Ripe (band)

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Ripe
OriginBoston, Massachusetts
Genres
Years active2011–present
Labels
Members
  • Robbie Wulfsohn
  • Jon Becker
  • Sampson Hellerman
  • Calvin Barthel
Past members
  • Tory Geismar
  • Josh Shpak
  • Nadav Shapira
Websiteripetheband.com

Ripe is an American funk and alt pop band. Originally from Boston, the band is based in Los Angeles.[5] Led by frontman Robbie Wulfsohn, the band also consists of guitarist Jon Becker, drummer Sampson Hellerman, and trombonist Calvin Barthel.[6]

History[edit]

Formation and early years (2011–2017)[edit]

The band formed in 2011 as a six-piece group while its members were attending the Berklee College of Music.[7] Drummer Sampson Hellerman and lead guitarist Tory Geismar had moved together from New York to Boston, where Berklee is located. There they met Robbie Wulfsohn, who would become Ripe's lead vocalist, as well as guitarist Jon Becker, and Josh Shpak and Calvin Barthel. The latter two feature on the band's horns, on trumpet and trombone, respectively.[7]

Hellerman recounted that he and Geismar did not dorm, and instead roomed together in an apartment but "quickly realized [they] had no idea how to meet people." As a result, they hosted open door parties; Wulfsohn attended the first of these parties, and the three of them "sat down and did a little jam," writing a song that they uploaded to SoundCloud.[8] Wulfsohn had left his hometown of Toronto to attend Berklee. He lived on the same floor as Becker, as well as Maxwell Stofman, who became the band's manager.[9] Due to being fascinated with funk, the band sought out a horn player and hired Josh Shpak as their trumpeter. Shpak brought along trombonist Calvin Barthel with him.[9]

In 2014, Ripe gained online attention as a result of a live-performance video recording of their song "Goon Squad" going viral on the "r/listentothis" subreddit.[7] Later, in 2015, Nadav Shapira would join the band as its bassist.[7]

Prior to releasing their debut studio album in 2018, Ripe's reputation was built primarily through live performances as their output prior to 2018 saw a total of ten songs released.[7]

Joy in the Wild Unknown (2018)[edit]

In the midst of touring, Ripe released their debut studio album Joy in the Wild Unknown on April 6, 2018.[10] On it, they collaborated with Cory Wong, who was behind the board.[6] Joe Visciano was also brought on the album as a mixer, and Randy Merrill worked on its mastering.[6]

In 2020, Ripe embarked on a tour.[3]

Bright Blues (2022–2023)[edit]

In 2022, the band released the single "Settling".[11] The band released their second album Bright Blues in 2023, their first through Glassnote Records.[12] Noah Conrad and Ryan Linvill served as producers and co-writers on the album.[12] During the year, the band also performed on their "Bright Blues" Tour.[13]

In November 2023, Ripe released a live album, Live from MGM Music Hall at Fenway.[14]

Musical style and influences[edit]

Ripe's music style has been self-described as alt-pop,[1] with Wulfsohn stating "what we make is music you can dance to. We're drawn to the peak of a song — the emotional catharsis when everything comes out. It's all about reaching that moment. The revelation comes back to us when bodies shake with joy."[6]

The band is also often associated with funk and dance music,[6][7][15] and has been described as "neo-soul" by The Boston Globe.[16] Jazz and R&B are also genres that the band is known for incorporating into their sound.[10] Gwen Egan of Boston.com wrote that the band has an "infectious blend of pop, funk, and rock".[17]

Earth, Wind & Fire has been noted as one of the band's influences.[9] Becker stated that the band also models their sound after Miles Davis.[16]

Band members[edit]

Current members

  • Robbie Wulfsohn – lead vocals (2011–present)
  • Jon Becker – guitar (2011–present)
  • Sampson Hellerman – drums (2011–present)
  • Calvin Barthel – trombone (2011–present)

Former members

  • Tory Geismar – guitar[15]
  • Josh Shpak – trumpets[15]
  • Nadav Shapira – bass guitar

Discography[edit]

Studio albums:

  • Joy in the Wild Unknown (2018)
  • Bright Blues (2023)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Alt-Pop Group Ripe Share New Song "All or Nothing"". ripetheband.com. February 24, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  2. ^ "Ripe release jubilant new single "Settling" from upcoming album". Melodic Mag. April 1, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Dziecol, Victoria (February 20, 2020). "The time is ripe for good music". The Tech. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  4. ^ "Ripe". Glassnote Records. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  5. ^ "Ripe – Singing Those Bright Blues: Interview". ripetheband.com. March 29, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Boston Calling 2022 Homegrown Artist Profile: Ripe". Vanyaland. May 11, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Ruddell, Charley (July 11, 2018). "Bands You Should Know — Ripe". WGBH. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Rutherford, Thomas (November 22, 2022). "A Conversation with Sampson Hellerman, drummer from Ripe". Yellow Scene Magazine. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Battiston, John (August 31, 2017). "Boston funk-rock band to play free concert at Virginia Tech". Collegiate Times. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Dwyer, Audrey (March 9, 2018). "Get to know Ripe, the funky, 7-piece Boston band that will be rockin' the 'Boat". Steamboat Pilot & Today. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Sandoli, Annie; Bentley, Jimmy (May 18, 2022) [May 17, 2022]. "Boston-Based Band Ripe To Play 2022 Boston Calling". Patch Media. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Wasylak, Victoria (August 23, 2023). "Ripe has climbed the stairs from Allston basements to festival stages". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  13. ^ Chavez, Conny (April 29, 2023). "Ripe Performs Sold-Out Show in LA". mxdwn. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  14. ^ "OUT NOW: "Live from MGM Music Hall at Fenway" the new live album has arrived". ripetheband.com. November 9, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  15. ^ a b c Wallock, Matt (March 13, 2020). "Boston's 'Ambassadors of Funk' Ripe Drop New Single "Little Less Polite"". American Songwriter. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (July 16, 2015). "Boston-based Ripe wants to honor its influences". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  17. ^ Egan, Gwen (May 31, 2022). "Homegrown band Ripe rep alma mater with Berklee shirts at Boston Calling". Boston.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
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