2008-2011

2008-2011: Formation and first performances
R5 is a group of siblings born and raised in Littleton, Colorado.[2] After moving to Los Angeles, Rocky Lynch, began showing interest in playing the guitar; he taught himself how to play and got into bands like Fall Out Boy and Green Day. Rocky later taught their younger brother Ross to play guitar and taught Riker to play the bass. Rydel, who had previously learned how to play the piano, took up the instrument again, and in October 2009 the family met Ellington Ratliff at a dance studio. Learning that Ratliff could play drums they added the final member and using Ratliff's last name they completed R5. R5 released an EP titled "Ready Set Rock" on March 9, 2010 consisting of songs written primarily by Riker and his brother Rocky along with their sister Rydel, band coach E-Vega, and vocal coach / songwriter, Mauli B. The EP was also produced by E-Vega.[2] R5 plays all throughout Southern California at such venues as the Orange County Fair, the San Diego Fair, San Diego Indie Fest, The Knitting Factory, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.