Music

Rainbow Kitten Surprise: An Interview with Ela Melo

Published

1 year ago

June 13, 2025

From Stage to Sunshine State: Rainbow Kitten Surprise Vocalist Ela Melo Previews Next Week’s Unforgettable Ft. Lauderdale Concert at the War Memorial Auditorium

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is bringing their electrifying live show to Fort Lauderdale on the 17th of July on their “Thanks for Coming” tour, lighting up the War Memorial Auditorium in just four days. As fans eagerly await the band’s signature blend of poetic lyricism and high-energy performance, we sat down with lead vocalist Ela Melo to talk about

the band’s evolution, their deep connection with listeners, and what makes a Florida show so special. From introspective songwriting to onstage spontaneity, get ready for a glimpse behind the music before Rainbow Kitten Surprise takes over South Florida.

Gleb

Hi, it’s nice to meet you! How’s everything going?

Ela Melo

I’m doing good! We’re just like, you know, at Bonnaroo on the bus, there’s like severe weather coming through, and everybody was told to get in their cars or whatever, so we’re just waiting

Gleb

Oh geez, that doesn’t sound good

Ela Melo

Yeah, I think the sun’s starting to come up now, so the worst might be over, so.

Gleb

That’s good! So, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is playing at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale in just a few days. Do you have plans to hit the beach or explore the Everglades or something else while you’re down in South Florida?

Ela Melo

I’ve never been to the Everglades. It’s kind of like a swamp kind of territory, isn’t it?

Gleb

Yeah, but they have like national parks and stuff where you can explore.

Ela Melo

Yeah, I don’t know. I think we’re going to be down there for a couple days, but yeah, I’d definitely like to see something. Anything you recommend?

Gleb

We have a lot of really cool restaurants. There’s actually a place right by the venue. Its called Chickeatah, but they have really good like Turkish barbecue, and it’s definitely an interesting experience.

Ela Melo

Yeah, It’s been a while since we’ve been down to Fort Lauderdale, so I’m like, I don’t really remember the lay of the land, you know what I mean? But we’re stoked to be there!

Gleb

That was actually going to be my next question, have you guys ever had any crazy or fun experiences last time you performed here down in Florida?

Ela Melo

I think mostly we were in and out. I remember the venue, but I feel like some days we have days off in like Orlando or whatever, and we’ll go to Universal or something like that, but yeah, I really don’t know what’s down there. But yeah, we’ll probably make a beach run at some point for sure.

Gleb

Yeah, we definitely have some really cool beaches! Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s music has a great balance of introspection and danceability, perfect for a late night Florida drive.

What’s your go-to album or artist for a long road trip?

Ela Melo

Well, speaking for me individually, I guess I haven’t heard it in a while, but one that I can always throw on when you hit that point of like, “Wow, this is going to be a really long drive and I don’t know how we’re going to make it”, I throw on “The Creek Drank the Cradle“ by Iron and Wine or “Dirty Spite 2“ by Future.

Gleb

You’ve traveled all over the United States and played hundreds of different venues throughout your career. Is there one venue that you would consider your favorite? And what’s one venue that you haven’t gotten to play at, but aspire to perform at in the future?

Ela Melo

You know, Red Rocks is pretty incredible, we played The Gorge when Sasquatch was still a thing. I would say Madison Square Garden would be, you know, that’s a dream one for anybody, I think.

Gleb

Yeah, for sure! It’s been a little over a year since you put out your latest album Love Hate Music Box, and you’ve been slowly performing some new songs during this recent tour. Does that mean you guys have a new album on the horizon or anything you’d like to put out?

Ela Melo

We finished recording it. So yeah, it’s coming for sure, the new record.

Gleb

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Ela Melo

I’m going to still say Fred Again because he reached out to us looking to collab, but we haven’t heard back from him. I sent him like a hundred tracks, man. So if Fred Again reads this interview, then please respond *laughs*

Gleb

What’s one song of yours that holds a special meaning to you and why?

Ela Melo

I think Free Fall probably because I never thought that that would be the one from the record to, you know, go viral or anything like that. It like like a very personal song to me, and I played it close to the chest as well. It’s just kind of like, every time I hear it, it’s representative of that time, of those tours of, you know, all the people who have said this song changed my life or saved my life. It’s just like it’s almost like that song is like a message from the universe to me… It’s like, hey, “You don’t know what you’re doing, but just keep doing it.”

Gleb

I know you guys normally don’t play covers live, but let’s say you’ve got a show in Florida and what’s one cover song that you’d love to throw in last minute just to liven up the crowd?

Ela Melo

We don’t typically play covers. Usually we reserve them for, I don’t know, just like personal amusement. But I don’t know. I feel like I’m committing to playing a cover if I tell you. *laughs* But I think, my personal choice, if I could ever convince the band to do it, “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire.

Gleb

Thats a good choice! Awesome! Thank you very much for your time!

As Rainbow Kitten Surprise prepares to bring their unforgettable energy to the War Memorial Auditorium stage, one thing is certain: Fort Lauderdale is in for a night of raw emotion, infectious rhythms, and the kind of musical alchemy that only RKS can deliver. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a first-time listener, Ela Melo and the band promise a performance that lingers long after the final note fades. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic—this is one Florida night that will leave you breathless, dancing, and maybe even seeing the world a little differently. Get tickets here and catch them while you can!

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Gleb Barabanov

Gleb Barabanov is South Florida Insider's Vice President, Graphic Designer and Webmaster, as well as a Photographer and Writer covering events all over the world. Originally born in Odessa, Ukraine, Gleb now calls the sunny Florida area home, where he attended Full Sail University and received a Bachelors of Arts in Film Production. Gleb is obsessed with music, cameras, guitars, and his Shiba Inu, Yoshi