MHBOX recently had the pleasure of speaking with Keith Powell Jr aka Rough House from Rhaatid. You can read the full exclusive interview below.
Rhaatid is a dynamic rock reggae band led by Manchester-born singer and bassist Rough House (Keith Powell Jr.), who is making waves in Germany’s music scene. Although he wasn’t well-known in Jamaica, Rough House has successfully fused rock and reggae, allowing him to reach diverse audiences across Europe.
Formed with keyboardist Ajani from Portmore, Jamaica, guitarist Pomez from Germany, and drummer Raul Pfeffer from Kazakhstan, Rhaatid’s sound is reminiscent of Rootz Underground but with a harder edge. Their self-titled debut album is set for release in January, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and inspire positive change. In addition to his work with Rhaatid, Rough House is promoting his single “A Woman’s Worth” which will be part of his upcoming roots reggae album. For him, music is a powerful means of expressing the experiences and emotions of his Jamaican heritage.
INTERVIEW
What inspired you to start a rock reggae band, and how did your Jamaican roots influence the sound of Rhaatid?
The idea to start a rock reggae band was born out of our exposure to a diverse range of music during our time in Europe. My musical partner, the guitarist of Rhaatid, has a deep passion for both rock and reggae music. Personally, I have always been drawn to rock music. The fusion of these influences, along with the heavy reggae bassline I bring to the table, has played a significant role in shaping the unique sound of Rhaatid.
You’ve managed to blend rock and reggae in a way that appeals to audiences across Europe. How did you find the right balance between these genres?
Finding the right balance between rock and reggae was definitely a challenge for us. It took us about three months of constant tweaking to realize that splitting the song into two distinct parts was the key. Rather than attempting to merge the two genres into one, we discovered that separating the song into a reggae segment and a rock segment allowed us to maintain the authenticity of each style while still creating a cohesive sound.
How did the diverse backgrounds of the band members – from Jamaica, Germany, and Russia – shape Rhaatid’s unique sound and style?
The multicultural makeup of our band has been instrumental in shaping the sound and style of Rhaatid. Our drummer, who is from Kazakhstan and also a DJ with a strong affinity for dancehall music, brings a unique perspective to the group. Additionally, the diverse range of musical influences and experiences of each band member contributes to the richness and diversity of Rhaatid’s musical
Your debut album is set to release in January. What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from it?
Our debut album covers a wide range of topics that reflect our daily experiences and struggles. We hope that listeners will find solace and inspiration in our music, providing them with a soundtrack to accompany them through life’s challenges and triumphs.
In what ways do you feel Rhaatid’s music can help bridge cultural gaps and inspire positive change?
Rhaatid’s music serves as a bridge between different cultures by highlighting the common themes and messages shared between rock and reggae music. Our songs often touch on issues of social justice, political activism, and giving a voice to the marginalized. By uniting fans of both genres, Rhaatid aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of.