A lot of big names are backing some little (in size, but not sound) rockers.
Billboard has learned that teen rockers Residual Kid are joining an impressive list of acts signed by industry veteran and Warner VP Seymour Stein to Sire, the label he co-founded, including Madonna, the Talking Heads, the Ramones, the Pretenders and the Replacements.
The fuzzy, grungy three-piece consists of brothers Ben Redman (drums, 16) and Max Redman (bass, 14) as well as guitarist and lead vocalist Deven Ivy (16).
In a statement, Stein remarks “Despite their young age and youthful appearance Residual Kid are not a boy band, but rather a young and exciting and highly talented rock band. This fact is borne out by their audience which was comprised mostly of 18 to 35 year olds, along with many older local veteran musicians in who have taken the band under their wing.”
The band has already recorded with J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr), Steve McDonald (OFF!, Redd Kross) and Andre Kelman (Beastie Boys, Cat Power), releasing the Faces EP in 2012 and posting various demos including a SXSW sampler directly on their website including an audacious and awesome cover of Sonic Youth’s “100%”). A new EP is expected to be released in 2015 on Sire/Warner. The band previously signed a publishing deal with BMG/Chrysalis.
Stein continues, “[I] was literally swept off my feet first time I saw Residual Kid in Austin. Had heard about band from Kate Hyman, one of the greatest veteran A&R women ever. [Residual Kid] was the most refreshing new band I’ve seen at SXSW in several years.”
In this video, the lanky, stringy haired teens perform “Fabulous,” an unreleased demo recorded by J Mascis and skate around in Venice Skate Park.
“They have what it takes to take them all the way and time is certainly on their side,” says Stein. The Austin natives play their home town this Friday at Fun Fun Fun Festival with Metz and The Blood Brothers
“Fabulous” – Residual Kid from Johnny Milord on Vimeo.