Los Angeles-based indie band Kim Theory, composed of four high school juniors, recently made their debut at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago. The group, featuring vocalist Audrey Cymone, drummer Zoey Su, guitarist Lula Seifert, and bassist Lucy Fraser, also performed at an aftershow alongside actor and musician Finn Wolfhard. They are scheduled to open for the influential riot grrrl band Bratmobile at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles this September.
At just 16 years old, the members of Kim Theory balance their music careers with their schooling, often playing shows near their greater Los Angeles homes. Looking ahead, Fraser acknowledged uncertainties around the band's future due to college plans but expressed a strong desire to continue making music together. “We want to stay a band and keep making music because we love each other and what we’ve created,” she said.
The group recalled the excitement of learning about their Lollapalooza invitation. Cymone described seeing the offer arrive in their group chat while at home, which elicited a joyous reaction from her family. Since their formation, Kim Theory has steadily built momentum through local gigs and tours, including recent performances in San Francisco as part of the Willowake tour.
Their first live show was at the Redwood Bar & Grill in downtown Los Angeles, an event remembered fondly by Seifert for the strong support from friends, family, and even a middle-school teacher. The band’s songwriting process often takes place on the road, with Cymone and Seifert noting that they have written songs during car rides, emphasizing how seriously they treat travel time as an opportunity for creativity.
When offstage, band members have shared their travel preferences and memorable vacations. Su’s favorite trip was to London, appreciating the city’s architecture, thrifting culture, and public transportation. Cymone highlighted a visit to South Africa for an acting project, describing the natural landscapes and urban scenes she encountered as remarkable. Fraser expressed a longtime interest in visiting Australia and New Zealand to experience their distinct ecosystems and wildlife.
The group also discussed their aspirations to perform at renowned venues such as the Troubadour and the Wiltern in Los Angeles, both steeped in musical history. They look forward to the chance to bring their live show to these stages in the future.
Among their personal highlights, Cymone shared a memorable birthday trip to New York City, where she saw a performance of the Broadway musical “Hadestown,” describing the experience as life-changing. Meanwhile, Seifert noted a family tradition of celebrating New Year’s in Joshua Tree as a particularly enjoyable annual trip.
Though still early in their career, Kim Theory demonstrates a commitment to their music and a close-knit camaraderie that guides their ambitions both on and off the stage.