Rainbow Kitten Surprise

About

Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS) is not just a band name—it’s a statement. Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, the indie rock quintet has carved out a space where genre boundaries dissolve, blending folk, rock, and soul into a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Formed in 2013, the band—comprising Ela Melo, Darrick “Bozzy” Keller, Ethan Goodpaster, Charlie Holt, and Jess Haney—found their footing in the Appalachian mountains, where their music began as a raw, emotional outlet. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling of Bob Dylan and the experimental energy of Modest Mouse, RKS crafts songs that are as lyrically profound as they are sonically adventurous. Their breakthrough came with the 2015 album *RKS*, featuring the hauntingly beautiful “Devil Like Me,” which showcased their ability to weave dark, introspective themes with infectious melodies. The band’s 2018 follow-up, *How to: Friend, Love, Freefall*, solidified their reputation as genre-defying innovators, with tracks like “Cocaine Jesus” and “Fever Pitch” resonating deeply with fans. Known for their electrifying live performances, RKS has become a festival staple, captivating audiences with their raw energy and emotional authenticity. As they continue to evolve, Rainbow Kitten Surprise remains unafraid to explore the complexities of human emotion, creating music that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. With a new generation of fans discovering their work, RKS is poised to leave an indelible mark on the indie music landscape.