If you like dub, reggae, hip-hop, latin, funk, african, ska, and wookies, you might like Rastawookie…

www.rastawookie.com
www.myspace.com/rastawookie

A big band in comparison to most with seven musicians coming from a variety of cultural backgrounds, Rastawookie express this eclectic mix of people with the tunes they blast out, incorporating a mix of dub, reggae, drum ‘n’ bass, hip-hop, latin, funk, african, ska, dancehall, ragga and jazz.

The name Rastawookie was initially a joke about Chewbacca from the Star Wars films, being a Rastafarian with dreadlocks, but this comical name also portrays a vision shared by all of the band members; Rasta, taken from the Rastafarian belief to speak out against poverty, oppression and inequality, and the concept portrayed in Star Wars that combines all religions, races and old age philosophies. In saying this do not for one second think you are going to be seeing a group of Rastafarian preachers, this is where people make the mistake of thinking Rastafarianism is a religion when in fact it is a way of life, and Rastawookie are all about life being one big party!

Jammin’ reggae under the stars by a fire in their local hang out was how it started for long time friends and musicians Ray Ledesma and Eric Coelho, because where they came from money was scarce, so to do something positive they would create music. Inspired by their origins in Andean and Latin American music in early 2002 they joined forces with some friends met through music study to follow a vision of combining musical genres, incorporating Reggae, Latin, jazz and groove, and in turn adhering to all musical tastes in the band. So with Rob Demasi on drums, Andrew Mare on
Trumpet, a Bass player and Sax player, this formed the beginning of the episode that is Rastawookie.

The next two years saw the band evolve in both musicianship and styles. The first step of the evolution being when, DJ Patto (Pat Ordenes), a DJ with a passion for Drum n’ Bass and all that it can incorporate joined the band, with resistance from some members at first it soon became clear that the ideas he brought forward complemented the sound that Rastawookie had already established. To follow was the addition of MC Janny a sassy hard hitting vocalist. A turn of events saw the Sax player drop out and a change of bass player brought Pat Torres to the equation, completing the connective fusion of sound that these musicians share. Rastawookie are now at a stage in their career which is seeing them create, combine and perform with raw energy and vibrancy which is both unbelievably entertaining and diverse. Each musician having different roles and unique values makes this group one big Rasta family, which is seen clearly through the expression of enjoyment they portray when on stage.

Today Rastawookie stand apart from the crowd having developed a truly unique production aesthetic. The mix of the band members in not only there multicultural heritage but their individual musical preferences and styles creates a hybrid blend of melodies. Incorporating and combining so many different musical styles Rastawookie is a celebration of the voice of people all over the world.

Having collaborated for the past two and a half years, testing each and every song on many different audiences from all walks of life, their philosophy to date has been to take their music direct to the people. Road testing if you like each and every track on live audiences meanwhile continually writing new tunes, and evolving the old ones. The outcome has proved Rastawookie to be one of Sydney’s favorite live bands with sell out crowds and an always jumping dance floor.

“Rastawookie know how to fill the dance floor. This combo seems to a have special power over your hips and feet plus have the capacity to make you smile. I dig it.”
John Zucco - National Promotions Manager Shock Records Australia

“Rastawookie is an eight piece Latin funk Reggae band that will make you dance all night long. When they play it’s a winner for the audiences and the venue.”
Tal Chalak - Booker/Promoter of The Enmore Theatre, @ Newtown RSL and Hotel Bondi, Sydney

Rastawookie are currently recording their debut EP so their extremely large and loyal fan base will soon have something to take home to continue the Rastawookie experience and way of life.

If you’re looking for something different, come and join the celebrations with the party atmosphere and fresh sounds that Rastawookie bring.

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