Posted: 09/05/07

RAQ turns it to 11
Burlington natives take its jam-based act on the road with an in-your-face rock show

Jonathan Stewart | copy editor
jstewart2@smcvt.edu

High energy rock, complex song structures and improvisation define the musical content of RAQ.  Formed in 2001, the Burlington-based quartet has been touring rock clubs across the nation in addition to playing high attendance festivals including Bonnaroo and Gathering of the Vibes.

RAQ from top moving clockwise : Jay Burwick, Chris Michetti, Todd Stoops, Greg Stukey. Click on image to view slide show. Image by Till Krautkramer

RAQ's sound and style

Lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Michetti, keyboard player and vocalist Todd Stoops, drummer Greg Stukey and bassist and singer Jay Burwick, create a fusion of instrumentally up-tempo funk rock and quirky off-kilter lyrics.  RAQ’s sound travels to fans all over the country through non-stop touring and lengthy sets consisting of an in-your-face rock show. 

“When we step onstage, we give 100,000 percent,” Stoops says.  “We are there to blow the roof off, rock your face off and basically go balls to the wall.  We are the highest energy rock band out there, and when you close your eyes you hear a 10 piece.  When you open your eyes, there are only four of us onstage and that sets us apart from so many other jam bands.”  

RAQ has found a way into the hearts and dancing shoes of live crowds with varying demographics, as well as a radio culture, Stoops says.  RAQ’s most recent 2006 album release Ton These draws upon the group’s jam rock foundations while also catering to a radio-friendly audience with tracks such as “Walking in Circles” and “City Funk.”  RAQ finds its influences ranging from Phish to Frank Zappa and Van Halen which contributes to the group's recent goal to become a full-on rock 'n' roll band, Stukey says.

“We’re a rock show.  Maybe that hasn't fully materialized yet, but we’ve recently realized to go for it and shoot straight up the middle,” Stukey says. 

Stoops says he conducts almost all of the initial writing for RAQ while the rest of band comes together with individual riffs to create each track with varying influences and styles of musicianship.  Stoops says he feels fortunate to be on the radio unlike so many other jam bands, but he is not writing to make radio hits.  With so many jam bands on tour, RAQ says that its large sound sets them apart from the other jam bands. 

“I keep a notepad next to my bed and I write about my dreams,” Stoops says.  “I put my dreams into music to add an interesting medium.  We write for individual people and try to keep a balance between serious and fun songs.”

Nevertheless, RAQ’s rock-improvization style of upbeat jam rock and experimental sound effects contribute to its music while transitioning into shorter, catchier tunes.  While RAQ shows are dominated by its own tracks, live songs also often transition into cover songs.

“We are so lucky to be doing what we are doing, Stoops says.  "Our excitement and love for what we are doing is the gel between our instruments that keeps us so tight onstage." 

RAQ puts on two 90-minute sets each night with an encore and also will play for as long as the venue will let the group stay onstage, Stoops says. 

"I went into seeing RAQ expecting a low-budget show with a small crowd and a mediocre set because of the type of venue they were at," says Ryan Davis, a Western New England College senior who saw RAQ for the first time at Toad's Place in New Haven, Conn.

"Their sets are really long, but that's not something you can complain about," he says. "I left the show blown away saying 'Wow, when is RAQ going to be in the area again.'" 

RAQ is working a touring market that is creating a following of fans as well as breaking into FM and satellite radio says Brian Asplin, owner of Harmonized Records which RAQ is signed to.  

“We have had to make so many sacrifices to be where we are today and have done things that would make most bands buckle,” Stukey says.  “But we’ve used these things as fuel to persevere as a band.” 

Marketing RAQ’s style and sound

RAQ works with Harmonized Records, based in North Mebane, N.C. and uses its team of booking agents and publicists to market the group toward a mainstream audience. Asplins says Harmonized Records works to highlight RAQ's writing, musicianship and “high performance rock 'n’ roll."

Asplin says RAQ’s non-stop tour schedule keeps them on the road and playing a different venue every night where the set list is specifically tailored towards pleasing the crowds.  While RAQ works to insure that each show is fresh and interesting for the fans, the group brings an experienced stage crew to create lighting and sound to elevate the live music experience Asplin says.

“RAQ works extremely hard each night to produce a set list that is going to excite the fans,” Asplin says.  “They spend a good hour every night putting together the set lists to make sure each show is different and interesting."

Harmonized Records and RAQ will work together to release a live album that will soon be available on the iTunes music store. 

“We do multi-track recordings at RAQ shows and we are looking forward to RAQ’s live digital release,” Asplin says.  “The direction of music is moving to the digital culture and we want to be with RAQ at the forefront." 

Give it up for the fans

RAQ attributes much of its success to its fans.  Through the group’s tours around the nation, it has been able to connect and become friends with many of its fans, Asplin says.

“We have to bring our A game to every show because the fans are so great,” Stoops says. “We stay away from drugs and eat healthy to avoid the historical destruction of many bands.  We have to stay healthy because there are thousands of bands out there that never get to this point, and we are so fortunate to be here.”

In addition to the nightly shows that have audiences ranging from high school to college students, as well as older individuals of the Grateful Dead era, RAQ finds a group of close to 100 fans traveling to every show across the country and even to a recent show in British Columbia. Stoops says that loyal fans spend so much money to travel the country for RAQ, and the group owes them an outstanding show every night. 

No rest for RAQ

“We have definitely become a rock band that loves to improvise," Stukey says. “As long as you be yourself and play what you believe in, people are going to respond.”

RAQ approaches its eighth nationwide tour this month. Stoops says the group foresees no signs of slowing down in the future. 

“It’s like a carnival or the ice cream truck after the little league game,” Stoops says.  “We just look around and smile because one day you are playing your parents' garage and the next moment you’re onstage at Bonnaroo in front of thousands of people.  We love what we are doing so much and that is what keeps us so tight.”