Rainfield is a producer and vocalist based in New York State, originally from Austin Texas. Rainfield’s soft spoken delivery is unique and memorable – in his earlier works, vocals glide over soft trap instrumentals, often covering topics of love and sadness. Tracks such as “Superbad”, “;x”, and “marry me” embody this playful, romantic and reminiscent account of teenage emotion. Much of Rainfield’s work is self produced, and he has recently begun to distance himself from being boxed into the ‘soundcloud trap’ label. Expanding to melancholy guitar melodies accompanied by soft 909 drums, his most recent release “what would happen” features two tracks, the title track and “fireplace”. Both tracks on this release are atmospheric and wonderfully minimal. What would happen is an upbeat recount of nearly being spotted by what can only be presumed as an ex lover, whereas Fireplace is slower in pace, a beautiful guitar melody with slow drums to accompany Rainfield’s emotional delivery. Sticking to this sound, Rainfield and Thomas together form Black Tie Event – A project with a similar dreamy, tender approach to rainfield’s solo work, using memorable hooks, simple guitar melodies and electronic drums.
Rainfield has joined #CO
<CO>
Could you talk a bit about where you’ve lived and how that has influenced you?
<RAINFIELD>
I was born in Texas, and my mom raised me on old country songs. I think that has a lot to do
with both my music and who I am. A few years ago I moved to New York City, but since lost interest in the louder music that drew me there. I now often find myself upstate, writing softer music like the kind I was raised on. Currently I’m back in Manhattan at an airbnb with my bandmate from “Black Tie Event”, Thomas.
<CO>
Have you been making music all your life, or is it only something you began to explore recently?
<RAINFIELD>
As a kid I’d write songs as I fell asleep. I’d forget them in the morning, but it didn’t matter because I’d gotten the emotion out. When I was twelve I started playing drums and it was the first thing I loved to do, and could do all day without getting bored. I didn’t take music seriously up until the past few years. For a while I thought I only wanted to be a producer, but Thomas inspired me to sing again.
<CO>
I liked the new stuff from Black Tie Event in “Da Comeback EP”. How did that come about?
<RAINFIELD>
At the time we were listening to a lot of early 2000s Myspace music. I got really into using 909 drum samples, and writing simple guitar chords over them. The second song on the Ep, “Do U” was actually produced over a year ago with one of my close friends from Texas. I think that one came from our love of beachy sounding pop.
<CO>
I love the sound you have been pursuing at the moment both in your solo work and with BTE. Was the movement away from trap beats intentional?
<RAINFIELD>
It was never a goal of mine, but I think it’s happened naturally. I’ve been listening to a lot of rock, so I guess that’s what I’m most currently inspired by.
<CO>
Aside from place, who has influenced your music?
<RAINFIELD>
Right now I’m most influenced by my friends in our collective “r/music”. Couture23, I.v., Protectedcharms, and Thomas.
<CO>
How important is solitude for you?
<RAINFIELD>
I’ve been spending a lot of my time at an old motel in upstate New York. Most days I’m the only tenant. I book online and the management is offsite so it’s pretty much total isolation. I cook dinner on a camping stove in the snow, and write music at night. Often I feel like a character in an Edward Hopper painting.
<CO>
What are your thoughts on Soundcloud?
<RAINFIELD>
Early on I felt my music specifically belonged there, but as time goes on I feel less attached. That being said, I still really appreciate the community.
<CO>
Where did you get your name?
<RAINFIELD>
It’s actually my middle name. My grandfather gave it to me. I hesitated to use it before I felt I could do it justice but I feel I’m there now.
