RAGING GEISHA :: Press

Band of the Hour: Miami Herald - Sept 2008

By Rayme Samuels
(View the article on Miami.com)

With the energy of rock, attitude of the streets and presentation of an intelligently composed pop act, Raging Geisha dish it up for an eager following in South Florida. The name conjures up images of a woman traditionally trained to be sexy and complacent, but instead takes that energy and rebels, ultimately taking control of her life and destiny. Having already played across the country, this group has found great success in pushing their unique beats.

The band members (Erica Sommer, lead vocals; Dave Siegel, bass; Jacin Nagao, guitar; Omar Tavarez, drums) have known each other for six years since meeting at the University of Miami. Dave and Erica reconnected a few years later in the music world, when they were both working on projects for Miami soundman Emilio Estefan. On his own, Dave has written and co-produced songs for artists like Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson and Enrique Iglesias. Most recently, he co-wrote T.I.'s number 1 pop song on the Billboard charts, "Whatever You Like". Along with the other members of Raging Geisha, the hits keep on coming.

Referring to the group's front woman, Erica, Dave said, "Something that we hope people everywhere in general take away from our shows is the image of a confident, sexy woman -- not to mention one who is African-American -- leading a band of guys, channeling the energy of the band and the songs, not only inspiring everyone but hopefully even projecting a positive role model for women and women of color." Erica, who finds influence in powerful rock singers like Steven Tyler, Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson, serves as the perfect vocalist for a band that inspiration in the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce with the rock energy of rockers like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Van Halen.

Their song "Shoot" sounds like something you'd hear at any club on the Beach. It brings that perfect blend of party beats and sexy Miami flair. They recently released a ballad called "The Way That He Wants Me" on adult contemporary radio, which garnered a great response from listeners. For those who want even more, their album Memoirs of a Rager is available on iTunes.

Miami New Times - July 26, 2007

By Arielle Castillo
(View the article on MiamiNewTimes.com)

Raging Geisha's frontwoman, Erica Sommer, is all about manipulating contrasts. There's the inherent contradiction of her band's name. There's the music, which incorporates equal parts crunching guitar rock and Timbaland-style beats and samples. Then there's her persona: sweet but fiery, sometimes rightfully PO'ed. See, Sommer is a black woman in rock and roll, a person who defies the stereotypes with which major-label execs can easily deal. Try to name one such woman to break through the mainstream in the past 20 years (so forget that easy Tina Turner answer). Maybe Neneh Cherry, in the Eighties and Nineties? More recently, whatever happened to, say, Kina or Fefe Dobson?

The phrase "too bad" would be a criminal understatement. But until the music industry catches up with a society in which gender, race, and artistic genre boundaries are increasingly becoming irrelevant, the enlightened among us can enjoy Raging Geisha on intimate turf. Onstage Sommer is gorgeous and commanding. The group produces pop-oriented bangers that could easily straddle formats on modern radio. Saturday's performance likely will be the group's last for the summer, says Sommer. The band will be shooting a music video, playing shows in Philly and New York, and heading back to the lab to record some more tracks. - Arielle Castillo

And Now For Something Completely Different
January 30, 2007

By Bella
(View the blog on Afrobella.com)

I think the New York Times style section is reading my mind.

First they do a story on curly hair, now this week, a story about black rock music lovers. I've been mulling a post on black women in rock since last October, but never got around to writing it. Now here we are, months later and the Times has revealed a new term for these outsiders to the rock scene - "blipsters."

The Modern Age had a fitting take on the new word, and I agree. Stop trying to make "blipsters" happen!

Either way, the article captures a growing phenomenon right now - black artists making inroads into what has become an almost monolithically white genre. Through the article, I learned about AfroPunk, a 2003 documentary made by James Spooner that has evolved into an internet movement.

Spooner's upcoming film White Lies Black Sheep takes a fictionalized look at a black kid trying to fit into a scene that isn't tailor-made to fit him.

The trailer for AfroPunk really makes me want to see the documentary, and learn more about that particular feeling of otherness. I mean, if people are out there saying Barack Obama "isn't black enough," what kind of response do these kids get from their own people?

I knew one black girl who was into a totally different scene at college - from the black lipstick, ornate outfits, and out-there jewelry she wore, I'd guess she was more goth than punk. And of course, people made fun of her for being different, and other black people said she was "trying to be white." Who says she was trying to be anything but true to herself??

Growing up in Trinidad, I listened to everything from calypso and reggae, to rap and rock. I was big into grunge, and I still listen to Pearl Jam and Nirvana to this day. Hell, tomorrow night I'm going to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, and I'm super excited (Gnarls Barkley is opening)!

Although black people tend to identify with hip hop, the number of rappers today who sample classic rock beats, drop Kurt Cobain references into their songs, and get down in random rock videos proves that the rap/rock crossover didn't stop in the days of Run-DMC.

And now, TV On the Radio, Bloc Party, and Gym Class Heroes have been getting increased airplay on MTV and rock radio, joining other famous contemporary black rock artists like Lenny Kravitz, Living Color, and Fishbone.

But I gotta ask - what about the ladies? Black chicks rock, too!

Black chicks have been rocking since the days of Johnny Cash's favorite singer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe (don't believe me? Just watch her lay down some bad-ass gospel guitar). Tina Turner has always had a rock edge, and more contemporary artists like Skin from Skunk Anansie blazed a trail in the Nineties.

Res (love Golden Boys) and Fefe Dobson have carried the torch and won MTV time in more recent years. Although, it must be noted that both of those artists seem to have been dropped by their labels. Which is a real shame. Despite the lack of mainstream attention, black women are out there leading bands, writing their own songs, and making inroads all over the genre.

Miami's Erica Sommer belts out crunk-rock as the lead singer of Raging Geisha, then tones it down singer-songwriter style with her heartfelt solo project. Chicago's Suffrajet plays Joan Jett influenced riff-rock, and Blakk Plastick sings southern Rock and soul fueled funk. Tamar-Kali is the hardcore goddess of the New York scene, and Honeychild Coleman is producing Eighties-esque dub electronica. As Mercinarias deliver the Brazilian new wave, and Imani.

Even if rock music isn't your thing, these fierce sistas deserve your attention and applause for deviating from the norm and carving their own niche. For more black rockers, check out the Black Rock Coalition and cool MySpace groups like Negroclash, and Black Rock Femmes.

And if you're black and you love rock music, ignore the haters who try to say that you don't fit in or aren't black enough. Our diversity makes us beautiful. Stay strong, hold your head up high, and rock on!

Review on the Bodog Battle of the Bands, Nov. 5th

By: Mike Sokoloff

Threads of Disloyalty started off the evening. The band was heavily influenced by Tool which was apparent not only by the fact that one of the members wore a Tool shirt, but also by their overall sound and the inclusion of a Tool cover in their set.

Dreams Lie was up second, a screamo/emo trio from Jupiter, Florida, and they put all their efforts into an excellent set. Hiatus were up next with great musicianship, an energized front man, and even a Billy Joel cover, making this band a force to be reckoned with.

Sonic Destruction played fourth and the crowd started filling in. There was an excellent effort from this band fueled by their animated frontman. Left Hand followed and proved that they had what it takes to be considered in this competition, with a set of high power alternative rock.

Up next was Big Band Radio, a five-piece band with a phenomenal sound that easily made them a top contender in this competition. By this time the place was really packing in, and they showed the excited crowd what they were all about.

Self Run Will was next at bat and they made a huge impression. Playing to a packed house, they had the audience in the palm of their hands, many singing along to their songs. They have a great sound which lends much to the Gainesville punk rock scene and makes them a top contender throughout this competition.

Formerly known as Mason Rd., rock outfit Seasons Lost took stage next and their hard edged sound got the crowd fired up and moving around. They left a big impact on the audience and judges alike.

They were followed by January. Just as they had done in their Bootcamp show, this band played an keyed up set, pleasing their fans and raising some eyebrows.

Last on the bill was Raging Geisha. The crowd started to dwindle as it was getting late, but that did not stop their momentum. The female-fronted group, with their characteristic 'beach punk' sound, put their heart into their set and set a standard for the future of this competition.

When the smoke cleared the winners were announced. We would like to congratulate Seasons Lost, Big Bang Radio, and Raging Geisha for placing second, third, and fourth respectively, and our top qualifier,Self Will Run, who simply stole the show and proved they are ready to take their act to the next level, CITY WIDE WARFARE!

Thanks for all of your efforts in making this such a successful event and keep watching for updates and event information in the coming weeks.

Your partner in Independent Music,
bodogMUSIC

REVIEW: Bodog Battle of the Bands-round 1, August 5th

By: Mike Sokoloff

Maguires was alive and buzzing with anticipation as the Bodog Music $1Million Dollar Battle of the Bands continued to heat up in sunny Florida. The show was off to a great start with BREAKING TIDES taking stage and warming up the anxious crowd with original material and a well thought out set.

They were followed by THREADS OF DISLOYALTY, a power trio from Bonita Springs who rocked the stage and got a rousing response from the audience who appreciated the effort.

Third up was CRIMSON SON, a top contender with excellent guitar work and Metallica-like vocals. The crowd came for rock, and that's what they got in all the gravel voiced beauty that made them so cool.

By this time Maguires was really starting to pack in the music-hungry fans. RAGING GEISHA was fourth up and with their En Vogue-inspired female lead vocals they won the crowd over in an instant.

By 9pm it was time to get heavy. The next two bands offered up a much harder blend rock and hardcore; SEASONS LOST was a crowd favorite and they were followed by the vocally charged SONIC DESTRUCTION who would not be outdone.

Right when things seemed to be winding down, PSYCHO TOILETS took stage and rocked out while a man busted out with an easel and canvas and spastically painted during the bands set which included a Rage Against the Machine cover. A very creative idea that no doubt earned them favor among fan votes.

Last up was BIG BANG RADIO. By this time the crowd had dwindled a bit, but they still put on a stellar performance with excellent musicianship and versatile lead vocals.

When the smoke cleared the two winners were announced. We would like to congratulate RAGING GEISHA for placing second and our top qualifier SEASONS LOST who simply stole the show and proved they are ready to take their act to the next level, IN THE TRENCHES.

WILD CARD WINNERS are still being considered and will be announced following the tally of crowd voting for the fan favorite. Please visit www.bodogmusic.com for wildcard winners and check your band profiles to see if you advance as a wildcard.