Raging Geisha

Artist Information

Biography

Raging Geisha, based out of South Beach, has a sound and energy that is as eclectic and stimulating as their hometown! Raging Geisha's sound is a fusion of rock, pop and hip-hop. Their fans come from many different music scenes and are as diverse as the band itself. Raging Geisha's songs sound like a mash-up of Beyonce/Rihanna and the power of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers/Linkin Park high-powered energy packed into urban pop songs with a kick-ass live show.

Their single "The Way That He Wants Me" went Top 10 on the FMQB Airplay Charts, while simultaneously performing on a tour that included performing at the House Of Blues clubs in New Orleans, Dallas, and Houston, opening up for Who's Bad and Afroman.

Raging Geisha has also performed/showcased in venues such as Snitch and Mo Pritkins in New York City, Grapestreet in Philadelphia and the 10 High Club in Atlanta, as well as headlining at Club Vinyl in ATL as well. In Florida, they've opened for Smashmouth in Jacksonville, played the Florida Music Festival 5 years in a row in Orlando, the Miami Music Festival 2 years in a row, and the Central Music Florida Festival in 2011 and headlined at Studio A as well as the Culture Room in their hometown of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Their internet fans come from over the world, from all music scenes.

Raging Geisha took off when singer/songwriter/pianist Erica-Sommers teamed up with producer/writer/musician David Siegel. David's name appears as writer/producer on two Number 1 hit songs, "Whatever You Like" for T.I. and "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" for Soulja Boy, and most recently "Momma" for Flo-Rida, as well as over 30 million records worldwide for artists such as Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Celin Dion, Pink, Enrique Eglesias, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Thelia, Clay Aiken and Maya. Erica and David formed Raging Geisha in 2002 with the idea to introduce the music world to the first rock band led by an African-American woman.

Erica, a sensuous, sexy, beautiful woman, is endowed with an enormous voice and energetic stage presence. Raging Geisha is set to be the first band to crossover into the clubs, mainstream/urban radio venues as well as stadiums and arenas. Their international look along with their hot South Beach, Miami energy, and unique sound is what sets Raging Geisha apart from the ordinary.

Check out the future sound of rock: Raging Geisha!

Instrumentation

Erica Sommer - Vocals
David Siegel - Keys, Bass
Shane Stoner - DJ
Adam Robl-Guitar
Omar Tavarez-Drums, depending on venue

Discography

Album:
Memoirs of a Geisha - iTunes

Singles:
Shoot
It's Too Late
Jerk
The Way We Were
The Way That He Wants Me
Get Over
Stop
Stop (Radio Version)
Crumbling Down
Stay With Me
Neglected
Shoot (Remix)
Get Over (Remix)
The Way That He Wants Me (Black Halen Remix)
Shoot Mashup
Stop (Remix)

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• YouTube
• RagingGeisha.com

Audio

• Shoot
  Listen  
• It's Too Late
  Listen  
• Jerk
  Listen  
• The Way We Were
  Listen  
• The Way That He Wants Me
  Listen  
• Get Over
  Listen  
• Stop
  Listen  
• Stop - Radio Version
  Listen  
• Crumbling Down
  Listen  
• Stay With Me
  Listen  
• Neglected
  Listen  
• Shoot - Remix
  Listen  
• Get Over - Remix
  Listen  
• The Way That He Wants Me - Black Halen Remix
  Listen  
• Shoot Mashup
  Listen  
• Stop - Remix
  Listen  

Video

Raging Geisha Interview 2010

Photo Gallery

Press

• Band of the Hour - Sept 2008 [+ Show ]
  

  With the energy of rock, attitude of the streets and presentation of an intelligently composed pop a...With the energy of rock, attitude of the streets and presentation of an intelligently composed pop act, Raging Geisha dish it up for an eager following in South Florida. The name conjures up images of a woman traditionally trained to be sexy and complacent, but instead takes that energy and rebels, ultimately taking control of her life and destiny. Having already played across the country, this group has found great success in pushing their unique beats.
  
  The band members (Erica Sommer, lead vocals; Dave Siegel, bass; Jacin Nagao, guitar; Omar Tavarez, drums) have known each other for six years since meeting at the University of Miami. Dave and Erica reconnected a few years later in the music world, when they were both working on projects for Miami soundman Emilio Estefan. On his own, Dave has written and co-produced songs for artists like Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson and Enrique Iglesias. Most recently, he co-wrote T.I.'s number 1 pop song on the Billboard charts, "Whatever You Like". Along with the other members of Raging Geisha, the hits keep on coming.
  
  Referring to the group's front woman, Erica, Dave said, "Something that we hope people everywhere in general take away from our shows is the image of a confident, sexy woman -- not to mention one who is African-American -- leading a band of guys, channeling the energy of the band and the songs, not only inspiring everyone but hopefully even projecting a positive role model for women and women of color." Erica, who finds influence in powerful rock singers like Steven Tyler, Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson, serves as the perfect vocalist for a band that inspiration in the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce with the rock energy of rockers like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Van Halen.
  
  Their song "Shoot" sounds like something you'd hear at any club on the Beach. It brings that perfect blend of party beats and sexy Miami flair. They recently released a ballad called "The Way That He Wants Me" on adult contemporary radio, which garnered a great response from listeners. For those who want even more, their album Memoirs of a Rager is available on iTunes. - Rayme Samuels

• Raging Geisha - July 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  Raging Geisha's frontwoman, Erica Sommer, is all about manipulating contrasts. There's the inherent ...Raging Geisha's frontwoman, Erica Sommer, is all about manipulating contrasts. There's the inherent contradiction of her band's name. There's the music, which incorporates equal parts crunching guitar rock and Timbaland-style beats and samples. Then there's her persona: sweet but fiery, sometimes rightfully PO'ed. See, Sommer is a black woman in rock and roll, a person who defies the stereotypes with which major-label execs can easily deal. Try to name one such woman to break through the mainstream in the past 20 years (so forget that easy Tina Turner answer). Maybe Neneh Cherry, in the Eighties and Nineties? More recently, whatever happened to, say, Kina or Fefe Dobson?
  
  The phrase "too bad" would be a criminal understatement. But until the music industry catches up with a society in which gender, race, and artistic genre boundaries are increasingly becoming irrelevant, the enlightened among us can enjoy Raging Geisha on intimate turf. Onstage Sommer is gorgeous and commanding. The group produces pop-oriented bangers that could easily straddle formats on modern radio. Saturday's performance likely will be the group's last for the summer, says Sommer. The band will be shooting a music video, playing shows in Philly and New York, and heading back to the lab to record some more tracks. - Arielle Castillo

• Bodog Battle of the Bands - Aug 2006 [+ Show ]
  

  Maguires was alive and buzzing with anticipation as the Bodog Music $1Million Dollar Battle of the B...Maguires was alive and buzzing with anticipation as the Bodog Music $1Million Dollar Battle of the Bands continued to heat up in sunny Florida. The show was off to a great start with BREAKING TIDES taking stage and warming up the anxious crowd with original material and a well thought out set.
  
  They were followed by THREADS OF DISLOYALTY, a power trio from Bonita Springs who rocked the stage and got a rousing response from the audience who appreciated the effort.
  
  Third up was CRIMSON SON, a top contender with excellent guitar work and Metallica-like vocals. The crowd came for rock, and that's what they got in all the gravel voiced beauty that made them so cool.
  
  By this time Maguires was really starting to pack in the music-hungry fans. RAGING GEISHA was fourth up and with their En Vogue-inspired female lead vocals they won the crowd over in an instant.
  
  By 9pm it was time to get heavy. The next two bands offered up a much harder blend rock and hardcore; SEASONS LOST was a crowd favorite and they were followed by the vocally charged SONIC DESTRUCTION who would not be outdone.
  
  Right when things seemed to be winding down, PSYCHO TOILETS took stage and rocked out while a man busted out with an easel and canvas and spastically painted during the bands set which included a Rage Against the Machine cover. A very creative idea that no doubt earned them favor among fan votes.
  
  Last up was BIG BANG RADIO. By this time the crowd had dwindled a bit, but they still put on a stellar performance with excellent musicianship and versatile lead vocals.
  
  When the smoke cleared the two winners were announced. We would like to congratulate RAGING GEISHA for placing second and our top qualifier SEASONS LOST who simply stole the show and proved they are ready to take their act to the next level, IN THE TRENCHES.
  
  WILD CARD WINNERS are still being considered and will be announced following the tally of crowd voting for the fan favorite. Please visit www.bodogmusic.com for wildcard winners and check your band profiles to see if you advance as a wildcard.
  
  Thanks for all of your efforts in making this such a successful event and keep watching for updates and event information in the coming weeks.
  
  Your partner in truly independent music,
  bodogMUSIC
  
  By: Mike Sokoloff

Setlist

Shoot
Its Too Late
Every Little Thing
Jerk
The Way That He Wants Me
Stop
Get Over
Way That We Were
Stay With Me
Crumbling Down
Neglected

Our set lasts usually 45 minutes

We have up to 3 hours of cover material if needed

Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Raging Geisha Input List

Calendar