Riddlin' Kids
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 in Austin, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Riddlin' Kids—also referred to as RK—was a pop punk ensemble originating from Austin, Texas. The lineup consisted of Clint Baker handling vocals and guitar, Dustin Stroud on guitar and backing vocals, Mark Johnson playing bass, and Dave Keel on drums.
1999–2005
Stroud and Baker first crossed paths while working at a pizza restaurant in Austin, leading to the formation of a band named "Igmo," derived from the phrase Ignorant Motherfucker. Following Mikey Baker's exit, the group adopted the name Ritalin Kids, inspired by the medication used for attention deficit disorder. With the addition of Keel and Johnson, they independently released an EP titled What Does It Matter? in a limited run of 500 copies under KYQ Records.
In 2000, to circumvent potential legal issues with Barr Pharmaceuticals—the makers of Ritalin—the band altered their name to "Riddlin' Kids." The following year saw the release of their second EP, Any Day Now, coinciding with tours alongside Goldfinger and Reel Big Fish. Their fan base grew significantly thanks to airplay on Austin’s KROX-FM radio station.
Their first full-length album, Hurry Up and Wait, was released on August 6, 2002. It included the track "I Feel Fine," which was featured in the motion picture Orange County. The band also produced a music video drawing inspiration from the film Loverboy. Additionally, "Pick Up the Pieces" appeared on both the soundtrack for the video game ATV Offroad Fury 2 and the film Extreme Ops. To support this album, they embarked on an extensive tour lasting over two years.
Their sophomore album, Stop the World, came out on October 22, 2004. It featured singles such as "Never Live it Down" and "Stop the World," with the latter included in the soundtrack for MX vs. ATV Unleashed.
During 2001–2002, Riddlin' Kids received recognition at the Austin Music Awards, winning "Best Alternative Rock/Punk Band" and earning nominations in categories including "Best Rock Band," "Best Single" for "Blind," and "Best Pop Band."
After more than five years of relentless touring to promote their two albums, the band collectively decided to disband in August 2005 due to exhaustion.
2006–present (solo careers)
Following the group's dissolution, Mark Johnson established a rock outfit called New Disaster, releasing their debut record Last Night Rites in February 2008. Meanwhile, Baker and Keel have been collaborating on a new venture named Vegas Bomb—formerly known as "Clint's Junior Orchestra" and later "Twenty Questions." Dustin Stroud went on to create Say Hello to the Angels, secured a deal with Altercation Records, and produced three albums. He was also featured in the documentary "Leave It All Behind," which premiered at CBGB's Music - Film Festival in 2013 and received attention from alternative music publication AbsolutePunk.net.
Clint Baker made a guest appearance on Fox’s popular television series House. Producer Paul Ebersold—who contributed to two Riddlin' Kids albums—has worked with Baker and Keel on demo recordings for their current project; some of these tracks might be included in the soundtrack of the film Weekend Junkies.
Riddlin' Kids reunited for a performance at Austin’s Red Eyed Fly venue on September 25, 2009, sharing the stage with Rubberhed, Born to Lose, and The Banner Year. They also played two additional reunion shows in Austin during March 2010.
Band members
- Clint Baker – guitar and lead vocals
- Dustin Stroud – guitar and backing vocals
- Mark Johnson – bass guitar
- Dave Keel – drums
Extended plays
- What Does It Matter? (released as Ritalin Kids; 1998)
- Any Day Now (2001)
Studio albums
- Hurry Up and Wait (2002)
- Stop the World (2004)
External links
- Official website
- Live performance video of "Crazy" from Hurry Up and Wait at SonyMusic.com