Discover Music Channel // File: Inside the Festival Talk Vol 2_05
Subject: Why one rapper traded the grit of Hip Hop for the spirit of Rake & Scrape.
EPISODE ABSTRACT
From Hip Hop to Rake & Scrape: TonAsh’s Journey Home
Sometimes, you have to travel far away to realize that everything you needed was already at home. In this episode, we’re sitting down with TonAsh, a Bahamian artist who spent years mastering the art of Hip Hop only to find his greatest success by returning to his roots: Rake & Scrape.
We’re moving past the industry jargon to talk about the heart of the music—the soul, the drums, and the pride of the Bahamas.
A Quick Look: What is Rake & Scrape?
For those new to the sound, Rake & Scrape is the heartbeat of the Bahamas. It’s defined by the unique sound of a carpenter’s saw being “raked” with a metal file, accompanied by goatskin drums and the accordion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What made TonAsh switch from Hip Hop to Rake & Scrape? A: It was a mix of personal growth and encouragement from local icons like Sweet Emily. He realized that while Hip Hop was “cool,” Rake & Scrape allowed him to express his Bahamian identity more authentically.
Q: Is his new music still popular with younger fans? A: Yes! By keeping the “radio-ready” quality and using his skills as a lyricist, he’s making traditional sounds feel modern and exciting for a new generation.
Q: Where can I hear more of this show? A: This episode is part of the “Inside the Festival” series, where we talk to the people making waves in Caribbean music and events.
Show Notes:
From Hip Hop to Rake and Scrape: The Artistic Evolution of Tornash
Discover how Bahamas artist Tornash transitioned from a long-standing hip hop career into embracing and redefining the indigenous rake and scrape sound. This episode explores his creative journey, cultural identity, and how traditional Bahamian music is making waves both locally and internationally.
In this episode:
- Tornash’s early days in the rap scene and the moment he connected with Bahamian indigenous music
- The differences between hip hop rhythm and poetic expression versus rake and scrape’s soulful drums and spirit
- How his skills as a rapper enhance his rake and scrape music production
- The process of creating a rake and scrape track, from melody to beat production
- Strategies for balancing traditional Bahamian sounds with modern, radio-friendly music
- The business side of his music career, including distribution, royalties, and merchandise
- His approach to engaging younger Bahamians and embracing roots in an evolving industry
- The importance of supporting local DJs and music scenes through networking and marketing
- Opportunities in regional and international markets for Bahamian artists
- Future projects, festival appearances, and how to connect with Tornash online
Timestamps:
00:00 – Inside Carnival Radio: Introducing Tornash and his musical transition
00:30 – Tornash shares his Bahamian roots and early influences
01:01 – The switch from hip hop to indigenous rake and scrape
01:30 – Young perceptions of rake and scrape and personal growth
02:26 – Embracing the cultural identity through music
03:49 – How rap skills benefit his rake and scrape artistry
04:07 – His approach to producing rake and scrape tracks
05:49 – The investment and business model behind his music
07:17 – Initial reactions from fans when exploring rake and scrape
08:13 – The natural progression of genre blending and innovation
09:36 – Balancing traditional sounds with radio-ready production
10:06 – The rise of Bahamian music in regional markets
11:23 – The impact of his hit “Girl I Want” and performance opportunities
12:35 – Targeting local versus international audiences and shows
14:01 – The importance of embracing roots to foster local support
16:15 – Collaboration process with producers and beat creation
16:48 – Authenticity in rake and scrape and production costs
17:11 – The value of investing in indigenous music and venues
18:58 – Maintaining creativity under external and internal pressures
21:24 – Rapid release of music and its effect on his career
22:42 – Distribution channels for Bahamian artists and DJ networking
23:11 – The business of royalties, licensing, and monetization
26:24 – Merchandise and additional revenue streams
28:37 – Inspired marketing strategies from hip hop industry trends
30:54 – Supporting and engaging the Bahamian community through music
36:38 – Embracing Bahamian dialect and roots in music
39:47 – DJ support and the play of Bahamian music in local venues
42:38 – Upcoming performances and plans for the summer festival season
44:17 – How to stay connected with Tornash online
45:47 – The universal importance of music as self-expression and identity
Resources & Links:
- Tornash on Spotify
- Tornash on Apple Music
- Tornash on YouTube
- CD Baby – Music Distribution
- BMI – Broadcast Music, Inc.