The Republic Tigers
The Republic Tigers is an American alternative rock band formed in Kansas City, Missouri by Kenn Jankowski (formerly of The Golden Republic) and Adam McGill. They were the first act to sign with Chop Shop Records (an imprint of Atlantic Records), owned by Alexandra Patsavas of Chop Shop Music Supervision.
The Republic Tigers | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Kansas City, Missouri |
Genres | Alternative rock |
Labels | Chop Shop, Record Machine |
History
The Republic Tigers is the result of a collaboration between Kenn Jankowski and Adam McGill. Years prior to the formation of the band, Jankowski and McGill recorded tracks for a project tentatively dubbed Fi. "Fi" was placed on hold when interest in The Golden Republic picked up, and Jankowski shifted his focus to that group. In 2005, Jankowski returned to Kansas City to embark on a new project. He reconnected with McGill, and together they began writing and recording new material. Within a few weeks, they recruited several additional band members: Ryan Pinkston, Justin Tricomi (formerly of The Storied Northwest) and Marc Pepperman.
The group released their first full album, Keep Color, on May 6, 2008. It includes the singles Buildings & Mountains and Fight Song. On the week of September 14, 2008, Buildings And Mountains was featured as the free single of the week on iTunes. In late 2008, they embarked on their first overseas tour with the band Travis. In 2009, they played at the annual "Buzz Beach Ball" event with Weezer, Blink 182, Matt & Kim, Taking Back Sunday, and others.[1][2]
Since signing with Chop Shop Records, their music has been featured on several prime time network television shows including Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Chuck, Supernatural and Sunao ni Narenakute.
The Republic Tigers made their first nationally televised appearance on May 22, 2008 on the Late Show with David Letterman.
No Land’s Man (EP) was released on April 16, 2011, exclusively at indie record stores nationwide in celebration of Record Store Day. The digital release followed on April 19, as well as a 7” color vinyl release featuring Merrymake It With Me and an exclusive b-side, Whale Fight. The album was self-produced and recorded in Kansas City, MO and features a remix of The Nerve off of their 2008 Keep Color release.
The band had previously announced their second full-length album for release in 2012, to be titled Mind Over Matter, but due to "legal boundaries or hoops", the album was released for the first time on June 5, 2020.[3][4][5]
Front-man Kenn Jankowski began a side project in 2012, Jaenki, and is currently working on new EPs with fellow Tiger Ryan Wallace and Vedera drummer Drew Little, along with vocalist Stephanie Perkins. [6][7].
Members
Current:
- Kenn Jankowski - vocals, guitar
- Ryan Pinkston - guitar, vocals
- Brent Windler - bass
- Justin Tricomi - drums, vocals
- Ryan Wallace - lead guitar, keyboard
Also, audio engineer and musician David Gaume (The Stella Link) has become a fixture in the band as their traveling soundman and technician.
Former members:
- Justin Norcross - guitar, vocals
- Matt Casey - guitar, vocals
- Marc Pepperman - bass
- Adam McGill - guitar, vocals
Discography
Compilations:
First Blood OxBlood Records. Released May 2007.
The Impossible Dream Frank Sinatra cover. Available through (iTunes)
EPs:
Republic Tigers (Self-titled) Chop Shop Records. Released December 2007. Available through iTunes.
The Republic Tigers European Release Available through (iTunes)
No Land's Man Chop Shop Records. Released April 2011.
LPs:
Keep Color Chop Shop Records. Released May 2008.
Keep Color on vinyl available through Amazon or at their concerts.
Mind Over Matter Record Machine. Released June 2020.
Soundtracks:
OMFGG - Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1 Atlantic Records. September 2008.
References
- "The Republic Tigers with Weezer, Taking Back Sunday and others". Concert Archives. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- "The Republic Tigers - Artist Profile". eventseeker.com. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- http://popwreckoning.com/2011/02/01/the-republic-tigers-announce-no-land%E2%80%99s-man-ep/
- The Republic Tigers [@republictigers] (20 January 2012). "And we shall call this album "Mind Over Matter"" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-republic-tigers-pull-mind-over-matter-out-of-the-vault-for-a-record-machine-release/?fbclid=IwAR2q6I-ocsWyAmN_m7i5jj3V-ykFod9qdlA2GIxp7H7iuWSaj-wVw0dTYVg
- "Republic Tigers frontman Kenn Jankowski starts the new year with a new band, Jaenki". Kansas City Pitch. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- "Jaenki, Young Boss, Damned by the Pope, and more must-see local music videos". Kansas City Pitch. Retrieved 2017-02-19.