have this opportunity that we have today. So, I don't think that it's a bad thing. I'm excited for the weirdness of the future."

Speaking about the inspiration behind the new single, Morgan said in a statement: "Our first new material in 13 years, 'Eyes Wide Open' is a vision quest for truth. It is a torch lit in the darkness of ignorance to reveal one's true motives. 'Eyes Wide Open' is a lesson in trust, betrayal, and ultimately the ability to see behind the curtain to reveal all. It was one of the first songs we wrote, coming together again after a long time away from creating, and I think you can really hear the fires reigniting in this track."

In a recent interview with Knotfest 's "She's With The Band" podcast, KITTIE drummer Mercedes Lander and Morgan spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to the Canadian metallers' 2011 album "I've Failed You" . Mercedes said about the musical direction of the new KITTIE material: "I'm gonna say that we are just really stoked to write 1,200 percent bangers. I think that's just where we're at now. We want people to feel good. We want people to feel what we're feeling. I feel like bangers, that's what we're good at."

Asked by host Tori Kravitz about the possibility of KITTIE combining some of the old-school sound from the band's early days and mixing it up with a fresh approach, Morgan said: "I think marrying some of the ideas, 'cause I don't think we're ever going to put our JNCOs [jeans] on again. But, yeah, the idea of marrying some of those ideas — like who we are now with the ideas of who maybe we used to be and kind of being able to meet somewhere in the middle, but in a way that will just create something brand new again. I'm excited for it to be unleashed upon the world."

At some of its recent shows, KITTIE has been performing a brand new song called "Vultures" .

KITTIE played its first concert in five years in September 2022 at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

Joining Morgan and Mercedes in KITTIE 's current lineup guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana "Ivy" Vujic .

Prior to Blue Ridge , KITTIE had not performed since its reunion show at London Music Hall in the band's native London, Ontario in 2017, celebrating the group's documentary "Kittie: Origins/Evolutions" .

Vujic joined KITTIE in 2008 and appeared on the band's fifth studio CD, 2009's "In The Black" . She also wrote and recorded bass for KITTIE 's sixth album, 2011's "I've Failed You" .

In January 2022, the original lineup of KITTIE — Morgan , Mercedes , Fallon Bowman (guitar) and Tanya Candler (bass) — reunited for an online chat to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of its gold-certified 2000 debut album, "Spit" .

Candler left KITTIE after the release of "Spit" in order to finish high school and was replaced by Talena Atfield .

Bowman exited KITTIE in 2001 and started her own industrial/electronic project, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT .

After KITTIE completed the touring cycle for "I've Failed You" album, the band entered a long period of inactivity during which Morgan focused on a marketing job for a chain of fitness clubs while Mercedes worked in real estate and more recently at a software company. The group also began work on a career-spanning documentary, "Origins/Evolutions" , which finally saw the light of day in 2018 via Lightyear Entertainment in North America.

"I've Failed You" sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.

KITTIE will play multiple North American festivals this year, including Sick New World , Welcome To Rockville , Sonic Temple and Havoc Fest .

Photo credit: Dante Dellamore

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