Formed in summer of 2000 by lead singer John Pacheco (Psydecar), Red Llama Dog takes a jam band approach to soulful hip-hop tunes. Pacheco’s first recruit was drummer Ryan Macdonald, who he’d known since touring with Psydecar, followed by fellow Oahu, Hawaii transplant Anthony Washington (bass).
The band is filled out by music teacher Brian Fleck (keyboards) and Adam Reiter (guitar), a computer specialist by day until he was laid off by SAIC in December 2010.
According to the group, “We want to bring the people, no matter what race, culture, or creed together, through music and appreciation for each other. For too long, we have been divided and poisoned by music and culture that does not teach the love for each other.”
Red Llama Dog’s debut four-song demo Demonstration was released in 2009. In early 2011, singer/songwriter Adam Reiter was one of ten national semifinalists in the Folgers Best Part of Wakin’ Up jingle contest. Their song made the top ten cut of around 3000 entrants, making them the only CA representatives.