Rio Bravo, a four-piece outfit that began in a hot, cluttered garage in the summer of 2008, knows this better than anyone. "A lot of times we get put on bills with the weirdest bands, because venues don’t really know who to pair us with," states bassist Ed Sumpter who, along with Mica Kohl, Christian Black and Bryan Davis, form this talented band.

Although still supported by day jobs and grounded by college obligations, the members of Rio Bravo live with a daily passion for music. "As a band, it’s something that composes a good part of our days; whether it’s being listened to, at Rio Bravo rehearsal, practice for our church, or performing at a venue, it’s just a major part of us," reflects Davis.

So much passion in fact that just after two weeks of being together, Davis and company decided to jump right into the studio. They initially recorded two songs, "Hollow Eyes" and "Honesty," with Lee Hestor at Logan Sound here in Wilmington and enjoyed the working relationship with him.  Soon, they were back a month later and recorded three more songs, "For You," "So Young," and "Points of View," which compiles their current EP release.

Even though Rio Bravo evokes memories of the notable 1959 John Wayne movie, the group admits the name came to them in a more subtle way. "It actually doesn’t mean much, it was just a name that kind of stuck out and we liked it," explains Sumpter. 

"Obviously the John Wayne film, but beyond that really nothing, we just thought it sounded cool. I think if it did mean something it would be the colors that you think of when you hear the name Rio Bravo: yellows, browns, reds and such. We feel like if our band were colors it would be those."

Rio Bravo describes their music as a culmination of all of their musical influences. Certainly that is an obvious statement, from pop-rock to some of the "most different and out-there stuff, all rolled into one."

"I think that others see our music as a change," states Sumpter. "Even in this new age of Indie Rock, what we hear from a lot of people is that we have a new-age, modern tone, but take on some vintage, old-school ideas."

In February, Rio Bravo began recording their first full-length CD at Logan Manor. They are scheduled to play local shows through the winter and in mid-May have plans for a two-week East Coast tour from Connecticut to Georgia.

Rio Bravo, a classic western movie indeed, but for these talented Wilmington lads, it’s also the color of music.