Latest news with #RainbowKittenSurprise
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Why Rainbow Kitten Surprise's new album is a ‘spill-your-guts-out record'
Last year, the British dance musician known as Fred Again.. put out a feeler to the Nashville-based alt-rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise about a possible collaboration. Ela Melo, who's fronted Rainbow Kitten Surprise since she and guitarist Darrick Keller formed the group over a decade ago as students at North Carolina's Appalachian State University, was intrigued by the invitation. 'It's brilliant music,' she says of Fred Again..'s soulful electronica. So the singer and songwriter began sending ideas to the artist's team. 'They'd be like, 'That's not it, but keep sending stuff,'' Melo recalls. Before long, she and her bandmates had written nine songs, then 32, then 48. 'Eventually, we ended up with close to 160 songs because it just felt so good to write,' she says. What happened with the Fred Again.. feature? 'I don't know,' Melo says with a laugh. 'If he's still interested, we're still here.' One thing that happened was a new Rainbow Kitten Surprise album: 'Bones,' which the band said Wednesday will come out Sept. 26 from Atlantic Records. A 10-track collection produced by Jay Joyce, it's a quick and dirty follow-up to last year's 'Love Hate Music Box,' which ran for 22 tracks — including 'Overtime,' with Kacey Musgraves — and which took the band six years to complete. 'This one kind of just came pouring out,' Melo says from upstate New York on a recent afternoon between tour dates. The sound is raw yet tuneful, with scratchy electric guitars and whomping live drums in place of the synth-ier, more intricately layered productions of 'Love Hate Music Box.' Rounded out by guitarist Ethan Goodpaster and drummer Jess Haney, RKS had its rowdy live show in mind as it worked on 'Bones,' according to Melo. 'It was the idea that we gotta be able to play this stuff — not build it and play it later, but play it right out of the gate,' the singer says. (Next month, the band will log its fourth sold-out show at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre and perform at the annual Ohana festival in Dana Point.) Melo wrote many of the LP's songs on guitar, she says, which provided 'a different energy' compared to writing on keyboards as she did for 'Love Hate Music Box' and 2018's 'How To: Friend, Love, Freefall.' The straightforward sound is matched by lyrics Melo describes as 'way more direct' than RKS' earlier stuff. 'It's a spill-your-guts-out record,' she says, adding that for every song, she'd write a first verse, then ad lib the rest in the studio. In more than a few tunes, she sings about how relationships are affected by drinking and drugs. 'It's interesting what comes out on the mic,' says the frontwoman, who says she's been sober for about 10 months. 'I feel like it's channeling some energy that I don't take part in anymore, though I do have fond memories of getting stoned on the Parkway in Boone, North Carolina.' What inspired her life change? 'I noticed that when I drank, I could be a little meaner — just say things I wouldn't normally say,' she replies. 'I realized I want control of that, and anything that removes some of that control is a no-go. It applies to music, as well. Being as regulated as you can possibly be opens you up to — this gets a little heady — but to other frequencies. Then you have the largest bandwidth to communicate your truth — maybe the truth — into a microphone.' With its fuzzy textures and unruly tempos, 'Bones' arrives as rock seems to be resurging after years of domination by rappers and pop stars. Melo has no grand theories as to why, but she knows exactly when she started to believe that rock is back. 'It was the opening track of 'Guts' by Olivia Rodrigo,' she says of the former Disney kid's 'All-American Bitch.' 'That kick drum hit me, and I was like, 'Ah man, I don't need an 808 and all the bells and whistles — I just need old-school guitars, bass and drums.' That s— hits.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five side-stage must-see acts at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025
Headlining Saturday, The Roots are certainly 'the' checklist name at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025 — and having seen the hip-hop-R&B rolling juggernaut light up bouncy Calgary last year, I'd say don't miss this if you managed to get now sold-out tickets. For the perhaps less creaky among us, Thursday night's chipper, fist-pumping rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the widespread sonic wings of Mt. Joy closing Sunday are the two major draws for a slightly younger audience. And the quick-turnaround and higher-slotted return of Danielle Ponder Saturday night has basically zero chance of not being awesome. I think we'd all be happy to hear that gods-shaking cover of Radiohead's Creep again, if Ponder's willing. With all that out of the way, the side stages are especially bubbling with must-see concerts and performers this year. For your pleasure and spark conversation, here are five acts — by no means the only five, depending on what you crave — you might want to show up early for … with showtimes, of course! Cedric Burnside — 3:05 p.m. Sat. + 4:30 p.m. Sun. Stage 6 sessions, 5:35 Sat. Stage 1 concert One of the all-time North Country Fair great jams, this rising blues legend started out as his experimental bluesman granddad R.L. Burnside's drummer at age 13. So, you know, music in the blood here. Nominated for the same traditional blues album award Taj Mahal won at this year's Grammys, Hill Country Love is such a crisp and delightful recording you'll feel like you're hearing blues for the first time. Can't wait to see him again in person, especially alongside main-stager Taj Mahal at the Saturday afternoon session with Monophonics and Blue Moon Marquee. Haley Heynderickx — 11 a.m. Sat. at Stage 3 + 11 a.m. Sun. at Stage 6 sessions, 4:25 p.m. Stage 5 concert With a whirling guitar-picking finger-style reminiscent of John Fahey and a proclivity for self-care introversion within nature and the ecosphere swimming through her lyrics and album titles, this Portland business-degree holder chose the right path, making seriously beautiful indie-pop music. If you're after a meditative, dreamy performer that makes you appreciate the dandelions, butterflies and clouds, look no further. Mama's Broke — 7:35 p.m. Fri. at Stage 2 + 11 a.m. Sat. at Stage 2 + 11 a.m. Sun. at Stage 7 sessions, 4:15 p.m. Sat. at Stage 7 concert Agnostically imprecise as they wander between bluegrass harmonies, Celtic loops, battlefield graveyard folk, Balkan punk and indeed a wink at Doom Metal, this string-heavy Halifax duo are for those who understand the fiddle is the open door to the devil but jump into the backseat anyway. Think Gillian Welch with a little more caffeine, and get ready for dance and foot percussion amid an inventory of mandolin, guitar, banjo and what people in pomade and bowties call violin. For more fiery fiddlin' ferocity, don't miss Brianna Lizotte at Nikamowin Stage 11 a.m. Saturday, PS, and Scotland's Talisk Celtic supergroup playing all over Sunday, with a 4:10 p.m. concert at Stage 5. Ian Noe — 12:35 p.m. Sat. + 3:05 p.m. Sun. sessions, 5:45 p.m. Sun. concert For a poetic visual storyteller summoning the ghost of EFMF all-time great John Prine (who he's opened for), get to know Noe's dark and brutally honest songwriting before the weekend. This east Kentucky troubadour has a couple amazing songs called Burning Down the Prairie and Methhead, if that gives you a tiny hint of the carnage through which he wanders. But while Noe certainly explores the darkness, his lyrical sinners also bump into sonic saints, and that cover of the Boss' secretly apocalyptic Born in the USA is perfect for our tense times. Way different, with an old-timey jazzy-country style, but I'll mention the '30s-radio-voiced Melissa Carper here as a sort of swingin'-soul opposite the Noe, though I think anyone with a cowboy shirt would love both. Her solo gig's 12:35 p.m. Sunday at Stage 5. Jesse Welles — 3:05 p.m. Sun. Stage 6 session, 5:40 p.m. Sun. Stage 3 concert For those of us with less reptilian concerns than 'steal power and make money no matter who gets hurt,' this has been an increasingly rough era of delighted, slow-boil rising fascism, endless Karen-gaslighting as pretend heroics. With acerbic satire and straightforward, elbows-up singalong BS-calling, the extremely talented and app-follower-millions-popular Jesse Welles reminds us that the fight to keep humanity human happens on a billion fronts (including you), with his targeted, news-riffing folksinging that feels too strangely rare these days, but I expect we'll see way more of it soon. fgriwkowsky@ @ Related B.C. camper heard yelling in the woods not in distress, just singing Nickelback Here's why these are Edmonton's five best summer festivals You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
Edmonton Journal
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Five side-stage must-see acts at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025
Article content Headlining Saturday, The Roots are certainly 'the' checklist name at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025 — and having seen the hip-hop-R&B rolling juggernaut light up bouncy Calgary last year, I'd say don't miss this if you managed to get now sold-out tickets. Article content For the perhaps less creaky among us, Thursday night's chipper, fist-pumping rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the widespread sonic wings of Mt. Joy closing Sunday are the two major draws for a slightly younger audience. Article content Article content And the quick-turnaround and higher-slotted return of Danielle Ponder Saturday night has basically zero chance of not being awesome. I think we'd all be happy to hear that gods-shaking cover of Radiohead's Creep again, if Ponder's willing. Article content For your pleasure and spark conversation, here are five acts — by no means the only five, depending on what you crave — you might want to show up early for … with showtimes, of course! Article content Cedric Burnside — 3:05 p.m. Sat. + 4:30 p.m. Sun. Stage 6 sessions, 5:35 Sat. Stage 1 concert Article content One of the all-time North Country Fair great jams, this rising blues legend started out as his experimental bluesman granddad R.L. Burnside's drummer at age 13. So, you know, music in the blood here. Nominated for the same traditional blues album award Taj Mahal won at this year's Grammys, Hill Country Love is such a crisp and delightful recording you'll feel like you're hearing blues for the first time. Can't wait to see him again in person, especially alongside main-stager Taj Mahal at the Saturday afternoon session with Monophonics and Blue Moon Marquee. Article content Article content
Calgary Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Five side-stage must-see acts at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025
Article content Headlining Saturday, The Roots are certainly 'the' checklist name at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025 — and having seen the hip-hop-R&B rolling juggernaut light up bouncy Calgary last year, I'd say don't miss this if you managed to get now sold-out tickets. Article content For the perhaps less creaky among us, Thursday night's chipper, fist-pumping rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the widespread sonic wings of Mt. Joy closing Sunday are the two major draws for a slightly younger audience. Article content Article content And the quick-turnaround and higher-slotted return of Danielle Ponder Saturday night has basically zero chance of not being awesome. I think we'd all be happy to hear that gods-shaking cover of Radiohead's Creep again, if Ponder's willing. Article content Article content With all that out of the way, the side stages are especially bubbling with must-see concerts and performers this year. Article content For your pleasure and spark conversation, here are five acts — by no means the only five, depending on what you crave — you might want to show up early for … with showtimes, of course! Article content One of the all-time North Country Fair great jams, this rising blues legend started out as his experimental bluesman granddad R.L. Burnside's drummer at age 13. So, you know, music in the blood here. Nominated for the same traditional blues album award Taj Mahal won at this year's Grammys, Hill Country Love is such a crisp and delightful recording you'll feel like you're hearing blues for the first time. Can't wait to see him again in person, especially alongside main-stager Taj Mahal at the Saturday afternoon session with Monophonics and Blue Moon Marquee. Article content Article content
Vancouver Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Five side-stage must-see acts at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025
Headlining Saturday, The Roots are certainly 'the' checklist name at Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025 — and having seen the hip-hop-R&B rolling juggernaut light up bouncy Calgary last year, I'd say don't miss this if you managed to get now sold-out tickets. For the perhaps less creaky among us, Thursday night's chipper, fist-pumping rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the widespread sonic wings of Mt. Joy closing Sunday are the two major draws for a slightly younger audience. And the quick-turnaround and higher-slotted return of Danielle Ponder Saturday night has basically zero chance of not being awesome. I think we'd all be happy to hear that gods-shaking cover of Radiohead's Creep again, if Ponder's willing. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. With all that out of the way, the side stages are especially bubbling with must-see concerts and performers this year. For your pleasure and spark conversation, here are five acts — by no means the only five, depending on what you crave — you might want to show up early for … with showtimes, of course! Cedric Burnside — 3:05 p.m. Sat. + 4:30 p.m. Sun. Stage 6 sessions, 5:35 Sat. Stage 1 concert One of the all-time North Country Fair great jams, this rising blues legend started out as his experimental bluesman granddad R.L. Burnside's drummer at age 13. So, you know, music in the blood here. Nominated for the same traditional blues album award Taj Mahal won at this year's Grammys, Hill Country Love is such a crisp and delightful recording you'll feel like you're hearing blues for the first time. Can't wait to see him again in person, especially alongside main-stager Taj Mahal at the Saturday afternoon session with Monophonics and Blue Moon Marquee. Haley Heynderickx — 11 a.m. Sat. at Stage 3 + 11 a.m. Sun. at Stage 6 sessions, 4:25 p.m. Stage 5 concert With a whirling guitar-picking finger-style reminiscent of John Fahey and a proclivity for self-care introversion within nature and the ecosphere swimming through her lyrics and album titles, this Portland business-degree holder chose the right path, making seriously beautiful indie-pop music. If you're after a meditative, dreamy performer that makes you appreciate the dandelions, butterflies and clouds, look no further. Mama's Broke — 7:35 p.m. Fri. at Stage 2 + 11 a.m. Sat. at Stage 2 + 11 a.m. Sun. at Stage 7 sessions, 4:15 p.m. Sat. at Stage 7 concert Agnostically imprecise as they wander between bluegrass harmonies, Celtic loops, battlefield graveyard folk, Balkan punk and indeed a wink at Doom Metal, this string-heavy Halifax duo are for those who understand the fiddle is the open door to the devil but jump into the backseat anyway. Think Gillian Welch with a little more caffeine, and get ready for dance and foot percussion amid an inventory of mandolin, guitar, banjo and what people in pomade and bowties call violin. For more fiery fiddlin' ferocity, don't miss Brianna Lizotte at Nikamowin Stage 11 a.m. Saturday, PS, and Scotland's Talisk Celtic supergroup playing all over Sunday, with a 4:10 p.m. concert at Stage 5. Ian Noe — 12:35 p.m. Sat. + 3:05 p.m. Sun. sessions, 5:45 p.m. Sun. concert For a poetic visual storyteller summoning the ghost of EFMF all-time great John Prine (who he's opened for), get to know Noe's dark and brutally honest songwriting before the weekend. This east Kentucky troubadour has a couple amazing songs called Burning Down the Prairie and Methhead, if that gives you a tiny hint of the carnage through which he wanders. But while Noe certainly explores the darkness, his lyrical sinners also bump into sonic saints, and that cover of the Boss' secretly apocalyptic Born in the USA is perfect for our tense times. Way different, with an old-timey jazzy-country style, but I'll mention the '30s-radio-voiced Melissa Carper here as a sort of swingin'-soul opposite the Noe, though I think anyone with a cowboy shirt would love both. Her solo gig's 12:35 p.m. Sunday at Stage 5. Jesse Welles — 3:05 p.m. Sun. Stage 6 session, 5:40 p.m. Sun. Stage 3 concert For those of us with less reptilian concerns than 'steal power and make money no matter who gets hurt,' this has been an increasingly rough era of delighted, slow-boil rising fascism, endless Karen-gaslighting as pretend heroics. With acerbic satire and straightforward, elbows-up singalong BS-calling, the extremely talented and app-follower-millions- popular Jesse Welles reminds us that the fight to keep humanity human happens on a billion fronts (including you), with his targeted, news-riffing folksinging that feels too strangely rare these days, but I expect we'll see way more of it soon. fgriwkowsky@ @ Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
