A gorgeous new single release from Rainy brings out a very personal and honest singer-songwriter approach that really has a way of relating to the inner you that exists deep inside the outer shell and it's quite a beautiful thing because it feels freeing to listen to.
"Home" is an absolutely perfect name for the single because it's so wonderfully nostalgic in its own sense because of the honesty in the lyrics and how open the artist is and that performance.
There's such a level of comfort and almost a welcoming tonality to the track that feels genuine and authentic from the get-go.
It's absolutely stupendous to hear an artist that wears his is heart on a sleeve in this manner and this is part of what makes the song so likable and relatable.
It all comes from someplace very real, and that emotional Drive is something that helps you really gravitate towards the song and everything that he's saying.
The song has this acoustic and vocal stripped-down sensation to it, and it really works for the premise of the song because it's so personal.
There's something about this that feels like a hug from a loved one that you haven't seen in a while.
I think the approach of this song is spot on because it hits all those Sweet Tones that you want from a song with a nature like this and it really shows a lot for his character as a person as well as an artist.
This release bears loads of soul, and you can tell that this artist has this almost cathartic sense as you listen to the song itself like he had to do this to get it off of his chest properly.
Because of that, the listener gets it and understands what's going on so that heart goes a really long way with the proper songwriting.
This guy has loads of salt and the delivery in the vocals is this great balance between old and new school feels so you get that maturity in the songwriting but also you have this sort of youthful outcry as well.
This is mix and it's something that makes a song addictive.
As a song plays on it also gives a little bit more intensity and more vocal tracks start appearing and become layered on, but it never loses that heart and never loses that Soul throughout the whole thing.
This was a gorgeous and well-woven single and we wanted to have a sit-down with Rainy to find out more about the single and the upcoming album that it comes from.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Fell For The World album! This record had tons of grooves and fresh guitar work along with this alive and breathing soulfulness! How did this album come about?
This album grew from traveling and moving. I've always been inspired by the road and with the people, places and connections we make along the way. Nature and our relationships with each other continue to be my deepest well of inspiration for writing music.
I love writing and playing Latin and African rhythms and switching instruments helps me to see new perspectives musically as well as lyrically. 'Fell For The World' comes straight out of that mixing pot.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
My earliest memory of music is my Gran's piano. I was apparently obsessed with it, although I had no idea how or what it did, I just seemed to like it a lot. My Mum played guitar and sang to my sister and I when we were young and I think she must have had a big influence on us both. I danced a lot when I was a kid, so music was always around. It wasn't until I started to play guitar and drums at around 15 that I knew I wanted to be a musician. Grunge appeared along side the Skate Punk and Metal scene and it was all I listened to during those teen years. Just about anyone who had the nerve to stand on stage and do what they do with conviction inspired me at that point.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
I've grown up and worked in and around nature all my life and for many years now as a gardener and woodsman. I've travelled around the world seeking and finding connection everywhere. It has lead me to believe that we have a deep interconnection with the world that is available to us all. Acknowledging this gives me strength and compassion and an overwhelming sense of gratitude which very often leads to inspiration when it comes to writing music. It ultimately reminds me of how incredible we really are; not removed from nature but distinctly part of it's wondrous vibrant dynamic. I've noticed that I write a lot of songs that become a form of encouragement. We all feel suffering in this life. It seems like making people feel good, connected and loved is a recurring theme for me.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
There are just so many....some long standing inspirations that have undoubtedly influenced my music are ( in no particular order ): Joni Mitchell, Jerry Garcia, Stevie Wonder, Guillermo Portabales, Ali Farka Toure, Ravi Shankar, James Taylor, Nick Drake, Bill Withers, Paul Simon, Phish, Robert Hunter, John Williams, David Crosby, Melody Gardot, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, Eliades Ochoa, Bob Marley..... it goes on for a while...
Buzz Slayers: What are you performing on this record exactly?
Guitars, Drums, Vocals, Congas, Djembe, Percussion, Kora, Banjo, Sitar, Piano, Bass....basically everything on the album apart from the Rabeca ( Brazilian Violin ) on Wishing Well played by my good friend, songwriter and fellow multi instrumentalist Marcelo Andrade.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I'm a gardener, woodworker and woodsman as well as co-founder of Made On A Hill where I make all kinds of things from recycled and up-cycled materials.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Xenia Rubinos - Black Terry Cat - It's such and amazing album!
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I've been cooling off live shows since lockdown and concentrating on the new songs for the next album. I'll be playing some shows in the UK with Sofar sounds as well as other shows and possibly some in Europe later in the year.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I recorded everything myself at home in my spare room. Like everything I've ever released since I was 15.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
'Fell For The World' is out on streaming platforms from 12th June.
A new album is rapidly assembling itself at the moment and I'm so excited about it. I'll be staring recording this summer. I'll also be releasing some more videos for tracks off 'Fell For The World' and playing some live shows.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you! I'm sure this is the stock answer to this question for most musicians and writers. It's really hard to put into words what it really means for people to enjoy and absorb your music into their lives. We are here for such a short time and there is so much to stimulate us nowadays. That anyone finds these songs and gives them a home by embracing them into their lives is overwhelmingly cool.