Raja Ram Interview

Returning to Earthcore this November to provide fans with another epic set, godfather of psychedelic underground, Raja Ram, is busy solo and part of Shpongle and 1200 Micrograms, and has always found his way back to music, even coming out of retirement. Taking part in a quick Q&A with BBM, Raja Ram lets us in on his life outside of music and how he keeps his love for it after all these years.

As the godfather of the psychedelic underground, how would you describe your state of mind?
My state of mind is clear and high in anticipation of the joys that is yet to come. Life has never been better!

You travelled the hippie trail in the ‘50s, studied in New York in the ‘60s and played Glastonbury in the ‘70s; how has travel influenced your experience of music and the sound that you produce?
Travel broadens the mind. I didn’t go to school after I was 17 and failed everything, but travelled to India in 1959 and started the hippie trail…

At the age of 72, you’re still going strong and playing live, including a set at Earthcore in Pyalong this November. What is it that keeps you going and will you continue for as long as you can?
Breathing I find keeps me going. Walking. Blasting on the flute. Relaxing with my beautiful family and Bella my Granddaughter. The best…!

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not touring, being Raja Ram, Shpongle or 1200 Micrograms?
Spare time I do some drawing. Sitting on my swivel chair and thinking about what’s next. Meeting all my friends and just hanging out. I also go to Goa for 2 months every year…….

What has been your favourite moment of your career and is there anything you’d still like to accomplish?
Favourite moment is probably my first DJ gig with 15 people on a beach in Bahia, Brazil in 1998. The other DJ collapsed and I took over with a tape machine and realised all you got to do is press play. Wow DJ’ing is so easy. But the most amazing gig recently was Red Rocks in Colorado playing in the rocky mountains in an amphitheatre. 10,000 legal highs! Wow, what a blaster that was! I’m currently writing a book and I want to go to SF; write more Shpongle with Simon and play it around the world!

Catch Raja Ram, Shpongle and 1200 Micrograms when they play Earthcore at the end of November. Get tickets here.