Katseye made their Saturday Night Live debut this past weekend, performing two tracks from their new EP Wild as a quartet rather than a full six-piece. The Los Angeles-based girl group took the stage for “Animal” and “Hootie Frutti,” with Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza currently on hiatus.
The group formed just two years ago as a result of the talent competition show Dream Academy. Their EP Wild, released in August, also includes “Pinky Up,” “Bel Air,” and “That Way.”
Bannerman and Laforteza Step Away
Bannerman and Laforteza stepped away from the group citing their mental health. Laforteza cited her mental health when stepping away, and Bannerman made a similar statement.
The quartet that performed on SNL included four of the six members. The remaining lineup took the stage for the two songs from the new EP.
Rowland’s Advice
Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child spoke to Rolling Stone recently about the pressure facing young artists today. She warned that fame comes with a cost, especially for those rising quickly.
“In an industry as fast-paced as music, where there are constantly eyes on you and pressure to keep rising, your health is one of the most sacred things you have,” Rowland said. “I learned during my time in Destiny’s Child that you can show up for your fans and your group while still honoring what you need as an individual.”
She offered direct advice to the girls. “My advice to the Katseye girls would be to listen to themselves, be kind to themselves, and continue supporting one another through every season. Especially on tour, it’s so important to intentionally carve out time to rest and reset in their daily routines. Taking care of your mind and body is what allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep doing what you love.”
The Wildworld Tour
Katseye began their 31-show Wildworld Tour earlier this month in Europe. The run moves across North America before wrapping up in Mexico City in late November.
The schedule runs from Europe through the eastern United States into Canada, then westward, ending in Mexico City.
| Show | Location |
|---|---|
| Early run | Europe |
| East coast shows | Miami, working north into Canada |
| Westward leg | Moving westward |
| Final stop | Mexico City, late November |
A Busy Year So Far
Katseye has been through a lot in a short time. Forming from a talent competition, making their Coachella debut, appearing at the American Music Awards, releasing an EP, and now performing on SNL — that pace is demanding.
The hiatus taken by Bannerman and Laforteza shows they understand the balance Rowland described. Health matters, and taking time off is not a sign of weakness.
The Road Ahead
Katseye has a busy stretch ahead. The Wildworld Tour continues across Europe before heading to the east coast, then westward, and finally to Mexico City.
The group will need to manage their energy carefully. Rowland’s advice about carving out time to rest and reset applies to anyone on tour, but it lands with particular force for a group that has risen so quickly.
Katseye’s debut on SNL is a milestone, and the performances are worth watching. For now, the quartet is focused on the tour. Bannerman and Laforteza remain on hiatus, and the group is carrying on with the shows ahead.
The road from Europe to Mexico City is long, but the group has already set out on it.
Source material: “‘SNL’: Watch Katseye Perform ‘Animal,’ ‘Hootie Frutti’,” Rolling Stone.
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