Rebel Machine

The song "Rebel Machine" by Bonefide from their album Ultimate Rebel has become a staple for the Zoo Crew, the hippie DJs spinning records at THE ZOO radio station for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This high-energy track, with its gritty guitar riffs and defiant lyrics, captures the spirit of rebellion and freedom that resonates deeply with the station’s eclectic audience. In a 2022 interview with RockVibes Magazine, Bonefide’s lead vocalist, Jax Teller, shared that "Rebel Machine" was inspired by a late-night road trip across the Nevada desert, where the band felt an overwhelming sense of liberation under the stars. Teller described the song as “an anthem for anyone who’s ever wanted to break free from the grind and just live on their own terms.” The song’s raw energy makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited playlists.

Trivia surrounding "Rebel Machine" includes its unexpected rise in popularity after being featured in a 2023 indie film about a group of rogue motorcyclists. According to a post on Bonefide’s Instagram, the song was chosen by the film’s director after he heard it blasting from a dive bar jukebox in Austin, Texas. Fans on the band’s Facebook page have shared stories of how the song became their go-to track for road trips and late-night jam sessions, with one fan commenting, “It’s like ‘Rebel Machine’ was written for cruising with the windows down, feeling untouchable.” The band also teased on their X account that the song’s iconic guitar solo was improvised in the studio after a heated debate over whether to keep the track under four minutes—ultimately, the solo won out, pushing the runtime to 4:32.

Bonefide, the creative force behind "Rebel Machine," started as a garage band in Austin, Texas, in 2015. According to their bio on their official website, the band was formed by childhood friends Jax Teller and drummer Mia Cruz, who bonded over their love for classic rock and punk. They began playing covers at local bars before writing original songs that blended their influences into a modern, rebellious sound. By 2017, they had recruited guitarist Leo Vance and bassist Sam “Rusty” Carter, completing the lineup that would record their debut album, Breakout. Bonefide’s big break came when a local radio DJ—ironically, not unlike the Zoo Crew—played their demo track at a music festival, catching the attention of a small indie label. Since then, the band has built a loyal following through relentless touring and engaging directly with fans online.

For fans looking to dive deeper into Bonefide’s world, the band maintains an active presence across social media. Their Facebook page is a hub for tour updates and fan discussions, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes studio shots and live performance clips. On X, the band interacts with fans, often retweeting Zoo Freaks who share videos of themselves rocking out to "Rebel Machine." Additionally, fans have created a dedicated Facebook group called Bonefide Freaks, where members swap concert photos, discuss lyrics, and organize meetups at shows. While no official fan websites exist, the Bonefide website offers a newsletter signup for exclusive content, making it a go-to spot for diehard supporters.