By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome the Rah’s to Jake’s Take.
The Rah’s are made up of guitarist and lead vocalist Jack McLeod, guitarist Jordan McIntyre, bassist Lee Brown, and drummer and percussionist Neale Gray. The Rah’s music has caught the attention of music lovers from around the world. Based in their hometown of Prestonpans, Scotland, the Rah’s have caught the attention of significant music outlets such as All Access Music, Indie Buddie, Spill Magazine, and Vents Magazine.
The band will have a busy month ahead as they will release their latest “Land of the Dreamers” on March 1. The Rah’s will also travel across Scotland on their March tour that includes stops in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Edinburgh.
In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, the Rah’s opened up about their origin story, overcoming the challenges of breaking into the international music market, and teased their upcoming tour.
Jacob Elyachar: Could you please share the Rah’s origin story with my readers?
Jack McLeod: We originally formed in 2009 and 2010 as a cover band that played at local pubs. Then, we decided to attempt writing original material. As soon as we started composing original songs, the band decided to go down this route. We changed our original name from Feedback (we knew it was an awful name) to the Rah’s. We have been toured across Scotland and traveled to Ireland for gigs, studio time, and been turning heads around the world.
Jacob Elyachar: In your humble opinion, how does the Rah’s sound standout against other alternative rock bands?
Jordan McIntyre: We play what we want, no matter if it crosses the genre boundary. Every time the Rah’s take the stage, we give 100-percent our effort and energy. It is obvious that everyone will have different opinions about a band’s sound, but we try to cover and mix as many genres as possible to generate “our sound”.
Lee Brown: The Rah’s sound might be probably similar to many bands. All musical groups have influences, but for us it is not about a “genre” or a “sound.” We love what we do and will continue to make music until the enjoyment fades.
Jacob Elyachar: What are some of the challenges that the Rah’s face breaking into the international music market? How did the band overcome these obstacles?
Jack McLeod: It is always going to be hard “making it.” If you focus too much on that or how good other bands are doing overseas, then the natural feeling is jealous. However, it is easy to overcome it if you put your focus on the determination to prove to everyone listening that we are “good enough.” The obstacles are pretty obvious really, funds and time being the main ones. Having a large bank balance would help us get overseas to play gigs, but we have to be patient, wait for that label or whatever to back us and lead the way. We all have standard five days a week jobs which makes it hard for time off and the amount we put in we do not see back so again it is determination and a sheer passion for what we are doing which will hopefully get us over those hurdles!
Jacob Elyachar: In the middle of March, The Rah’s will travel across Scotland. What can your fans expect from this four city tour? Also, has the band thought about expanding the tour to England or Ireland?
Neale Gray: ENERGY! As always! We have cranked up the knobs a little in recent shows to make a mark, not just on people’s eardrums but hopefully on the music map. We did think about expanding, but we loved Scotland and decided, for now, it would be best to concentrate on our area to boost the fan base and treat the loyal support to a selection of gigs.
Jacob Elyachar: If you had the chance to meet with aspiring bands who want to break into the music world, what advice would you share with them?
Jack McLeod: Be determined, do not let any outside influences get in the way of what you are doing. Keep trucking on, it only takes one hit… look at Chumbawamba. (Laughs) Peace!
For more information about the Rah’s, visit their website!
You can also visit the Rah’s social media channels. Visit their Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter & YouTube channels.
