Written by Bridget Benevides
Once upon a time there lived a young woman who had dreams of a bright future. This young lady had high hopes for her career path as she set out to major in nursing at the one and only Seattle University. Her first quarter in this new state, at this new, competitive university went pretty well, or so she thought: two B’s and an A. She was congratulated by her parents and her academic advisors, but nonetheless the nursing program was not happy… “Academic Probation!” they said, and the aspiring nurse was mildly let down and distraught.
Winter Quarter in this new, exciting and rainy city rolled around and her friends said “The worse quarter of the year!”, but the nursing student tried not to let it bring her down because her future at the school depended on stellar grades in this quarter. She studied hard, and with a secret recipe for success she got all A’s in Winter Quarter. “This is fine,” remarked the nursing program.
What was her secret to success might you ask? A lot of music—Rainbow Kitten Surprise to be exact.
If it wasn’t obvious, the student is me, and yes the nursing program is tough, but I’m getting by with a little help from my friends Sam, Darrick, Ethan, Jess, and Charlie AKA Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS) and all five of its members hail from the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. With catchy, yet deep lyrical meaning, beautifully designed bass lines, and melodic guitar riffs, their unique sound keeps me humming their tunes all day long. The alternative/indie-pop band takes influence from great artists like Modest Mouse, Lana Del Rey, and Kings of Leon.
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. What started out as just two college students with acoustic guitars, would soon turn into a full band with a very unique name. The duo decided to take it up a notch by adding more members and instruments to the band. Over the next year the group expanded in size and sound by adding three more members: Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar), Jess Haney (drums), and Charlie Holt (bass). In that year, RKS independently released their first album, Seven (which was later re-released in combination with the band’s first EP as a joint album titled Seven + Mary).
Not only is RKS’s music one of a kind and wonderfully fun, but their stage presence is said to be incredible. Lead singer Sam Melo leads the charge with some of the best rock‘n’roll dance moves, “Bozzy” Keller and Charlie Holt do some dancing of their own while providing solid vocal support, and Goodpastor lets his talented guitar work do most of the talking while Haney takes the mic like a baton from time to time to lead the crowd in in-song activities.
If you didn’t know, RKS is coming to Seattle in May (you know I already have tickets!). So I am terribly excited to get to experience this group for myself, LIVE! My sister is the one who first introduced me to RKS by showing me their songs “Mr. Redundant” (her favorite) and “Cocaine Jesus” (which quickly became my favorite). She is flying up in May to visit me for the first time since I moved to Seattle, and to see RKS. Let’s just say I am growing more and more ansty as the show gets closer.
RKS never fails to put a smile on my face and help me walk to my own beat and they’re the first band I name when people ask me “Who are your favorite artists?”, and one group I know I will never grow tired of.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise is slowly releasing songs to their newest album, including “Fever Pitch”, “Holy War” and “Hide”. They have incorporated unique new sounds into these new songs, keeping fans happy and intrigued as always.
You can find information on their upcoming Seattle show here! (I’ll be there!) If you’ve never listened to this incredible band , I would highly suggest you check them out. They are talented, unique and hold a special place in my heart. Never once have I had a bad experience when listening to them.
You know that feeling?
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | “we’re the same you and I, we’re the same” | KXSU Music Reporter