18 rabbit is a high-energy rock group from Brandon, Manitoba known for it's strong mix of original music and interesting takes on classic covers.
Ontario-born vocalist / bassist Ryan Felstead came to Manitoba in the mid-90's on a scholarship to study music at Brandon University and became an integral part of the Brandon music scene, performing with a variety of music projects and teaching a number of instruments. He has played with Brandon bands Flowerpots (opening for such acts as the Ballroom Zombies, Riverdale High, and the New Meanies, as well as performing at Corefest 95) and Buns for Jenny (opening for such acts as the Watchmen and Quiet Riot). He currently moonlights with the Scotty MacIntosh Jazz Band.
Drummer / percussionist Gabe Rodriguez, originally from Argentina, has played with a number of school and jazz bands since arriving in Canada.
In the mid-90's, Ryan and Gabe played in the Brandon band Starline Tragedy, where they developed their strong rhythmic chemistry and opened for the likes of the Headstones, Big Sugar, Jonah Stone, Duotang, Limblifter, and the Killjoys as well as performing at the Brandon Folk Festival. Starline Tragedy released a CD in 1998.
Guitarist Ian Southcott was born and raised in Birmingham, England, where he fine-tuned his craft in bands such as Two Time Loser and Vice Squad before coming to Canada. He played in the Winnipeg rock band Deep before planting roots in Brandon in the late-90's.
Manitoba-born keyboardist Ken Jackson has performed in exotic venues such as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Cathedral of St. Francis in Assisi, and St. Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis. He has recently taken to the stage with prominent roles in Jesus Christ Superstar and Cabaret.
Ryan, Gabe, Ian, and Ken began playing as rock cover band Pollo Loco in 2000.
Homegrown guitarist Les Mitchell formed Brandon rock band Jellybread in the mid-90's, playing in the Brandon area for several years, culminating in performances in the Manitoba music festivals Shakin' the Lake and Classic Rock Weekend in 2000. He also wrote and recorded a CD under the name of Fuzzbombs in 2000.
The year 2001 saw these five musical forces unite in Pollo Loco. They bonded quickly, playing over fifty shows in the last nine months of 2001. As they pillaged and plundered the province of Manitoba, they began writing powerful rock songs under the name 18 rabbit (named after a Mayan king). A decision was made to enter the year 2002 as 18 rabbit and put Pollo Loco to rest. In 2002, the CD smoking gods was released and received airplay on KX96, western Manitobas premier rock station. The band was chosen one of three finalists from Manitoba in the Little River Rockfest 2002 Band Search and performed twice at the popular summer festival. The band is continuing its relentless live schedule and writing songs for the next CD. The music is as challenging and intense as the players are diverse, but the songs are laced with strong hooks and a keen sense of melody. Sprinkle in loads of reworked cover songs and the result is gripping rock music for the 21st century!
