The Rafters are an acoustic based pop-folk duo whose music focuses on melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and hope amidst life's melancholies. Wow, that was a mouthful...
The Rafters (Dave and Miki) met when they were both attending college at UMASS Lowell. Miki and Dave both write songs, sing, play guitar, like Japanese food, sleeping late, and warm weather.
The Rafters first show was on June 2nd, 2006 in the middle of a classic 3 day New England Nor'Easter which was causing massive flooding in the area. Soon after that first show the sun came out and the ground began to dry...coincidence? Maybe...maybe not! They jumped into the thriving open mic scene in the greater Boston, MA area and over the next 6 months were offered feature performances at many area coffee shops and churches. From there they began headlining shows which took them out of the suburbs and into the big city of Cambridge, MA to play a part in the GRRL Rush concert series. The years highlight performances took place in late July during the 2006 Lowell Folk Festival, with appearances on 91.5 WUML morning Sunrise program, and (02) outdoor shows on the cobblestone streets in downtown Lowell, MA. Ok, so that's great, but what's next...
In the Fall of '06 The Rafters started the process of recording their first CD. After completing some early mixes they gained the interest from a top local producer Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli, Catie Curtis). With Lorne's consulting The Rafters went back down to the basement with a much more directed focus on the music.
The Rafters self-titled debut CD was released at the Lowell Folk Festival in Lowell MA on July 28th, 2007. 11 songs that take you from the pop sunlight of the opening track "Helicopter", to the reflective mandolin laced "Our First Year", through the thought provoking "Hush" a song about a mothers worries for her son in a time of war. The CD weaves vocal harmonies through pop melodies and song structures over a combination of acoustic and electric instruments.
The Rafters will be playing live shows throughout the Fall and Winter of '07 in support of their CD.