What do a UCLA psychology professor and a man who has worked in top security positions for the government have in common?  Friends for 18 years, Dr. Paul Abramson and Geoff Richardson have been friends for 18 years possess an ability to write words and music that inspire change.

When writing “Voodoo Trax,” Abramson avowed not to write lyrics about pin-covered dolls or magic potions; he wanted to “stay true” to Voodoo’s origins as a religion stemming from the oppression brought on by slavery.  Thus, True 2 Voodoo was born.

Originally called Thee Prodigal Sons, the men had to change their name due to an issue with infringement rights required the duo to make a change.

“We are at some level the Professor and the Guitar Wizard,” said Abramson, who was inspired to turn his poetry into music after hearing the story of a band called The Boston Typewriter Orchestra. “Basically I thought, if these guys can create a band with typewriters, a professor of psychology who writes lyrics can start a band too.”

Naturally he turned to his long time Santa Barbara neighbor and guitar savant Geoff Richardson who was no stranger to the music scene. Not only has he crafted instruments that were licensed by Fender, Richardson has also played alongside the highly influential rock and roll icon Jimi Hendrix.

The eloquent scholar and music master produced their first song before they even decided to commence their partnership.  “I laid down the music and helped Paul realize one of his lifelong ambitions. It was so fun we started a collaboration,” said Richardson.

The first track, “Demon’s Come Dance,” has a Ramones-like early punk flare that in many ways parallels the inner turmoil discussed in the lyrics. The chorus “Demon’s come, demon’s go step aside let them flow” is a reference to “internal demons,” according to Richardson.

The collaboration has lead to the production of a few more songs that cover a vast range of musical genres and societal issues. They dabble in many styles, but the one thing that remains constant is their ability to enhance the meaning of the song with the music behind it.

“Fractured Blues” speaks out about the disheartening issues that some of America has tried to ignore such as the Kennedy assassination and AIDS epidemic. The song has guitar sounds that expose as much of the song’s distress and confusion as the lyrics itself.  “The guitar does give me another voice which hopefully weaves emotions and energy through the story of the song,” said Richardson.

Most of the lyrics seem to draw from Abramson’s experience as an expert in human sexuality and sex and the law. The music deals a lot with societal issues such as oppression, discrimination, and ignorance. The song Human Rights Brutalized was written as a contribution for World AIDS Day and tackles the idea of tyrant’s trying to mesmerize groups of people only to strip them of their rights.

True 2 Voodoo is more than two men making music. It is about the embodiment of musical captivity, the sparkle of a dream fulfilled and the power to challenge injustice.