Im happy to share with you that I am trans. Rainbow Kitten Surprise prepares to unleash a burst of musical influences at The Jones Assembly. My assumption is that you wrote How Tosuper fast in South Carolina. The Truth About Margaritas: Is It Gay For Men To Drink Them? As they tried to come up with a name for their music, Rainbow Kitten Surprise was born. Though each Rainbow Kitten Surprise show has a compelling narrative, we were lucky enough to catch a performance that had a particularly relevant message. Obviously, some days we didn't get anything. You're always blindsided by it. In fact, Melo publicly came out through one of the tracks off of the project, "Hide." Apple store abruptly closes at Northlake Mall, in latest blow to struggling NC site, Something new is heading to the former Lulus restaurant space in Plaza Midwood, How to Watch Donald Trumps CPAC 2023 Speech-Time, Schedule and Livestream, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Chris Rock to finally have his say in new stand-up special, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South. Their music blends elements of folk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, creating a unique and captivating sound. Is what I'm wearing OK? COLD LOVE hitting different today!!! They had started playing shows around the Boone area and . From $1.46. Still, deliver the caliber performance that you are hoping to. Appalachian State University offers up and coming student musicians the opportunity to record, publicize and more for free with the school's own record label, Split Rail Records. They later added three new members, Ethan Goodpaster . Frontman Sam Melo's dexterous lyrics delivered over the band's uniquely narrative playstyle condenses a vast expanse of emotions and experiences into a cohesive, consumable performance. ', "I always thought it was funny that I was insistent that I was only going to do one show," Haney said. Right on. Just a few weeks ago at the end of . I just couldn't be more thankful to be able to do what we do.". Twenty dates on their tour were sold out earlier this week. It just sounds great. It ended up working out, and we did it. As if channeling another dimension where genres simply don't exist, Rainbow Kitten Surprise finds harmony in unpredictability - weaving together lyrical poetry, hummable melodies, and a rush of instrumental eccentricities. Live from Athens Georgia. Frontman Sam Melo has stated that his faith is a major part of his life and that he prays every day for strength and guidance. Speech therapy usually only effects talking, not singing, though speech therapy for trans women is essentially vocal training, I underwent it for a little while a few years back. And you were aware of this at 14, I'm assuming you've been a deep feeling person your whole life. "It changed my life forever.". They are based in Boone. Now boasting over 1 billion global streams across platforms, the band first began building their devoted fanbase with independent albums "Seven + Mary" (2013) and "RKS" (2015). Rainbow Kitten Surprise built themselves from the ground up and now they're redefining the boundaries of indie music. Participation in this event is entirely at your own risk. The band is scheduled to play a sold-out show at New Braunfels' Whitewater Amphitheater on Saturday, July 9. Rainbow Kitten Surprise's (RSK) recording will be the eighth album produced and released by Split Rail Records since 2008. Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at soldout album release parties for their new album . After gracing the bills of Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Osheaga, to name a few, RKS moved 80,000 tickets of their own on their sold-out Friend, Love Freefall Tour earmarked by a packed night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and three consecutive gigs in Athens, GA-as chronicled on their first official live album, "Live from Athens Georgia" released in 2021. Join the Observer community and help support Im Ela, lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. But back to the Bustelo question. I feel like we are the most blessed to be able to play. Happy for her! It was weird. But if you have two weeks, you'll make it in two weeks. Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self, Melo said on Instagram. Rainbow Kitten Surprise live in South Africa!Genre-defying, live sensations Rainbow Kitten Surprise announce South African Tour Dates for March 2023 including a show at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on Friday 10 March 2023.Rainbow Kitten Surprise recently released the emotionally charged track "Work Out," marking the band's first new music in nearly two years. That's awesome. Any actual connection? Rainbow Kitten Surprise. I feel like you've said everything that needed to be said about "Hide" the video's origin. Weve grown a lot as humans and as a band, the group said. They announced earlier this week that their tour had sold out in less than a week. What's the Truth Behind the Beyonc Country Album Rumors. Where we would go and huddle up and maybe my dad and one of my brothers, and myself would go get a U-Haul and get our stuff from the airport, or however it was shipped. Formed in 2013 by college students Sam Melo and Darrick Keller, Rainbow Kitten Surprise developed a sound that was every bit as colorful as the group's name, eventually becoming one of America's most beloved indie-rock acts of the late 2010s and early 2020s. "I think the (time) restraint was probably good for us," Haney said. In this album, Rainbow Kitten Surprise continues to evolve and change their music style while maintaining the core elements of what always makes their music great. Prior to its release, Rainbow Kitten Surprise also issued the 2019 stand-alone single "Our Song.". They're as big a surprise as their name and, when they took the stage at First Avenue, the surprises kept on coming. Does that feel like a burden for you as your fan base grows and is very devoted to the band? Rainbow Kitten SurpriseWork Out. They had started playing shows around the Boone area and wrote and recorded the earliest Rainbow Kitten Surprise songs as a duo. They dont see themselves as their spokesmen for the song. On April 6, 2022, Rainbow Kitten Surprise released the single "Work Out," their first new single released in nearly 18 months. Press J to jump to the feed. By the time I get so disillusioned with trying to figure out the ultimate answer to everything, which I think is what every producer is looking for. It was just kind of a thing I did in high school with my friends. It's all good. It's like two years old but just brush the dust off and it will be good." Founded In. She has appeared Read his 2016 intro letterand disclosures from 2022 and 2021. High-energy, queer-friendly, happy-go-lucky. The move to Elektra put the band on a different level. More than three million streams of the bands music are recorded each month on Spotify. Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas It features 13 tracks, including the single "Hide", the music video of which depicts four drag queens coming out to their families. Sam Melo, lead vocalist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs at the Georgia Theatre, on Tuesday April 8, 2018, in Athens, Georgia. Am I going to fit in? on So once that reality sets in then it becomes a little bit more productive. Are you still going into these "rabbit hole states are you able to work when you are in them? ElA you are beautiful! At that time I was pretty self-absorbed, self-conscious, I mean, I was 14. The length of the concert will depend on the number of songs the band performs and the amount of time they spend between songs. Do you feel any kind of responsibility in hearing their stories? Although Rainbow Kitten Surprise is not a Christian band, their music may appeal to Christian audiences due to its positive messages and uplifting lyrics. The Ritz, 1503 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. RKS initially recorded its music under the Split Rail Records label, a student run label at Appalachian State University's Hayes School of Music, where three of the band's members attended. Well, we have some family up in Minnesota but obviously that is nowhere close to where we were moving to North Carolina. We love you so much!! Just working with Jay and Jason and the whole crew just opened my eyes to what kind of sonic avenues there were. This year has seen the deaths of stars and icons, but we honor their memory by highlighting them. Surely the beginning of a new era for the band, Transgender women voices actually dont change with hormones so they might actually sound the same just with a hot ass chick as the lead , She didn't sound any different when I saw them in December? Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. It is said to mix indie rock and roll, hip-hop, electronic music, and pop influences in its music. No mentally. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Rainbow Kitten Surprise has booked two nights at Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2022. Their songs are often filled with clever wordplay and heartfelt lyrics. (Courtesy Matthew Salacuse) By Tom Lanham . In fact, as commitments go, he thought it was as minimal as it gets. History. In 2013, Melo and Keller had self-released a three-song EP, Mary, and the band followed that with a self-released full-length, Seven. Were you sad to leave? They have more than 3.3 million monthly streamers on Spotify, with their upcoming tour taking them across the country and to several premier music festivals. Jay Joyce (at Neon Cross Studios and Jason Hall) did a great job with your vision. That's the thing, Jay and I talked about this, somebody said the first day, so if you have nine months to make a record it's going to take you nine months to make a record. In early 2013, before becoming the full ensemble that is the current Rainbow Kitten Surprise, lead singer Sam Melo and guitarist and backup vocalist Darick "Bozzy" Keller released the band's . Hide has been elevated by the LGBT community as an anthem but front man Sam Melo says it was never meant as an anthem but more just about his own journey of self discovery. This came after she announced on March 30 that the band would embark on a highly anticipated tour right before the end of the month. Play. Buy Rainbow Kitten Surprise tickets from the official Ticketmaster.com site. With catchy, yet deep lyrical meaning, beautifully designed bass lines, and melodic guitar riffs, their unique sound will keep you humming their tunes all day long. Like can you say him in a song? I will say as a trans girl that some of the older lyrics make more sense now. These North Carolina-based festival favorites mix exuberant indie pop and earnest folk-rock. On October 9, 2020, Rainbow Kitten Surprise released the single "Our Song", which had been previously played at multiple live events. Tickets can also be . While the bands music has earned them widespread acclaim, one member in particular has stirred up a bit of controversy: the lead singer, Sam Melo. You write a lot about your insecurities that you have on your record, but you also have this you also have a steely side thats resolved itself to pushing the band forward does that come from that time? Rainbow Kitten Surprise. They enjoy it. But after a while it becomes, you're playing shows every night, you're having to do these press things on the days in between, you gotta always portray because everybody that is coming at you is coming from the perspective of success, like "Wow, congratulations, you're making it." Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an American indie rock band from Boone, North Carolina. In 2010, the band was accused of plagiarism after their song Fantasy resembled another artists work. 70 following. Follow. I wouldn't say it gets easier, it certainly gets more routine. Mon. Read Full Biography. It was incredible. Over the past couple of years, I've been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self.I'm happy to share with you that I am trans. Scroll to read more Music Stories & Interviews articles. And then find our home, which usually was North Carolina. Rainbow Kitten Surprise was formed in 2013 by Ela Melo and Darrick Keller. Can you expand on that? As lead singer Sam Melo spent most of his childhood in the Caribbean islands with his missionary parents . While the band does not have an explicitly religious ideology, it has been noted that some of their music does touch on spiritual and religious themes. Their music style is a mix of folk, pop, and rock. Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Photo by Chris Taylor. All you gotta do is just pour some cream on top and chug it. Suddenly, the five musicians found themselves driving to Nashville, where they all now live, setting up shop in the high-end Neon Cross Studios and working with one of the city's most in-demand producers, Jay Joyce. Fri, Sep 14, 2018 at 12:09 pm. Formed in 2013 by college students Sam Melo and Darrick Keller, Rainbow Kitten Surprise developed a sound that was every bit as colorful as the group's name, eventually becoming one of America's m.. . Ela Melo is the lead vocalist for alt-rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise; she wrote their biggest hit, "It's Called: Freefall.". You looked great in your dress on New Years Eve in DC. 10201 fans Top tracks. Rainbow Kitten Surprise has also been involved in various Pride events, such as playing at the Los Angeles Pride Parade in 2016. While the band has not explicitly stated that they are LGBT, their music and involvement in Pride events have been seen as a sign of support for the LGBT community. pic.twitter.com/kejuO2yLIn. The band has had a meteoric rise since their formation in 2013, with their debut album making it to the top of the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and they have since gone on to tour the world and perform at festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Due to the accusations, the band was forced to cancel several tour dates, raising questions about whether or not it sincerely apologizes for what happened. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. With an eclectic sound that draws elements from classic folk, hip-hop, and rock, the band is a veritable chameleon in the world of popular music. Reading the new introductions to the band has been awesome and I cannot wait for their new chapter! Or these are 2 different people? Rainbow Kitten Surprise live in South Africa! Rainbow Kitten Surprise and all five of its members hail from the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. Because of I definitely still kind of in that mode of wanting to try too many things and given more time it would have ended up being an incomplete 21 songs record. The band got its name when someone's hospitalized, heavily medicated friend kept repeating the phrase Rainbow Kitten Surprise. But you guys have tons of it, I'm sure. The North Carolina band have been on the fast track to success in recent years, their first two albums gaining enough support that they began playing Their second LP, RKS, arrived in 2015 via hometown label Split Rail; combined with the increasing viral success of their single "Devil Like Me" (from Seven), the record brought Rainbow Kitten Surprise to a much wider national audience. Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. The crooning voice we all love so much (: Ansley Elizabeth Photography) 288. With an ever-growing following, Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is sure to keep producing captivating music for years to come. Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The two wrote and composed music together as they attended Appalachian State University. I was thinking about this performance today when I saw the bands post on Insta, that was an unforgettable show and it makes me so happy ela feels comfortable being her true self . That those are your problems. [Verse 1] Am F Hey pretty Momma don't you leave me like that C Bring it on back, bring it on back Am F Love me don't leave me, don't you leave me like that C Bring it on back, bring it on back [Chorus] Am 'Cause you're high, you're low F C You're fine but you don't say anything Am F Well you've got my heart in your hands C And your love in . Over the past couple of years, I've been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. Reply. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, "RKS" for short, is known for its harmonies, instrumentation, and lyrics. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, also known as RKS (Return to Rainbow Kitten), is a musical phenomenon that many people consider to be a musical phenomenon. [4] From 2014 through 2017, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has performed at multiple music festivals and other events, including Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and Austin City Limits Festival. Tags: Music Features, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Sam Melo . She sounds happier, but shes still singing the same song. A year of heavy touring followed and yielded the 2021 concert album RKS! I was so shocked! turns out shes still there and i love it for her:)). You never think that when you put words on to a paper that anybody else is going to pick it up and say word for word, that's me, and identify with it. Since the 2013 release of their first album, Seven + Mary , the vibrancy and courageousness and uniqueness of RKS' music has brought in nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify . . 'Bout twenty more I'll be forty-four, head back to Tampa Bay. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images Rainbow Kitten Surprise. // Do Not Sell My Personal Information At times I honestly thought the leader singer, Sam Melo, had fallen down after jumping and dancing on stage, but every time he rose up again, somehow becoming better with every song. Maybe even more so going forward but also in the performance aspect, as well. Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an American indie rock band from Boone, North Carolina. I think it was something we had to get acclimated to a bit.". In addition to championing equality via their music, the band has frequently partnered with Equality NC, the oldest statewide organization in the country dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, donating portions of ticket and merch sales to the nonprofit. "Me and Ethan went to high school together, and we kind of played in my basement and did covers of random things. "I mean, I think we just move fast," said Sam Melo, one of the band's . Sold out, 8 p.m., Saturday, July 9, Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. Ray Roa [5][6], On April 6, 2018, RKS released its How To: Friend, Love, Freefall album, under the Elektra Records label. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, a six-month-old kitten, was born at Appalachian State University in North Carolina six years ago. The tour opens in South Carolina where you essentially wrote the album, but then the next stop is here in Tampa Bay and I wanted to ask you about (your song) "Goodnight Chicago", the lyric says, Twenty years to see New York reflected on subway trains. I'm sorry if I'm gonna sound dumb, but we're talking about Sam Melo, that came out right now as trans, right? The Boone, North Carolina quintet hit the Moody Theater stage in support of its highly acclaimed third album How To: Friend, Love, Freefall, from which comes the hits "Hide" and "Fever Pitch . They have released seven singles and two EPs, all of which are their own work. Yvonne Gougelet Fans of the band appreciate their unique sound and the way they bring a sense of joy and fun to their music. The Alternative/Indie-Pop band takes influence from great artists . We did that on a studio-run label thing, and all of that was cool. . The crowd immediately stood to their feet when they heard the . Hi everyone! Rainbow Kitten Surprise is quickly becoming one of the most beloved and respected bands of their generation. Once in a lifetime. I think where it comes from is the place that I'm at when I'm writing. I definitely lose my phone for a month and just dive in. I killed a man there, in spite, and when he died, I took his place. I think youve only played Florida twice. We hadn't been in the South for a long time. 9827 fans Top Tracks. For their first evening in Chicago, they pulled out all the stops and gave their fans a flawless performance. If you're looking for the living embodiment of multi-dimensionality, turn to Sam Melo, lead singer from the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Songs like Six and Fever Pitch are often cited as being particularly LGBT-friendly, with themes of unrequited love, acceptance and identity. The band consists of Sam Melo, Darrick Keller, Charlie Holt, Jess Haney, and Caleb Elder. We always love Austin City Limits debuts, and it's even better with a young band as fresh and exciting as Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The song's beautiful melody line and the effervescent vibe is a stark juxtaposition to its poignant lyrics about the difficult relationships - of all sorts - that people struggle with. Sometimes life is a grind of the best possible espresso you can put into a percolator. That was the understanding that I had. They are known for their captivating live performances, which often involve elaborate costumes and choreographed dance moves. This was their first of the year because of the cancellation of many events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2019, they performed at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, which they sold out in seven days. On the track, Melo sings, "Called to the devil and the devil said, 'Hey, why you been calling this late? No food. Somewhere in our minds, we're still just the kids playing music in bars in Boone. By the time I reached that period, especially with this last record, I just started furiously writing down pages of lyrics, the guys came back and was like, "Sam, you don't have to rewrite a whole other album, look at what we already have.