intersectional rock-n-soul band the coolots break all the rules with genre-bending sound

By Faith Muthiani  / AFROPUNK contributor

Who are The CooLots?

REBIRTH by The CooLots
The CooLots is intersectionality personified. Dubbed as the original Rock/Soul band, hailing from the Washington, DC area, The CooLots is a melting pot of different styles and talents. They come together to create feelings never before experienced. These creations embody sincerity, musicality, rock and funk, with influences including: N.E.R.D, Me’Shell N’Degeocello, Rage Against the Machine, 311, No Doubt, System of A Down and Paramore. You can hear all these influences on ‘The CooLots EP’ (2014) – their debut effort and their new release ‘Rebirth’ (2017).

There are 5 members: AwesomeRita (vocals/bass), Asha BOOMCLAK Santee (drums), Crys C (lead vocals), Dappho the Flow-er (vocals/bass) and Huggie (vocals/electric).

When did you form your band and what inspired you to make music together?

The band was formed March 3rd, 2010. (Our birthaversary is coming y’all!) Crys and Dappho had a mutual friend and all wanted to start a band. During that first phone convo (we actually talked on a phone!), we discussed our vision and personal influences, and then brainstormed on who else we could bring in. From there AwesomeRita and Huggie joined a rehearsal and we all just vibed out. From there, The CooLots formed and our music took shape pretty organically. Boom joined in about 2 years later and fit right in. 7 years later and we’re still together! Lol

How would you describe your music?

Our genre is Alternative but we describe it as Rock / Soul. Someone once described it as “System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine hooked up at party and had a baby that looked like Haley Williams but with more soul”. Accurate af. You might also find a hint of blues, funk and more since our musical palates are so eclectic and band composition so diverse.

Can you tell me about your new album “REBIRTH”?

‘Rebirth’ is a collection of some of the music performed in the last 3 years, that truly encompasses our growth and people, activists and artists over this time. The last 7 years marks the end of a chapter and the start of our next. Hence the name Rebirth.

Photo by Clyde Jones/@clydejones

What is the ultimate direction for your band?

Our goal is to continue to make music that continually stimulates our fans with good vibes, love and rockable beats/music that also expands their consciousness. The ultimate goal is to share that message on a worldwide level. We could use a little more of the above!

What impression do you hope to leave on your listeners?

We want our fans to feel inspired. We also hope they feel the sincerity in our music and lyrics. Mainstream music can be so formulaic now that it removes a bit of who the artist truly is. We always want our fans to know us by our work.

Where can people go to find you music, tour dates, and merchandise?

Our music is available on all platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal, Bandcamp….and it doesn’t stop there! You can find all our latest information and also merch at www.TheCooLots.com. You can also follow us socially @TheCooLots for day to day updates and announcements. We love to connect with our fans!