BALTIMORE, MD. (Top40 Charts/
Rebel Inc.) -
Rebel inc. may be the twenty-first century answer to Rage Against the Machine, but don't think this Baltimore-based hard rock/ alternative band will let one comparison pin them down. With their explosive, in-your-face sound, the razor-sharp political commentary of their lyrics, and their high-energy live shows, rebel inc. is a band that defies simple assessments or categorizations. But one thing is for sure: to really experience the raw power, passion and intensity of this band, you'll have to check them out for yourself.
The foundation for rebel inc. was laid in Detroit, Michigan in 2001, when vocalist Adam ('Strong') and guitarist/ backing vocalist Kevin ('K-Dubbs') began writing music together as a way to vent their anger. In 2006, Kevin moved to Baltimore, Maryland for work, and finally discovered the perfect drummer for his project: Brian ('B-Lock'), a childhood friend who'd also relocated to Baltimore. Just a few months later, Adam quit his job in Michigan and moved to Baltimore so the band could get serious. They wrote and performed furiously for the next nine months, and in July 2008, they snapped up bassist Kenny Lee to complete their group. Just two weeks after Kenny joined the group, they were invited to join the State of the Union Base Tour sponsored by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and performed at four of the most heavily deployed military bases across the U.S.; they also earned the distinction of sharing a sponsor with Rage Against the Machine, who was sponsored by IVAW at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. After the IVAW tour, rebel inc. headed straight to the studio and recorded a 6-song, self-titled EP, self-released on March 15, 2009, while continuing to perform regularly in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
Most of rebel inc.'s music, which the band describes as a blend of hard rock, alternative, rap, and heavy metal, is written by Kevin and Adam. Kevin also puts together most guitar riffs, drum beats, and bass lines, although all four band members take part in developing the songs. Adam and Kevin also write the band's powerful lyrics focused on human rights, oppression, and political protest; although the Rage comparison is clear here, Kevin notes that unlike RATM, rebel inc.'s lyrics focus on domestic problems listeners can relate to. As Adam says, rebel inc's purpose isn't to draw attention to themselves as musicians; it's to motivate people to pay attention to larger issues and work toward positive changes. And judging by the enthusiastic response and exposure rebel inc.'s already received, people are definitely listening. Since the release of their self-titled EP, rebel inc. has received radio play in six U.S. states, Canada and Australia, as well as several internet radio stations; the band's tunes are also in general rotation on Jango.com. And the critics like them too: Vince Anderson, who interviewed the band for Shockwave Magazine, said that after listening to rebel inc., 'I just feel compelled to do something.' Radio DJ Gary Schmaltz expressed a similar sentiment, calling their music 'a call to action' and the CD 'a national treasure.' Many reviewers noted the band's powerful live performances: Mike Knarr, reporting for the Polygraph Radio Truth Tour, said rebel inc. 'blew the roof off the building,' while radio DJ Stash called them 'an intense live band.'
John Mullins, director of performing rights organization SESAC, said of rebel inc.'s blend of explosive energy and political activism, 'we need this in our music today more than ever.' There's no doubt about it: rebel inc. is a twenty-first century battle cry demanding to be heard. You can learn more at their official website, www.rebelincmusic.com, and at www.myspace.com/rebelincmusic.
*rebel inc.'s album is available on their site, iTunes, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com
