Kid Theodore

Kid Theodore is an American indie-pop band based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their music draws from a wide range of genres and MusicAL styles, and has earned them a reputation as a mix-tape band with elements of rock n' roll, latin jazz, and indie. This mixed genre approach has drawn an eclectic fan base (people seen at shows include Mischa Barton and Randell Hersch from The Beach Boys) encompassing all ages, genders, and nationalities. This approach also calls on a wide variety of comparison. As one blogger put it, "(Kid Theodore) sounds like Britt Daniel fronting Wilco playing Belle and Sebastian or something. I don’t know it’s ridiculously amazing..." Their lively, frantic, energitic live show is the staple to their popularity and success. "With the members of Kid Theodore jumping from one instrument to another as various band members throw instruments behind their heads and bang kitchen supplies with unmatched fervor, a Kid Theodore show can’t be missed. Due to their dedication to their fans and their music, they’re likely to impress you no matter what kind of music you’re into."

History

Kid Theodore was formed in early 2005 by Ryan Darton with Todd Hammond on drums and Matt Barton on guitar. After a few practices Cole Barnson and Austin McBride would be recruited on bass and keyboards respectively. Their first show, then as simply Theodore, was a battle of the bands in November 2005 at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in front of 2,000 people. They would place 2nd out of the 16 bands on the bill. They released their first EP, "goodnight...goodnight" on February 18, 2006. The E.P. received many warm reviews from local and national blogs.

Shortly after the release, Hammond was replaced on drums by Chad Vigil. The new line up set out on their first tour in July. After getting back from a 2 week excursion, McBride's younger brother Brandon, who had been serving as a roadie, was brought into the group to add extra guitar, key board, and percussion. This six-piece line up toured the western US, Mexico, and Canada for the rest of the year, including shows with the Warped tour and Snow Patrol.

The band recorded their first full length album in the first two months of 2007. "Hello Rainey" was released June 9, 2007. Barton left the band in July with Brandon taking over on guitar. The band continued touring after its release playing with Ben Kweller, St. Vincent, a live performance for Seattle radio station KEXP and an after party for Morrissey at the Las Vegas Beauty Bar.

Kid Theodore made an appearance at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival which Spin magazine cited as one of the festival's highlights.

Kid Theodore is currently working on new material and touring with their new drummer, Gardner Stevenett, as a four piece after the departure of Vigil and Austin in early 2008.

Kid Theodore was selected by Billboard Magazine and TAXI as the Independent Music World Series Champions after the band performed for judges at the famed Knitting Factory in Los Angeles in July 2008.

Kid Theodore performed at the 2008 CMJ Music Marathon in New York City.

Personnel

  • Cole Barnson - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Percussion
  • Ryan Darton - Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Percussion, Rhodes, Harmonica
  • Brandon McBride - Guitar, Piano, Rhodes, Organ, Accordion, Percussion, Effects, Vocals
  • Gardner Stevenett - Drums, Percussion

Discography

  • goodnight...goodnight (2006)
  • Hello Rainey (2007), Flat Top Records