Hailing from a small town in northwestern Connecticut, DJ Ras J launched his first radio program on WECS 90.1 FM at Eastern Connecticut University in 1989. His groundbreaking show ‘Ewadjo’ included roots reggae, psychedelic rock, hip hop, in-studio dub mixes, and a live freestyle session, one of the first in the country. It was during college that he first djed in front of a crowd, opening for the
Wailers in 1992. After graduating, he went on to work as an intern at the legendary Cold Chillin' Records, as a roadie for dancehall legend Super Cat, as a road manager for the Now Born Click, and promoted the Bambu Nation party series in NYC. He also worked on marketing projects for Buju Banton, Red Fox, Tony Rebel, Born Jamericans, Patra, and Jimmy Cliff. Ras J eventually found his way back to the turntables in 2002 in North Carolina, opening a sold-out show for Buju Banton at the legendary Cat's Cradle. Since then, he has gone on to open for Lee Scratch Perry, Steel Pulse, Culture, T***s & the Maytals, Capelton, Half Pint, the Budos Band, and many more. His decade-long residency SIMMER DOWN: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival, launched in 2008, foreshadowed the current global vinyl renaissance. He performed at Moogfest and opened for Grammy winners Black Uhuru in 2016, at the Chesapeake Bay Reggae Fest in 2017 & 2018, and at the 420 Festival in Raleigh in 2019. Ras J made his first motion picture cameo in "The Herb Train" on Amazon Prime in 2020. In 2021, Ras J opened for Khruangbin at the Band Together Festival and performed with Genesis Owusu at Motorco in 2022. This past summer, Ras J hosted at month-long residency at Boxyard, RTP in Durham. He currently spins at local sessions with the Triangle Soul Society and The Vinyl Exchange, and also co-hosts the Grassroots Vinyl Lounge at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival. One love, vinyl & unity.
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February 2011 DJ Profile in Yes! Weekly
http://www.yesweekly.com/triad/article-11508-triad-dj-profile.html
Free Roots Download:
http://www.mixcrate.com/djrasj/ital-session--74057
DJ handle: DJ Ras J
What it means: Ras as in Rasta, just a nickname from college. McGurk
What I play: A bit of a hacker guitarist, from the turntables I spin mostly vintage roots reggae vinyl. Upcoming shows: Opening for the Budos Band at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro Feb. 20. My monthly residency is “Simmer Down: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival” every fourth Saturday at Talulla’s (456 W. Got in the game: 1989 at WECS 90.1 FM in Willimantic, Connecticut. Why I do it: I was always into music and made a lot of mixtapes as a kid. In college I hosted a pretty popular radio show, which led to many connections in the industry. After that I worked in the music business in NYC until 1995 and eventually moved down here in 1997 and worked in commercial radio and for Redeye Distribution. There just wasn’t a very strong roots reggae scene in the area, so I created a party where folks could hear music from Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Alton Ellis, Jacob Miller and other foundation artists. Music has the power to uplift and unite people. Influences: I’m all over the place musically, from Jimi Hendrix to Thievery Corporation to old jazz and soul records. I was a roadie for Super Cat and Wild Apache and also an intern at Cold Chillin’ Records back in the day. As a DJ, I draw inspiration from all my local DJ friends, as well as legendary cats like David Rodigan and Afrika Bambaataa. First pro gig: Opened up for the Wailers when I was in college at Eastern Connecticut State University. Studio work: Just a few mix cds over the years, the best selling one being Ital Session from 2009. My style: I like to create a classic 1970s sound-system vibe, burn incense and build up the positive energy. Personal playlist: Lots of vintage reggae, classic rock, jazz, blues and electronic stuff. Favorite albums: Bi***es Brew by Miles Davis, Super Cat’s Don Dada, BDP’s Criminal Minded and Muddy Waters’ Electric Mud. My gear: Technics 1200 MKII turntables, Shure M44-7 Jico 2s, Roland Space Echo, Ecler Nuo 4 Mixer, Custom dub siren, SM58 mic. Website: reverbnation.com/djrasj and facebook.com/djrasj
I’d like to add: Just played an incredible gig at Patty Boom Boom in Washington DC last week with DJ J-Bone. I really love all the live music in this area and the community of local musicians, artists and DJs. It is a blessing to be able to be exposed to so much great music. I bring greetings of peace & love to one and all.
