Before Buddahead, there was Raman Kia. He was born in Iran, where learning piano offered a respite from the harsh drumbeat of daily violence. Kia fled the country while still a boy, and studied in England before eventually settling in New York City. It was there that pal Leona Naess nicknamed him Buddahead, and his lush adult alternative sound began to take shape. He and his band then hit the road. In 2003, Buddahead played Bonnaroo, and ended up contributing a cut called "Invisible" to the festival's commemorative CD. That tour exposure led to a deal with Sanctuary, and the label issued Buddahead's debut LP Crossing the Invisible Line in May '04. It was a slick, AAA, radio-ready affair comparable to mature pop acts like Train or Coldplay. ~ Johnny Loftus