ArtistDirect News
The Klittens Unveil Debut Album Have A Heart, Set for September 25 Release
When the Amsterdam‑based quintet The Klittens drops their debut album Have A Heart on September 25, the city’s indie scene receives a fresh dose of off‑kilter pop‑punk.
The announcement, released through Cargo Records, was accompanied by the title track, giving listeners an immediate taste of the band’s signature blend of indie‑pop hooks, post‑punk grit and DIY experimentation. The single opens with a swaggering guitar line that quickly veers into unexpected noise bursts, a sonic move that the group says reflects their desire to keep melodies in motion.
The Klittens’ catalog to date includes the 2022 EP Citrus and the 2024 EP Butter. Both releases charted in niche indie circles and earned praise from NME, DIY, Clash and So Young. Have A Heart expands on those foundations, layering bright choruses with darker lyrical themes about helplessness, resistance and the navigation of uncertainty.
The band’s lineup—Yaël Dekker, Winnie Conradi, Katja Kahana, Marrit Meinema and Laurie Zantinge—has built a reputation for complete independence. From songwriting and production to tour management and the organization of their annual festival, Klitfest, the group controls every aspect of its creative output. The new album continues that ethos, drawing on country, pop and post‑punk influences while preserving the unpredictable energy that has become their trademark.
Beyond the studio, The Klittens have cultivated a robust touring presence across Europe and the UK. In recent years they have shared stages with acts such as Otoboke Beaver and BODEGA, and they have headlined shows in cities ranging from Rotterdam to Manchester. The September release will be followed by a series of UK dates this autumn, with confirmed stops in Glasgow, Leeds and London.
Cargo Records, known for championing independent artists throughout Europe, has partnered with the group to ensure wide distribution without compromising their DIY values. The label’s involvement provides a platform that matches the Klittens’ vision while expanding their reach.
Listeners can stream Have A Heart on all major platforms, and the title track is available as a free preview. The album’s release marks a significant milestone: after four years of development and a steady stream of EPs, the Amsterdam band finally offers a full-length statement that consolidates their musical identity.
The Klittens are part of a vibrant Dutch indie ecosystem that includes Personal Trainer, Pip Blom, Lewsberg and Real Farmer. Their inclusion in this cohort underscores a broader trend of Dutch acts gaining traction in the UK market, where the upcoming tour will test their growing profile.
Cargo Records and the band’s official channels have confirmed the release date and tour schedule. No additional singles or promotional events have been announced beyond the title track.
In summary, Have A Heart encapsulates The Klittens’ journey from experimental EPs to a polished, full‑length record. The album’s mix of catchy melodies, abrasive experimentation and introspective lyrics positions the band for a stronger presence on the European indie map, with the September 25 release and subsequent UK tour marking the next chapter in their independent trajectory.
The announcement, released through Cargo Records, was accompanied by the title track, giving listeners an immediate taste of the band’s signature blend of indie‑pop hooks, post‑punk grit and DIY experimentation. The single opens with a swaggering guitar line that quickly veers into unexpected noise bursts, a sonic move that the group says reflects their desire to keep melodies in motion.
The Klittens’ catalog to date includes the 2022 EP Citrus and the 2024 EP Butter. Both releases charted in niche indie circles and earned praise from NME, DIY, Clash and So Young. Have A Heart expands on those foundations, layering bright choruses with darker lyrical themes about helplessness, resistance and the navigation of uncertainty.
The band’s lineup—Yaël Dekker, Winnie Conradi, Katja Kahana, Marrit Meinema and Laurie Zantinge—has built a reputation for complete independence. From songwriting and production to tour management and the organization of their annual festival, Klitfest, the group controls every aspect of its creative output. The new album continues that ethos, drawing on country, pop and post‑punk influences while preserving the unpredictable energy that has become their trademark.
Beyond the studio, The Klittens have cultivated a robust touring presence across Europe and the UK. In recent years they have shared stages with acts such as Otoboke Beaver and BODEGA, and they have headlined shows in cities ranging from Rotterdam to Manchester. The September release will be followed by a series of UK dates this autumn, with confirmed stops in Glasgow, Leeds and London.
Cargo Records, known for championing independent artists throughout Europe, has partnered with the group to ensure wide distribution without compromising their DIY values. The label’s involvement provides a platform that matches the Klittens’ vision while expanding their reach.
Listeners can stream Have A Heart on all major platforms, and the title track is available as a free preview. The album’s release marks a significant milestone: after four years of development and a steady stream of EPs, the Amsterdam band finally offers a full-length statement that consolidates their musical identity.
The Klittens are part of a vibrant Dutch indie ecosystem that includes Personal Trainer, Pip Blom, Lewsberg and Real Farmer. Their inclusion in this cohort underscores a broader trend of Dutch acts gaining traction in the UK market, where the upcoming tour will test their growing profile.
Cargo Records and the band’s official channels have confirmed the release date and tour schedule. No additional singles or promotional events have been announced beyond the title track.
In summary, Have A Heart encapsulates The Klittens’ journey from experimental EPs to a polished, full‑length record. The album’s mix of catchy melodies, abrasive experimentation and introspective lyrics positions the band for a stronger presence on the European indie map, with the September 25 release and subsequent UK tour marking the next chapter in their independent trajectory.