Rafter Roberts should be adept at making catchy music. After all, the man is co-founder of Singing Serpent, a company that writes commercial jingles for the likes of Sprint, Toshiba and Target. The business has allowed Rafter to continue to produce his own brand of off-beat dance albums. Before bringing his own brand of electronica to the Duke Coffeehouse, Rafter traded e-mails with recess' Baishi Wu.
How do you think your music has changed since your time with Emily Joyce when you were a part of Bunky?
I played a supporting role in Bunky-- just trying to frame her talents and voice as best as I could. This music is more exploratory and free. It's more about my voice and eclectic tastes.
Where did you get the idea for your video contests? With the contest ending Nov. 15th, how successful do you think the second contest has been?
They're just fun to do. The first one we did for MFTC (Music for Total Chickens) was really fun and worked out great. I am actually NOT watching any till it's over! Don't wanna get an early fave!!! but I'm SUPER honored that people engage with it and have fun with it... so great!
First an appearance on Alter Eco, next.... Entourage? Is a cameo out of the question? Kanye West did it....
I was born for a bit part on Entourage. I'm ready for the call.
You were famous early for not only the bands that you were a part of (the Black Heart Procession, the Album Leaf, etc...) but also for the fact that you had a day job of sorts writing jingles which led to you co-founding Singing Serpent. What do you think of the success of the company? How has writing jingles influenced you as a musician?
I think it keeps me focused on hooks, short attention spans, ear candy. I have a dangerously short attention span and I write for people with the same... I've worked with tons of glacially paced bands, but I really like hyper stuff.
Have you really played in bands since the age of two? Which musicians that you've collaborated with have been your favorites?
I first got into music at 15 or so. I've really enjoyed most of my collaborations- Fiery Furnaces was a blast, Castanets I always like a lot. I just like to have fun. I have been involved in SO many albums over the years, hundreds I think, I always love whatever I'm working on and then let it go.
Being from San Diego myself, how do you think the San Diego music scene has changed since Bunky was named "Best New Artist" in "San Diego's Best of 2003?" What would you write/sing about San Diego if you and Sufjan Stevens ever collaborated on his California project?
Well, not too much has changed. There was a great scene then and there still is, creative people doing what they like! I like that a lot. I think if we work on a California project together, I will leave the writing to him. I'll just make noises and sing backup.
In your biography on the Asthmatic Kitty Website, it says about you, "His fearlessness has led him to do just about everything he sets his mind to, which of course includes free-for-all rowdy sweatiness, hanky panky and rolling on the stage yelping." What can we look forward to at the Duke Coffeehouse?
I am honestly not sure, but I'll make my best effort to keep it unreal. I'm really excited about the live action right now and it's going to be great!
Rafter plays at the Duke Coffeehouse Nov. 19 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.