RAS-1
Richard Arthur Smith, known professionally as RAS-1, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist based in Long Beach, California.[1] He is best known for his foundational role in the reggae and dub rock scenes, particularly as an original member of the Long Beach Dub Allstars, where he served as lead guitarist and vocalist from 1997 to 2002, co-writing the hit track "Sunny Hours" and creating the band's signature "Trailer RAS" element.[1][2] Born on December 29, 1970, in Torrance, California, RAS-1 grew up in a musical family as the son of jazz singer Dora Gail Smith, formerly of the all-female Long Beach quartet Dream.[1] His early career included stints in psychedelic rock band The Griffin and reggae group Jah Children during his teenage years, laying the groundwork for his versatile style blending rock, dub, and reggae influences. Following the dissolution of Sublime in 1996, RAS-1 co-founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars with Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and others, contributing to albums like Right Back (1999) and Wonders of the World (2001) that extended the band's ska-punk and dub legacy.[2] After the Allstars disbanded in 2002, he formed Long Beach Shortbus with Wilson and drummer Trey Pangborn, releasing the self-titled EP in 2003, which featured tracks like "California Grace" and underscored his ongoing collaboration in the Southern California music community.[1] In addition to his musical endeavors, RAS-1 has pursued a career in visual arts, creating commissioned works for brands that capture the essence of Southern California culture through his distinctive style.[1] He has since transitioned to solo performances, backed by bassist Jack Keller and drummer Joel Aguilar, and released the self-titled EP RAS-1 in 2023, featuring five original tracks including "Not Sorry" and "California Radio," and has continued performing live, including at the Cali Vibes Festival in 2024.[1][3][4] His work continues to reflect the vibrant, community-driven spirit of Long Beach's music and art scenes, with ongoing projects involving producers like Jungle Josh and Fat Mike as of 2022.[2]Early life
Family and upbringing
Richard Arthur Smith, professionally known as RAS-1, was raised primarily in the city of Long Beach. He grew up immersed in the diverse coastal culture of Southern California during the 1970s and 1980s, a period marked by the region's burgeoning music scenes, including influential jazz and blues.[5] RAS-1 was born into a musical family, with his mother, Dora Gail Smith, being a singer and former member of the all-girl Long Beach jazz quartet Dream.[6] This familial connection provided him with early and constant exposure to live music, fostering an innate appreciation for performance and rhythm from a young age. The local jazz scene in Long Beach, known for its vibrant club performances and community events, further shaped his formative years, surrounding him with improvisational sounds and artistic expression that would later inform his reggae and dub explorations.[5]Initial musical involvement
RAS-1, born Richard Arthur Smith, entered the music world during his teenage years, influenced by his family's artistic background as the son of singer Dora Gail Smith, formerly of the Long Beach jazz quartet Dream.[1] His initial foray into performing came with the psychedelic rock band The Griffin, which he formed alongside his cousin J-sun, who later became the singer and poet for Stonewing.[7] This early group allowed Smith to explore experimental sounds and stage presence within Long Beach's burgeoning underground scene. Transitioning to reggae influences prevalent in the local culture, RAS-1 joined the band Jah Children, where he contributed as a guitarist and singer at backyard parties and small venues around Long Beach.[1] The band even opened for rising acts like Sublime, exposing him to the vibrant fusion of reggae, punk, and ska that defined the area's music community during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[8] Informal gatherings fostered a collaborative environment, drawing from Southern California's surf-punk ethos and Jamaican roots to shape emerging artists. Through these formative experiences, RAS-1 honed his guitar skills, blending rhythmic reggae patterns with rock improvisation, and began experimenting with songwriting that reflected personal and regional themes.[7] This period of active participation in Long Beach's DIY scene laid the groundwork for his transition to more structured professional projects, solidifying his role as a multifaceted musician.[1]Career
Long Beach Shortbus
RAS-1, whose real name is Richard Arthur Smith, co-founded the reggae-influenced punk band Long Beach Shortbus in 2002 alongside Sublime bassist Eric Wilson, following the dissolution of the Long Beach Dub Allstars. The band emerged from the Long Beach music scene, drawing on the punk-reggae fusion popularized by Sublime, with RAS-1 serving as lead vocalist and guitarist, while also contributing significantly as a co-songwriter. Additional core members included guitarist Trey Pangborn, formerly of Falling Idols, and drummer Damion Ramirez, creating a lineup rooted in the local ska-punk and dub traditions of Southern California.[9][10] The band's sound blended energetic punk riffs with reggae rhythms and dub elements, reflecting the vibrant Long Beach punk-reggae scene tied closely to Sublime's legacy through Wilson's involvement. Long Beach Shortbus released a self-titled EP in 2002, featuring the track "California Grace," which captured their upbeat, socially conscious style. Their sole full-length album, Flying Ship of Fantasy (2005), showcased RAS-1's songwriting on songs like "California Grace" and "Everyone Is Beautiful," emphasizing themes of personal reflection and community amid infectious ska-punk grooves. These releases highlighted the band's connection to the broader Sublime ecosystem, appealing to fans of that hybrid genre without directly replicating it.[1] Long Beach Shortbus toured actively in the mid-2000s, building a dedicated following in the West Coast reggae-punk circuit, but internal changes led to its disbandment in October 2007. The split marked the end of this short-lived project, allowing members like RAS-1 and Wilson to pursue other endeavors while preserving the band's influence on Long Beach's enduring punk-reggae sound.[11][2]Long Beach Dub Allstars
Following the death of Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell in 1996, RAS-1 (Richard Arthur Smith) joined the newly formed Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997 as lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and frontman, alongside Sublime's surviving members Eric Wilson on bass and Bud Gaugh on drums, as well as other collaborators from the Long Beach music scene.[2][12] This lineup emerged from the creative collective in the wake of Sublime's dissolution, focusing on a more expansive dub-reggae sound infused with ska and rock elements. RAS-1's guitar work and vocals helped define the band's energetic live performances, drawing on the raw, improvisational energy of West Coast reggae traditions.[6] The band's debut album, Right Back (1999), showcased RAS-1's songwriting contributions on tracks like "Trailer Ras," where he provided lead vocals and co-wrote the material blending dub rhythms with punk-inflected guitars.[13] Their follow-up, Wonders of the World (2001), further highlighted his role, with co-writing credits on multiple songs including the hit "Sunny Hours" featuring will.i.am, which fused laid-back reggae grooves with hip-hop influences.[14][15] These releases solidified the Long Beach Dub Allstars' dub-reggae style, characterized by heavy basslines, echoing delays, and horn sections, while incorporating samples and covers from reggae legends.[12] From 1999 to 2002, the band embarked on extensive tours across the U.S., including slots on the Vans Warped Tour and performances at major venues like the LA Sports Arena, where they built a devoted following through high-energy sets.[16] Collaborations with artists from the Sublime orbit, such as vocalist Opie Ortiz and saxophonist Todd Foreman, as well as guest appearances by reggae icons like Barrington Levy on Right Back, enriched their sound and connected them to broader ska and dub communities.[12][17] RAS-1 departed the band in 2002 amid creative differences, contributing to the Long Beach Dub Allstars' initial hiatus after their most active period.[2]Solo career and later projects
Following the dissolution of Long Beach Dub Allstars in 2002, RAS-1 pursued independent musical endeavors, including collaborative performances blending reggae and dub elements in live settings across Southern California venues.[6] RAS-1 participated in Long Beach Dub Allstars reunions, notably joining the band onstage at the Cali Vibes Festival in February 2022 to perform tracks like "Rolled Up," marking a return to his foundational reggae-rock roots.[2] In March 2022, RAS-1 announced a new solo album project in collaboration with producers Jungle Josh and Fat Mike of NOFX, aiming to fuse reggae, hip-hop, rock, and punk influences similar to his earlier hits "Trailer Ras" and "Sunny Hours." At that time, nine songs had been recorded, with plans for additional tracks, and the project included co-writing sessions that yielded material like the tribute "Take Me Home," dedicated to his late father.[2] This collaboration culminated in the release of RAS-1's self-titled EP on June 1, 2023, via Bottles to the Ground, an imprint of Fat Wreck Chords; the five-track effort featured "Not Sorry," "All Alone," "California Radio" (produced by Jungle Josh), "Take Me Home" (co-written and produced by Fat Mike), and "Pollywog Song," showcasing a diverse range from California-infused reggae-rock to introspective country-tinged ballads. The lead single "California Radio" preceded the EP, dropping on April 2, 2023, with artwork by visual artist EMEK, emphasizing themes of regional pride and radio rebellion. By 2025, the full album remained in development, with the EP serving as its initial output amid ongoing production refinements. In August 2025, RAS-1 released a split 7" vinyl with The Wailing Souls on Left Coast Sound, featuring his track "Parachutes & Ladders."[18][19][20] RAS-1 maintained an active live presence, headlining festivals like Cali Vibes in 2022 where he debuted solo material alongside reunion sets, and continuing with regular performances in Long Beach and surrounding areas, including a show at Selegs at the Beach in August 2025 and a scheduled performance at The Holding Company in November 2025.[2][6] As of 2025, RAS-1 remains deeply embedded in the Long Beach music scene, performing frequently with a backing band featuring bassist Jack Keller and drummer Joel Aguilar, and maintaining a strong online presence through Instagram under the handle @ras1music for updates on gigs and releases.[6][1]Artistic contributions
Musical style
RAS-1's musical style is defined by a fusion of dub, reggae, ska, punk, and psychedelic rock, drawing from the Southern California reggae-rock scene.[21][22] In his early work with Long Beach Shortbus, the sound emphasized reggae-influenced punk with experimental rock elements and deeper guitar layering compared to contemporaries like Sublime.[23] This evolved into a dub-heavy approach during his time with Long Beach Dub Allstars, where reggae grooves blended with punk attitude, hip-hop rhythms, and hard dub for a raw, energetic vibe.[24][22] As lead guitarist in these bands, RAS-1 employed dub effects and improvisational elements in his playing, contributing to co-written tracks like "Sunny Hours" and "Trailer Ras" that highlighted gritty, atmospheric riffs.[1] His solo career expands this foundation into an eclectic mix of reggae, dub, hip-hop, rock, and pop, maintaining a roughneck Long Beach reggae authenticity while incorporating soulful, bluesy undertones.[25][14] RAS-1's songwriting often explores personal reflection, as in the tribute to his late father on "Take Me Home," alongside themes of Long Beach lifestyle and Southern California vibes that evoke gritty, laid-back narratives.[19][1] This progression—from punk-ska roots in Shortbus to dub-centric reggae in Dub Allstars, and broader experimentation in solo releases—reflects his adaptation within the reggae-jam subculture.[21][22][25] His early exposure to a family jazz background, through his mother Dora Gail Smith's involvement in the Long Beach jazz quartet Dream, subtly informed his improvisational leanings.[1]Visual artistry
RAS-1, whose real name is Richard Arthur Smith, has long identified as a visual artist alongside his musical pursuits, integrating creative expression across mediums to capture personal and cultural narratives.[1][14] His primary mediums include paintings and drawings, often rendered in a style evocative of Southern California influences, with occasional forays into album artwork that blends graphic design with illustrative elements. For instance, he created the cover art for his 2023 EP Bottles to the Ground, featuring vibrant, thematic visuals that complement the release's reggae-infused sound. Additionally, RAS-1 has produced commissioned works for various brands, showcasing his versatility in commercial applications. In September 2025, he completed a new painting titled Queen Bitch, a bold piece available for purchase, highlighting his ongoing commitment to original canvas work.[1][26] Thematically, RAS-1's art draws heavily from Long Beach culture, incorporating local motifs such as urban landscapes and community vibes, while exploring abstract expressions that reflect introspection and fluidity. These works often tie into reggae and dub aesthetics, using colors and forms that evoke rhythmic energy and social reflection, distinct from but resonant with his musical themes.[1] RAS-1 integrates his visual art with music through multimedia elements in live performances, where projections or custom graphics enhance shows, as seen in his solo appearances up to late 2025. Although formal gallery exhibitions remain limited in public record, his art continues to circulate via social media and direct sales, with recent activities including the October 2024 screening of his short film Sorry at Long Beach Beer Lab, which incorporates visual storytelling aligned with his artistic ethos.[1][27]Discography
Band albums
RAS-1 served as guitarist and vocalist for the Long Beach Dub Allstars, contributing to their two primary studio albums during the band's active period from 1996 to 2002. The group's debut, Right Back, released on September 28, 1999, via DreamWorks Records, blended reggae, dub, and rock elements with guest features from artists including Barrington Levy on "Righteous Dub" and H.R. of Bad Brains on "New Sun."[17] RAS-1 provided lead vocals and electric guitar on tracks like "Rosarito," emphasizing themes of coastal life and personal reflection, while co-producing several songs alongside bassist Eric Wilson and Michael "Miguel" Happoldt.[28] Key tracks also included "My Own Life," and "Fugazi," which highlighted the band's fusion of laid-back grooves and hip-hop influences.[13] The album peaked at No. 67 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned a 6.8 out of 10 rating from AllMusic for its energetic yet accessible sound.[29][30] The follow-up, Wonders of the World, arrived on September 11, 2001, also on DreamWorks, produced primarily by Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers with co-production on select tracks.[31] RAS-1's guitar work and backing vocals supported the album's expansive reggae-rock palette, including dub-heavy interludes like "Wonders Dub I" and "Wonders Dub II," while he took lead on energetic cuts such as "Rolled Up."[32] Standout tracks featured will.i.am on "Sunny Hours," alongside introspective pieces like "Life Goes On." The release charted higher at No. 59 on the Billboard 200, reflecting sustained fan interest post-Sublime, and received a 6.9 out of 10 from AllMusic for its polished production and thematic depth on unity and wonder.[29][33] Following the Long Beach Dub Allstars' disbandment in 2002, RAS-1 co-founded Long Beach Shortbus with Eric Wilson, taking on lead vocals and guitar duties for their releases. The band's self-titled EP, issued independently in 2002, marked their entry with a raw reggae-rock vibe, featuring five tracks: "Every Super Hero Needs a Theme Song," "California Grace," "Better Than This," "Take It Slow," and "Stray With Me."[34] "California Grace" emerged as a breakout single, gaining exposure on MTV's Laguna Beach soundtrack and showcasing RAS-1's soulful delivery over upbeat rhythms. Produced in-house by the band, the EP captured their live energy without major label polish. Long Beach Shortbus expanded to a full-length album, Flying Ship of Fantasy, self-released in 2005, which incorporated tracks from the EP alongside new material.[35] RAS-1 led vocals and guitar across the 18-song set, blending classic rock influences with reggae on highlights like "Everyone Is Beautiful," "Luxury," and the title track "Flying Ship of Fantasy (In the Air)," which evoked themes of escapism and optimism. Other notable cuts included "Slim's Song (Lonely At The Top)" and "You're Not Alone," produced by the band with assistance from local Long Beach collaborators. The album received a 5.8 out of 10 rating from AllMusic, praised for its melodic hooks but critiqued for occasional formulaic elements in the genre.[36]Solo releases
RAS-1's solo releases mark his transition to independent artistry following the disbandment of Long Beach Dub Allstars in 2002, emphasizing a blend of reggae, rock, and personal introspection. His debut solo effort, the self-titled EP RAS-1, was released on June 1, 2023, via Bottles to the Ground, an imprint of Fat Wreck Chords founded by NOFX's Fat Mike.[3] The EP, available on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, features five tracks produced primarily by Jungle Josh of Left Coast Sound, capturing RAS-1's signature Long Beach reggae vibe with raw, authentic lyrics.[1] The RAS-1 EP includes the following tracks:- "Not Sorry"
- "All Alone"
- "California Radio"
- "Take Me Home"
- "Pollywog Song"