That's just how they like it. Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an American indie rock band from Boone, North Carolina. Read Full Biography. music festival marks formal launch of San Antonio venue The Espee, Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Silversun Pickups, Epik High, Marisela and more, Comedian George Lopez is returning to San Antonio's Majestic Theatre this summer, San Antonio punk band Fea composed original music for new play debuting at Public Theater, Live Music in San Antonio This Week: August Burns Red, Inner Wave, Thy Art Is Murder and more, Celebrate Bowie tour with Peter Murphy and Adrian Belew coming to San Antonio's Tobin Center. Concert Review: Rainbow Kitten Surprise By October 29, 2018 October 29, 2018 Music . On June 11, Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at Red Rocks alongside their ride-or-die, . Join the Observer community and help support A year of heavy touring followed and yielded the 2021 concert album RKS! Do you feel any kind of responsibility in hearing their stories? // Do Not Sell My Personal Information Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. NINE LIVES: Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontman Sam Melo, who brings the band to The Ritz in Ybor City, Florida on September 17, 2018. I still had dial-up till a year after we moved back, so MySpace hit me pretty hard. 02:32 . Verified. Ray Roa 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. In the bands words, we have grown as humans and as a band. Other bands as well as their fans rallied around them in support of them. She made the announcement on Wednesday, March 30 about a week before the band hits the road for a highly-anticipated tour. Just a few weeks ago at the end of . I feel like we are the most blessed to be able to play. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging schools to incorporate transgenderism and LGBT education into their curricula. Maybe even more so going forward but also in the performance aspect, as well. I was just talking about this with my bassist last night, you encounter different sets of problems the further you go. Am I going to fit in? So, to make that jump was definitely a little bit of a shock for all of us. It was incredible. "It all just happened so fast. From $1.35. armed forces vacation club for veterans 082 825 4557; welsh keith brymer jones wife zapperstore.xyz@gmail.com 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. 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 . 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. One trigger for the success came when the band submitted their song "Devil Like Me" to the VH-1 reality show Make a Band Famous and saw it voted into the top 24. It ended up working out, and we did it. While their music does not necessarily have overtly Christian themes, many of the band members have been vocal about their Christian faith. Their live performances are renowned for their high-energy, raw emotion, and often times, humor. Yvonne Gougelet They have released seven singles and two EPs, all of which are their own work. and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Dallas Observer's The Morning After Brunch. But you guys have tons of it, I'm sure. Spiritual warfare informs Sam Melo's music. Live from Athens Georgia. (Courtesy Matthew Salacuse) By Tom Lanham . Once you get over that search and you get heartbroken by it, you realize all of the tools that are now at your disposal. I'm happy to share with you that I am trans. I was so shocked! Video shows Florida alligator easily blasting through a metal fence, The four-day Grand Prix of St. Petersburg starts today. Well, it just so happens that two of the members of the five-piece band are also members of the LGBTQ+ community - singer Sam Melo is gay and bassist Charlie Holt is trans. All you gotta do is just pour some cream on top and chug it. . Definitely. I'm Ela, lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The move to Elektra put the band on a different level. Rainbow Kitten Surprise appeared on the show, and even though the group was eliminated in the first round of competition, the appearance brought a notable measure of exposure. Weve grown a lot as humans and as a band, the group said. 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. But then some days we got more than one song. . I killed a man there, in spite, and when he died, I took his place. I think youve only played Florida twice. They are based in Boone. Life is work. I feel like you've said everything that needed to be said about "Hide" the video's origin. "It was life changing," says Sam Melo, RKS's firecracker of a lead singer whose emotive and powerful croon, fire-spitting raps, and unpredictable dervish dance moves make . May 7, 2019. 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. [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 . In fact, Melo publicly came out through one of the tracks off of the project, "Hide." Though he wrote the song in 2015, it wasn't released until three years later. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Live from Athens Georgia. Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. Watch on. Whats the balancing act like between the person we hear on the record and thinks about insecurities and this other person who is committed to making RKS something you can do for the rest of your life? With an ever-growing following, Ela Rainbow Kitten Surprise is sure to keep producing captivating music for years to come. As a result, many of the songs on their albums contain spiritual imagery, such as references to God, angels and heaven. I'm grateful to be able to express who I truly am and share in this moment with you. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a colorful, eye-catching name. [1], Rainbow Kitten Surprise was formed in 2013 by Ela Melo and Darrick Keller. 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. But I still can't wait to hear what they've got coming next. 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. . BY CONTINUING PAST THIS PAGE YOU AGREE TO OUR This was their first of the year because of the cancellation of many events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So once that reality sets in then it becomes a little bit more productive. Rainbow Kitten Surprise has expertly used the spotlight to promote the welfare of LGBTQ+ people. Right on. Play. A New Dallas Doc Fills in the Blanks on the Spectacular Story of Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Hoosier States Patron Saint, John Mellencamp, Blessed Grand Prairie on Wednesday Night, 10 Best Concerts of the Week: Muse, Carrie Underwood, Buddy Guy and More. Rainbow Kitten Surprise on Audiotree . And I feel like you've always said it in your music, your answer is to just be yourself. by Timothy Monger. . Excited for the new music from the band. 2023 LIVE NATION WORLDWIDE, INC. That's super interesting. I'm sorry if I'm gonna sound dumb, but we're talking about Sam Melo, that came out right now as trans, right? Rainbow Kitten Surprise. High-energy, queer-friendly, happy-go-lucky. But back to the Bustelo question. I wouldn't say it gets easier, it certainly gets more routine. on From $1.46. The expansion resulted in the bigger, more energetic sound heard on their debut album, Seven, which was later repackaged with their EP in a release called Seven + Mary. On July 14, 2020, RKS played a livestream concert. Does that feel like a burden for you as your fan base grows and is very devoted to the band? 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). Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The lead vocalist (Sam Melo) seems like someone that is very suited for passionate Americana music and has a similar voice to the frontman of . Find Rainbow Kitten Surprise tour schedule, concert details, reviews and photos. They had started playing shows around the Boone area and wrote and recorded the earliest Rainbow Kitten Surprise songs as a duo. Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg 2195. We had few friends back here. Steven Loftin finds out how they went from obscurity to their first sell-out London show. But before long, Melo who recently announced on Twitter that she is trans, her pronouns are she/her and that she wants to be referred to as Ela Melo and Keller decided they wanted to have a full band, and that's when fellow students Haney, Goodpaster and bassist Charlie Holt joined up. The band got their name during a hospital visit with a friend, who suggested Rainbow Kitten Surprise while under the effects of anesthesia. 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. Obviously, some days we didn't get anything. The Caribbean island is where frontman Sam Melo, whose parents were missionaries, spent seven years of his childhood before circumstances forced a permanent move back to the U.S. Yeah, so Tampa is kind of a city I only know in a very limited fashion. Formed in an Appalachian State dorm room in 2013 by singer Sam Melo and guitarist Darrick "Bozzy" Keller, the duo recorded and self-released their acoustic EP, Mary . Over the past couple of years, Ive been doing some major soul searching in the pursuit of my authentic self. Just working with Jay and Jason and the whole crew just opened my eyes to what kind of sonic avenues there were. Or these are 2 different people? Actor Elliot Page slams Texas officials for calling trans health care child abuse, Teacher suspended for not using a students he/him pronouns now sues Kansas district, Support my work with a digital subscription, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, Murdaugh verdict sends a Lowcountry message: No one is above the law | Opinion, Mail carrier cant believe his eyes after seeing NC lottery win. The Ritz, 1503 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. Saw her in Newport and I was on the barrier. 70 following. So you didn't feel constrained, it worked out for you then? It makes me so happy to see fellow trans people living as themselves authentically, and you will always have my support., Ive never met kinder or more welcoming people, another commenter said. 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 group held its earlier rehearsals in Boone, North Carolina . 8. Yeah, we stay stocked, for sure. $28.27. Somebody will grab the phone and somebody will read it out loud and everyone listens. ", Produced by Grammy Award-winner Jay Joyce (Cage The Elephant, Sleeper Agent), the album featured RIAA-certified Gold single "It's Called: Freefall", and earned widespread praise from Billboard, TIME, Vice, and NPR who described their sound as "a mix of jam and indie and whatever else you can throw into the soupvery earnest, beautiful, political, loving rock n' roll," and saw the band make several national television appearances, including performances on "CBS This Morning Saturday," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and PBS's "Austin City Limits.". 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 . Each of the queens conceals their identities for a variety of reasons, citing fear of bodily harm or damaging familial relationships. She is responsible for overseeing the bands growth, having worked with them since their inception in 2013 and assisting them with their success. Since then, Rainbow Kitten Surprise's engaging blend of indie pop and a variety of other genres has won it high-profile festival appearances and a fervent nationwide following. In fact, Melo publicly came out through one of the tracks off of the project, "Hide." They announced earlier this week that their tour had sold out in less than a week. You looked great in your dress on New Years Eve in DC. Alan Sculley The two wrote and composed music together as they attended Appalachian State University. 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 don't know if that's the way this next record is going to come together but given our history, I feel like maybe that right now it's still that gestation period I'm curious to know what's going to come out on the other side of the rabbit hole. These are things that I've come to piece together afterward. 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. A post shared by Rainbow Kitten Surprise (@rksbandofficial). Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Photo by Chris Taylor. 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. 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 . Sign up for the latest music, videos, tour dates, and more Ela Melo, lead singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, a popular alternative rock band, recently came out as lesbian. In June 2019, they performed at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, which they sold out in seven days. Sam Melo, the lead singer, took the stage with the lyrics and bent down to pray during the ominous and richly emotional Holy War . Address: Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg 2195. By TOM KRISHER and MARK THIESSEN Or these are 2 different people? 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. Boy, do we have a surprise for you a Rainbow Kitten Surprise to exact. Their sound has been influenced by artists such as Modest Mouse, Kings of Leon, Frank Ocean and Schoolboy Q. In 2018, Rainbow Kitten Surprise became one of just a few bands to originally be booked for a show at the Top Hat in Missoula, but sell out so quickly that we had to move the show to The Wilma. thanks in part to Melo's intense vocal style, but also because only two of the 13 tracks cross the four-minute . . VOILA!Rainbow Kitten Surprise's Tampa concert moved from Orpheum to The Ritz Ybor City. Once in a lifetime. The two wrote and composed music together as they attended Appalachian State University.The band name was created by a friend who was on a morphine drip at the time, recently out of surgery. 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. 17. "It changed my life forever.". Mon. In an interview with VICE, he said, I thought that it might be a step too far, because there are just so few songs that talk about it, you know? But if you have two weeks, you'll make it in two weeks. "Yeah, we were pumping out a song a day and it felt good. The contemplative "Mission to Mars" then eases into fuller band arrangements and introduces lead singer Sam Melo's stylized, melodic speaking-rapping. Sam Melo, lead vocalist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs at the Georgia Theatre, on Tuesday April 8, 2018, in Athens, Georgia. Dallas' independent source of Rainbow Kitten Surprise lead singer Ela Melo revealed in an interview that she had found her true self as a transgender woman. My pronouns are she/her. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, a five-piece band currently based in Boone, was formed in early 2013 when Sam Melo and Darrick "Bozzy" Keller decided to begin writing and composing . I've come to understand it differently. Especially in a place of uncertainty. You heard words like Atlantic and all this stuff, but it's just so hard to make it as a band, even at your level. Follow. They are known for their captivating live performances, which often involve elaborate costumes and choreographed dance . 9827 fans Top Tracks. The internet. Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at soldout album release parties for their new album . No professional camera, video, or audio recording equipment. 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.