Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanner Whitt.
Hi Tanner, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Peyton and I are brothers and grew up playing music together in church. That definitely developed our comfort and confidence on stage that we have now. In 2017, Peyton asked me to start a band, and I was resistant at first because I had only played church music. After about a few days, I remember being like “Let’s do it!” We spent the next two years working four days a week every single week on what the band looks like, sounds like, feels like. That had to be the craziest two years of no-shows and creating all behind the scenes, but it turned out to be extremely worth it. By the time we launched in February 2019, our debut single “Speed of Sound,” had soared and reached over 500,000 streams within the first three months. Needless to say, that opened the door for us to hire a booking agent and perform over 130+ shows in 30+ states.
Covid stopped us in our tracks like the rest of the world, so we had to figure out how to continue the success, but all online. Within a few months, we had “mastered” our Instagram and started to see some real growth and engagement.
Fast forward to 2022, we finally started touring heavily again, and this time with many more fans coming to shows than prior to covid. It was a breakthrough year for us and opened the door for us to directly support Smash Mouth, Fitz and The Tantrums, Judah & The Lion, and DURRY.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has honestly been the hardest thing I have ever chased in my life! The “no” to “yes” ratio alone is enough to make anyone quit! Haha
I think the hardest thing is knowing you have something special and having to constantly build slowly versus seeing an overnight success. Between that and comparing yourself to other artists are very hard on anyone’s mental health.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Brothers Tanner and Peyton Whitt, performing as the adrenalized American alt-pop duo rags and riches, aim to bring hope and inspire a generation of dreamers. The Lexington, Kentucky natives released their debut single, Speed of Sound, in 2019 and lit the spark for a wildfire breakout with ‘sos’ reaching over 900k+ streams and 520k+ video views.
The two-man crew has performed 200+ shows in 40 states, including tour support for
Judah & the lion, Durry & Leah Marlene. Recently, they won 2 Lexington music awards for pop artist of the year + song of the year and have impressively clocked in over 4mil+ career streams and over 1.5mil+ video views in just 4 years.
Their debut album always gold released June 10 2022, via sonablast! Records and impressively received 1.4mil+ streams in its first week. With their current explosive success, it’s clear these determined brothers are rising to the top.
If I had to say what I am most proud of is lasting four years as a band when I watched many bands not survive through Covid. I think that is something I will always be grateful for!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been a life-of-the-party and social person. From a young age, I dreamed big (like most people do); the difference is I just never gave up when all my friends stopped striving or chasing their dreams.
I always have loved Star Wars, baseball/basketball, music, adventure, and travel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ragsandrichesmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragsandrichesmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ragsandrichesmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ragsandriches
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGQmlljdoIB38zgEuXcCkw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ragsandrichesmusic
Image Credits
Tate Chmielewski
Ashley Kelly
