### Ripe: From Berklee Delinquents to High-Energy Performers
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American funk-pop outfit Ripe is celebrating over a decade of their spirited musical journey, but their story began not with lofty ambitions of stardom, but rather as a group of friends at the Berklee College of Music. Reflecting on their origins, drummer Sampson Hellerman shares a humorous take, stating, “We were all kind of Berklee delinquents.” Initially brought together by their shared love for music, the band often found themselves hosting parties off-campus, where their musical inclinations soon turned into jam sessions.
In the early days, the collective character of Ripe was forged through friendship. “We were hanging out socially first,” recalls Hellerman. Eventually, they decided to channel that camaraderie into creating music. Their sound, described as “a rock band with horns,” garnered attention quickly as they transformed from a casual party band to serious musicians, wowing audiences in Boston’s basement venues.
As Ripe’s popularity grew, the band members recognised the need to take their project to the next level. Six months after they first played together, they secured an agent, marking the start of their touring career. “The band wound up being our job,” Hellerman reflects, adding with a touch of irony, “so now we look like we knew what we were doing all along.”
The current lineup, composed of Jon Becker, Calvin Barthel, Christian “Yogi” St. Louis, Cade Gotthardt, and trumpeter Josh Shpak, has evolved organically over the years. Lead vocalist Robbie Wulfsohn describes the band’s development as a “constant tumbling process.” He expresses a sense of gratitude for the way the project has grown, along with their enduring friendship. “After 14 years, we’re still great friends, but sometimes we need to work at it – you know, have talks about our feelings,” he quips.
One hallmark of Ripe’s success is their high-energy live performances, which they strive to maintain. Wulfsohn insists, “We’ll forever have our roots as a complete party band. The goal is to get people moving – physically engaged in what’s happening.” This commitment to energetic and joyful interactions with their audience is reflected in the diverse demographics of their fanbase, ranging from children to octogenarians. Hellerman delights in the sight of families enjoying their shows together, exclaiming, “We’ll look out and see an 80-year-old and a 7-year-old, and I love that.”
As they look to the future, Ripe aims to continue their journey of touring and audience growth, steering clear of the pitfalls of chasing viral fame. Wulfsohn comments on the fleeting nature of virality, stating, “It’s not about constantly trying to buy lottery tickets for a viral moment. Those are almost impossible to control.” Instead, he prefers to focus on cultivating a more intimate connection with their audience. “If that grows to a thousand, and then they share it with one person each – that’s the real lottery ticket,” he asserts.
For the band, the long-laboured transition from touring in vans to their now comfortably sized tour bus signifies a milestone. Hellerman amusingly remarks, “You know you’ve made it when you get on the bus!” This transition not only marks a physical upgrade but also reflects the hard work and dedication that has propelled their careers forward.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming release of the deluxe version of their studio album, “Play the Game,” set for March 27, 2025. As they prepare for this launch, Ripe remains grounded in their mission to provide an unforgettable musical experience, eager to share their journey and connect with fans across generations.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Ripe has successfully charted their own course, remaining true to their roots while embracing growth and change. Their story is one of friendship, commitment, and the joyous power of music to bring people together.