Rubber
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Rubber

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2019

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Established on Jan, 2019
Band R&B Pop

Calendar

Music

Press


"Rubber Live on Radio 104.5"

Rubber killed it Live @ 5 on Radio 104.5 Philadelphia's #1 Alternative Radio Station - Radio 104.5


"Rubber is Helen Leicht's Philly Local Pick"

Up-and-coming Philly Local Pick is "Control" by the band Rubber! - WXPN 88.5


"Rubber's Single Release Show reviewed by The Key at WXPN"

Rubber are a duo currently signed to Temple University’s Bell Tower Records. Made up of Andrew Loper and John Della Franco, their sound can be described as an amalgamation of R&B, soul, and jazz, yet influenced by the anthemic nature of pop music. Working towards releasing two EP’s, the group has just released their second single, “Won’t Come Back,” which features vocal contributions from various other Philly artists and acts. In celebration of their achievement, Rubber invited some friends to South Street and put on a fantastic show last Friday at Tokio Headhouse. As with many summer days, the temperature was not cooperating, but luckily everyone was able to brave the heat and enjoy the night.

Finally, the time had come for Rubber to perform. As soon as the boys hit the stage, it was clear that they were ready. Having performed at venues such as Creep Records, Bourbon & Branch, and WRTI Studios in the past, it was clear that this would be another smooth full of energy. Without hesitation, Loper introduced the band and got right into it. They began with “Think Fast,” one of their unreleased tunes that will be on their forthcoming EP. It was a fast-paced song to begin with, bringing the energy in the room up with Loper’s intricate high notes and Della Franco’s funky bass licks. Next, the group went into their first single, “Control,” a tune about tackling anxiety and gaining confidence from it. Oozing with sweat, the guys showed no sign of letting up. One of the staples of a special live performance is a good cover, and Rubber was sure to deliver with a frequent favorite: their soulful rendition of OutKast’s “Hey Ya.” Improvising over the original, Loper’s fast, whimsical vocal runs prompted even more roars from the crowd, now spanning from the front to the back of the room. These guys were seriously untouchable; it was clear that they knew each tune front to back and were able to perform them flawlessly while still personalizing them for that night.

When it was time to perform their closer, of course they chose their newest edition, “Won’t Come Back.” Loper expressed his gratitude towards the fans, who have been supporting them heavily for months now as they perform all throughout the region. The studio version of the song features vocals from Philly rap group 4vr, rapper Regothereshego, and Del Rio herself. Rubber’s live rendition still held up and featured slick bass riffs from Della Franco. Of course, the guys were strongly encouraged to do one more, and that they did. They played out a cover of Jessie J’s “Do It Like A Dude.” Andrew expressed his opinions on gender, calling it “silly” and “something people worry about too much,” while perfectly matching J’s signature vibrato. A wave of claps and laughs ensued as the band finally strutted off the stage to end the night.

Overall, despite being another hot, sweaty summer night, it was still enjoyable and full of laughs. Each artist showcased their unique levels of musicality and skill, be it acoustically or with a full band. Now with two singles under their belt, we are patiently waiting for Rubber’s debut EP, which was said to be finished this September. - The Key at 88.5 WXPN


Discography

Control - Single
Won't Come Back - Single

Photos

Bio

Rubber is a writing duo comprised of...

Andrew Loper, singer, lyricist, genderbender, dog-lover, economist, student of Gospel and Early 2000’s Pop/R&B, hellbent on doing the perfect run, and...

John Della Franco, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist (at gunpoint), producer, astronaut, audiophile, animate mop, seeking peace, creating chaos, eating 7-Eleven taquitos. 

Rubber is a project developed by Andrew Loper and John Della Franco formed during their time studying at Temple University in 2017. Their genre is a combination of R&B, Funk, and Jazz, but maintains that hot-pink, dynamic feeling of pop music, anthemic and universal. Their live show is a unique combination of bass-driven grooves and vocal acrobatics. The experience is one that has captivated the music scene in Philadelphia without more than a set of demos on SoundCloud.

Their debut single "Control", was released to early praise: earning them a Radio 104.5 Live @ 5 performance and a spot at Wawa Welcome America Festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. They were also featured as 88.5 WXPN’s Philly Local Pick and were awarded the Temple University Klein College of Media and Communications Award for Best Musical Production.


Band Members