As far as the local music scene is concerned, you would be hard pressed to find a group or artist that sounds quite like Rajasi!

Pronounced Rah-Jah-See, the name means “in passion” and is derived from the members’ Eastern cultural upbringing. Tulasi is joined by his brother Nitai Hanna on guitars and bassist Lakshman Lee Kovack with all three sharing vocal duties. Three is a charm and many fans will attest to the ‘feel good’ chemistry that is especially captured in Rajasi’s live performance.

The band was in full form and glory at Mudtown in Owen Sound on Friday, December 17th for the launch of its third album, “In The Thick Of It”. A logical progression in the groove-driven rock repertoire that Rajasi served up on its first two records, support has already been displayed on regional radio stations The Bull in Wingham, The PeakFM out of Collingwood, and Barrie’s Rock95. Tulasi hopes that the band’s unique talent and perseverance will soon also garner the attention of radio stations in its very own Owen Sound home base. There is certainly no shortage of local fan support for the group.

Despite Rajasi’s independent record label status, its accomplishments exceed the impressive feat of commercial radio airplay. “In The Thick Of It” has been picked up by stores like HMV and online retailers such as itunes. While not yet on the shelves of HMV, fans can and are encouraged to ask for the CD at the location in Owen Sound’s Heritage Place Mall. The hope is that this added presence could signal some newfound attention and credibility for the band’s music.

With the new release gaining momentum, the trio is looking to tour around the region and then hopefully beyond. Venues across Southern Ontario, Vancouver, Montreal and even the U.S. have been pit stops for Rajasi in the past. So there is good potential for the winds to once again set their sails to other uncharted territories down the road.

In the meantime, Rajasi plays at El Mocambo in Toronto on January 8th before returning home for a series of performances on February 11th, April 22nd and June 24th at Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub in Collingwood. A show at Rocky Raccoon Café in Owen Sound is slated for February 26th.

To hear and learn more about the band, visit their website.                

Article & Photos by: Jamie Pettit