Biography
Rainbow Girls is an eclectic folk-rock trio originating from California, United States, composed of Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey, and Vanessa May (also known as Vanessa Wilbourn)[1][2]. The group formed in 2010 while attending the University of California at Santa Barbara, initially gathering at an underground open mic night called 'Bean Night' in Isla Vista, and bonding as residents of the Rainbow House dorm[2][3]. The band began as a larger collective of women musicians before evolving into a trio, united by their desire to create music collaboratively in a scene often dominated by male performers[2][3].
Rainbow Girls developed their sound through grassroots touring, busking at farmers markets and local venues across California, and spending several summers busking and couch-surfing throughout Europe[1][2][3]. Their music blends folk, Americana, indie, rock and roll, and a cappella, characterized by rich harmonies and multi-instrumental performances—members switch between guitar, ukulele, accordion, banjo, and more[1][2]. Their debut album, 'The Sound of Light,' was crowdfunded and released in 2013, followed by 'Perceptronium' (2015), 'American Dream' (2017), and the cover album 'Give the People What They Want' (2019)[2]. A viral 2018 video of their cover of Alvin Robinson’s 'Down Home Girl' brought them widespread attention and professional management[2][3].
Known for their authentic, independent approach and dynamic live shows, Rainbow Girls emphasize connection, community, and social awareness in their songwriting[2][3][4]. Their legacy is marked by a commitment to grassroots touring, organizing all-female lineups at major venues, and fostering creative collaboration among women musicians[5]. They continue to tour extensively in the US and Europe, maintaining a strong reputation for their soulful harmonies and genre-blending style.
Fun Facts
- Rainbow Girls started as a collective of up to ten women playing acoustic guitars together in a dorm room at UC Santa Barbara[3].
- Their viral 2018 cover of 'Down Home Girl' amassed over 3 million views and led to sold-out shows and professional management[2][3].
- The band has toured extensively across Europe, busking and couch-surfing in over fifteen cities and six countries during their early years[1][2].
- They organized the first ever entirely female lineup at San Francisco's legendary venue The Fillmore[5].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Old Crow Medicine Show - Inspired their viral cover of 'Down Home Girl', influencing their arrangement and Americana style ('Down Home Girl' (cover, 2018)) [2018]
Key Collaborators
- Erin Chapin - Core band member, vocals, multi-instrumentalist (All Rainbow Girls albums and tours) [2010–present]
- Caitlin Gowdey - Core band member, vocals, multi-instrumentalist (All Rainbow Girls albums and tours) [2010–present]
- Vanessa May (Wilbourn) - Core band member, vocals, multi-instrumentalist (All Rainbow Girls albums and tours) [2010–present]
Artists Influenced
- Bay Area women musicians - Inspired and organized the first all-female lineup at The Fillmore, supporting local female artists (Fillmore event (date unspecified)) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Give the People What They Want | 2019-02-22 | Album |
| HAUNTING | 2024-10-13 | Album |
| Rolling Dumpster Fire | 2021-12-06 | Album |
| American Dream | 2017-11-08 | Album |
| Welcome To Whatever | 2023-12-04 | Album |
| Perceptronium | 2015-06-01 | Album |
| Funk If I Know | 2025-10-22 | Album |
| Glory Daze, Vol. IV | 2023-04-07 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dreams
- Seaside Town (City of Glass)
- Down Home Girl (Give the People What They Want)
- Free Wine (Rolling Dumpster Fire)
- American Dream (American Dream)
- A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall (feat. John Craigie & Ben Morrison) (Give the People What They Want)
- Helplessly Hoping (Give the People What They Want)
- you must not feel the way i do (HAUNTING)
- I Can't Believe We Were Ever Strangers
- Honky Tonk Women (Ear Snacks)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Rainbow Girls has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2, 2025 | 14:58 | Helplessly Hoping | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |