Dave Rat

Last updated

David "Rat" Levine (born June 11, 1962) is the founder of Rat Sound and Sound Tools, a sound system designer, sound consultant and live sound engineer for many well-known artists such as Black Flag, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine and Blink-182. Rat ran sound for the first Warped Tour in 1995, and has served annually as sound system engineer at Coachella since its founding in 1999. [1]

Contents

Early life

David Levine was born on June 11, 1962, in Alabama. [1] [2] [3] He was raised in Hermosa Beach, California, [1] and attended Mira Costa High School in Huntington Beach. Introduced to The Church by his friend Michele Fiat in 1978, Rat started volunteering at the Hermosa Beach crash pad; this was a former Baptist church turned into a punk rock rehearsal space for the Descendents, Redd Kross, Black Flag and the Last. [4] Rat helped with band equipment and sound gear, and picked up the nickname Rat Boy. Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins called him Rat Man. Rat founded the sound company Recording Art Technical Sound (R.A.T. Sound, also known as Rat Sound), but soon found that recording sessions were boring and repetitive. He focused on live sound mixing, and rebranded as Reliable Audio Technology. [5] For a brief period he was employed as a materials test technician at Hughes Aircraft. [1]

Black Flag

Rat became known in the Greater Los Angeles punk scene as a sound engineer specializing in punk shows. He designed robust solutions for the chaotic stage behavior of punk musicians, with Rat bolting microphones to the stands, and mounting heavy duty steel mesh on the monitor wedge loudspeakers. [1] Black Flag hired Rat in 1985 to provide sound for the band's US tour, which extended into three tours. In 1986, Rat designed proprietary subwoofers for the tour; later models based on this design continue as active inventory four decades later. [1] Rat first met Karrie Keyes on a Black Flag tour date; Rat hired and trained Keyes to be a sound engineer. [6]

Red Hot Chili Peppers

In 1990, Rat began a 27-year stretch as the concert sound engineer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His first tour for the band was in support of the Blood Sugar Sex Magik album. Between Pepper dates, Rat provided sound for Pearl Jam, starting in the early 1990s. [1] He designed a concert loudspeaker called the Rat Trap 5, a heavy 4-way trapezoidal enclosure [7] the sturdiness of which impressed punk rock promoter Gary Tovar of Goldenvoice Productions. Eventually, this connection led to Rat doing sound for Tovar at Coachella. [8]

From 2006 to 2010, Rat published a blog titled "Roadies in the Midst", chronicling his experiences as front of house sound engineer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their Stadium Arcadium tour. He continued the blog for the Blink-182 Reunion Tour in 2009. [9]

In December 2005 Rat innovated a unique sound system design based on a dual side-by-side speaker system that he called the Double Hung PA. The outer speaker array reproduces guitar, bass, toms and cymbals and the inner speaker array reproduces vocals, kick and snare. Since no single instrument or vocal was sent to both systems, comb filtering issues were avoided while system clarity was increased because each loudspeaker array was reproducing a less complex signal, reducing intermodulation distortion. The Red Hot Chili Peppers toured with the Double Hung System for the duration of their Stadium Arcadium tour. At the band's request, Rat rigged the double-hung system at Coachella in 2007. [10] In July 2008, the Brazil-based sound company Gabisom implemented the side-by-side PA concept for the Rock in Rio festival in Portugal and in 2009 Pennsylvania based sound company, Clair Brothers, provided touring artists U2 with an in-the-round stadium-sized sound system, based on the same double-hung PA concept.

In 2009 Rat began working on several steerable sub woofer array concepts which he implemented on the Blink-182 reunion tour. The Vortex, Slotfire and V-Fire configurations describe methods of arranging and delaying conventional sub woofers such that low frequency sound bleed onto stage is reduced and horizontal subwoofer coverage to the audience is steerable. For this tour, Rat used the French L-Acoustics K1 series line array speakers rather than the original V-DOSC system. [11]

Rat worked with Soundgarden in mid-2011 on the band's North American tour. Subsequently, Rat again worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their 2011–2013 I'm with You World Tour, followed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers 2013–2014 Tour. [12] He again worked with them on their 2016–17 The Getaway World Tour . On January 12, 2017, Rat announced his final RHCP tour date would be January 21, 2017, in Minnesota. Rat said "I truly love Flea, Anthony, Chad, Josh and all my dear and close friends I consider family both on the road now and those that have moved on to other adventures over the years. I am pretty happy to say that I have dedicated significant time documenting touring with the Peppers in journals but also have thousands of amazing photos spanning decades of smiles and challenges." [13]

Festivals

In 1995, Rat supplied sound equipment and engineers for the first Warped Tour, and has repeated this work in various other years including 2005 [14] and 2018. Rat was given this assignment after doing smaller gigs for producer Kevin Lyman. [15] In 2008, Rat consulted on a solar powered sound system for one of the Warped stages. [16]

Rat met producers Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen in 1993, and they said they were planning to start a California desert festival called Coachella. Through Tovar and Goldenvoice, Rat was hired to provide sound for three of the five stages at the first Coachella gathering in 1999. In 2007, Rat expanded to supply all five stages. [10]

Rat supported the benefit concert called Rock for Choice in 2004, [17] and provided sound for the LA Weekly Detour Music Festival in 2008. [8]

Pro sound industry

Rat writes articles for various professional sound magazines and has been asked to speak at sound conventions and events such as those held by the Audio Engineering Society [18] [19] and Full Sail University. [20] He has designed speakers and sound equipment such as the MicroWedge, which is manufactured by Eastern Acoustic Works and is now a familiar monitor wedge on many worldwide tours. Rat wrote a column for Live Sound International magazine entitled, "Rat Tales" in the November 2006 issue and another in the May 2007 issue. [21]

Rat is the holder of two patents, the MicroWedge stage monitor design and the Sound Tools Sniffer/Sender Unit. [22]

Personal life

With sound engineer Karrie Keyes, Rat is the co-parent of twin daughters born in 1996. Maddie Keyes-Levine is a freelance photographer [23] who graduated from California Institute of the Arts in 2023, [24] and Sammy Keyes-Levine is an audio engineer. [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers</span> American rock band

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Their eclectic range has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the top-selling bands of all time. They hold the records for most number-one singles (15), most cumulative weeks at number one (91) and most top-ten songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2022 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<i>Enema of the State</i> 1999 studio album by Blink-182

Enema of the State is the third studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 1, 1999, by MCA Records. After a long series of performances at various clubs and festivals and several indie recordings throughout the 1990s, Blink-182 first achieved popularity on the Warped Tour and in Australia following the release of their second album Dude Ranch (1997) and its rock radio hit "Dammit." To record their third album, Blink-182 turned to veteran punk rock producer Jerry Finn, who previously worked on Green Day's breakthrough album Dookie (1994). Enema was the band's first album to feature drummer Travis Barker, who replaced original drummer Scott Raynor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Raynor</span> American drummer (born 1978)

Scott William Raynor Jr. is an American musician, best known as the original drummer of the rock band Blink-182. Born in Poway, California, Raynor first approached the drums in his preteens; he joined Blink-182 at only 14 years old, and played with the band for six years. With Raynor, the group recorded their first demo, Buddha (1994), their debut album, Cheshire Cat (1995), as well as the gold-certified Dude Ranch (1997). Raynor was dismissed from the group in 1998, and was replaced by Travis Barker.

<i>One Hot Minute</i> 1995 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

One Hot Minute is the sixth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 12, 1995, by Warner Bros. Records. The worldwide success of the band's previous album Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) caused guitarist John Frusciante to become uncomfortable with their popularity, eventually quitting mid-tour in 1992. Following a series of short-term replacements, the band hired guitarist Dave Navarro in 1993; it was his only studio album with the band. Recording for the album took place at the Sound Factory in Hollywood from June 1994 to February 1995. It marked the second collaboration between the band and producer Rick Rubin.

<i>Blink-182</i> (album) 2003 album by Blink-182

Blink-182 is the fifth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on November 18, 2003, by Geffen Records. Following their ascent to stardom and success of their prior two releases, the trio was compelled to take a break and participated in various side projects. When they regrouped, they felt inspired to approach song structure and arrangements differently on their next effort together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's My Age Again?</span> 1999 single by Blink-182

"What's My Age Again?" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was released in April 1999 as the lead single from the group's third studio album, Enema of the State (1999), released through MCA Records. "What's My Age Again?" shares writing credits between the band's guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, but Hoppus was the primary composer of the song. It was the band's first single to feature drummer Travis Barker. A mid-tempo pop punk song, "What's My Age Again?" is memorable for its distinctive, arpeggiated guitar intro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aeroplane (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 1996 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Aeroplane" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their sixth studio album, One Hot Minute (1995). It was released in February 1996 by Warner Bros. as the third single from the album and a music video, directed by Gavin Bowden, accompanied its release. The song was written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Dave Navarro and Chad Smith, and produced by Rick Rubin. It peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number eight on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Although the song was left off the band's Greatest Hits album, the music video was included on the accompanying DVD.

Sylvia Lenore Massy is an American record producer, mixer, engineer, instructor and author. Massy is renowned for her multifaceted production/mixing and engineering skills, with her first major breakthrough occurring with 1993's Undertow, the full-length triple platinum-selling debut for Los Angeles alternative metal band Tool as well as her work with System of a Down, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Brazilian band South Cry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182</span> American punk rock band

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Their current and best-known line-up consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though their sound has diversified throughout their career, their musical style, described as pop-punk, blends catchy pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. Their lyrics primarily focus on relationships, adolescent frustration, and maturity—or lack thereof. The group emerged from a suburban, Southern California skate punk scene and first gained notoriety for high-energy live shows and irreverent humour.

Rat Sound Systems is a sound equipment provider of touring sound reinforcement equipment and services to the concert touring industry, based in Camarillo, California.

<i>Im with You</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I'm with You is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album was released by Warner Bros. Records on August 26, 2011, in Europe and on August 29, 2011, in the United States. The album made its debut at number one in 18 countries including the United Kingdom, while reaching number two in the United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm with You World Tour</span> 2011–13 concert tour by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The I'm with You World Tour was a worldwide concert tour by American rock band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers in support of the band's tenth studio album, I'm with You. It marked the band's first tour in four years and first with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who replaced John Frusciante in 2009. The band was also joined for the first time by backing musicians Mauro Refosco (percussion) and Chris Warren (keyboards). The first North American leg of the tour was briefly postponed due to a leg injury sustained by singer Anthony Kiedis which required surgery. Klinghoffer also broke his foot during the tour; however, no dates were cancelled due to his injury. During the tour the band saw a few milestones come and go such as their own 30th anniversary since forming in 1983 and the 10th, 20th and 25th anniversaries of their albums, By the Way, Blood Sugar Sex Magik and The Uplift Mofo Party Plan. Despite these milestones, the band made little to no mention of them and no special performances were given on their behalf. The band was also named 2012 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while on tour.

<i>Neighborhoods</i> (Blink-182 album) 2011 studio album by Blink-182

Neighborhoods is the sixth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released September 27, 2011, through DGC Records and Interscope. Their first album of new material in eight years, its recording followed the band's breakup and later reconciliation. Due to conflicts within the trio, the band entered an "indefinite hiatus" in 2005 and the members explored various side-projects. After two separate tragedies regarding the band and their entourage, the members of Blink-182 decided to reunite in late 2008, with plans for a new album and tour. It was the last studio album to feature founding member Tom DeLonge until his return on 2023's One More Time....

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tour de La Sensitive</span> 1994 concert tour by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tour de La Sensitive was a short 1994 concert tour by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and their first with guitarist, Dave Navarro who joined the band in 1993.

"Heart's All Gone" is a song by American rock band Blink-182 from the band's sixth studio album, Neighborhoods (2011). The song, written by bassist Mark Hoppus, guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker, was released on August 5, 2011 as a pre-release track from Neighborhoods, although not a single. It is one of the band's fastest songs, and is largely a throwback to the sound of previous releases. In addition, it recalls the band's upbringings in the West Coast punk scene.

<i>The Getaway</i> (Red Hot Chili Peppers album) 2016 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Getaway is the eleventh studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released through Warner Bros. on June 17, 2016. The band's first studio album since 2011's I'm with You, it was produced by Danger Mouse, who replaced Rick Rubin after 25 years and six albums as the band's producer. This is the band's second and final album with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer before the return of John Frusciante in 2019, with Rubin also returning soon thereafter.

Karrie Keyes is an American audio engineer and the executive director of SoundGirls, a non-profit organization that supports women in the sound industry. She has been the monitor engineer for Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder for over 25 years and has toured with Soundgarden, Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Neil Young, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Keyes was one of very few women working as a live sound engineer in the 1980s and is recognized for her contributions to helping women in the sound industry. She was a 2017 honoree of the She Rocks Awards.

<i>Nine</i> (Blink-182 album) 2019 studio album by Blink-182

Nine is the eighth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on September 20, 2019, through Columbia Records, as the band's first album on the label. The band began developing the album after fulfilling touring obligations for their previous release, California (2016). While Nine builds upon their collaboration with producer John Feldmann, who also produced California, it also utilizes additional outside producers and songwriters including Captain Cuts, the Futuristics, and Tim Pagnotta. Nine is the band's second and final album to feature guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba before the return of founding member Tom DeLonge in 2022. It is also their last album to be produced by Feldmann.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Tour 2023/2024</span> 2023–2024 concert tour by Blink-182

The World Tour 2023/2024, also known as the Rock Hard Tour, is an ongoing concert tour by American rock band Blink-182. The tour began on May 4, 2023, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The tour was announced on October 11, 2022, alongside the news of Blink-182 reuniting with vocalist/guitarist Tom DeLonge for the first time since 2014. Initially launched and billed as a "reunion tour", the band's ninth studio album One More Time... was released shortly before the end of the first North American and European legs.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Appleford, Steve (April 22, 2024). "Coachella and Stagecoach sound guy Dave Rat reveals the secrets to keeping the music crystal clear". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  2. Rat, Dave (June 12, 2007). "Day 380 – June 11th – My Birthday". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  3. Rat, Dave (September 29, 2009). "Lost and Broken". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024. Off to enjoy beautiful Birmingham Alabama. Hey, I was born in this state, my people!
  4. Rat, Dave (August 20, 2007). "Day 453 – Aug 20th – Surviving Sinking Ships". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  5. "Pro Audio Reference: Pro Audio Names". Audio Engineering Society . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  6. Ferguson, Chrissie (February 27, 2017). "The Voice That Keeps Pearl Jam Fans Connected". Huffington Post . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  7. "Rat Trap 5 Highlights". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  8. 1 2 Peters, Daniella (December 2008). "The Road Less Taken". Front of House . Vol. 7, no. 3. pp. 1, 14, 16.
  9. "Roadies in the Midst – Dave Rat tour blog". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Staff (June 6, 2007). "Rat Continues Coachella Support". Mix . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  11. Staff (August 17, 2009). "Rat Sound Systems, L-Acoustics K1 Support Blink-182 Tour". Front of House . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  12. "Here We Go". ratsound.com/cblog/.
  13. "New Orleans and 6". 12 January 2017.
  14. Staff (July 15, 2005). "Rat Sound Systems Supplies Warped Tour With V-DOSC and Rat Trap 5s". Mix . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  15. Mitchell, Kevin M. (September 14, 2018). "Victory Lap: The Last Vans Warped Tour". Projection Lights and Staging News. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  16. Staff (December 29, 2008). "Solar Powered Sound: Clean, Green & Loud On The Vans Warped Tour". ProSoundWeb. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  17. Shepherd, Daniella (June 12, 2007). "Rock 4 Choice at The Hollywood Palladium – Friday January 23rd 2004". Rat Sound . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  18. "AES San Francisco 2010 – Lunchtime Keynote: Dave Rat". Audio Engineering Society . November 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  19. "AES New York 2018 Presenter: Dave 'Rat' Levine". Audio Engineering Society . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  20. Staff (June 11, 2008). "Dave Rat Delivers Live Production Seminar at Full Sail University". Mix . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  21. "Home". livesoundint.com.
  22. Rat, Dave. "Sound Tools". Archived from the original on 2013-11-01. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
  23. Mitchell, Kevin M. (December 14, 2019). "Parnelli Audio Innovator Karrie Keyes". Front of House . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  24. "Maddie Keyes-Levine". Calarts Art School Project Archive. California Institute of the Arts . Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  25. "Interview with Sammy Keyes-Levine". Sound Tools. 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2024.