Seattle’s Radio Raheem formed in 2011 out of the ashes of several local bands, and not by chance. Founding members, bass player/producer, Paul Chistofferson, and guitar player, Bryan Cohen were set on having some fun The two began writing 80’s influenced upbeat rock and new wave songs that would inspire requisite dancing and general happiness.
Soon after, saxophonist/keyboard player, Trevor Rasmussen, knock out vocalist Josie (Josephine Howell) and former Mayfield Four drummer Zia Uddin joined the band and in 2012 Radio Raheem released their first album, Down For The Get Down produced by Jonathan Plum at London Bridge Studio. The lead single “Push the Party” featuring Shock G of Digital Underground charted and peaked at #12 on college and indie radio stations across the country.
In 2013 the band collaborated with producer Martin Feveyear and put out the 7 track EP titled Raheem Rising featuring “Calling the World” – Radio Raheem’s signature song. Over the next two and a half years, the band hit the live circuit, playing local venues such as the Tractor, Crocodile, Sunset, High Dive and Barboza room. They have garnered spots on festivals like FolkLife (multiple years), Oktoberfest, Macefield Festival, Beneath the Block festival, the 2013 Rock and Roll Marathon and opening for national touring act like St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Battle Tapes.
In the meantime, local Seattle press were feeling the good vibes, KUOW calling them, “rock music with a gospel heart” and longstanding local scribe Gene Stout quipping, “If Seattle funk/rock/soul band Radio Raheem had a mission statement, it would likely be “to have fun, get the people dancing and raise the roof.” ”
In 2015 Radio Raheem teamed again with producer Feveyear to create new music, this time with the focus on stripping down their sound to shine a light on Josie’s killer vocals, catchy choruses and songs that get people on the dance floor. It’s also worth mentioning that the live band, has also incorporated Josie’s daughter Chyee Howell to lend stellar backups to her mom’s lead.
The resulting record Time Code Exile is Radio Raheem’s most effective and powerful set of songs to date. Augmented by the horn section of Trevor Rasmussen and Seattle horn legend Skerik, tracks like “2 Live for the City” and the Ska flavored “Come on Come on” highlight Josie’s soulful vocals and the band’s love of a catchy hook. “On this record we focused on the beat, the hooks and the vocals,” said Bryan Cohen. “Getting Josie’s vocals nice and out front was the goal and I think we succeeded!” Other notable songs are the Yaz influenced “Heartbreak in Space” and “Dear Charles” a track about Josie’s eldest son serving life in federal prison.