by Robert E. Martin
Review Magazine

Tri-city Rasta rockers, The Process, performed two showcases in Los Angeles last month. On Monday, June 28th, at midnight on a full moon, the band played a blistering hour-long set on KXLU 88.9 FM, followed by an interview with vocalist David Asher. The following evening, The Process played a label showcase at Al's Bar (Voted Best Rock Club in the 1999 L.A. Weekly readers poll). The following are excerpts from the KXLU interview with Asher:

KXLU: I would like to ask you about some of your songs, but we know what 'Tree of Life' is about.

Asher: California particularly has an affinity for herb with all the medical ballot initiatives that the federal government is trying to squash here. Californians are getting usurped by an uncaring government in Washington, one that doesn't care about people with multiple sclerosis and AIDS, things like that. They want to poison out the herb, put sick people in prison, and give them mandatory sentences. They want to take mothers away from children. It's wrong. It's just wrong! The people in California have decided it should be available to sick people, and the Federal government has said, 'No!' So are they really representing the people of this state? I don't think so. It's supposed to be a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." The Federal government seems bull-headed, to say the least.

KXLU: So the band is from Michigan. Is this the first time to Los Angeles?

Asher: It is our first time on the West Coast. We are having a lot of fun so far. We blew some minds in Hollywood earlier today, cops and freaks. We've been playing around the country this year, Chicago and Manhattan, getting great responses everywhere we play from people - it's been wonderful!

KXLU: How long has the band been together?

Asher: The core members, ten years.

KXLU: You have a website?

Asher: Yes, the easiest way to get to it is to link at HighTimes.com (Pot 25) or you can go to our attorneys at The Firm.com in the A&R page under artists.

KXLU: 'High Times Magazine' listed your song 'Jah Made the Herb' in the 25th anniversary Pot 25.

Asher: We've played at the Ann Arbor Hash Bash for several years. I don't know how much word of that gets out of the midwest, but it's a very big event in Michigan, a big freedom fighter event. After last year we opted not to play it. They shut it down for a noise violation. We have a fair amount of following among those people who support the Hash Bash. However, it's not all about herb; it's about justice and truth. That's the message in the music. Herb is a part of it. Many people want to misinterpret Rastafari. I don't locks my hair, so some say I can't be a Rasta, but some Rastas comb and some don't. Really, it's more about how you live and your heart than it is your hair. I choose to wear my hair short and try and survive in this society we live in....try and get by.

KXLU: So how long have you embraced Rastafarianism?

Asher: Ever since, you know. I think everyone has Rastafari in them. The most important thing is to look at Sellassie and take his life in the context of your own as an example. There's a lot of mystic tradition in Rastafari, but what's really important is that you apply the principles of justice in your own life. Sellassie is a great example of that in a man - basic principles of living. I recommend that people learn about King Sellassie in schoolbooks, the half that's never been told, you know? Rastafari lives in the hearts of those who seek him.

KXLU: Let's play a song off your CD, Craven Dog. This one's 'Armageddon Warrior'. What's that about?

Asher: It's about warmongers making war on the innocent, drinking down innocent blood. We can't deal with Armageddon warriors and the Apocalypse. Life is our choice.

KXLU: In a couple days you're back to Detroit. I hope you enjoy your stay in L.A. What have you liked the best so far?

Asher: I like the sunshine, the palm trees and the beautiful women.

KXLU: Thanks for your time.

Asher: Peace.