Ras Iba – from Indie Label to Just Plain Indie

Ras Iba has been all over the world performing his music. Large stages accomodate him and his high energy show. His messages are positive and powerful, speaking of change, liberation, peace, love and the things that a beautiful world can be made of. He’s recently gone from the comfort of an indie label to being just plain indie. The work of getting the music together, recording, marketing and promoting is now on his shoulders. But, like a true artist, he continues to move forward because he has a mission of sending out love through music. As he said, “It’s in my blood.” For things that are “in our blood,” they don’t go away, they just get greater and stronger. We say “Jah Bless” to Ras Iba and offer prayers and blessings for him to continue doing what he does so he can reach as many people as possible with his message.

You’ve had experiences a lot of indie artists haven’t had, but actively seek. You were signed to a label. You’ve performed in other parts of the world. What was it like to be in so many different foreign countries where the language is different, customs are different? Or is it a moot point because people were just into the music?

It’s always a great blessing to be able to travel to different countries where the culture and customs are different, because you get to be exposed to that and you get a chance to learn a little bit of those cultures and customs. It also opens your mind, allowing you to be a more well rounded person because it helps you to realize that we as humans have much more in common than differences. In addition to that you get to expand your fan base.

How did the traveling impact your family – wife and children? Did they mind you being away and on the road?

I would say that the impact is minimal. Naturally my family misses me whenever I go away, but my wife doesn’t mind at all. Being a singer herself she totally understands and supports me 100%.

How did you get signed?

Well, as an artist growing up in the VI, I had some recognition as a singer. In 2002 I received a phone call from a close relative of mine who happens to be part owner of Mt. Nebo Records. He told me that they were working on a compilation CD and they wanted me to sing at least two songs on that CD. Of course, I accepted the offer and one thing led to the next and they produced my first album Jah Lion, followed by my sophomore album Many Lives.

You’ve recently left the label and have joined the ranks of independent artists. What made you make that change?

We’ll I wouldn’t say I left the label, I still work with them, but because of the economic downturn the label couldn’t afford to continue to promote their artists anymore. So that’s how I would say I joined the ranks of independent artists. Now I’m fully responsible and in control of my career.

How is the experience going now with doing everything yourself — marketing your own music, being responsible for your own web presence and such?

It’s a lot of work, you’re constantly working, it’s literally a full time job, but it’s rewarding because you’re working for yourself. I know I’m in full control of my career now, so there’s no excuses, what I put in is what I’ll get out.

We heard you have a lofty goal of being able to play the guitar in (seven?) months. Have you played guitar before or are you learning from scratch?

I’m learning from scratch.

How’s the learning going?

It’s going ok. I’m learning slowly but surely, like with any instrument the more you practice the more you learn. I just have to remember to practice everyday. The good thing is I still have five months left to achieve my goal.

Some people wonder why a person would begin to learn how to play an instrument after a certain age. What is the appeal to you?

We’ll for me it’s simple, I’ve been surrounded by musicians my whole life. My father is bass player, and also plays other instruments, so I’ve been around musical instruments from a very young age. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but the priority was always second to singing. Now that I’m at a certain point in my career, I feel that learning the guitar will help me to take it to the next level.

Singing is your main instrument, yes?

Yes.

Do you play other instruments?

I play the keyboard a little, but I wouldn’t call myself a keyboard player.

Your third cd will be available to retailers in another month or so. What is next?

Yes it is, and I’m giving nuff thanks and praises for that. It’s been three and a half years and it’s finally here. We’ll next I will be releasing a mixtape cd, hopefully by this summer, that’s what I’m currently working on. I’m also going to start touring in the next couple of months to promote my new cd.

Tell us where Ras Iba is musically and in life in five years.

Musically I would want to have released at least two more albums, be fully producing my own music, and have my own state of the art music studio. I would also love to have gained financial security through my music. In life I want to be in the best shape possible physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Why do you do this thing called music?

We’ll I will have to say I do it because it’s in my blood. As long I can remember I’ve always been singing, chanting, or even dancing. I guess being the son of a musician really helped to steer me in music’s direction.

What would you recommend to someone who wants to walk in your footsteps? How should they go about it – any suggestions?

I would say, be sure that music is what you want to do. Don’t just do it for the fame and glory, do it because you love it. Believe in yourself, have some determination and create music that you love. Don’t worry about what people think about it, because you won’t be able to please everyone, but if you believe in yourself you’ll find fans that believe in you, and your determination will help you to overcome any obstacles or challenges that will arise. And trust me they will.