Raggadeath
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990s |
| Founder | Stephen Kendall, Walter Sobczak |
| Headquarters | Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Raggadeath was a Canadian rock ensemble active during the mid-1990s, recognized for their unique fusion of heavy metal with dancehall-inspired reggae beats and vocal styles.
The group originated through the collaboration of producer/DJ/drummer Stephen Kendall and producer/engineer/bassist/keyboardist Walter Sobczak. Guitar contributions on their albums were exclusively performed by Steve Major. For live shows, Dean Bentley (drums) and Darren Quinn (guitar), both from Monster Voodoo Machine, joined the band’s lineup. Vocals were primarily delivered by rapper Michie Mee, with initial input from rapper Koze Kozma, who departed under unusual conditions. All of their recordings were produced by Sobczak and Kendall, with Sobczak also responsible for engineering duties.
Their most prominent Canadian success was the 1995 single "One Life," which enjoyed substantial airplay on MuchMusic and was named Favourite Song in Chart magazine's year-end survey. This track also received a nomination for Best Alternative Video at the 1995 MuchMusic Video Awards. The 1995 album Why Ask Why, featuring singles such as "One Life" and "Why Ask Why," was distributed by Virgin across various European territories. However, a supporting tour did not materialize due to members’ other engagements and Kozma’s unexpected absence. The band’s sole major live performance promoting this album occurred at the 1995 MuchMusic Video Awards.
Raggadeath achieved moderate international exposure with their self-titled 1997 album, which included the tracks "Dance with the Devil" and a rendition of Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue." This release coincided with their first extensive touring activities. Licensing for the album was handled by Attic Records in Germany via Edel AG, Roadrunner Records in the Netherlands, and TWA in Australia; nevertheless, none of their material was officially released in the United States.
As alternative rock's appeal declined in favor of electronica during the late 1990s, Raggadeath disbanded following their 1997 release. Afterward, Sobczak shifted focus to record engineering and took on the role of chief engineer at The Studio at Puck's Farm, Kendall returned to his DJ career in England, Major resumed studio work at Toronto’s Wellesley Sound, and Quinn along with Mee continued their collaboration under the name The Day After.
Discography
- One Life (Maxi-Single, 1995)
- The Family Worship EP (EP, 1995)
- Why Ask Why (Maxi-Single, 1995)
- Why Ask Why (Album, 1995)
- Dance With The Devil (Remixes) (Maxi-Single, 1997)
- Electric Avenue (Maxi-Single, 1997)
- Electric Avenue (Remixes) (Maxi-Single, 1997)
- Raggadeath (Album, 1997)
Music videos
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | One Life | Why Ask Why |
| 1995 | Why Ask Why | Why Ask Why |
| 1997 | Dance With The Devil | Raggadeath |