Music

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s Jess Haney talks about the band’s ‘surreal’ journey to success

BY ALAN SCULLEY

When Jess Haney was asked to join Rainbow Ki en Surprise while its band members were in college at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., he certainly wasn’t thinking it would be a long-term commitment. In fact, as commitments go, he thought it was as minimal as it gets.

“I got into the band through Ethan,” Haney said, referencing guitarist Ethan Goodpaster during a recent phone interview. “Me and Ethan went to high school together, and we kind of played in my basement and did covers of random things. I wasn’t like a full-time drummer. It was just kind of a thing I did in high school with my friends. And Ethan ended up ge ing into the band and he was like, ‘Well, my roommate used to play drums and he might be able to help us out with a few shows. I was like ‘OK, I’ll do one show with you guys and then we’ll fi gure it out from there.’

“I always thought it was funny that I was insistent that I was only going to do one show,” Haney said. “It changed my life forever.”

Since then, Rainbow Ki en Surprise’s engaging blend of indie pop and a variety of other genres has won it high-profi le festival appearances and a fervent nationwide following. The band is scheduled to play a sold-out show at New Braunfels’ Whitewater Amphitheater on Saturday, July 9.

Up to the point Haney joined the band, Rainbow Ki en Surprise had been the duo of singer Sam Melo and guitarist Darrick “Bozzy” Keller. They had started playing shows around the Boone area and wrote and recorded the earliest Rainbow Ki en Surprise songs as a duo.

But before long, Melo — who recently announced on Twi er 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.

Even at this early stage, there were signs that Rainbow Ki en Surprise might grow into something more than a just-for-fun college-years band. In 2013, Melo and Keller had self-released a three-song EP, Mary, and the band followed that with a self-released full-length, Seven.

The group then worked out a deal with Split Rail Records, a student-run label at Appalachian State’s Hayes School of Music, and in 2015, released the album RKS.

Things have happened fast since then for the band, which got its unique name when someone’s hospitalized, heavily medicated friend inexplicably kept repeating the phrase Rainbow Ki en Surprise.

One trigger for the success came when the band submi ed their song “Devil Like Me” to the VH-1 reality show Make a Band Famous and saw it voted into the top 24.

Rainbow Ki en Surprise appeared on the show, and even though the group was eliminated in the fi rst round of competition, the appearance brought a notable measure of exposure.

“Devil Like Me” went on to get radio play, as did two songs from RKS — “Cocaine Jesus” and “Lady Lie” — propelling Rainbow Ki en Surprise onto tours and appearances at notable festivals including Bonnaroo and Sasquatch.

That success drew the a ention of Elektra Records, and the major label signed Rainbow Ki en Surprise, se ing the table for an even bigger breakout.

“It was all just very surreal,” Haney said. “It all just happened so fast. One day we were all si ing in Boone and the next thing we were touring the world. It was incredible. I just couldn’t be more thankful to be able to do what we do.”

The move to Elektra put the band on a diff erent level. Suddenly, the fi ve musicians found themselves driving to Nashville, where they all now live, se ing up shop in the highend Neon Cross Studios and working with one of the city’s most in-demand producers, Jay Joyce.

“Yeah, it was zero to 100 for us, really,” Haney said. “It was like, we did RKS. We did that on a studio-run label thing, and all of that was cool. Then a couple of years later we’re doing it with Jay Joyce in Nashville in like this incredible studio with all of this [label] support behind us. It was incredible, but it was a lot to take on at the time. Somewhere in our minds, we’re still just the kids playing music in bars in Boone. So, to make that jump was defi nitely a li le bit of a shock for all of us. I think it was something we had to get acclimated to a bit.”

Learning how to navigate the technology and capabilities that come with a true professional studio wasn’t the only challenge for Rainbow Ki en Surprise.

The band had arrived in Nashville with only a couple of songs partially wri en and all two and a half weeks to write and record the rest of the songs for what became the 2018 album How to: Friend, Love, Freefall.

What’s more, it was the fi rst time all fi ve band members were involved in the creative process from the ground up. “I think the (time) restraint was probably good for us,” Haney said. “Yeah, we were pumping out a song a day and it felt good. Obviously, some days we didn’t get anything. But then some days we got more than one song. It ended up working out, and we did it. I don’t know, it was a lot of fun.”

Sold out, 8 p.m., Saturday, July 9, Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com.

Aubrey Denis

music

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music listings

Wednesday, June 29

Jose Amador & Terra Nova

Expect an evening that highlights Latin arrangements of compositions from Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie and Horace Silver, although the Puerto Rico-born percussionist and his band are also likley to perform original compositions. Amador has a colorful background beyond his approach to music. Not a lot of bandleaders can claim they served for 20 years in the U.S. Army as an intelligence o cer and paratrooper. $15-$20, 7:30 p.m., Jazz, Tx., 312 Pearl Parkway, Bldg. 6, (210) 332-9386, jazztx. com. — Mike McMahan

Cole Ritter and the Night Owls

Nashville’s Cole Ritter and the Night Owls exude nostalgia from every pore. The group pays tribute to the country music of years gone by — not just with their ‘50s- and ‘60s-inspired duds but also with an authentically retro sound. Much like Johnny Cash, Ritter and his band specialize in a twangy sound that fuses country with blues, folk and more. $10, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.

Thursday, June 30

A. Wright

Though he cut his teeth as a blues player, San Antonio’s A. Wright has been working rock material into his live show of late. That versatility helps explain how he won the Bud Light Riverfest Battle of the Bands in 2016 while also putting in two recent appearances at the Luckenbach Blues Festival and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. His most recent release is the simply titled EP Acoustic. $10-$40, 8:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — MM

Vampiro, Federico Fong (Tribute to Jaguares and Caifanes)

Though the show is billed as a rock en español “tribute,” that word sells things a bit short since the evening actually features two former members of the band Jaguares, including bassist Federico Fong. Both Caifanes and Jaguares hail from Mexico City and specialize in a mix of styles. Jaguares were more on the alt-rock side of things, with Caifanes farther afi eld, mixing not just Latin infl uences but also prog and new wave. $25, 10 p.m., Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music Venue, 437 McCarty St., Suite 101, (210) 607-7007, fi tzrockssa.com. — MM

Friday, July 1

Kyle Nix

Backing musicians in big bands seldom get their due. Their time in the spotlight is rare, and when they get to take solos, they’re usually brief. Kyle Nix, the fi ddle player for the Turnpike Troubadours has managed to work as both a bandmember and bandleader. The Okie fi ddler doles out memorable Americana with a voice to match his fi ddling prowess on the album Lightning on the Mountain and Other Short Stories. Sounds like an excuse for Turnpike Troubadours fans to catch Nix in an intimate venue. $20, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, (877) 856-0806, gruenehall.com. — Enrique Bonilla

Killer Hearts

With their tight pants, big ‘80s hair and no-frills ri age, this Houston band looks back to a time when rock ’n’ roll was straightforward, tough and more than a little sleazy. Killer Hearts’ latest album Skintight Electric occupies the sonic space somewhere between the Dead Boys and early Motley Crue. $10, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com.

Friday-Sunday, July 1-3

Parker McCollum

Recently named New Male Artist of the Year at the American Country Music Awards, Texas’ own Parker McCollum is headlining this three-night stand over the Independence Day weekend. Propelled by the success of his major label debut Gold Chained Cowboy, McCollum blends a foundation of country and Americana with blues and folk rock. Catie O erman opens the Friday and Saturday shows, which are sold out. Jacob Stelly opens the Sunday show, for which tickets remain available. $39 (Sunday night only; others sold out), 8 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. — Danny Cervantes

Sunday, July 3

Dale Watson

Alabama-born, Texas-raised Dale Watson is trucking back to Gruene Hall for a honky-tonking night of real dancefl oor country. Known for his grueling tour schedule, the tattooed troubadour averages about 300 shows a year. His latest album, Call Me Lucky, tells tales of those travels and life on the road. Watson calls his music “Ameripolitan” to di erentiate it from today’s country that seems to be more suited for suburban strip malls than rural dance halls. $15, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, (877) 856-0806, gruenehall.com. — EB

Crown the Empire

Despite passing on Post Malone as a guitarist when its members were in high school, Crown the Empire managed to carve out a niche in the metalcore scene. In honor of the 10-year anniversary of its debut album, The Fallout, the band will do what seems to be expected these days: will play the sucker in full. That means the Dallas natives will let their guitars chug, synths chime and catchy choruses ring out just as they did a decade ago. $28$30, 7 p.m., Vibes Event Center, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 2553833, facebook.com/VIBESEventCenter.

Wednesday, July 6

Dale Watson

Courtesy Photo / Dale Watson

Jimmy Spacek

SA music fans who haven’t heard of Jimmy Spacek by now you need to pull up Peace & Distortion, a 2016 album that showcases his blues and rock fretboard magic. The veteran South Side guitar slinger has shared the stage with local greats including Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm and Randy Garibay, which provides more testament to his musical strengths. $10, 7 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — EB

Thursday, July 7

The High Curbs

The High Curbs’ sound ranges from heavy, fuzzy goodness to upbeat, carefree punk vibes. The Southern California-based band likens the growth it’s displayed over the course of its albums to the transition from youth to adulthood — evolving from thinking about pizza and girls to pondering bigger life issues. $15, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. com.

Friday, July 8

Dead Register, Cortege, The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, In A Darkened Room

Decibel described Dead Register as possessing “plenty of substance when so many of the band’s peers just have so much black nail polish.” Which, of course, suggests this self-described “gothic doomgaze” act is doing something right. On the power trio’s new album Alive, the tempo is exactly what you’d expect — slow — but the guitar playing is more melodic than that of most of its peers. Perhaps that’s the gaze part, eh? $10, 9 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 310-5047, papertigersatx. com. — MM

Kody West

Denton native West has been making a name for himself by keeping a rigorous tour schedule that includes both headlining shows and supporting acts including Whiskey Myers and Koe Wetzel. On his latest release, Overgrown, the singer-songwriter’s earnest approach breathes fresh life into country rock. Earlier this month, he reached half a million listeners on Spotify,

suggesting all his hard work is paying o . $18, 7 p.m., Floore’s Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfl oores.com. — EB

Anything Box

On any given night in a Latin American nightclub, there’s a good likelihood you’ll hear the electro-pop goodness of Anything Box’s “Living in Oblivion” setting the mood. More than 30 years after dropping its debut album, Argentinian born frontman Claude S. continues to keep Anything Box’s retro-futuristic sound alive. Cause and E ect opens. $30-$50, 9 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — DC

Saturday, July 9

Haunt Me

After its original late-’70s and early ’80s heyday, post-punk has been experiencing a recent revival. Austin’s Haunt Me gets the mix right, o ering up a sound that’s dark and gloomy but plenty danceable. This show is the kicko to the band’s fi rst tour, which will take it to 16 cities across eight states. Haunt Me has dropped nine releases since February 2021 including an album, an EP and plenty of singles. $15, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — EB

Josh Abbott Band

If you’ve ever thought, “My signifi cant other defi nitely reminds me of a state,” the Josh Abbott Band has got you covered. Abbott is known for the ballad “She’s Like Texas,” which compares every physical trait of his love interest to the Lone Star State. But the singer-songwriter excels at more than that, o ering up both good ol’ boy party anthems and more introspective work. $25$125, John T. Floore’s Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfl oores.com.

Reverend Horton Heat, Hickoids

Texas psychobilly stalwart the Reverend Horton Heat and his band are rolling into town again like a big red rocket of love. Corpus Christi native Jim Heath, a commanding guitarist and frontman, formed the group in Deep Ellum in 1986, eventually adding Jimbo Wallace on upright bass. Those two, along with a myriad of drummers — currently Jonathan Jeter — have managed to crank out a 30-year career aided by hard touring along with appearances on Beavis and Butthead and video game soundtracks such as the Tony Hawk series. Long-running cowpunk act Hickoids will open the show in appropriately chaotic fashion. $20, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — DC

Saturday July 9

Tab Benoit

Benoit made a career channeling the sounds of the bayou into his gritty, soulful blues, and he’s been named BB King Entertainer of the Year twice for his e orts. The guitarist’s dedication to Louisiana extends to the fi ght to save its wetlands through his conservation project Voice of the Wetlands. Lightnin Malcolm opens the show. $30, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — DC

Reverend Horton Heat

Courtesy Photo / Reverend Horton Heat

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