Interview with Ras Red I

Ras Red I is creating some DUB Action! Featuring brand new DUB tracks and dub remixes by some reggae greats, this album cements Ras Red I’s reputation as one of the best grass roots dub artists in the UK. His music is currently creating a stir internationally too. This album is in homage to the great sonic pioneers of Jamaica .

‘Gweithredu’ means action in these islands oldest spoken language, Welsh, and it’s time to action DUB!

Check the project out here:

We had the chance to ask Red Ras I some questions. Here's how it went:

How did your journey with music start?

I was raised in a house where music & hi-fi were very popular. I have two older brothers who are both music obsessives with interesting tastes.. one of them (shout out Dan!) got me into reggae.. kind of backwards cos I found the dubbier side of things first before getting into the big hits too. I started playing guitar and was in a couple of silly punk bands at school and have been playing instruments and tinkering ever since. I also have an alter ego for non-reggae beats and stuff; Casper Mode.

What inspires you most?

Other musicians inspire me the most.. any genre, I always have my ears open because making music & musicians fascinate me!

This massively includes artists I work with of course, very often they may provide the spark that starts a whole song off be it a nice guitar lick (thanks Chris Mcginn) or a request for a remix (Tanti & Fitasha) they usually give me the most inspiration of all.. other artists!

What would be your dream collaboration?

I love the crisp Roots Reggae tones of The Great Earl 16 and would love to make some music with him especially. Many others too of course but respect Earl 16 you are top of the list!

Where have you performed? What is your favourite venue to play?

Most of my gigs have been local pub type affairs, some of which have been amazing (big thanks Gadd Z!) Also of note has been stuff for Bruton Dub Club.. big shout to them.. always the best line ups and vibes there! I love to play festivals too as the crowds there are usually feeling dub music and a bit of herbs which is lovely I must say!

Do you have any upcoming shows?

Yes! Speaking of which I will be showcasing my album "Gweithredu Dub" live on my dub mixing board with Bruton Dub Club at Octopus on Saturday 12th March.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would change what mostly gets pushed on mainstream radio as it grates. That and let's get streaming sites paying Gary Numan (and me) properly!

What music are your listening to lately?

Too much music to mention.. but here's a few artists that I have been loving lately: Vulfpeck, Nate Smith, Upper Cut Band (ft. Horseman!), Magugu, Double Edge.. the list goes on!

Which famous musicians do you admire and why?

The musician I most admire is Stevie Wonder I would say.. he is one of the most important figures music has had in terms of his influence on both vocals and instrumentation and he still amazes me with his voice to this day! Prince is another great for me.. the output and musicality just astounds me!

Of course I am massively influenced by the great legends of Jamaica when it comes to reggae music. Lee Perry (RIP - long may his music live on), King Tubby & Scientist's productions have captivated all of us dub fans down the decades so big thanks and respect to those and the many other sonic visionaries of JA.

Musician wise... The Hippy Boys, Roots Radics and of course Sly & Robbie (rest in power Robbie) are just a few examples of the kind of powerful session heroes who made reggae music the force it is!

How has the pandemic affected you?

The pandemic hasn't been too bad on me thankfully as I have had good company. (Ta Nesha! x)

The main drawback has been no gigs I suppose but there was a small silver lining with a bit of extra music production time during lockdowns.

What do you think of the pandemic?

Whilst I see the necessity to protect the vulnerable, I can't help wondering if the whole reaction to the pandemic has been quite a modern phenomenon. How would we have reacted differently 50 or 100 years ago? I don't know.

I feel that people's trust in media and government is at an all time low after all this which may be for the better I suppose as media and governments do tend to be dodgy, self serving bastards.

What’s next for you?

Well the album is out now so for now it's promoting that with live performances, radio promotion, interviews etc.

Then coming soon is a very exciting riddim album with a whole host of exciting singers including no less than a literal reggae superstar so keep eyes and ears peeled for that!

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