The klutz, the athlete, the player and the improviser; all characters can be found within the band known as Rixton. This soulful group consists of bassist Danny Wilkin, drummer Lewi Morgan, lead singer Jake Roche and lead guitarist Charley Bagnall. Their band originated in Manchester, England, where they played in popular venues and uploaded covers of songs onto YouTube. Rixton’s career took off in late 2013, when one of their more popular covers of Chris Brown’s “Don’t Wake Me Up” caught the eye and ear of their producer Scooter Braun. As the video racked up more than 640,000 views, promoting the boys appeared a job that had already done itself. Currently, fans await the release of a new song, but news of what they will receive seems even better; a collection of entirely new tunes.

The excitement continues to build as Rixton finished recording their very first album “Let The Road,” for which the band excitedly awaits its release on January 6th. This will not be the first time the public hears the uplifting sound of Rixton. In early 2014 their single “Me and My Broken Heart,” which is also featured on their upcoming album, was released along with “Wait on Me”. Both reached the top of music charts in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

In their later single “Make Out,” the band took a new approach to their music video in which they parodize sought-after music videos such as Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

The band not only keeps their sound and visuals fresh, but have proven extremely adaptable. After not having a gig for seven months, Rixton performed with Justin Bieber on after a mere 24-hour notice. Danny Wilkin, remained in shock after this performance, considering the band, accustomed to playing for their parents and small clubs, walked out to find 20,000 screaming girls awaiting their arrival.

Adding to the constant surprise factor achieved by the boys, they recently started playing “pop-up gigs.” Lewi explains the pop-up gigs as the band going out into the street and playing a mix of both covers and their own songs to anyone who desires a listen. Emphasizing the sensation of spontaneity, the adept drummer plays a box instead of his usual SJC set of drums. Rixton’s first pop-up gig took place on the streets of New York which to their surprise, raked up about 60 people in the audience. Though the band has scarcely performed on a formal stage to a large audience, they have had their share of performing with well-known stars, such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and have even begun a ritual of their own. Contrary to the regular praying or giving pep-talks before a concert like most artists,Charley has confirmed their unique way to get pumped up by slapping each others legs and finding enjoyment in their rough play.

As the pre-show horseplay sounds original, fun and exciting, fans should expect nothing less from their music. In the few singles Rixton has released, they have varied sound and topics from upbeat music about having a good time to a slow melody while expressing deep emotions, all while drawing a line of how they want to sound. They have been described by critics, journalists and fans as a risky reggae-infused pop to go along with radio-friendly choruses. Though this description seems overwhelming, the way it works together makes it definitely worth a listen.

“Let The Road” album Tracklist: 

1. Let The Road
2. Wait On Me
3. Appreciated
4. Beautiful Excuses
5. Me and My Broken Heart
6. Hotel Ceiling
7. I Like Girls
8. Speakerphone
9. We All Want the Same Thing
10. Whole