Emerging from the streets of Washington D.C., RdGldGrn developed a distinct sound and style that has flipped the script. Comprised of guitarist Red, bassist Gold, and keyboardist/frontman Green, the trio combines the sounds of Washington’s D.C’s go-go music, hip-hop, punk, and indie rock. Their cross-genre vibe quickly garnered national attention in 2011 after releasing their debut single ‘I Love Lamp’ that went viral on YouTube. The single’s overnight success caught the attention of Foo Fighter frontman, Dave Grohl, and musical mastermind, Pharrell Williams. Both artists agreed to lend their talents and contribute to the release of RdGldGrn debut self-titled EP, RdGldGrn, which peaked at No. 36 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.
RdGldGrn’s explosive energy has established themselves as a must-see live act performing alongside major artists like Outkast, The Killers, 311, and Awolnation. Most recently, the trio made their triumphant return, releasing a new music video ‘Clapback’ and announced the release of their next project, LP3. With new music on the way, RdGldGrn sat with Vydia to discuss their rapid rise to fame, what it was like working with Grohl and Williams, and what fans can expect in 2019. Here’s what they had to say:
How did your group initially get together?
We’re all from the same area. We actually went to the same high school (all different grades though) in Northern Virginia which is a DC suburb.
What is the meaning behind the band name RDGLDGRN?
RED GOLD GREEN are the three colors that represent the three individuals in the group.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Tribe Called Quest, The Beatles, Jay- Z, Pharrell Williams, Outkast, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, & DC Go-Go bands.
Your music offers a distinctive blend of hip-hop, punk, and indie rock- what is one word you would use to describe your sound?
It’s us. I think nowadays every genre is hip-hop oriented because it’s popular music. It’s what you draw from and we draw from an inherent indie and punk energy.
RDGLDGRN is originally from Washington D.C., has the city influenced your approach to your music and content creation, if so how?
DC Go-Go music is a big influence to us as well as the Soul and World music of our area. Maybe it’s because of all the embassies, but DC and the surrounding area is definitely a worldly town.
In 2011, your single ‘I Love Lamp’ went viral on YouTube, what would you say is a key factor that influenced its success?
It was the fact that we put in work on the internet with our former band building a fanbase one-by-one on social media and then spreading something good that caught on even more.
The video’s overnight success caught the attention of musical masterminds Pharrell Williams and Dave Grohl, who later contributed on your debut EP. What were these experiences like?
Working with legends is hard to describe but the biggest thing is that it felt natural to us.
Who would you like to work with next?
Quincy Jones.
What was the inspiration behind your latest video ‘Clapback’?
The 90s in general like the Beastie Boys, Power Rangers, and video games.
The new video was not the only surprise- you also announced you will be dropping a full-length album, LP3 soon. What are you most excited about with the album?
We are excited to finally release music again because that means we can play shows and see how people are reacting to it.
What was your biggest challenge bringing this body of work together?
Finding a sound. We love narrowing down our different genres and blending them together.
As a group, what is the best advice you’ve received in your career?
Don’t quit.
In terms of successful collaboration, what advice can you give aspiring creators that hope to collaborate as well?
Just meet people who have a similar mentality and you guys will create great things together. Catch a vibe and make magic.
While we anxiously wait for the release of LP3, stay up-to-date with all of the action by following them on social media. Don’t forget to check back next week for our next #VydiaCollabs feature!