Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS) is an American indie/alternative rock band known for their genre-blending sound, emotional depth, and unforgettable name. Formed in 2013 in Boone, North Carolina, the band quickly developed a dedicated following thanks to their raw lyrics, dynamic live shows, and a style that merges indie rock, folk, soul, electronic, and even hip-hop elements.

Band Members include Ela Melo – Lead vocals (formerly known as Sam Melo; came out as transgender in 2022), Darrick “Bozzy” Keller – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals, Ethan Goodpaster – Lead guitar, Jess Haney – Drums.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s music is emotional, genre-defying, and lyrically rich. You’ll find:

• Haunting melodies and soaring vocals
• Deep storytelling around identity, love, addiction, and spirituality
• A fusion of sounds—imagine Kings of Leon meets Frank Ocean with touches of Modest Mouse and hip-hop rhythms

Albums & Highlights include:

• Seven + Mary (2013) – Debut combining early EP Mary with their first album Seven
• RKS (2015) – Self-titled release showcasing their range
• How To: Friend, Love, Freefall (2018) – Breakout album with hits like “It’s Called: Freefall” and “Hide”
• Love Hate Music Box (2024) – Their most recent album, deeply personal and creatively ambitious

Frontperson Ela Melo has openly shared their journey with gender identity, mental health, and creativity—topics that now powerfully shape the band’s music. Their authenticity and vulnerability resonate strongly with fans, making RKS a voice for many who feel on the edges of mainstream music and culture.