Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a North Carolina-bred band formed in 2013 at Appalachian State University. Founding members Ela Melo and Darrick “Bozzy” Keller began their musical journey, composing songs in their dorm room. Surprisingly, the unique band name—Rainbow Kitten Surprise—has an amusing origin story involving a friend’s medicated musing post-surgery.

Melo and Keller initially laid the musical groundwork for the group, later expanded with Ethan Goodpaster on guitar, Jess Haney handling the drums, and Charlie Holt on bass. Their sound, difficult to box into a single genre (that’s what we love about roots music), often melds indie, folk, and various other styles, thus fostering a vibrant and distinct musical identity.

Early Work

Their journey began with the self-release of their first EP named Mary, and their first album Seven, laying the foundation of their discography. Seven + Mary, a re-release that combined the EP with their inaugural album, showcased their talents. This release was under their college-based label, Split Rail Records, but as their popularity grew, so did their reach.

Electra Records and Recent Work

In 2018, under Elektra Entertainment, their album How To: Friend, Love, Freefall was released. With tracks such as Hide and Fever Pitch, the band not only showed their musical evolution but also addressed potent social themes through their music videos, accessible on platforms like YouTube.

The band has made quite an impact with their live performances, often referred to by spectators as the best show they’ve been to. This engaging live presence paired with their recorded work has solidified their place in the music world. Now, after a hiatus necessitated by health considerations, the band is set to release Love Hate Music Box, catalyzing a new chapter for RKS and their fans.

The tracklist for Love Hate Music Box boasts a compelling mixture of new sounds and guest collaborations, such as the revered singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves. Here is the tracklist:

• Peter Pan
• Sickset
• Finalist
• LOL
• Lucky
• Meticulous
• Hot Pink Ice Cube
• SVO
• Code Blue
• Overtime (Ft. Kacey Musgraves)
• Ghoul
• John Woo
• Low As We Go
• Bearwalk
• Superstar
• Cinderella
• Best Man
• Rabbit Run
• Daddy Yankee
• Re-Entry
• No Occasion
• Thanks For Coming

Two singles have already made waves ahead of the full album’s release. The lead single, Superstar, provides a taste of the album’s effervescence and sets a high bar for the tracks to follow. LOL captures the band’s playful energy and nuanced storytelling, presented through striking visuals in its official music video.

These shows will sell out quickly, so be sure to check for any new dates as they are announced.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s upcoming album, Love Hate Music Box, marks a significant moment for the band and its fans. This highly anticipated return presents fresh material that weaves the band’s signature sound with new artistic evolutions. With songs like LOL and Superstar paving the way, listeners have a taste of what to expect—innovation melded with the comfort of familiar harmonies.

Their journey from the dorm rooms at Appalachian State University to electrifying stages across the world has been nothing short of inspiring. Each of their albums has chronicled a progression, an unfolding narrative that continues with this latest offering. Now, with the release of their first full-length album in six years, Love Hate Music Box is not just another addition to their discography; it is a new chapter, one that promises to add depth to their musical narrative.

Their distinctive blend of genres continues to captivate audiences, delivering a combination of nostalgia and innovation. With lyrical depth, ethereal vocals, and the kind of instrumental mastery that’s become their hallmark, this new album might just be the milestone their musical journey needed.