El D'Rage
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El D'Rage's Elder Rap, is a new form of music combining the over-the-top rhythms of Hip-Hop with lyrics fun enough to get seniors jumping (carefully) out of their chairs - and sensitive enough to bring tears to the eyes of strong men. Elder Rap has been called "Geritol for your ears."

Elder Rap is about three things:

First, it’s a celebration of two proud generations: The aptly named “Greatest Generation” and their notoriously funky kids, the “Baby Boomers”. These two generations have experienced it all – the Great Depression, wars, peace, poverty and riches – and El D’Rage’s rap puts lyrics to their lives. Elder Rap celebrates the fact that older people are not afraid to try new things.

Second, Elder Rap is all about “unwrapping the rappers.” Rap, which originated as a serious attempt to express feelings about life in America’s urban ghettoes, has degenerated into a foul-mouthed expression of all that is wrong with America. Much of it is racist, sexist, obscene, hateful and just plain wrong for our kids. Today’s rap messages are: crime pays; being disrespectful pays: being offensive pays; do your worst and reap the rewards of a nation growing too fat, dumb and lazy to give a hoot. El D’Rage says, “Enough! Parents, WAKE UP! DO YOUR JOB!”

Third, Elder Rap is about teaching the “Three T’s” - teens, twenties and thirties – about the values and experiences of their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. We’ve learned a lot of lessons over the past sixty or seventy years. Listen to us. Pick up a few pointers about how to keep America a great place to live.

El D’Rage and his Elder Rap are moving front-and-center on the American stage. People over forty-five are getting their musical voice back. Give a listen, think about what you’re hearing . . . and spread the word!
Why this name?
My music is aimed primarily at folks of "elder age." The name, El D'Rage is simply a homophonic version of elder age. (Can I say homophonic on this site?)
Do you play live?
I've played for folks of all different ages, but the music is geared for older folks. I'm setting up a tour of Florida retirement communities.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
We don't really know yet as it's so new, but the old "Record Store" model is out the window. There's something unhealthy about people getting filthy rich for entertaining folks while teachers and other valuable professions are rewarded less, don't you think?
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Sure. Is that inconsistent with the answer above? Hmmm.
Band History:
The musical background of El D’Rage is the musical background of many a “Baby Boomer”. Caught up in the folk revolution of the late 50s, then Elvis, Motown and the Beatles, he was a product of America’s most tumultuous – and exciting - musical era. From the little kid taking Saturday morning voice lessons; to the voice-cracking performer of “Where is my Wandering Boy Tonight” at summer camp; to the twelve-string guitar player with the St. Paul, Minnesota folk group, Back Door Company, “El” has been in the thick of music all his life.

Now, in his 60s, El D'Rage has come up with a way to combine 1960's idealism with a form of music that doesn't require that he carry a tune or hurt his fingers playing the guitar: Elder Rap.
Your influences?
I'm a rapper who pretty much can't stand rap. Most rappers I've listened to leave me in a state of shock and anger. Sure, they have their issues, but the distinction between whining and protesting escapes them.
Favorite spot?
I live in a beautiful place: Puerto Rico. Far from perfect, San Juan still has a charm that's hard to beat.
Equipment used:
I use a little Dell computer and the freeware program Audacity.
Anything else...?
See the "Warrior Nation" video at http://atcea.com/eldarap/rap.html
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