this may be as hipster as it gets, but i love that iβve been a fan of RKS since like 2015, right as they released their second, self-titled album. i remember breathlessly telling people on my college campus about this band that i *knew* was on their way to having major presence and recognition. i love that i was in VA during that time. i remember commenting on their very early website (the vibes were basically what they have now but more like early-internet, lol. very text boxy, myspace blogger); i didnβt have any social media at the time and i needed! to express to them directly how dope i thought the music was. i needed them to know that people were listening! i needed them to be encouraged to keep making music. i remember seeing them at a small show in NYC that summer in 2016 and meeting the whole band and sharing cigarettes. i expressed my gratitude but i was waaayyyyyy more casual about it then i would be now, lol, 8 years of being a fan later. i love the way the band has evolved since then but also how OG theyβve remained.
ela melo is a genius. i love the way that everyone recognizes that, like no debating. her mind, how she sees the world and translates her experiences and perceptions. how she strings words together brings tears to my eyes and so much joy to my heart! she had me atΒ βdonβt shout at me like iβm across the room when iβm right hereβΒ
the harmonizing of a boy-turned-queer band from Boone, NC just touches my heart in such a profound way. the way their songs switch up musically in a way that tells a beautiful story. i love how each one of them feels so essential to the band. the bass, charlie, the fucking bass. bozzy, the eye candy. e.t.h.a.n. i have jesseβs drum sticks from that NYC show, signed by all 5 of the them.Β
i love RKS so much. iβm shamelessly proud to have been on the ground floor for their come up.Β