Imagine the smooth, comforting voice of Karen Carpenter, known for her soothing and melancholic tones, infused with a frenetic, unpredictable energy. Now, add the gritty, experimental edge of Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, known for her pioneering influence in alternative rock and her raw, often dissonant musical style. Illuminati Hotties blend indie rock with punk influences, characterized by jangly guitars, catchy hooks, and an irreverent attitude. their music - generally - retains a melodic KarenCarpenter sweetness, yet it’s layered with raw, edgy production and experimental elements that make it feel like a wild, psychedelic experience. Add in a fearless, boundary-pushing aspect, with gritty guitar riffs and a sense of rebellious, avant-garde artistry, you leave all behind and enter the world of the Illuminati Hotties.

Illuminati Hotties: A Chronological Journey

Illuminati Hotties is the creative brainchild of Sarah Tudzin, a Los Angeles-based producer, engineer, and musician. The band's story begins with Tudzin's education at Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills in music production and engineering. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles, where she established herself in the indie music scene, working with various artists and studios.

2018: The Birth of Illuminati Hotties

Initially, Illuminati Hotties was a project intended to showcase Tudzin's production abilities rather than serve as a full-fledged band. This changed with the release of the debut album, "Kiss Yr Frenemies," in 2018. The album, praised for its catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and eclectic mix of indie rock, punk, and pop influences, quickly transformed Illuminati Hotties from a production showcase into a recognized musical act.

2019: Assembling the Band

Following the success of "Kiss Yr Frenemies," Tudzin began to assemble a band for live performances.

    Tim Kmet (Drums): Tim Kmet joined the lineup around this time, bringing a rhythmic backbone to the band’s energetic performances.

    Dean Kiner (Bass): Dean Kiner also became a regular collaborator, adding depth and groove with his bass playing.

    Nathaniel Noton-Freeman (Guitar/Keyboards): Nathaniel Noton-Freeman contributed to the band's dynamic and layered instrumentation, completing the live setup.

2020: Independent Spirit

In 2020, amidst contractual disputes with their record label, Illuminati Hotties independently released their second album, "FREE I.H: This Is Not the One You've Been Waiting For." This album showcased a more raw and experimental sound, reflecting the band’s punk influences and rebellious spirit. The independent release underscored Tudzin’s commitment to a DIY ethos, maintaining creative control over her work.

2021: Solidifying Their Place

The band’s third album, "Let Me Do One More," was released in 2021, further solidifying their place in the indie music scene. The album received praise for its energetic and inventive tracks, combining sharp, personal lyrics with dynamic instrumentation. This period marked a significant growth in the band’s fanbase and critical acclaim.

While Sarah Tudzin remains the core of Illuminati Hotties, the band functions as a collaborative project during live performances and recordings. The involvement of talented musicians like Tim Kmet, Dean Kiner, and Nathaniel Noton-Freeman allows for a flexible and evolving sound. This combination of Tudzin’s singular vision and the collaborative efforts of her bandmates continues to drive Illuminati Hotties' innovative and genre-defying music.

In essence, Illuminati Hotties is a testament to the power of a DIY ethos, blending varied musical influences to create a unique and exhilarating auditory experience. The band's journey from a solo project to a full-fledged band reflects Sarah Tudzin's growth as an artist and the dynamic evolution of their sound.

Recently the project unveiled their latest single, "Power," the title track from their much-anticipated upcoming album. Set to be released on August 23, 2024, via Hopeless Records, the new album promises to be a significant evolution in Tudzin's musical journey. "Power" is an emotionally charged track, deeply rooted in Tudzin's personal experiences. In her own words, the song is a "reckoning with mortality," born out of her reflections on how to navigate life after the loss of her mother. The song captures the struggle and introspection of dealing with such a profound personal loss, making it one of her most poignant works to date.

This release follows the earlier singles "Didn’t," featuring Cavetown, and "Can’t Be Still," both of which have set the stage for an album that suggests Illuminati Hotties are delving deeper into emotional and thematic complexities than previous; it retains the unique pulls of style that give it its pop-gritty edge, though perhaps a touch subdued than before.

Watch The Illuminati Hotties and their new single, Power, below.