The Artist

The Story

Rory Max Kaplan (RMK) is a powerhouse New York–based musician and actor, best known for his standout performances in Broadway hits Jersey Boys and A Bronx Tale. Offstage, RMK commands attention as the frontman of RM Kooldahu (formally RMK & The Elemental Union) — a genre-blending band delivering a high- energy fusion of classic rock, modern pop, and cinematic production.

RM Kooldahu is available on all streaming platforms and has garnered international radio play, with repeated features across major UK radio outlets and multiple stations throughout the U.S.

At the heart of RMK’s music is a rare and deeply personal collaboration: a father-son creative team. Rory composes and records with his father, Kip Kaplan — a seasoned singer/songwriter, original member of NYC’s Right Track Recording team, and lead singer/songwriter for Sidewalk (1976). Together, they bring decades of musical craftsmanship into a modern context, weaving storytelling, soul, and sonic innovation into every track.

Live, RM Kooldahu is a force of nature. Their mission: get heads banging and bodies moving. With thunderous grooves, ripping guitars, and powerhouse vocals, the band delivers a show that’s as emotionally rich as it is electrifying — uniting audiences through music that hits you in the chest and stays with you long after the lights come up.

The Band

Addison Ford - Bass

From sweaty clubs to packed theaters, Addison has toured with national acts as the go-to hired bassist known for bringing consistency, tone, and a no-ego attitude.

A founding member of what was RMK & the Elemental Union, Addison holds down the low end of RM Kooldahu with a Japanese Fender Jaguar and the kind of gear knowledge that keeps the whole ship sailing smooth.

Andy Amato - Drums

Andy Amato is a seasoned drummer with a rich history in the alternative and pop music scenes. He was the driving force behind the drums for Letter to the Exiles on Facedown Records from 2006 to 2014, and also lent his talent to Alove for Enemies in 2007. Following that, Andy joined Brooklyn indie, progressive rock, shoegaze band, Glass Lungs, playing with them from 2016 until 2024. He's also brought his versatile drumming skills to the pop world, performing with Graystar. He's now the driving force of RM Kooldahu (formally RMK & the Elemental Union), bringing thunderous-infectious grooves to the live stage.

Ben Dotson -
Systems Designer/Playback Engineer

Ben Dotson is a NY–based producer and audio engineer whose early work was rooted in the city’s underground bass scene. A Konkrete Jungle NYC resident for over a decade, he was an active presence in New York’s drum and bass and dubstep community.

He is the founder of Code of Arms Records, NYC’s first dubstep label, and co-founder of the early-2000s event company Bass Fueled Mischief, helping create platforms for UK bass music in the city. His work as a producer and A&R led to projects including Wu-Tang Clan Meets the Indie Culture: Enter the Dubstep and many others.

Ben brings precision and sonic architecture to RM Kooldahu.

Matt SanGiovanni - Lead Guitar

Matt SanGiovanni is a prolific multi-instrumentalist and two-time graduate of Berklee College of Music. With experiences ranging from Broadway to international touring to local rock venues and jazz clubs, his versatility is a force to be reckoned with. He was seen touring the world with New Orleans legend, Trombone Shorty and can be heard on the original cast albums for the Broadway shows Water for Elephants and Real Women Have Curves, as well as Maria Wirries's Summer Ends EP, which he also produced and mixed. Matt joined the band in late 2025 as a member of The Elemental Union and has grown to be an integral piece of the puzzle - growing and shaping the sound that is now RM Kooldahu. Check out www.mattsangiovanni.com for more details.

Kip Kaplan -
Composer/Keys/Vocals

Kip Kaplan began his song writing career at the age of 14 in Philadelphia PA. By 1972 he made his way to NYC and formed Sidewalk with guitarist Scott Landon. Their album has since been re-issued on vinyl and released worldwide by Jackpot Records. In the 80's, he went on to form the Kip Kaplan Band and recruited talents such as Doanne Perry (Jethro Tull), Larry Saltzman (Paul Simon), Mark Rivera (Billy Joel) and several others. He is currently the founder, CEO of AudioWorks Producers Group in NYC and co-song writer, recording keys player and backing vocalist for the RM Kooldahu (former Elemental Union).

Michael Herlihy - Guitar/Keys

The newest edition to RM Kooldahu - Michael is a multi-instrumentalist and producer based in NYC. You can see him playing guitar on Broadway's Titanique, where he is featured on the original soundtrack. He can also be heard playing in projects like "5 Day Forecast", and "Stray". Michael brings his talents to RM Kooldahu bouncing back and forth between killer guitar riffs and grooving piano and synth rhythms and solos. @m.herlihy