The Shaggin Wagon (2004-2006)
Red Line Chemistry took their baby steps while cruising the rural roads and highways of Kansas and Missouri in a chariot decked out with what Andy remembers as, "awesome blue shag carpet covering the entire interior." The humble beginnings saw the quintet rehearsing in a rickety storage space that was taken over by gear. A Storage Mart in suburban Kansas City afforded them a truly confined space to begin the collaborative process of writing and recording early demos. When afforded the opportunity to play live, the Shaggin Wagon rolled to the band's first gig at the Wheatland Jam in Wichita during the summer of 2005. They soon realized that the band was not going to go far enduring the expense of fuel at eight miles a gallon, and Mike put the vehicle to rest. In some other dude's driveway.
The Green Lantern (2006-2008)
As the Shaggin Wagon was led to pasture, the formidable Green Lantern became their trusted ally. Still a studio shuttle to this day, the memories from this beast of metal, plastic and rubber are ample. Andy recalls, "We were heading to a show at the Lake of the Ozarks", with long time friend and producer Wes West behind the wheel. "He gunned the engine just missing a bearded man crossing the highway on a bicycle. Brett yelled from the back seat, "Dude! Just 'cause he's Amish, it doesn't mean he's not human." From that day forward, each and every mile covered has been steered towards the road of fame as though it could be their last, taking responsibility for caution. In the Green Lantern era, the band began playing a lot of shows behind an independent debut. The songs got stronger, and Red Line Chemistry began to come in to their own. With the local base emerging, support shots with Sevendust, Chevelle and others followed. Tom remembers, "It was pretty awesome. We were known as the band with the green minivan and U-haul trailer."
The Red Dragon (2008-2009) – Pictured Above
With the demise of The Green Lantern, came the birth of The Red Dragon. The band
began preparing songs for the album Escape Plan, one of which lives today as "Déjà vu." Touring increased, and support opportunities continued on a regular basis as Red Line Chemistry shared the stage with bands like Shinedown, Drowning Pool, and Seether. As well as enjoying back-to-back years as a featured attraction on KQRC 98.9 The Rock's annual event for 50,000 rock fans. The vehicle belonged to Wes' folks, and their generosity carried the quintet from point A to B and sometimes point C.
The Blue Diamond "Phillips" (2009-2009)
Belonging to Dave, the Blue Diamond "Phillips" ended its life prematurely. While
relaxing one evening, its owner was jolted with a loud crash as a gentleman texting his wife crashed on to the curb destroying the vehicle. Unfortunately, the insurance
settlement did nothing more than deliver a moped for its proud owner, leaving the band in search of a new means of travel. As they were parked, the material that makes up the band's proper debut came to life, and those songs delivered a deal with Bulldog Productions. The vehicle simply lived fast and died young.
The While Elephant (2009-Present)
The biggest, yet least comfortable home for the road came to Red Line Chemistry via the generosity of singer Brett. Betting on the band's future, his gamble in accessing a credit line is beginning to pay off.
The boys are now on the verge of widespread awareness. Few bands can boast to having performed in front of tens of thousands in a single gig while remaining unsigned, much less enjoying the experience multiple times. In the short life-span of the quintet, their notoriety has crossed the borders of Missouri and Kansas, entering Indiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma and neighboring states. The smoke is starting to spread, and the fire will soon
follow.
Red Line Chemistry's DYING FOR A LIVING is everything the quintet hoped it would
become. Guitarist Andy Breit shares, "We spent eight months working on this repertoire, wanting to deliver a big rock record that crushes the listener. The first single "Dumb Luck," is about breaking away from the status quo, and following a different road. In our case, every band is local somewhere, and our moment to make a move is now."
The band name, Red Line Chemistry, is open to individual interpretation. Singer Brett Ditgen offers, "For us it defines our intent in pushing it to the limit, while staying true to one another. It defines the way we work together, pushing each other as hard as we can, while still trying to get along." As they continue this quest to escape the environs of the Midwest, only time will tell how far this journey takes them. of "Dumb Luck" on stations across the country, odds are it will be far.
