Tastyfresh.com - Cornerstone 2005 DJ Profile: DJ Rain

Cornerstone 2005 DJ Profile: DJ Rain

Written by David Richardson

Sunday, 15 May 2005

Vitals:

DJ/Artist Name: DJ Rain of Magnify Music
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Bio: DJ Rain, while growing up in New Jersey, was introduced to soul and R & B music. He was also heavily influenced by gospel music and envisioned the connection between gospel and what would later be called house music. DJ Rain was introduced to house at Club Zanzibar by the legends: Tony Humphries, Tee Scott, Larry Levan, and Timmy Regisford. DJ Rain states regarding this transforming event: “Although these djs were not well known at the time, I knew that what they were doing was different and would eventually become legendary. Through the study of their skills, orchestration of the dj role, and music selections, I know that these djs were inspirations in my personal journey into djing and music production.” He then spent time overseas serving his country and was able to experience different cultures and hear many different forms of music. Upon return to the states, he spent time in San Diego and held different residencies, helping to promote a new underground house and hip hop scene.

Rain then moved to Dallas, and decided to focus primarily on house music. He started a residency at Mick’s on Greenbelt and helped to establish a loyal house following that exists to this day. The Dallas Morning News mentioned the scene that had formed at Mick’s and that Rain was part of “…the strong contingent of dj talent” with now regular nights at Mick’s. Rain returned to L.A. in late 1998 with a renewed and dedicated passion to pursue house and other soulful styles of music, both in djing and in producing. Rain has brought soulful, underground house to several different venues in the L.A. area. He has graced the turntables and satisfied the crowds at such well-known venues as Marques Wyatt’s Deep, More, and began an underground club, Soul Heaven/L.A., where his vision came to fruition. “I wanted to create a club or regular event that centered around deep, soulful, and gospel house music, where people could dance, experience a positive atmosphere, and enjoy both the old and new styles of house,” he states. Soul Heaven/L.A. accomplished this goal and uplifted those who attended for over a year and a half. Jointz magazine writer Mike the Poet reported of Rain: “...a man who knows that music is spiritual.....Though he has the flair and style of any other DJ superstar, he is a grounded cat with mad love and good vibes.” Most recently, Rain has inspired the dance floor at Transistor Lounge events, and was a headlining dj for the “NuJazz Sessions 2” Release Party on Groove Gravy Records, upon which his original track “See How It Sounds” is featured.

Rain’s creative focus currently lies with the creation and production of beautiful music. He began his label, Magnify Music, with the following mission: to create, produce, remix, and play unique music that combines jazz, gospel, house, and other soulful qualities. “Urban Excursions, Volume One,” the initial release on Magnify Music, is a compilation that definitely follows the mission of the label. It is climbing the charts at national and international radio stations such as two time award-winning radio station KCRW, and is capturing audiences on such broadcast shows as nationally syndicated “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Both stellar dj and producer Little Louie Vega of Masters at Work and LA’s house aficionado Marques Wyatt give the compilation positive acclaim. “Volume One” is first in a series of “Urban Excursions” slated by Magnify Music and is also a prelude for what is to come. Rain feels truly blessed with the talents and gifts he has been given. Through creativity, ingenuity, and a genuine message, Rain and Magnify Music plan to take music to a higher standard throughout the world.

Interview:

What is the thing you like most about DJing?

I like the interaction between the music I am playing and the crowd’s rhythmatic response through dance. There is a form of worship in this interaction; and as a dj it is our responsibility to focus that worship on the beautiful things of God (be it love, honesty, truth, or Jesus Himself, etc.)

How would you describe your style?

It borders on the more jazzy, deep, soulful aspects of dance music. I view my dj’ing style more as an art form rather than a persona. I take delight in playing music that uplifts people’s souls.

How does your faith influence your DJing?

If it wasn’t for my faith I wouldn’t be djing right now. I think faith is the most integral part of djing. What you believe will have a direct correlation with what you play. I read somewhere that “Every dj is a preacher, every dj booth: an altar; every dancer: a worshipper; and every club, a church.” With that in mind, the God that you serve (or don’t serve) will have a direct influence over what you are playing. For me, Jesus is my inspiration.

What excites you most about playing Cornerstone this year?

I have never been to Cornerstone and I don’t know what to expect. I am used to playing to crowds who know who I am already, and people who enjoy Gospel House music. I’m not sure how many people at Cornerstone know this genre. But I am willing to go and find out.

Who is the DJ/Artist you look up to the most?

Tony Humphries (DJ and CEO of Yellorange Records, NJ). I first saw Tony at a club called Zanzibar at the age of 16 and I was amazed at what he was doing. He was taking dance music of the day and mixing it with gospel tracks that I never knew you could dance to. WOW!