The Republic Tigers

The Republic Tigers
Background information
Origin	Kansas City, Missouri
Genres	Alternative rock
Labels	Chop Shop Records

The Republic Tigers is an American rock band formed in Kansas City, Missouri by Kenn Jankowski (formerly of The Golden Republic) and Adam McGill. They were the first act to sign with Chop Shop Records (an imprint of Atlantic Records), owned by Alexandra Patsavas of Chop Shop Music Supervision.

History

The Republic Tigers is the result of a long, off-and-on collaboration and friendship between Kenn Jankowski and Adam McGill. Years prior to the formation of the band, the Jankowski and McGill recorded a few tracks for a project tentatively dubbed Fi. Although little became of the songs, the two forged a friendship. "Fi" was placed on hold when interest in The Golden Republic picked up, and Jankowski shifted his focus entirely to that group. In 2005, Jankowski returned to Kansas City to embark on a new project. He reconnected with McGill, and together they began writing and recording new material, initially with Jankowski's former bandmate, Ryan Shank. Within a few weeks, they recruited several additional band members: Justin Tricomi (formerly of The Storied Northwest), Justin Norcross, Marc Pepperman, and Ryan Pinkston. In 2007, Justin Norcross left, which solidified the current lineup.

The group released their first full album, "Keep Color," on May 6, 2008. It includes the singles Buildings & Mountains, Fight Song, and 10 other songs. Since signing with Chop Shop Records, their music has been featured on several prime time network television shows including Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Chuck, and Supernatural. The Republic Tigers made their first nationally televised appearance was on May 22, 2008 on The Late Show With David Letterman.

On the week of September 14, 2008, "Buildings And Mountains" was featured as the free single of the week on iTunes.

In late 2008, they toured England with the band Travis. Most recently, they played at the annual "Buzz Beach Ball" event with Weezer, Blink 182, Matt & Kim, Taking Back Sunday, and others.

Members

Current:

• Kenn Jankowski - Vocals, Guitar
• Adam McGill - Guitar, Vocals
• Ryan Pinkston - Guitar, Vocals
• Marc Pepperman - Bass
• Justin Tricomi - Drums, Vocals

Also, audio engineer and musician David Gaume (The Stella Link) has become a fixture in the band as their traveling soundman and technician.

Former Members:

• Justin Norcross - Guitar, Vocals

Discography

Compilations:

First Blood OxBlood Records. Released May 2007. The Impossible Dream Frank Sinatra cover. Available through (itunes)

EPs:

Republic Tigers (Self-titled) Chop Shop Records. Released December 2007. Available through iTunes. The Republic Tigers European Release Available through (itunes)

LPs:

Keep Color Chop Shop Records. Released May 2008. Keep Color on vinyl available through Amazon or at their concerts.

Soundtracks:

OMFGG - Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1 Atlantic Records. September 2008.

External links

• Republic Tigers MySpace Site
• Chop Shop Records
• Filter Magazine
• Profile "Go, Tigers!" in Jan. 31, 2008, Pitch
• NPR.org "Republic Tigers: Majestic Pop"