Rama came into the world as Ramachandra das Cooksey. After a “made for tv movie” style kidnapping and child retrieval, Ramachandra’s name was changed to Chris Rama Douglas following his late mother’s decision to leave the Hare Krishna movement.

Since the young age of four, Rama has been interested in music. From spinning his mom’s Beatles and Doors 45’s on the neon orange $10 thrift store phonograph, to singing along with Tom Petty on the radio in the car on the way to school, mimicking his closed mouth nasaly sounding singing style, Rama’s love of music grew greater and deeper over the years.

In the 5th grade at the age of 9, Rama picked up the guitar and within a month or so was packing stadiums all over the west coast (Grand Junction, CO). At least at that age they (school recitals) looked like stadiums. He played folk guitar until it became uncool to play that style in the eyes of his scrutinizing 12 year old peers. Rock and Roll took over. Electric guitar and posters of Yngwie Malmsteen took over young Rama’s life for several years, Practicing 3 to 4 hours a day after school, and developing his shredding technique was how he spent his time. Rama was in a number of high school bands, performed at the talent show during high school with a couple of musician friends, and became interested in classical guitar. The rock and roll was being set to the side for a while, as rama developed a technique for playing classical and Spanish style guitar at the age of 16.

In his senior year, pal and fellow shredder Mark Moots (vocalist for December: Earache Records) asked him to form a speed metal band with him and bassist/vocalist Kyle Brewer and drummer Martin Aguilera. Mr. Buzzsaw and the Blasphemy Boys was born. They pounded the bustling Reno, NV metal scene for about 3 years, packing clubs and recording demos all the way along.

In 1993, Rama decided to shave off most of his mid back length red haired mane, sported a sikha and moved to Seattle. His interests began to shift from heavy metal to dance music and industrial. Rama joined Industrial metal band And Christ Wept, performed shows throughout Seattle and recorded an album which was recently released on ADSR Musicwerks in 2002.

A trip to India in 1996 led to Rama’s infatuation with the sitar and world music. After getting back from India and mastering the sitar within a month (at least good enough to perform at Seattle clubs on), Rama formed the band, Numantra with long time friends Dale Sadler on keys and drummer Martin Aguilera, which played all over the Northwest for a couple of years. Numantra independently released an album which sold out within a few months. Rama also hooked up with local Seattle DJ: Unknown and formed the improv based experimental dance group Texture.

After taking way too many drugs and nearly dying because of it, Rama and his girlfriend packed up and moved to San Diego. There he played with Genetic Engine and Rajumaju. From there, Rama began recording music for film and tv. From his studio, he recorded a number of pieces used today all over the world.

Rama’s interest in recording extends through today and he is currently operating Cordhead Recordings (studio and label) in the San Francisco bay area. Rama is also putting together the finshing touches on his live performance with group Ubzorb alongside partner Chris Wing. The future holds the answers to what lies ahead for Rama. More recording, writing, producing, and performing from this musical wizard are inevitable and with each passing day in this industry, there is much to learn and experiment with.

Keep listening…