Illuminati Hotties Tour, Debut Album Kiss Yr Frenemies

LA’s Illuminati Hotties, the solo project of studio engineer vet Sarah Tudzin, released their debut record Kiss Yr Frenemies at the beginning of the summer. Now, as fall is about to begin, their multi-date U.S. tour has too. We couldn’t be more stoked.

The new album starts slow with the first track “Kiss Yr Frenemies,” taking up less than a minute, then bursting into the banger of a single “(You’re Better) Than Ever.” The album goes on this way, transitioning with ease between slow and somber moments, and fun and often funny sing-along versuses. On tracks “Cuff” and “For Cheez (My Friend, Not The Food),” Tudzin puts her time as an audio engineer to good use with some kicky drum machine sections, atmospheric background noise, and sludgy distortion. As a whole, the album shows a distinct versatility, honed during years of studio work for artists like Lady Gaga, Porches, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Beyond her musical expertise, Tudzin’s lyrics shine bright. There are moments of incredible insight into love and relationships, as well as moments of relatable humor. “For Cheez” combines these elements with lines like “'Cause I haven't been honest, Well, I haven't been thinkin' honestly, I need somebody promising me, Facts aren't my fault.” There’s good reason that she refers to herself as a “Tenderpunk Pioneer” in her bandcamp bio.

Illuminati Hotties kicked off their fall tour in South Dakota yesterday and will wind through the country into November. The stage musicians will rotate between some of Tudzin’s close friends, and supporting acts include Diet Cig, Los Campesinos, and Vundabar. Check out the new album Kiss Yr Frenemies here.