by Joe Jamnitzky
“Dee started playing in a cover band, and after that we all wanted to start playing live music,” states bassist Isaiah Radke, in regards to the decision for the three brothers from Missouri to form Radkey, while humorously adding, “and we couldn’t let him get all the attention.”
So far, the trio managed to pull off things in their music career that other musicians, who are older both in age as well as time together, sometimes only dream of, and they’re showing no sign of slowing down. Along with appearances on Later…With Jools Holland, mentions in Spin, Entertainment Weekly, and USA Today, they’ve played shows throughout the UK, parts of Europe, and on the west coast. Now, on May 11th, they’ll be bringing their version of raw rock and punk to Boot and Saddle in Philadelphia, opening for Blood Red Shoes.
A big aspect of their early success could very well be attributed to being brothers. The way Isaiah views things, “It definitely makes things a lot easier. There’s a connection that I’m not sure a lot of people have.”
The trio’s influences are also made up of bands who were around (and have even disbanded) long before they were born; artists such as The Misfits, Nirvana, and Ramones are among the names listed. “We basically had all of our dad’s record collection to go through. That’s where we got all of our main influences,” comments Isaiah on discovering these bands.
As for where they’d like to see everything go, the answer is both very simple and direct; “We all pretty much have the same goal; live off of what we love to do.”
For right now, though, their focus is on this summer tour, and in regards to that, the band has three things they plan to get out of it. “New songs, more experience…and tons of sweat.”
