RDGLDGRN - “Everybody’s Living In A Trap”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…K.Flay, Gym Class Heroes, Childish Gambino

RDGLDGRN started livestreaming since going on lockdown last month and it has been going so well that they are collecting the tracks in a live record due in mid-April, and that’s in addition to Something About Danger, a new LP also due sometime this year. Their fusion trio of hip hop, indie rock, reggae, and electronic pop modes have strengthened record to record, now with dance-pop energy and beats sounding sharper, inviting more pop-rap vibes than the easy-going nature of much of their earlier material. Balancing fun and serious, organic and electronic, RDGLDGRN have established a unique and hopeful sound since debuting in 2013, including worldly, creative twists to their music to always keep things interestingly moving. (Kevin McStravick) 

2016 Review: Past OEB favorite RDGLDGRN are back at this year’s SXSW, the DC based group embraces the Go-Go sound of their home city but layers in rock and rap elements into a unique amalgam. Last year they released a follow up EP, Red Gold Green 2 – EP, to their debut LP from 2013. The EP’s lead singles No Pixar and Runnin Away capture their high-energy mix of hip hop and indie rock perfectly. The EP like the LP before it doesn’t have a boring moment on it, the EP shines with the same pop appeal that really sets the band apart in both hip hop and indie rock.

2013 Review: RDGLDGRN is a rap funk group out of DC that got the attention of SXSW keynote speaker Dave Grohl who played drums with the group on their newest EP, Red Gold Green. The group also grabbed the ear of hip hop star Pharrell Williams who co-wrote and produced the track Doing The Most for the EP. It’s easy to see what drew these established artists’ attention, as the group incorporates a mixture of rapping and singing and are able to pull from a number of genres to create their sound. RDGLDGRN’s unique sound is due in large part to the go-go drum beat that forms the backbone of the group’s tracks.