Adeo, a North Jersey native, has been writing
lyrics and performing music for 15 years. His alias, Adeo, is inspired
by the fables of Saint Augustine, famous for his philosophical and
spiritual writings. Augustine birthed his only son, Adeodatus, in
the year 1200. Following a rebellious youth misguided by the pleasures
of excess, it is told that Augustine, in a quest for higher meaning,
rose to levels of near flawless morality. Thus, given his parallels
in spiritual awakening, Adeo equates himself to a modern-day son
of Augustine – spitting righteous, conscious flow with messages
of mutual respect and his beliefs in the commonality of mankind.
“Blindman” -- (keys)
Also a North Jersey native, The Blindman has been writing and performing
music since 1994. He hopes to inspire fans to truly recognize the
love in their hearts – a concept inspired by the legendary
Bob Marley, which the band has re-coined “1 luv, 1 nation”
Blindman views music as a universal mode for relating to people
that is not only heard, but also felt. As a main composer of the
band’s music, he aims to capture the raw emotion of personal
life experiences and convey spirituality and respect for God’s
love, in a strictly nondenominational fashion. Blindman believes
that all mankind regardless of religious distinction are all connected
somehow, some way, and that through simple living and love for one’s
neighbors, true happiness is achieved.
“Megawatts” -- Curtis Watts (drums)
Continued: Megawatts has been on the funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock,
third world beat and jazz scene for many years. A Harlem and Bronx
native who thrives on live performances, Watts has previously performed
and shared the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Santana, Terry
Bozio (Frank Zappa Band), and Teo Macero, producer for Miles Davis.
Megawatts is no stranger to the studio either, having been an original
member of the first instrumental hip-hop band ever signed to a major
label (Smokin’ Suckas wit Logic/Epic Records) and is also
a former production engineer, having worked with such artists as
Vernon Reid, KRS-1, DJ Logic, and Living Colour.
“Tomcat” a.k.a “T-dub”
(bass guitar)
Tomcat, a Chicago native, has played in a variety of projects and
is well-versed in several styles, including funk, R&B, hip-hop,
house, disco, jazz, trip-hop, and drum n’ bass. With the simple
goal of “making the people move,” his bass lines have
become a primary foundation of RAINATION’s sound. T-dub currently
plays part-time with several other bands as well, including the
R&B/soul/funk of Carlton J. Smith and the jazzy electronica
of Etro Anime. He has previously played with Chicago’s legendary
Poi Dog Pondering, the R&B/blues of Thomas Bucknasty, The Healers,
and the disco band Generations. Like the other members of RAINATION,
Tomcat believes firmly in better living through positive vibes.
Corinne Gooden (vocalist)
Originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, Corinne began singing,
dancing, and playing the trumpet and guitar at an early age. After
receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from
Florida State University, Gooden landed a yearlong gig singing with
Disney World’s a cappella group, Voices of Liberty. Having
drawn her most prominent vocal influences from blues, classic rock,
and folk, Corinne moved to New York City soon thereafter to follow
her true passion of singing and songwriting. She has been a mainstay
on the Manhattan club scene ever since.
Joel Hoekstra (rhythm guitar)
A Chicago native and son of two classical musicians, Joel switched
from the cello and piano, to playing guitar, at age 12. He attended
Musicians Institute in California and worked as a technician at
the world-famous Cherokee Studios, where he performed set-ups for
artists such as Rage Against the Machine, 311, Rod Stewart, Ray
Charles, and countless others. Longing to spend more time with his
guitar, Hoekstra later returned to Chicago's club scene and in 1998
joined the Cathy Richardson Band, where he began headlining top
venues and opening for national acts. In 2003, Joel played a solo
performance of the national anthem at Madison Square Garden for
a Knicks game, and joined Big Brother & the Holding Company
in Central Park for a tribute to Janis Joplin. Recently, Joel completed
a six-month tour of the Broadway show 'It Ain't Nothin But the Blues'
and subbed as guitarist on “The Boy From Oz” starring
Hugh Jackman.
Mocha Ishibashi (jazz violin)
Mocha, born in Japan, began playing violin at the age of four. She
is a graduate of Japan’s Musashino Music College and was a
frequent performer for studio recordings, symphony orchestras, and
jazz clubs in the Tokyo area. In 1998, she began her extensive jazz
violin studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston,
MA, later becoming a member of the Boston Metropolitan Orchestra
(performing with such artists as Arturo Sandoval and Maynard Ferguson).
Mocha has participated in the Henry Mancini Institute (performing
with Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, and Christian N. McBrian). She
was also the featured performer on the award
DJ toMU
DJ toMU is originally from Tokyo, Japan. When he was 14 years old,
he was deeply influenced by Hip-Hop culture from the movie called "Juice".
As a result, he started spinning when he was 17 years old, and began his
career as a DJ at clubs in Tokyo and Kanagawa. In 1998, toMU came to NYC.
During his college life, he was a DJ at Hunter College’s radio station.
At that time toMU started entering DJ battles such as the Zulu Nation DJ
battle. In 2003, he became the first Japanese finalist of the DMC NY competition.
He joined RAINATION in 2004. toMU’s favorite artists include DJ Krush,
Q-Bert and Rob Swift. DJ toMU’s speciality is scratch percussion.
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