Pioneer of the SoCal reggae-rock scene and founding member of Long Beach Dub All Stars, RAS-1, has released his brand new lyric video for the track "Take Me Home" today. The song and video are an emotionally stirring tribute to his late father, Richard Smith. Find "Take Me Home" on streaming platforms HERE and watch the video below.
Speaking on today's release, RAS-1 shares
“I wanted this video to pay respect and love for my dad. I didn’t want it to be your average lyric video. My dad was a very charming, funny man and an excellent father. RIP Richard Smith.”
"Take Me Home" features on RAS-1's upcoming self-titled EP due out on Fat Wreck label imprint, Bottles To The Ground on May 19th. Produced and co-written by Fat Mike of NOFX, the track also appeared on the recent 'Bottle Music For Broken People' label compilation alongside new music from Fishbone, Codefendants, Melvinator, The Meffs, The Skints and more (listen here). RAS-1 also gave an intimate live performance of the track as part of the 'Campfire At Fatty's' release on Fat Mike's Fat Mic YouTube channel. Watch HERE.
RAS-1 will be playing a handful of SoCal shows in the coming months. Get tickets and further info HERE.
April 1 @ Garden Amp in Garden Grove, 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 At All” 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!