Hot Local Band The Rice Cakes
Kalena Crafton, GoLocalProv Contributor
Hot Local Band The Rice Cakes
The talented threesome mix an array of instruments with vocal harmonies to weave together a tapestry of chilled out musical styling. “Our music compiles tons of different sounds especially since we are all into so many different styles of music,” says lead singer Roz Raskin. “Progressive and experimental but catchy and accessible.” The band’s unique, experimental style is unmatched and impossible to recreate with Raskin’s flowing voice over the beats and melodies of drummer Casey Belisle and musical whiz, Justin Foster.
Great energy
Raskin, Belisle, and Foster have all been artists living and working with other projects in RI since 2006. In 2009 The Rice Cakes were created and they have dedicated themselves to making new, fun music. They quickly released their debut album, The Friend Ship, that year, followed by Monster Man in August 2011. “It's a great energy between all of us,” Raskin says. This energy radiates on stage, where the trio each play a wide range of instruments, switching off and taking turns between songs. The band plays everything from the glockenspiel, to the drums, keyboard, guitars and vocals again.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRecent winners of WBRU’s Rock Hunt last month, this band’s immense potential has been recognized and catapulted forward. “It was an awesome experience to be part of the Rock Hunt and working with them since winning has already been extremely beneficial for us," Raskin says. "We've been playing and touring since 2006 and it feels good to be recognized for our music and hard work.” The band is now receiving radio airtime, and on a U.S. tour, a step up from their humble beginnings on the underground music scene in Providence.
Touring far, coming home
However, the Rice Cakes aren’t going to forget where they started out, drawing their inspiration from the place they call home. “There is so much great music and art coming out of Providence right now and we are extremely inspired by that creative energy," Raskin says. "Also, living on a coast rules,” she says about living and working in RI. “It has a great arts scene which I think is extremely valuable.”
As a female lead singer, Raskin encourages young women to explore music, and to never let obstacles get in the way. “Being a female musician has and continues to be difficult but I feel that slowly changing. I have had some very unfortunate sexist experiences in the past, but I see quite a bit of support emerging in support of women in rock and in music in general.”
Hear them this weekend
On their U.S. tour now, The Rice Cakes are well in gear to promote their music. “We are trying to hit the road as much as possible this year and we will be releasing a 7 inch record sometime before the new year,” Raskin says. Don’t miss a chance to check them out live at their upcoming show, and last stop on their tour, May 5th at The News Café in Pawtucket for a special Cinco de Mayo Smash with 7 other talented local bands. Click here for details and tickets.
Visit the Rice Cakes and learn more at their Web site, or on Facebook.
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