1. A rock band from California… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists with this name:
1. A rock band from California, United States
2. A psychedelic trance group from Norway
3. A post-punk band from Sweden
4. A dark metal/ambient project from Romania
5. An IDM artist from France
6. The electronic project of Ricardo Remédio
7. A jazz band from Noway
8. A hard rock band from Finland
9. A hardcore band from Massachusetts, United States
1) Musicality is the connective tissue binding and bridging Ra’s past to its present. It is also responsible for a sound so enigmatic it continues transcending time, resonating with a fan base that has yet to allow Ra to release its melodic grip on them. That grip is a culmination of years fraught with trials and triumphs and many lessons learned; however, perseverance and a passionate resolve pushed Ra far past its genesis to become a band still relevant in today’s ever-changing musical landscape.
Ra was conceptualized in 1996 under its first name “Cross Of Snow”. It was the vision of Sahaj Ticotin, who was born in NYC into an entertainment family in which his brother David would become highly regarded feature film assistant director, his sister Nancy would star on Broadway, TV and film and his sister Rachel make her name as a well known movie actress. Sahaj’s brother, Marcus, who created several entertainment properties, was one of the first to believe and invest in the band. The band went through a few lineup changes before settling on Skoota Warner, Ben Carroll and ultimately Pj Farley but those early years were spent chasing the identity of a sound they couldn’t quite catch. In 1998 the song Crazy Little Voices was chosen as the end title track for the movie “Carrie 2-The Rage”, becoming its first commercially-released track. By the end of 1998, the band recorded the demo for what would later become its most impactful introduction to the masses, Do You Call My Name.
By 1999, the band was signed to Edel America and aggressively working to record several tracks of which Do You Call My Name, Rectifier, Fallen Rock Zone, The Only One, and Sky were a few. On the surface, things were coming together; however, unbeknownst to Sahaj, Edel was restructuring and the American subsidiary was to be closed. The album and the songs were shelved.
Several months later, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 would put a stop to the world. The magnitude of loss and devastation had a profound impact on Sahaj, stoking his passion for what he knew to be his destiny…music. With songs the band could believe in and at the suggestion of Ben, the band focused on the more vibrant rock scene of New England.
Within months, the band was playing in Boston convinced they could build a strong base in what was believed to be a haven for hard rock. The fledgling Ra played at the 2002 Nemo Fest for an abysmal crowd of 18. As luck would have it, one of the 18 was a firefighter and friend of Ben’s named Jimmy Garrity, who believed so strongly in the band, he took a copy of their demo to well-known radio personality Mistress Carrie of WAAF. One spin on the air was all it took—the phones started ringing and people started showing interest. Ra’s EP “One”, was then released at the insistence of their manager, selling nearly 20,000 CDs in 2 months.
People were clearly listening and record labels were watching. In a surprising move, Universal/Republic Records, who had passed on the band only a few months before, signed the band to a two-record deal having never seen them live, but there was a catch—they had 30 days to record an album. The band completed the album in the otherwise daunting time frame. With an additional six songs recorded, co-produced and mixed by Paul Logus at Puff Daddy’s Sound on Sound studios, “One” was retitled “From One” becoming the band’s freshman release selling over 200,000 copies, while Do You Call My Name reached #10 on the active rock chart. From the delicate vulnerability delivered in Walking and Thinking to the melodic anarchy achieved in Fallen Rock Zone and Sky—”From One” showcased the band’s versatility in a manner that would secure their place in rock music.
Ra began touring and sharing the stage with industry titans such as Disturbed, Seether, Stone Sour, Korn, Shinedown, Sevendust, Breaking Benjamin and Staind to further promote the album. They would play over 200 shows that first year.
In 2004, once touring had come to an end, Sahaj returned home to prepare writing the band’s second album with co-producer Dave Schiffman. Unfortunately, due to personal hardships, he was forced to record a majority of the second album from his home, thus forfeiting the collaboration with Dave. After several months, Sahaj presented record executives with the first cut of Duality and though the record was well-written and composed, it didn’t satiate their appetite for a single. The label recommended the band work with Bob Marlette in order to produce songs that might better align with radio. From this collaboration came Tell Me, an anthem for the misguided whose lyrics are so deeply woven into the fabric of despair, you freely surrender yourself to it. Despite the colossus that is Tell Me and the valiant effort made on all accounts, the label chose to abandon the album. Simply put, Uni/Republic had spent more money than they thought they could recoup.
Things looked bleak for the band—that was until Dave Downey, the recently hired ambitious radio promotion director heard Fallen Angels (active rock peak #21). Had it not been for the insistence of Dave that the label reconsider its investment, Duality may have never seen the light of day. Original drummer Skoota Warner left the band and was replaced by a young and eager Andy Ryan who brought a more “metal” but still very funky feel to the band live. In 2005, 2 years after writing began on the album, it was released to the public. The differences between “From One” and “Duality” are notable. “From One” was a statement record, heavy hitting and in-your-face. Conversely, the vulnerable, lyrical reverence that is laced throughout “Duality” was created to re-imagine some of the band’s biggest influences. Songs like Undertaken uncover a delicate balance of sensuality and poeticism reminiscent of artists outside the genre. The ability to make rock both sensual and poetic, while remaining heavy and relevant elevated Ra to a league of their own.
In 2006, following the moderate success of “Duality”, the band and label parted ways amicably. Shortly after, Ra recorded its live album “Raw” independent of a label. Dave Downey once again advocated for the band, connecting them to Cement Shoe Records which promised the release of “Raw” as well as another studio album under a Cement Shoes contract. With the agreement in place, the band embarked on the Congress of Corruption tour with Ill Nino, Godhead, and The Dreaming. Though the label agreed to an advance and a studio album, the band saw neither. Things were amiss and Sahaj knew it. The label released “Raw”, featuring the single, Don’t Turn Away (active rock peak #26) illegally, without permission and the band aggressively left Cement Shoes in the past.
By this time, Ra had amassed a loyal following. Sahaj, determined not to allow the misguided promises and failures of the label to cause the band from releasing another album, found independent promoter Elizabeth Hodges to invest in the next record while Sahaj launched Sahaja Music Records (SMR). He then reached out to Universal to strike a distribution deal under which “Black Sun” was released. Broken Hearted Soul spent 18 weeks as a current on the charts went top 20 at active rock and the album Soundscanned 28k copies. The band toured minimally as Sahaj turned his focus to a career as a producer.
In between albums Ra released “Black Sheep” which featured b-sides going all the way back to 1994 as well as one brand new song. Supernova was featured in many lead in and lead outs for the Howard Stern Show on Sirius leading to the single getting 77k downloads on Itunes alone.
In 2013, after a successful Kickstarter, the band released Critical Mass, a seemingly effortless evolution of the band’s sound that didn’t compromise its identity. It was also a return to the bands heavier roots as well as the return of Skoota Warner on drums. The single Supermegadubstep was a wild ride that punched you in the gut from start to finish. While wildly under-promoted, many Ra fans took to the album and it received high marks from critics. The band played some shows in 2014 but was definitely more of a passion project for Sahaj at that point.
In 2016, Sahaj wrote and recorded the song We Won’t Back Down for the NHL’s Washington Capitols. It has gone on to be one of the band’s highest streamed songs.
In the 7 years since Ra’s last studio release, Sahaj has been hard at work replicating the formula for his success by producing other artists while the rest of the band has pursued independent projects; however, collectively, they feel now is the time for a comeback. What makes the timing so special is that all original members of the band will be together again to not only create the new album, but tour it as well. After a very successful re-emergence on 2020’s Shiprocked, the band has again tapped into the fan based that sustained them all these years. Intercorrupted.
In 2020 RA signed to Wake Up! Music Rocks.
Ra’s brand new album Intercorrupted has been released in 2021.
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2) Ra is a Norwegian psychedelic trance group. Ra was first founded in 1994 by Christer Borge-Lunde, also of Dimension 5, and Lars W.Lind. In 1998 they went their separate ways and Christer Borge-Lunde continued Ra primarily as a solo project. In 1998 Ra was signed with Blue Moon Productions UK and the first single Azure Child was released. In 1999 and 2000 Christer Borge-Lunde was working with Blue Moon Thailand and collaborated with Charlie Clarke which contributed on the album "To Sirius". The album was first released in Thailand in 2000 and later re-released world wide in 2001 by the German label Velvet/GTN.
In 2006 he joined Suntrip Records, releasing tracks on the compilations "Twist Dreams" (2007) and "Opus Iridium" (2008).
Ra's 2nd full length album "9th" was released on Suntrip Records in May 2008.
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3) RA is a post-punk/psychrock band formed in Malmö (Sweden) by Simon Minó, Erik Blondell, Felix Mårtensson, Martin Nilsson and Anton Gustafsson. After first releasing two singles on youtube the band recorded the EP "Bloodline" that was released in June 2013 on the record label Double Sun. The band is influenced by bands like Spacemen 3, Bauhaus and Singapore Sling.
Vocals/drums: Simon Minó
Guitar: Felix Mårtensson
Guitar: Martin Nilsson
Percussions: Anton Gustafsson
Bass: Erik Blondell
https://www.facebook.com/ramalmo
http://ramalmo.tumblr.com/
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4) RA was a dark metal/ambient project hailing from Romania, brainchild of Andrei Rusu, also known as Vlad Dracul of Agathodaimon fame. They have released two albums, "Geniu pustiu" (Hollow Genius - 1998) and "Sinnocence" (2002). One of the most notable collaborators within the project was Dan Byron, a guest of Agathodaimon, who later went to sing in Kumm, Urma and Byron.
The project is currently on hold. New demo music is available on the official MySpace page: TribalDome
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5) Ra is an IDM artist fron France named Raoul Sinier. His profile has been moved to http://www.last.fm/music/Raoul+Sinier
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6) RA (Rei Abutre) is the project of Ricardo Remédio which englobes the spectrum of IDM, witch house, 'casio-doom' and post-rock. For more information visit http://ramusicdoom.bandcamp.com/
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7) Ra is a Norwegian jazz band. Winner of Jazzintro 2000.
Ronny Andreassen (reeds), Morten Qvenild (Fender Rhodes), Ole Jørn Myklebust (trumpet), Kjetil Lunde (guitar), Karl-Erik Rønsen (bass), Erlend Lygren (drums), Stig Værnes (drums) og Andreas Veire (sound)
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8) RA is a Finnish Pharaoh-theme heavy rock band, and all the members are born in 1995. Their debut album Punainen Virta was released 25.2. 2009. Their lyrics are in Finnish.
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9) RA are the initials for Rude Awakening, A hardcore band from Merrimack Valley, USA featuring members of Death Before Dishonor, Hammer Bros. and more. MVHC
http://www.facebook.com/RudeAwakeninghc?sk=info
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Ra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ras Kass, Brady Watt
Bass and Bars come on
I speak Words of Life into mics
Then multiply the bread like Christ
Take from The Haves and fight for the Have Nots
A prodigy, like my nigga Prodigy, pardon me, RIP
A part of me miss P periodically
Probably party in Paradise, 'Pac and B.I.G
Pray for peace
Line of David, Martin and all my Kings
Promise rings to all my Queens
I got you, you got me
We all agreed
No Man Left Behind, but that block cheese got me
Ready to glock squeeze, bust off like a cocktease
Swap-meets corrupted teens that pop 'P''s
And sniff snow up they nose so much their snot freeze
We self medicate
Grind don't stop
The climb don't stop
Trying to reach the mountain top (the mountain top)
Anywhere is a place I'm from
Every day it's the same result too
With heavy weight it's a long way home
Push on thru, push on thru
Every day in this place I'm from
Nothing changes the same result
With heavy weight it's a long way home
Push on thru, push on thru
Media don't elevate us, schools miseducate us
Wrong direction
The only True North is straight up
The struggle is real I knew it
Gotta do what you gotta do until you ain't gotta do it
Feel like I'm channeling the talisman from G Rap
We meet at tracks and swing bats at Sea Biscuit kneecap
Feed me pure hip-hop I need that
Grimy type of spot smack the soundman for the feedback
Trying to do right but being broke make me relapse
A nigga dream, Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches and Pre-Wraps
Asking, "Where the G's at?" Dead or in prison
They want to steal the jewel out my head like Vision
I'm a literary artist, bars be broken hearted
From Mt. Kilimanjaro got us living in antarctic
So the grind don't stop, the climb don't stop
We die near the summit trying to find the mountain top
Anywhere is a place I'm from
Every day it's the same result too
With heavy weight it's a long way home
Push on thru, push on thru
Every day in this place I'm from
Nothing changes the same result
With heavy weight it's a long way home
Push on thru, push on thru (whoa, yeah)
Every day in this place I'm from
Nothing changes the same result
With heavy weight it's a long way home
Push on thru, push on thru
Oh, yeah, yeah (ooh)
Ooh
Yeah, yeah
Every day in this place I'm from
Push on, push on, push on
The song starts with the dedication, "Dedicated to everybody having a rough time out there, this is inspiration". It then goes into the powerful lyrics of Ras Kass, an American rapper, speaking words of life into mics and multiplying the bread like Christ. He talks about taking from the haves and fighting for the have-nots, which he has been doing since his childhood. He also mentions his friend Prodigy, who has passed away, and Martin Luther King Jr. He then promises rings to all his queens and talks about never leaving anybody behind. However, the struggles of living in the hood and the urge to get by can make him feel the need to resort to violence.
The song talks about the struggles and hardships of living in the ghetto, where the media doesn't elevate people, schools miseducate them, and the only true direction is to go straight up. Ras Kass talks about the reality of living in poverty and the struggle to make it out of it. He mentions constantly grinding and striving to reach the mountain top but how it feels like it's always out of reach. Overall, the message of the song is to keep pushing through the hard times and to never give up.
Line by Line Meaning
I speak Words of Life into mics
As an artist, I use my platform to inspire and impart knowledge to my listeners.
Then multiply the bread like Christ
I spread positivity and hope through my music, like how Jesus multiplied the bread to feed people.
Take from The Haves and fight for the Have Nots
I use my art to stand up for those who are oppressed and marginalized in our society.
Been sculpting stain glass windows since the sandbox
I have been developing my artistic talents since a very young age, like creating beautiful stained glass windows in a sandbox.
A prodigy, like my nigga Prodigy, pardon me, RIP
I am a talented artist like my friend Prodigy, who has passed away.
A part of me miss P periodically
I still miss my friend Prodigy from time to time.
Probably party in Paradise, 'Pac and B.I.G
I imagine that Prodigy, Tupac, and Biggie are together in heaven having a good time.
Pray for peace
I hope for peace and an end to violence in our society.
Line of David, Martin and all my Kings
I honor great leaders and individuals who fought for justice and equality, like Martin Luther King Jr. and King David.
Promise rings to all my Queens
I show respect and admiration to all women, treating them like royalty.
I got you, you got me
I will be there for my friends and family, and they will be there for me.
No Man Left Behind, but that block cheese got me
I believe in loyalty and teamwork, but sometimes my loyalty to my neighborhood and friends can lead me down a dangerous path.
Ready to glock squeeze, bust off like a cocktease
I am willing to use violence and force to protect myself and my loved ones, like a tease that suddenly becomes aggressive.
Swap-meets corrupted teens that pop 'P''s
My community is full of young people who are underprivileged and turning to drugs for escape.
And sniff snow up they nose so much their snot freeze
The drug problem in my community is severe, to the point where people are physically harmed by their addiction.
We self medicate
We turn to drugs and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with our problems, rather than seeking professional help.
Grind don't stop
I continue to work hard and pursue my goals no matter the circumstances.
The climb don't stop
There will always be obstacles in life, but I will keep pushing forward and striving for success.
Trying to reach the mountain top (the mountain top)
My ultimate goal is to achieve greatness and success.
Anywhere is a place I'm from
I am proud of my roots and my community, and my experiences have shaped the person I am today.
Every day it's the same result too
My community is stuck in a cycle of poverty and violence, and it's hard to break free.
With heavy weight it's a long way home
My struggles have been difficult to overcome, and it's easy to lose hope and give up.
Media don't elevate us, schools miseducate us
The media doesn't focus on the positive aspects of our community, and our education system fails us by not providing the resources we need to succeed.
Wrong direction
Our society is headed in a negative and destructive direction.
The only True North is straight up
The only way to change our situation is by working hard and striving for success.
The struggle is real I knew it
I am aware of the challenges and difficulties in my life, but I won't let them defeat me.
Gotta do what you gotta do until you ain't gotta do it
I will continue to work hard and do what I have to do to achieve success, until I can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Feel like I'm channeling the talisman from G Rap
I feel like I am inspired and influenced by the music and art of other talented artists, like G Rap.
We meet at tracks and swing bats at Sea Biscuit kneecap
My fellow artists and I collaborate and support each other, but we will also fight for our place and our art.
Feed me pure hip-hop I need that
I am passionate about true and authentic hip-hop music and art.
Grimy type of spot smack the soundman for the feedback
I perform in rough and dirty venues, but I demand quality and respect from those around me.
Trying to do right but being broke make me relapse
I try to be a good person and follow the right path, but my difficult financial situation can push me back into negative behavior.
A nigga dream, Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches and Pre-Wraps
My goals and dreams may seem small and simple, like enjoying a tasty fast food sandwich and rolling a blunt.
Asking, "Where the G's at?" Dead or in prison
I wonder where my fellow gang members and friends are, knowing that many of them have died or been imprisoned.
They want to steal the jewel out my head like Vision
People want to take advantage of my talents and ideas, like trying to steal the visions in my mind.
I'm a literary artist, bars be broken hearted
My artistic and expressive style is centered around storytelling and emotion, often delving into themes of heartbreak and struggle.
From Mt. Kilimanjaro got us living in antarctic
My community is living in a harsh and difficult environment, like going from the high elevation of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the extreme cold of Antarctica.
So the grind don't stop, the climb don't stop
No matter how tough the situation is, I will keep working hard and pursuing my goals.
We die near the summit trying to find the mountain top
We may never truly reach our ultimate goals and aspirations, but we will keep striving and pushing ourselves until the end.
Push on thru, push on thru
Keep pushing forward and persevering, no matter what the obstacles may be.
Oh, yeah, yeah (ooh)
Ooh
Yeah, yeah
Push on, push on, push on
Motivating and encouraging others to never give up and keep striving towards success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brady Watt, Carlos Homs, Michael Stafford, Riley Austin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind