Meet River Rabbitte, the captivating frontwoman and femme fatale of wht.rbbt.obj (pronounced “White Rabbit Object”) — a band making waves with their unapologetic sound and boundary-pushing creativity. In an exclusive interview, River shares the band’s origin story, career highlights, inspirations, and exciting plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say.
How It All Began
River’s journey into music with her partner, Frank, began with an unspoken rule: they would never make music together. “We wanted to keep our love separate from any potential drama—a conscious effort to avoid our own 'Fleetwood Mac' situation,” River explains. For a while, the rule worked, but everything changed when she overheard Frank working on a new track.
“I couldn’t resist chiming in and told him, ‘You’re playing the bass line wrong.’ Frank laughed and handed me the bass, challenging me to show him how it was done,” she recalls. That moment sparked the creation of their first song, Unlucky 13, which was soon featured on Chicago’s alternative rock station, 101.1 WKQX.
Initially, the duo planned to release occasional singles, but after their track Jolene’s Reply was highlighted on the music podcast Sound Opinions, they knew they were onto something bigger. As the band grew, they found the perfect lineup of talented musicians who clicked both sonically and personally.
“Writing and performing with this crew is more than we ever dreamed,” River shares. “We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Career Highlights
Over the years, wht.rbbt.obj has had its share of incredible opportunities. One of the most memorable was opening for Moon Walker twice at Chicago’s iconic Cobra Lounge. “The first time we opened for him, we saw fans connecting with our music on a level we hadn’t experienced before,” River says. This marked a turning point for the band, sparking deeper fan engagement on social media and streaming platforms.
Their journey didn’t stop there. The band also performed at South by Southwest, headlined Summer Fest in Milwaukee, and recorded an interview and live performance with the legendary Kevin Matthews on his show Elevator a Go Go.
“Each of these opportunities has been a milestone, helping us grow as artists and connect with more music lovers,” River reflects.
Inspirations
The unique sound of wht.rbbt.obj is rooted in the contrasting musical backgrounds of its members. River’s foundation lies in the improvisational depth and soul of jazz, while Frank draws from the raw, gritty energy of garage rock.
“We’ve found this incredible synergy between our two worlds,” River explains. “It inspires the unapologetic edge that defines our band’s sound.”
What’s Next?
Fans of wht.rbbt.obj have plenty to look forward to in 2025. The band is hard at work crafting their third EP, which promises to be a standout in their discography. “We can’t wait for you to hear it,” River says. “Whether recorded or live at one of our upcoming shows, this new music is something really special.”
A Fun Easter Egg
The band’s name, wht.rbbt.obj, has an intriguing backstory. It’s a long-dreamed pop culture reference by Frank, and River hints that fans might enjoy decoding its meaning. “It’s playful and mysterious — decode at your own risk,” she teases.
Future Goals
As their fanbase continues to grow, particularly in Europe, the band dreams of bringing their music to international audiences. “Our biggest goal is to reach a more diverse audience,” River shares. “We’re a working-class band for avid music lovers, and we’d love to play live for our fans overseas.”
Stay Connected
Want to keep up with wht.rbbt.obj’s journey? Follow them on their Linktree for updates, music, and social media links.
With their distinct sound, captivating performances, and exciting plans for the future, wht.rbbt.obj is a band to watch. Stay tuned for more from River, Frank, and the rest of this extraordinary team.
Check out wht.rbbt.obj's music below!
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