TBT | 50. Behind the Music: ASD Band, with Rawan Tuffaha, Spenser Murray, and Andrew Simon

*THROWBACK EPISODE*

This conversation with ASD Band was originally released on March 4, 2021. We are re-releasing it today to highlight that the band's story has been made into a feature-length documentary called OKAY! (The ASD Band Film). 

The film premiered at the Hot Docs International Festival last April, where it came in 2nd place for Rogers Audience Award for Best Canadian Documentary, and was also accepted and presented at Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand. 

Since then, ASD Band has been performing in a Canadian-wide tour thanks to one of the festival’s sponsors. 

Discover what’s possible when all notes are heard. 

Today we’re featuring two members of the ASD Band, lead vocalist Rawan Tuffaha and drummer Spenser Murray, joined by their manager, Andrew Simon. 

Comprised of musicians on the autism spectrum, the ASD Band was formed by Canadian charity Jake’s House to raise awareness and highlight strengths related to autism. If you’d like to learn more about Jake’s House, please listen to episode 44 featuring its co-founder, David Bodanis: Support Across the Lifespan at Jake's House in Canada. 

The ASD Band has performed with Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, and their covers of Shawn Mendes, Sonny & Cher, and Marvin Gaye are available on streaming platforms. In the intro, you'll hear a short sample of the band performing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” 

In today’s conversation, we discuss:

• The serendipitous creation of the ASD Band
• Rawan and Spenser's musical influences
• How autism helps their musical abilities
• Misconceptions about autism
• Tips for people on the spectrum who may be interested in joining a band 

For more information about the ASD Band, please visit:

Jake's House  

ASD Band “I Got You Babe” 

Spenser's Band: Lime Ricky 

Spenser’s YouTube: PlayerPunk6 

Rawan’s YouTube: Rawan Singer 77 

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