Kevin Ridel

Born in Connecticut, Kevin embraced music young and began playing in a band at the age of 14. With his band Avant Garde—featuring Rivers Cuomo of Weezer—, he moved from Connecticut to Los Angeles in pursuit of his career as a singer and songwriter in 1989. In the past 15 years, Kevin has made himself known in Los Angeles’ music scene with his multiple bands: Ridel High (A&M Records), Peel (Beyond Music) and AM Radio (Elektra Records).

Not only has AM Radio toured within the US but in other countries as well, such as Canada and Japan. Kevin’s band has been affiliated with Weezer, Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, Rooney, Ben Kweller and the Psychedelic Furs. AM Radio’s song, “I Just Wanna Be Loved”, was featured during an episode of Smallville and on the Smallville soundtrack entitled “Talon Mix” as well. An additional song, “Taken for a Ride”, was featured on One Tree Hill, in EA Sports’ John Madden Football (2003), and on a trailer for FOX feature film The Girl Next Door. Also, “Pretty Stupid” was featured on the DVD series for Wonderfalls.

The years that followed Kevin’s music career became more concentrated overseas in Japan, with the release of AM Radio’s “Reactive” album on Fiveman Army (FAEC Inc.) and his signing with Sony Music Publishing (Japan), in which he co-wrote the song “en-dless” for the band Seventh Tarz Armstrong. Kevin also lent his voice to 4 songs on Nintendo’s US release of Elite Beat Agents and sang “You Really Got Me” (by The Kinks) for a national Japanese television ad for Soft Bank, featuring Brad Pitt.

Currently, Kevin is a solo artist who now categorizes his music as Christian alternative rock. In 2006, he had a change of heart that led him to leave the sector of music in which he had engaged himself previously. During this time, Kevin was impacted by The Passion of the Christ; the film projected graphic reinforcement of faith, which provoked him to rededicate his music to something he had not before. Instead of solely entertaining listeners, Kevin hopes for his music to be inspirational to those who are seeking Jesus. This shift from his previous musical career—and breaking down to fulfill his genuine desire of proclaiming the gospel—has been a humbling experience.

Hoping to bring a fresh addition to the current Christian music genre, Kevin has been putting forth immense efforts to crafting a new, innovative sound. More than seventy-five songs have been composed since his change of heart. Not only is he a songwriter but also a bassist, guitarist, vocalist and singer for his songs. Kevin’s altered musical course has not hindered the recording of his music; he has recorded a three song maxi single for his song “Dust” and a four song EP entitled “Surrender”. In his solo career, Kevin has been blessed with the reunion of friends and former band mates that promoted his newly released singles “Light” and “Up Up And Away”.

Ultimately, Kevin hopes to lead people in praise and worship through music and, by the grace of God, turn some hearts towards Jesus. He is currently midway through recording his new song "Rise" with producer Matt Corey. With all that occurs, Kevin attributes all his successes to God. May God bless you as well.

–Angel To