Rama Duke - We Rise (From the Film Love Don't Cost A Thing)

Severin Feat. Rama Duke - Too Good

Imagine the sonic signature of an artist whose early influences include Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s,” Veruca Salt, Tool, ‘90s grunge and Hall & Oates. Of course, the customary next statement is supposed to neatly reveal that Rama Duke—the namesake of this bio—is that very vocalist.
 
But it’s not that easy. You are about to meet a musical tour de force all to herself. Rama is a singer and songwriter with the ability to wring every iota of emotion from a lyric… and in the next verse, roar with a delicious ferocity that makes one’s bones tremble. Ask Rama to define her style: “Loud, passionate and unapologetic,” she says. “I might call it ‘grunge soul’.”
 
As one of the initial signings to Los Angeles-based multi-media/music company 1520 Entertainment, founder and CEO Jared Lee Gosselin says, “The first time I worked with Rama some years ago, I was struck by her raw, limitless passion. She puts so much of herself into every note, word and phrase; with incredible respect—and awareness of—the context of the music and the arrangement. She also understands how to universally appeal to the audience.”
 
In fact, 1520’s launch single, an inspired re-rub of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 1992 smash “Under the Bridge,” is an ideal platform for Rama’s guts and gusto. In her commanding duet with lyricist Chino XL—who was once mentored by Rick Rubin—the song serves up its message of strife and search for redemption, recharged for a new generation.
The time is now. Signed to 1520, and working directly with Grammy-winning Jared Lee Gosselin, Rama Duke is at last able to express all, front and center. He says, “We’ve known each other for so long. I’m the lucky one here.” She adds, “For so long I was asked to fit a certain mold or sing songs formulated for radio. Jared gets me.”
 
As “Under the Bridge” mounts its campaign via radio and Spotify, social media, YouTube/Vimeo and the like, Rama is working with 1520 toward her long-lived missive. “It’s true, nothing comes close to rock for me, but I see the beauty in all music and, hey I’m good at it, so why not express myself wherever it feels real,” Rama says.
 
That includes contributing vocals to a number of targeted EDM tracks aimed to propel the genre beyond its increasingly wearying radio-ready generic vocal signature. Rama is also working on a full-length project with the band A Bad Day for Sorry. But foremost is her development with Gosselin.
 
“It has taken a few turns to get here, but this is the right time and place. I know I’m heading down the right road,” Rama says. “What matters most is reaching people and sharing my message of strength and perseverance.”

Rama Duke

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