Raymond Raposa
Also known as Castanets, Raymond Byron, Raymond Byron and the White Freighter
Raymond Raposa (1981-2022) was known to many friends and fans for his music, recording under the name Castanets, Raymond Byron and White Freighter, and Ray Raposa. Castanets was “one of the more prominent bands in the so-called American freak folk movement (also known as psychedelic folk and New Weird America) of the early 2000s.” He was a poet and storyteller who delivered his imagery through song. In his music, Raposa has known his share of rootlessness. His songs continuously evoke travel, but long for a still center. Ray was signed under Sufjan Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty label and he collaborated with Sufjan and countless others over the years on many albums and a couple movie soundtracks. Raymond was equally known for his kindness, deep compassion, profound intellect, and his innate soulfulness. His river ran deep. He was gracious, and modeled a life without judgement.