Pioneer of the SoCal reggae-rock scene and founding member of Long Beach Dub All Stars, RAS-1, has released new single "California Radio" today. Find the track on streaming platforms HERE and watch the video below.
Speaking on today's release, RAS-1 shares
“I got a ghettoblaster for Christmas when I was 14, and I never left home without it. From the block to the beach I shared the soundtrack of my life. Be it Fishbone, Black Flag, Yellow Man, or Dio…. I couldn’t live without my radio.“
"California Radio" follows previous single, "Take Me Home" (co-written and produced by Fat Mike of NOFX) an emotional tribute to RAS-1's late father and features on his upcoming self-titled EP produced by Jungle Josh and due out on Fat Wreck label imprint, Bottles To The Ground on June 1st. The artwork for the EP, the "California Radio" single and the lyric video were all designed by famed poster artist EMEK. Pre-orders for the EP are available HERE.
RAS-1 will be playing a handful of SoCal shows in the coming months. Get tickets and further info HERE.
April 22 @Seales in Huntington Beach, CA
May 7 @ Sealegs in Huntington Beach, CA
July 8 @ Dipiazza’s in Long Beach, CA
ABOUT RAS-1
RAS-1 (Richard Arthur Smith) is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist. RAS-1 was an original member of LONG BEACH DUB ALL STARS, the band co-founded in 1996 by SUBLIME’S bassist and drummer, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, after the untimely passing of Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell.
RAS-1 became a principal member of the collective on both guitar and lead vocals, while penning many of the LBDA classics including his signature first single “Trailer RAS” and the hit “SUNNY HOURS” featuring WILL.I.AM of the multi-platinum hip-hop superstars BLACK EYED PEAS. These tracks, in addition to other fan favorites including “Rolled Up” and “Rosarito” from the LB DUB albums 'Right Back' (1998) and 'Wonders of the World' (2001), were released as one of the first artists and earliest album collections on David Geffen’s newly formed Dreamworks label.
Born and raised in North Town Long Beach to musical parents, RAS‘s mother, Dora Gail Smith sang for the all-girl Long Beach Jazz Quintet, DREAM. His father, Richard Smith was also known to play guitar while supporting his family working for the Union Pacific Railroad. RAS-1 began his musical career as a teenager in a band THE GRIFFIN with his songwriting cousin, J-Sun, who currently plays with STONEWING. JAH CHILDREN was RAS-1’s next original band, often playing on the same bill as SUBLIME at Long Beach backyard parties and punk rock clubs. A membership in local thrashers ALL DAY followed featuring PENNYWISE alumni Randy Bradbury and cohort Paul McFadden. RAS-1 additionally sang and played lead and rhythm guitar in SHORTBUS, a side project with SUBLIME’S bassist Eric Wilson, guitarist Trey Pangborn of FALLING IDOLS.
For 2 decades RAS-1 has maintained his own style while collaborating with legends along the way and is respected in the California reggae-jam scene as an architect of both the style and sound stemming from Southern California’s vibrant musical subculture.
RAS-1’s visual art is highly stylized Southern California cool. RAS-1 finds ZEN through the medium of paint and is often commissioned for custom work with various well-known brands and entities to design skateboards and other essential gear.
NOW, RAS-1 returns as a SOLO ARTIST with a full band. After RAS-1 father’s passing, and with deepening health issues of his own, RAS-1 began a profound journey of self-discovery culminating in the poignant and honest requiem “Take me Home”.
A brand new album is in the works with the finishing touches being applied to an EP of new material including “Not Sorry" and “California Radio,” which were recently debuted during his high profile comeback slot on the inaugural CaliVibes Festival (Feb 2022). RAS-1’s unique songwriting and gritty authenticity brings it back to that original roughneck Long Beach reggae sound with an eye and ear towards the future.
RAS-1 is back, and his soul and his sound are healthier than ever!