Ep. 35: RT Valine

RT N' THE 44s is a Folk Noir band created by singer/songwriter RT Valine. Founded in 2009, the band originated in Los Angeles, California alongside local bands Leslie and The Badgers, Spindrift, Gwendolyn (Artist), and RuthAnne Friedman. Using instruments crafted from tin, 2x4's and salvaged parts, RT has stated that RT N' THE 44s was born out of "an attempt to make listenable music from junk". They have been described as a "vintage country band with dark obsessions".

The band is often seen busking at various locations throughout Los Angeles and Pasadena in the tradition of Woody Gunthrie and Cisco Houston. As members of the New LA Folkfest the band has performed with John C. Riley, Tom Brassueu, T-model Ford, and Red Simpson, among other notable acts. RT N' THE 44s performs annually at The Roots Roadhouse Festival and Autry Natural Center. The band has recorded three full-length albums for the independent label Rabid Rabbit Records, and has been featured "live in studio" on KUCI's Freedom Radio Program.