Local band Rhodium blends rap and rock with a soulful hip-hop spirit
by Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
Revolutionary local band Rhodium is blazing a trail in the Charleston music scene with an inventive blend of hip-hop and rock. Vocalist and keyboardist Amita Fukui and guitarist Josh Gecowets of Black Zola first met local rapper Indi Gxld at The Purple Buffalo in 2020, just after the coronavirus quarantine.
“He sat on a picnic table and listened to our whole set outside in the first shows following the pandemic. He met us afterward and a friendship spawned, leading us to a strong need to collaborate artistically,” Fukui said. At a later show at the Buffalo, Indi popped up on stage to rap over a song Gecowets and Fukui were playing and the trio’s innovative sound was born.
“We’ve seen each other through different ages and stages over the years- we’ve come full circle,” Indi said.
About a year ago, the three reconvened for a gig at Elliotborough Mini Bar in downtown Charleston.
“We had to squeeze in there, but we made it work,” Indi said of their show at the small establishment.
In addition to performing as a solo artist and with Rhodium, Indi also writes the hip-hop column for Charleston music blog ExtraChill at www.extrachill.com. Rhodium recently performed for the ExtraChill Fest at The Charleston Pour House along with Black Zola drummer Chris Taylor and saxophonist Alvin Brooks.
“Extrachill was the best show we have played together yet,” said Gecowets.
Rhodium will be the featured artist at Chico Feo’s popular Songwriter’s Soapbox on Monday, Sept. 11.
“The atmosphere at Chico gives off therapeutic vibes from the beach, while the Soapbox welcomes all walks of art … comedians, visual artists, musicians from all genres of music from hip-hop to rock and country,” Gecowets said. “We’ve held open the door for different kinds of music to be played on Folly Beach.”
Indi Gxld is stoked to perform live at Chico Feo for the first time. He will play at Chico Feo again by himself on Monday, Sept. 25.
The band has been busy writing emotionally-driven music, like their song “Seven Days,” which Indi wrote about a breakup and the painful aftermath. “I wrote the hook and kicked it to Amita (Fukui). He sat on it for a few days before we put both perceptions of it together and ran with it,” he said.
Another track entitled “Oh Lord” exhibits Rhodium’s powerful vocals.
“For the first time, we zoned in on our triple harmonies in ‘Oh Lord,’ to take them to church a little bit,” Indi said.
When writing song lyrics, Indi draws inspiration from experiences and feelings that he felt while growing up and along his journey. According to Indi, he uses songwriting as a form of therapy. He said that his music has been inspired by artists like OutKast, Rick James, Marvin Gaye, Tina Marie and Anita Baker.
“When I started listening to Erykah Badu and Andre 3000’s music and learning about their conscious music movement, I finally felt comfortable enough to write thought provoking music,” Indi disclosed.
“We want the music we are writing to make a difference in our community,” Gecowets added.
The musicians kick off their gig-packed September by playing both separately as Black Zola and Indi Gxld as well as together as Rhodium at the End of Summer Throwdown at Rebel Taqueria on Friday, Sept. 1 in North Charleston.
“Rebel has been putting a light on the hip-hop/R&B scene in Charleston,” Indi said. “I like the culture there.”
The show benefits Soul Power Productions, a nonprofit charity that helps fund music education programs for children. SoulPower was created by Cody Dixon (Slim Soul), a guest artist performing at the throwdown. Another good cause the event is donating to help is Save The Legs, which helps raise money for surgery for Rhodium and Black Zola bandmate Amita Fukui.
Other performing musicians of the night include local hip-hop artist B.A.S.I.C and vocalist Sam Soto. The next night, Rhodium performs live at LoFi Brewery on Saturday, Sept. 2. The band’s friend Slim Soul will perform there as well as Moonkat, Mike Live, Badtalks and Unheard Entertainment. Hosted by Charleston Underground, the event will feature an open mic beat battle between Ben Beam and Mos Stef.
“It will be one weekend for the books,” Indi promised.
Then, after Rhodium’s Soapbox debut at Chico Feo on Monday, Sept. 11 and before Indi Gxld’s solo showcase on Monday, Sept. 25, the night before, Rhodium will perform live at an OutKast Tribute show at The Charleston Pour House on Sunday, Sept. 24.
“OutKast is hands down my favorite band of all time … Andre 3000 has been my favorite lyricist and songwriter since my inception into hip-hop,” Indi said. “I was listening to the Dungeon Family before they were Outkast.”
