When I first created this blog a few years ago, I thought that I would try to put something in here about what I am reading and what I am listening to.. I listen to [and play] a ton of different genres from dance and house to rock and country.. Some times something just catches my ear that is new and fresh. I have a few to share! But, sadly.. no books to speak of [at the moment, I just grabbed three today that a colleague recommended].
Also - this is music I am enjoying that is not Dave Matthews Band.. I do listen to tunes other than DMB!
Surfaces
From Austin, TX - Surfaces are an American Rock band that currently consists of vocalists/guitarists Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki. Their music is a blend of jazz, soul, pop, hip hop, reggae, and calypso. They have released four studio albums starting with their first, Surf, released in 2017. My fav songs are Wave of You and Come With Me from their latest album, Pacifico. I found them from a snippet on the TV Series A Million Little Things [also, one of my fav shows]. And have been jamming to them for months.
These guys are amazing.. Such melodic tunes that feel good to listen and dance to. Cant wait to see them live.
Here is a link to their website.
Fun fact - after I listened to their album, I sent it to one of my best pal’s and fav DJ’s, Jason. He replied after a day - “there is not a bad song on the album, I listened and tried to dissect it and couldn’t find one”.
Listen to them - you wont be mad :)
Doug Sure
Absolutely find this guy on iTunes and Spotify. Add his available music to your playlist! He is like a nice mix between jazzy hip hop and rock. Really I don’t know how else to describe it.. but he is great and worth a listen. Was also a finalist on The Voice, UK in 2020.
Awesome story - so I am in Barcelona for Ironman back in the fall of 2019 - minding my own business… and walking around the pre-race expo. I see a booth with those amazing Normatec Recovery boots and thought why not?! I know flying is terrible for your body (I had just flown in) so I went to the booth and got a session locked. Was such a great idea for pre-race / post-flight to get my legs ready for the punishment I was prepping to endure.
Shortly after I get settled this dude with dread locks walked in with his Mother and Girlfriend. Had a chat and shared the excitement and anxiety of the race, plus a few laughs [I am always happy when I travel and Ironman can be a very social event]. Ran into same dude at the swim start.. Shared a few more laughs. Just enough to try and break the ice - Ironman can be terrifying! Especially when you are about to swim 2.4 miles in the Mediterranean Sea.
I had a terrible race [see: race reports, Ironman Barcelona] but this dude pushed through and crossed that finish line hearing the most amazing words over the PA “Doug, you are an Ironman”.
Later I found him and connected on social media. Then a year later he shows up on The Voice UK! hah! Small world.
Anyway - great guy and awesome tunes. Give him a listen.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
A good friend led me to RKS and to be honest I could not be more blown away. For reasons I wont post on here I had to get out of Cincinnati for New Years 21/22 and found myself in DC at The Anthem for a rock concert.
Headliners - Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Who?! Yes. RKS Band, aka Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
A band I didn’t know of but saw at Sea.Hear.Now. in 2019. By watched, I mean prob went to get food and beer while I was waiting for Dave or The Lumineers to come on as RKS played in the background. Hindsight 20/20 = my loss.
I didn’t know a single song and I was blown away.
Instant fan.
Run, don’t walk, to iTunes and Spotify. Download their shit and turn it up. Pro tip - they will be playing Cincinnati in April ‘22 at the new Promowest Pavilion at Ovation [Newport side of the river]. See you there.
Some background : Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an alternative rock indie band, featuring lead vocalist Sam Melo, Darrick "Bozzy" Keller (guitar, backup vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar), Jess Haney (drums), and Charlie Holt (bass). Members hail from Boone, North Carolina as well as Robbinsville, North Carolina (Jess Haney and Ethan Goodpaster). The music of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, also known as "RKS", is known for its harmonies, instrumentation and lyrics, and its sound has been influenced by artists Modest Mouse, Kings of Leon, Frank Ocean and Schoolboy. [cred - Wikipedia]
Website: RKSband.com