Rains Singer Counts Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Tool as Influences

2012-04-04

Story by Anne Erickson

Jeff Rains: ‘I really got into ‘80s rock and the Seattle scene’ growing up

Listening to Jeff Rains’ band, Rains, it’s easy to think that his musical influences fall into the straight-ahead, melodic rock variety. But, as it turns out, Rains is a diehard grunge fan with a passion for the raw, gritty, groundbreaking kind of music that rose up out of Seattle in the late-‘80s and early-‘90s.

“It was a lot of country music first, and then my dad had me listen to ‘60s and ‘70s rock. But then, I really got into ‘80s rock and the Seattle scene, like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden– all those guys,” Rains told Audio Ink Radio. “Putting all of that together had a huge impact on the sound of Rains.”

Rains went off to rattle some of his favorite rock albums of all time. It’s not surprise that they fall into that ‘80s and ‘90s rock category: Live’s “Throwing Copper,” Tool’s “Aenima,” U2’s greatest hits collection “Best of 1980-1990,” Van Halen’s “Live Right Here, Right Now” and Alice in Chains’ “MTV Unplugged.”

Rains are out on their first headlining tour, playing small clubs and theaters across North America. Last year, the guys scored a big gig opening for Five Finger Death Punch, All That Remains and Hatebreed in arenas across the U.S. What was it like going from playing small clubs to 10,000-seat arenas? “It was insane!” Rains said. “We had five different tour offers and did research, and everybody wanted that one. It was serious, because all of those bands are heavier than us, especially Hatebreed. But it worked out well. It was a good move for us to make.” Check back for our full interview with Rains next week. (Photo credti: Jeff Sciortino.)

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.