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Jonah Rapino is a luminary in the Boston
OUTER music scene having performed with
his group Devil Music in forms as varied
as “rock group” to silent film accompanists.
He is also a crucial player in perhaps
Boston’s most amazing band, the Ethio-funk
group Debo Band.

Jonah’s new album “High” was inspired by little musical ideas that I wrote for the soundtrack to “New World Order” a documentary about conspiracy theorists made by Seethink Productions.
“High” is full of shimmering guitars reflecting off of
ambient beats, and droning sequenced synths,
Vocal and violin melodies wafting by
throughout. The whole experience of this record
is of a slow drift upward toward? I cannot
help but refer to this as some real dream pop.
Do what the title suggests and put your headphones
on.

I asked Jonah a couple questions:

Got any shows coming up(i see this BRB show)…

The Blue Ribbon Band, side project country/honky tonk band of Devil Music is my last show before going to Africa for 2 months
More people really need to start coming out to these shows cause they kick mucho culo. Actually DM is playing in Peekskill NY
and this big performing arts center but if you already can’t make it out the Midway, how are you going to make it to Peekskill?
Wens Jan 19th Midway Cafe 5$ 21+ BRB really does start at 9:30 but plays till 11 and Volcano Kings from Providence after that.

Any plans of performing this record?

I plan on doing a live performance of the music from High at some point in the summer of 2011 (pssssst…Dan will you set up this show for me?)
Brendon Wood from Devil Music is also working on a solo album and hopefully he will also perform at that show.

What are you working on next?

I’m traveling to Africa for 2 months and plan on making a new solo album of music that is inspired by the music I’ve experienced over there
already, and the music that I will be experiencing very soon when I’m there. Also hoping to collaborate with some musicians that I meet over there.
I want it to be a mix of traditional African rhythms melodies plus samples of musicians street sounds animals etc with whatever grimy dance beats and violin sounds i can
mix in with it. Looking forward to it.

What do you think of all this snow?

Totally beautiful! I went sledding for the first time in years yesterday. I can’t lie though, I am very excited to be leaving the coldness of New England
for two months of summer at the equator. We all deserve that, but its my turn to actually do it.

LISTEN TO: Jonah Rapino – High

More:
http://www.jonahrapino.com/
http://www.massdist.com
http://www.devilmusic.org