Though I am far aware from the heart of Detroit there lies a real lively bunch of goths and rivetheads eager to invade dancefloors and themed nights. At the heart of it was what some would consider a den mother and to others a loved one but to all she was known as Kat Paled. The underground scene lost this person last year in December of 2024 and though I knew nothing of the event her life was cherished enough that news came around. And it is both engaging and encouraging to see how one’s life can effect so many others; the echoes will reign for quite some time and stories will be passed along. In an ultimate act of remembrance Kalamazoo, Michigan goth band The Amaranth led by Ken Magerman of Sounds & Shadows has written and produced a song in remembrance of her life. All proceeds from the song will go towards Kat’s favorite charity The Ferndale Cat Shelter.
Magerman emphatically described Kat as “the lifeblood of the scene” within Detroit. She served as a booker for Detroit corner bar and rock venue Small’s and ran a small local festival titled Fixation. Kat’s best friend and owner of Small’s will continue the festival with a small but noteworthy change to the title, Kat’s Fixation. The 2025 two-day festival will see live performances from Skatenigs, MATTE BLVCK, KLACK, Circuit Preacher, Ego Likeness, Mari Kattman, Bellhead, and so many others. You can see the full bill below and you can grab tickets HERE.
