Edmonton-based alt-metal band Famous Strangers have released the long-anticipated music video for “Deepstar,” marking a significant milestone in the group’s evolution as one of Canada’s emerging heavy music acts. The cinematic visual accompanies the band’s debut single, first released in September 2024, and arrives after two years of development as the group continues to expand its creative and commercial profile.
“Deepstar” was the first track Famous Strangers ever released and represents the earliest spark of the band’s identity. Mixed by Juno Award–winning producer Phil Anderson and mastered by veteran engineer Maor Appelbaum, the song introduced audiences to the band’s blend of atmospheric storytelling, heavy riffs and emotionally charged vocals. The newly unveiled video brings the track’s cosmic narrative into full visual focus, closing a chapter that began shortly after the band’s formation in 2023.
Vocalist Amanda Kiernan said the song originated from an intimate place before evolving into something larger in scope. “I started writing this song literally just describing my friend Mileena, how she makes me feel, and how her presence feels in the room. It all came together so perfectly when I added all the space and healing. The world needs a hero, and I put those two together… it just happened, flooding the paper like some epic extraterrestrial being. What’s even better is that she agreed to be Deepstar and be in our video. We are honored and blessed to have her.”
Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz said the track came together quickly during early writing sessions, setting the tone for the band’s collaborative process. “Deep Star came together quickly and organically. While exploring presets on my new Fractal FM9, I landed on a tone that instantly brought to mind classic Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and the main riff came together almost immediately. Once I brought it to Beej, the song fell into place fast and gave Amanda plenty of space to write. It was one of the first songs the four of us created together. During recording, the ending evolved in the studio, and we loved it so much we kept it. It was one of those moments that proves the magic that happens when everyone’s locked in. At its core, it’s a straight-up rock song.”
Kittlitz said the video’s release has been years in the making. “Deep Star is coming. This was the very first song we ever released, and the video has been two years in the making. We’re fired up that it’s finally unleashed. A dark cosmic tale of a woman from space sent to save our doomed souls. Massive thanks to Brad Thompson, Mileena Kombat, and Shade Nightclub for helping summon this beast.”
Famous Strangers formed almost by accident but quickly coalesced into a focused creative project. Since 2023, the band has released four singles — “Deepstar” (2024), “George” (2024), “I’ll See You In The Stars” (2025) and “L.S.C.” (2025) — steadily building a catalogue that has attracted attention within Canada’s metal and hard-rock community.
The group’s momentum has translated into live performance opportunities across Western Canada. Famous Strangers have appeared at Armstrong MetalFest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, and have shared stages with acts including Revocation, Danko Jones, Three Inches of Blood and Riot City. Their visual aesthetic and cinematic approach to songwriting have helped differentiate them in a crowded market of emerging heavy acts.
The band’s business model also reflects a high degree of creative control. Much of their music is recorded and mixed in-house by Kittlitz, allowing the group to maintain a raw and consistent sound while managing production costs internally — an increasingly common strategy among independent Canadian artists navigating a challenging music economy.
Looking ahead, Famous Strangers are preparing for the release of a full-length album in 2026, which they say will further expand the sonic universe introduced by “Deepstar.” The band is also set to reach new audiences through a high-profile live appearance as local support for Danko Jones on February 6 at Sherwood Park Festival Place, just outside Edmonton.
With the release of the “Deepstar” video, Famous Strangers have completed the circle on their earliest creative chapter while positioning themselves for broader exposure in the year ahead. As Canada’s heavy music sector continues to evolve, the band’s combination of disciplined production, strong visual identity and steady live presence suggests a trajectory that extends well beyond their local scene.
