Im Ela, lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Mary - EP Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius Mon. [5][6], On April 6, 2018, RKS released its How To: Friend, Love, Freefall album, under the Elektra Records label. With an ever-growing following, Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is sure to keep producing captivating music for years to come. Happy for her! We wish them the best and hope to see them back in SLC again soon. 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. A beautiful experience indeed. Spiritual warfare informs Sam Melo's music. I definitely lose my phone for a month and just dive in. Its like 2 AM and the bars all close at ten in hell, thats a rule I made'Anyway, you say youre too busy saving everybody else to save yourselfAnd you dont want no help, oh wellThats the story to tell". I feel like you've said everything that needed to be said about "Hide" the video's origin. Review: Rainbow Kitten Surprise releases poetic third album Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountain college town of Boone, North Carolina, Rainbow Kitten Surprise play a fervent mix of bright indie pop and earnest, harmony-driven folk-rock. Ela Melo, the lead singer for the popular alternative/indie rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, revealed she has found her "authentic self" in coming out as transgender. Indie-folk band Rainbow Kitten Surprise gets personal during concert at Melo, who was raised half in Appalachian North Carolina and half in a Dominican Republic mission, belted out the lyrics with every fiber of his being, driving home the importance of embracing your truth while the crowd sang along. NINE LIVES: Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontman Sam Melo, who brings the band to The Ritz in Ybor City, Florida on September 17, 2018. . 04. She made the announcement on Wednesday, March 30 about a week before the band hits the road for a highly-anticipated tour. . 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. Line-up: Rainbow Kitten Surprise (USA) + Spoegwolf, Shortstraw & Mann Friday (Zimbabwe). Memoriam 2022, which will take place in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas Thank you for your taking the time and we look forward to seeing you guys at The Orpheum, (Now playing the Ritz due to popular demand), when you guys come down to Ybor City for pretty much the tour kickoff. . We hadn't been in the South for a long time. 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. 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 Rainbow Kitten Surprise: An Explosive Night of Drop Kicks, Breakdowns Their music style is a mix of folk, pop, and rock. // Privacy Policy And it was just kind of a transitory period. But back to the Bustelo question. 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. 8. In this article, we will explore the evidence behind the rumors, and examine whether there is any truth to the speculation that the lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise is, in fact, gay. Hi everyone! "It was like, we did RKS. "Me and Ethan went to high school together, and we kind of played in my basement and did covers of random things. [2] Their first EP, Mary, was recorded in a dorm room at the university. The Split Rail label was founded in 2005. 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. It feels like this big, intricate record that was always kind of hiding in the band's music even when it was a two acoustic guitar band. Sam Melo, bassist Darrick Bozzy Keller, drummer Jess Haney, and guitarist/keyboardist Ethan Goodpaster are the members of this band. Sam Melo, the lead singer, took the stage with the lyrics and bent down to pray during the ominous and richly emotional Holy War . Your favorite tequila battle is back on 4/7/23! Being able to share my experiences while remaining true to my LGBTQ identity excites me. When my family was moving to and from the Dominican growing up, we would always land in Miami and go stay with him in Tampa. It's incredible that this is what life is. Sam Melo and Ethan Goodpaster of Rainbow Kitten Surprise perform on the Lands End Stage during the 2018 Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park on August 12, 2018 in San Francisco,. The group then worked out a deal with Split Rail Records, a student-run label at Appalachian State's Hayes School of Music, and in 2015, released the album RKS. 'Bout twenty more I'll be forty-four, head back to Tampa Bay. We had few friends back here. NINE LIVES: Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontman Sam Melo, who brings the band to The Ritz in Ybor City, Florida on September 17, 2018. The band's Pride Weekend performance at the Troubadour was a truly spectacular celebration of equality, community, and love - not to mention a kickass rock show. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, the best name ever we know, sat down with us at Outside Lands to talk about their new record and their song Hide. Im grateful to be able to express who I truly am and share in this moment with you.. Rainbow Kitten Surprise was formed in 2013 by Ela Melo and Darrick Keller. independent local journalism in Dallas. My pronouns are she/her. Jay Joyce (at Neon Cross Studios and Jason Hall) did a great job with your vision. And the circumstance that we left my family had lived on predominately support from missionary organizations so as time progressed, as happens quite often with people going down to do medical work the excitement and support wains because people don't know what's going on down there. Im happy to share with you that I am trans. Exploring Clues And Implications Of LGBTQ+ Representation In The Nightmare Before Christmas, ISSLN: A Symbol Of Solidarity And Acceptance For The LGBTQ+ Community, Ask Your Insurance Company About Gay Rights. Rainbow Kitten Surprise Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic . SDGLN provides in-depth coverage on issues of importance to the LGBT community and our allies. Yeah, so Tampa is kind of a city I only know in a very limited fashion. It's all good. Just working with Jay and Jason and the whole crew just opened my eyes to what kind of sonic avenues there were. 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. First Boone, then the world: Rainbow Kitten Surprise drummer talks the Rainbow Kitten Surprise singer talks about coming out, the origin of By They received an outpouring of support from their fans, as well as other bands. Rainbow Kitten Surprise (@rksbandofficial) - Instagram And it would be a different record if it got made in nine months, but sometimes you need the two-week record. All you gotta do is just pour some cream on top and chug it. We regret to announce, that due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's show with Rainbow Kitten Surprise has been canceled. Ray Roa Rainbow Kitten Surprise is Ela Melo (lead vocals), Darrick "Bozzy" Keller (guitar, vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (lead guitar, vocals), Charlie Holt (bass, vocals), Jess Haney (drums). Play. Medications in Pregnancy: What Not To Take? Additionally, this performance coincided with the West Hollywood Pride Parade and associated celebrations during a year where the LGBTQ+ community has faced particular hardship, with the advancement of legislation like Donald Trump's recently upheld ban on transgender enrollment in the military. "Rainbow Kitten Surprise on their fast road to fame and unforgettable name", "Rainbow Kitten Surprise hometown, biography", "Alternative/indie-pop band signs with Appalachian's Split Rail Records", "Director Kyle Thrash Takes Fans Inside Rainbow Kitten Surprise's Emotional 'Hide' Video", "Rainbow Kitten Surprise | How to: Friend, Love, Freefall | the New Album", "Rainbow Kitten Surprise on Instagram: 'Just a little reminder that our upcoming run starts in less than 2 weeks! . They announced earlier this week that their tour had sold out in less than a week. These are things that I've come to piece together afterward. Though each Rainbow Kitten Surprise show has a compelling narrative, we were lucky enough to catch a performance that had a particularly relevant message. While Holt has been openly trans for some time now, Melo only came out as gay alongside the release of Rainbow Kitten Surprise's 2018 album, How to: Friend, Love, Freefall. On the track, Melo sings, "Called to the devil and the devil said, 'Hey, why you been calling this late? Ultimately, Rainbow Kitten Surprises music is open to interpretation, and it is up to the listener to decide whether or not they find spiritual meaning in their songs. Once you get over that search and you get heartbroken by it, you realize all of the tools that are now at your disposal. Associated Press. Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS) is an American indie rock band that was formed in Boone, North Carolina in 2013. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy & Cookie Policy as well as our Terms of Use. Rainbow Kitten Surprise consists of Sam Melo, Darrick 'Bozzy' Keller, Ethan Goodpaster, Jess Haney and Charlie Holt. They are based in Boone. That was pretty rough going down there as a kid, going from first world comfort to the third world. Their songs are often filled with clever wordplay and heartfelt lyrics. "I got into the band through Ethan," Haney said, referencing guitarist Ethan Goodpaster during a recent phone interview. The alternative band will perform at the famous music venue on Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12, concert promoter AEG Presents announced Monday. They are known for their captivating live performances, which often involve elaborate costumes and choreographed dance moves. Recorded at Nashville's Neon Cross Studio, where the group took advantage of a collection of vintage instruments, How To: Friend, Love, Freefall was produced by Jay Joyce (Cage the Elephant, the Head and the Heart) and released in 2018. May 7, 2019. Rainbow Kitten Surprise At Red Rocks - LoveCatsTalk.com Read Full Biography. Right on. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is quickly becoming one of the most beloved and respected bands of their generation. Life is a grind. In January 2020, the long-running PBS show Austin City Limits aired Rainbow Kitten Surprise in a half-hour set recorded the previous fall. Im going live from inside to show admiration, pay respect and donations to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and their partners. There wasn't a seat remaining as the lights dimmed in the Tennessee Theatre. One day we were all sitting in Boone and the next thing we were touring the world. I think it did, I think it went well. B. y 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. Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. 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. 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. Read our full chat and get information on the show below. Does that feel like a burden for you as your fan base grows and is very devoted to the band? Each of the queens conceals their identities for a variety of reasons, citing fear of bodily harm or damaging familial relationships. It's an effort to try to control your thoughts and make some sense of what's going on. Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. $25 & up. That's awesome. On July 14, 2020, RKS played a livestream concert. Sign up for our Events Newsletter. Their mix of tight instrumental chops and jam band finesse helped earn them a strong grassroots following and, after a couple of indie releases, they signed with Elektra to issue their second full-length, How To: Friend, Love, Freefall, in 2018. She made the announcement on Instagram just a few days before the bands tour began. I'm extremely confused as I almost never get any closer to learn more about the band and just now I've learned how she was named and that now her name is Ela. Saturday's All Aboard! Even by this early stage, there were signs RKS might balloon beyond a just-for-fun . Rainbow Kitten Sursprise was formed in early 2013 when the first two members, Sam Melo and Darrick "Bozzy" Keller, began writing and composing music together . If you're looking for the living embodiment of multi-dimensionality, turn to Sam Melo, lead singer from the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Alan Sculley So, to make that jump was definitely a little bit of a shock for all of us. Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Sonicbids No professional camera, video, or audio recording equipment. The two wrote and composed music together as they attended Appalachian State University. The bandswitty and introspective lyrics complement Alis powerful and emotional voice perfectly. Rainbow Kitten Surprise Brings Pride to the Troubadour [PRIDE MONTH Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 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. So we were moving back in the Summer of 2006 and I was about 14, we stayed down there for about a week because we still didn't have a home yet. CANCELLED: Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountain college town of Boone, North Carolina, Rainbow Kitten Surprise play a fervent mix of bright indie pop and earnest, harmony-driven folk-rock. "Devil Like Me" went on to get radio play, as did two songs from RKS "Cocaine Jesus" and "Lady Lie" propelling Rainbow Kitten Surprise onto tours and appearances at notable festivals including Bonnaroo and Sasquatch. The move to Elektra put the band on a different level. I think it was something we had to get acclimated to a bit.". 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. The song's . It was incredible. This story was originally published March 31, 2022, 9:40 AM. Rainbow Kitten Surprise's (RSK) recording will be the eighth album produced and released by Split Rail Records since 2008. More than three million streams of the bands music are recorded each month on Spotify. I'm Ela, lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 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. What happens is, I learn different things that I'm interested in, like for the last record I got really interested in jazz drumming and the beats, the meters they're in, the different time signatures and playing around with that and usually I go down those avenues for a while until the band snaps me back into reality and it's like, "Oh shit we've got this show to put on, we've got a job to do." [9], In April 2019, RKS performed at several venues across North Carolina to raise funds for Equality NC, the country's oldest statewide LGBT equality organization.[10]. Twenty dates on their tour were sold out earlier this week. Everything nice | Music Features - Oklahoma Gazette Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Happy birthday to Sam Melo! The crooning In his childlike post-op haze, their friend proposed the band name themselves "Rainbow Kitten Surprise." Laughs were had, and so it was, and so it remains. Exploring The Authenticity Of Being Big Gay : A Discussion. Ela Melo, the lead singer for the popular alternative/indie rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, revealed she has found her authentic self in coming out as transgender. But I still can't wait to hear what they've got coming next. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is Pure Gold, and Here's Why Unfortunately, Rainbow Kitten Surprise will not be able to reschedule this event. I'm happy to share with you that I am trans. 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 will be joined by Briston Maroney for the pair of summer performances. As a son of missionary parents, Melo spent seven years of his childhood in the Dominican Republic before moving back to the United States, ultimately attending Appalachian State University in N.C. 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. 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. Somebody will grab the phone and somebody will read it out loud and everyone listens. You talked about it being pretty disheartening or defeatist in a way. 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. 9827 fans Top Tracks. San Diego Gay & Lesbian News (SDGLN) is the top-read news source for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of San Diego. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. . Alternative/indie-pop band signs with Appalachian's Split Rail Records This year has seen the deaths of stars and icons, but we honor their memory by highlighting them. Or these are 2 different people? While Holt has been openly trans for some time now, Melo only came out as gay alongside the release of Rainbow Kitten Surprise's 2018 album, How to: Friend, Love, Freefall. My pronouns are she/her. What's In A Name? Rainbow Kitten Surprise Astonishes 02:32 . I'm glad that it's doing something for people, that people can relate to it. Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an American indie rock band from Boone, North Carolina. How to raise the money to maintain crucial community care ought to be a no-brainer.Donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee:http://shfbmt.convio.net/site/TR?px=1465289\u0026fr_id=1311\u0026pg=personalConnect with RKS:http://rksband.comhttp://instagram.com/rksbandofficialhttp://twitter.com/rksbandofficialhttps://facebook.com/RainbowKittenSurprise#LiveFromHome #StayHome #WithMe He also states that his faith has been an important influence on the music he makes. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an alternative rock indie band, featuring lead vocalist Ela Melo, Darrick "Bozzy" Keller (guitar, backup vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar), Jess Haney (drums), and Charlie Holt (bass). Mike Stunson covers real-time news for McClatchy. How much are the fans playing into your mindset? "It all just happened so fast. pic.twitter.com/kejuO2yLIn. Over the past couple of years, I've been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. So you didn't feel constrained, it worked out for you then? 02:32 . Documentarian Kyle Thrash was enlisted by the band to create the video for Hide, which depicts sexuality in a subtle way. But power to Ela! That's just how they like 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. Once in a lifetime. RKS 'Work Out' available now! The Riv // Chicago, IL // February 8, 2019. You're always blindsided by it. Rainbow Kitten Surprise Sticker. So once that reality sets in then it becomes a little bit more productive. What is genre in the streaming age? Rainbow Kitten Surprise hail from the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, and have been regarded as one of the rising alternative rock bands in the United States. Especially in a place of uncertainty. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an indie rock band based out of Boone, North Carolina. Sam Melo and Charlie Holt of Rainbow Kitten Surprise talk about every He is a 2011 Western Kentucky University graduate who has previously worked at the Paducah Sun and Madisonville Messenger as a sports reporter and the Lexington Herald-Leader as a breaking news reporter. The band opened with one of the marquee tracks off of their most recent release, "It's Called: Freefall," a haunting folk-rock-tinged song that addresses internal conflict. The Ritz, 1503 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. No glass or glass hubblies. (Photo/Christina R . Straight Outta North Carolina: How Rainbow Kitten Surprise became your Saw her in Newport and I was on the barrier. The rest of the Rainbow Kitten Surprise bandmates also introduced themselves and revealed what they identify as in their social media post Wednesday. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an indie-rock band from Boone, North Carolina whose genre-bending sound has taken the music world by storm. The opening track was a slow-burn, but once Sam Melo danced his way to stage, the front of the crowd came alive at "It's Called: Freefall." Twirls, drops, rapid-fire harmonies ensued. Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an American indie rock band from Boone, North Carolina. Because especially if the song were to be a hit, then immediately were poster children, you know?, "Hide" was accompanied by one of the most impactful music videos of last year. Rainbow Kitten Surprise prepares to unleash a burst of musical influences at The Jones Assembly. Its really exciting to see the band thriving and doing so well and it brings me a ton of joy every time I listen to your music.. All of the things that were hinted at for this last one will get fleshed out. No food. When you consider some of its subject matter songs like "Cocaine Jesus" come to mind the name really is a bit of a "Surprise.". Rainbow Kitten Surprise's Fort Mill-raised bassist talks how Charlotte . "Yeah, we were pumping out a song a day and it felt good. If you have three days to make it, you'll make it in three days. In their video for Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Thrash shows a drag queen coming out to her parents. How to: Friend, Love, Freefall by Rainbow Kitten Surprise | CD | Barnes They had started playing shows around the Boone area and . Although the bands members identities have not been publicly discussed, their music has often been interpreted as being LGBT-friendly. Thrash has previously performed at Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits. Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. Mon, Jul 4, 2022 at 4:00 am. The band got its name when someone's hospitalized, heavily medicated friend kept repeating the phrase Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Figure out how to enjoy your own show. I think where it comes from is the place that I'm at when I'm writing. Rainbow Kitten Surprise on Audiotree . I was so shocked! Fans of the band appreciate their unique sound and the way they bring a sense of joy and fun to their music. They're as big a surprise as their name and, when they took the stage at First Avenue, the surprises kept on coming. Rainbow Kitten Surprise hometown, biography | Last.fm At first, it's "How do you pay bills? Their first EP, Mary, was recorded in a dorm room at the university. When we went down in '99, it was like this is home now and at least until me and my three brothers were old enough to move back stateside on our own, that's where we'd be living. The band consists of Sam Melo, Darrick Keller, Charlie Holt, Jess Haney, and Caleb Elder. Rainbow Kitten Surprise in Concert. According to couples, men typically want more sexual activity. Your band is in such a great position and there is so much for me to think about and I also wanted to congratulate you onHow to: Friend, Love, Freefall. Hi everyone! Well, if you keep selling out each show, then Atlantic is going to have to give you more than two-and-a-half weeks in the studio to get it done, right? Sam Melo. Be yourself. RKS was formed in early 2013 when the first two members, Sam Melo and Darrick "Bozzy" Keller, decided to begin writing and composing music together. 'How to: Friend, Love, Freefall' and the constant of change in Rainbow Rainbow Kitten Surprise | iHeart The band formed in Boone, North Carolina. She has performed in the theater for 20 years in nearly 50 plays in London, Scotland, Chile, NYC, Chicago, Miami & Tampa. 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 . Sign up for the latest music, videos, tour dates, and more . They always say, "The devil's in the details." Even at this early stage, there were signs that Rainbow Kitten Surprise might grow into something more than a just-for-fun college-years band. That was the understanding that I had. This was the last stop on their summer tour. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, "RKS" for short, is known for its harmonies, instrumentation, and lyrics. Were you sad to leave? . It was weird. Follow. The Troubadour is located in West Hollywood, the historic gay district of Los Angeles. 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