The Rafters

The Rafters

The Rafters are an acoustic-based pop-folk duo from the greater Boston, Massachusetts area. The group consists of Dave and Miki, who meet while they are both attending college at UMASS Lowell. Both members write songs, sing and play guitar, and they also share an interest in Japanese food, sleeping late and warm weather.

Early performances

The Rafters play their first show on 2 June 2006 during a three-day New England nor’easter that causes flooding in the area. After that debut, they join the open-mic scene around Boston and over the next six months are offered feature performances at coffee shops and churches. They then begin headlining shows that take them into Cambridge, Massachusetts and into the GRRL Rush concert series.

They also appear in the 2006 Lowell Folk Festival, with performances on the morning programme on 91.5 WUML and outdoor shows on the cobblestone streets of downtown Lowell.

Recording and release

In autumn 2006, they begin recording their first CD. After some early mixes, they attract the interest of local producer Lorne Entress, who has worked with artists including Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli and Catie Curtis. With his input, they return to the basement with a more focused approach to the music.

Their self-titled debut album is released at the Lowell Folk Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts, and includes 11 songs. It moves from the opening track “Helicopter” to the mandolin-led “Our First Year” and the song “Hush,” which is about a mother’s worries for her son in wartime. The album uses vocal harmonies, pop melodies and acoustic and electric instruments.