Introducing…Ra Ra Rasputin (DC)
Washington DC’s Ra Ra Rasputin have developed a reputation for their energetic live performances and sincere approach to dance music.
They have quickly become one of the city’s most popular local acts. DCist.com describes them as “a live act that reliably can get asses not only in the door, but shaking on the floor with their infectious dance punk.”
The group began when Brock Boss (vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion) ordered a drink from Anna Rozzi (vocals, keyboards, guitar) at a local DC dive bar. Their conversation was riddled with shared exclamations of “I love that band!” and the two decided to start writing music together. Brock invited Ken Quam (drums, percussion), a standout drummer from the local music scene, to join them. The group’s lineup was completed with the addition of Patrick Kigongo (guitar, bass, percussion), who enthusiastically responded to a prank Craigslist ad that Brock had posted.
Having solidified their lineup, the group began practicing in an unventilated warehouse in NE Washington DC. Boldly, they booked their first show before they had even finished writing three songs and in June 2007 played a full set for an enthusiastic and responsive DC crowd. The group’s early shows at venues like the Velvet Lounge and Wonderland Ballroom were loud and sweaty affairs. Word of mouth spread quickly about their energetic and unpolished approach to dance rock. Soon, the band graduated to larger venues in DC and began to play regularly in New York City.
As time progressed, Ra Ra Rasputin’s sound became more focused. The acquisition of vintage synthesizers and more percussion allowed these multi-instrumentalists to incorporate the sounds of Talking Heads, New Order, afrobeat drumming and European disco. Never afraid to experiment in concert, they regularly treated listeners to new material, often developing songs based on the crowd reactions.
Ra Ra Rasputin’s popularity in the Washington area has allowed them to open for touring acts such as NOMO and Love Is All and perform at the city’s most celebrated venue, The 9:30 Club. In August 2009, they were selected by Metromix as one of DC’s Top 5 Hottest bands and in October 2009, they were selected to perform at the CMJ Music Festival in New York City.
Currently, RRR are playing concerts up and down the East Coast, writing new material and working to record their debut EP.
Click through the photo to get to their myspace.
Come check out Ra Ra Rasputin at 10 pm this Saturday April 10 at All Souls Unitarian Church.
