RDGLDGRN (pronounced red gold green) have already distinguished themselves in the DC music scene. Their highly stylized sound (that Go Go drum beat- a distinct DC rhythm) takes hip-hop infused punk and indie rock to create something refreshingly unique, is getting attention from fans stretching far beyond the DC niche scene.
Comprised of three members who identify as Red, Gold, and Green, RDGLDGRN began making music in their basement studio, drawing from a vast and almost ironically diverse pool of influences like Chuck Brown, Vampire Weekend, Outkast, The Neptunes, and Bad Brains. What many might consider a wildly ambitious, even impossible task to pull off, RDGLDGRN managed to effortlessly combine genres of music to create something new, something all their own, and something that has the music industry buzzing with excitement.
The band gained widespread recognition when they self-released a song called “I Love Lamp” on YouTube- a way for friends and local fans to listen to their music. They had no idea that within just a few weeks, the video would have over 100,000 views and the attention of many notable figures both in the industry as well as on the blogosphere.
Producer Kevin Augunas (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Cold War Kids) quickly took notice of the band, and in addition to producing RDGLDGRN’s debut, also signed them to his label, Fairfax Recordings (Gotye, Tribes) in a joint venture with Universal Republic Records.
RDGLDGRN
In the case of Baltimore's Have Mercy, what wins out-and what ultimately astounds-is raw,unfiltered passion. The band's debut LP, The Earth Pushed Back, was one of the most honest records of 2013-an album that fans of punk and emo from Brand New to Tigers Jaw to Taking Back Sunday simply couldn't afford to miss out on.
Produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer, many more), A Place Of Our Own is a refined, more muscular version of what they did well on The Earth Pushed Back - as if they trimmed the fat on some aspects of their sound while showing major growth across the board. It's an organic, sometimes subtle and sometimes very noticeable type of growth. Everyone simply sounds better from an instrumental perspective, and Swindle's gritty vocals have become only more defining this go-round.
Have Mercy is Brian Swindle (vocals/guitar), Nick Woolford (bass/vocals), Todd Wallace (drums), and Andrew Johnson (guitar).
Have Mercy
After resigning from his career as a Baltimore-based financial advisor, the Maryland native decided to pursue a career in Hip Hop. Dunson, a multi-instrumentalist and lyricist has since gained a fan base through the success of his Creative Destruction mixtape series, and July 2012 release, The Investment. Dunson’s momentum then landed him a full-page feature in XXL Magazine, opening performances and features with John Legend, Lupe Fiasco a guest feature on Chrisette Michele’s latest album, Better (Track 16: “Can the Cool Be Loved”) as well as a major production credit on Yo Gotti’s single “Respect That You Earn” f/ Ne-Yo & Wale.
Dunson
A fresh rock/reggae groove is flowing out of Montgomery County, MD and their name is Dale and the ZDubs. Born out of Montgomery County, Maryland, the band, comprised of Dale Rodman (vocals/guitar), Sean Dunnevant (vocals/bass), Mike Candela (electric guitar), David Klein (saxophone), and Miles Lieder (drums), features some of the most talented, passionate, and strange musicians ever to grace a concert stage.
Since their formation, the band has released a self-titled EP, as well as a full-length studio album, Leave the Drama, which was released in April of 2013. The band just finished their sophomore album, Clear the Smoke” with renowned producer Jim Ebert, recording at Cue Studios’ Red Room in Falls Church, VA. The album was released on April 20, 2014.
DZD continues to focus on perfecting their live show, having played at numerous popular venues such as Rams Head Live Baltimore, The Fillmore Silver Spring, The Virginia State Theatre, DC’s Rock & Roll Hotel, Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia, New York City’s Arlene’s Grocery, and Seacrets in Ocean City, Maryland.
Dale and the Dzubs
Under the Covers is a professional Party Rock Cover Band based out of BALTIMORE. This young attractive band is bringing the "X-Factor" everywhere they go. Hitting cities like Nashville, Boston, Atlantic City, Philly, DC, Ocean city and MORE - UTC boasts the most intense shows and the most attractive female fans. Come out and get UNDER THE COVERS!!!
With over 6 years under their belts, UTC has played at several Big Venues including; Seacrets, M&T Bank Stadium, 98 Rock's Fells Point Festival, UMBC's Quadmania, Hard Rock Cafe, Clarendon Grill and MORE!!. We have also been know to frequent cities such as A.C, O.C., D.C., A.D.D., Boston, Baltimore (Duh), Dewey Beach and growing. With a pro attitude and a pro sound, the band is ready and eagerly awaiting more chances to make a positive impression! ROCK YOU SOON!!
Under the Covers
Upon entering the legendary Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, CA, a studio where Fleetwood Mac recorded ‘Rumours’ and Nirvana recorded ‘Nevermind’, RDGLDGRN were fortunate enough to have captured the attention of Nirvana alum, Foo Fighters front man, and hometown hero, Dave Grohl who recorded drums on the entire album.
It wasn’t just rock royalty that took notice of RDGLDGRN, the hip-hop community was also taken by the band’s unique sound. Genre-bending artist, producer, and designer, Pharrell Williams (N.E.R.D., The Neptunes), co-wrote and co-produced the standout track “Doing the Most”, lending his distinct style to one of the most unique tracks on the album that showcases Green’s undeniable talent for rapping and singing infused with Pharrell’s style of unusual beats and musical wit.
The result is a debut that truly demonstrates the group’s ability to straddle genre lines, to combine musical polarities and unite both artists and fans over music that’s multifaceted. However, it’s not the musical intricacies, or the obscure combination of influences, that make RDGLDGRN who they are. It’s their ability to create something entirely fresh and new, something that’s often overlooked in this state of the industry where musicians try to stay afloat by following trends. If you ask RDGLDGRN who their biggest influences are, they’d tell you the Beatles and Bob Marley. And while RDGLDGRN don’t exactly sound like those legendary artists, they do share in common something less tangible- they all have made it a point to carve their own path by creating something entirely unique.
Day One Lineup
