Sonic Architecture: Rainy Park
RFB.FM connected with Rainy Park this week for our Sonic Architecture series exploring sound, space, and environment. Following the release of their debut single, “Dumb,” we sat down to talk about the project’s evolution, its home base in Chicago, and the journey from Alive Alone to the current sound.
RFB.FM: Tell us about the evolution of Rainy Park — what has it been like launching a new project in Chicago, and how did your previous work with Alive Alone help shape the approach?
RP: I started working on this project after Alive Alone played our final shows. We were together for 11 years, so it was heavy for such a long chapter of my life to come to an end. Being a musician, an artist trying to “make it” I realized, is a big part of my identity. I wasn’t ready to stop. To me Rainy Park is just as much a continuation of the journey as it is a fresh chapter. I’m taking a different approach in some ways, but it still carries forward the emotionally driven/straightforward songwriting. I think my previous work with Alive Alone showed me which songwriting approach resonates more with people, and i’m embracing that.
RFB.FM: We’re fascinated by how a location and its environment can influence the music. Are there specific aspects of Chicago — the neighborhoods, the local weather, the culture — that find their way into your lyrics or sound? Any favorite local spots or venues?
RP: The band is actually named after the park next to the elementary school I attended. “Rainey Park” on 79th street. The band name is a reminder of my roots and what I came from. The friends I made in elementary school are still my close friends today. Those early years growing up in the south side shaped me in a lot of ways.
I’ve always been a big fan of the Bottom Lounge and there’s a great Mexican restaurant called “La Haciendita” by Midway.
RFB.FM: For the new track, tell us about the recording environment and the video production — how did this help capture the final energy?
RP: Dre who played bass in Alive Alone tracked me in my home studio, so it was a familiar feeling for us to be in the studio together. The video shoot ended up being so much fun. I found ShotByBayo on instagram through hashtags, and his energy was fantastic. He encouraged me & pushed me out of my comfort zone which I definitely needed.
RFB.FM: Who were/are some of your biggest influences?
RP: I’m influenced by a lot of emo and alternative from the 2000s. My Chemical Romances’ “Life On The Murder Scene” tour documentary is what made me decide I want to become a touring rock musician.
RFB.FM: What are some of your favorite bands right now? Who should we be checking out?
RP: “Imperfections” is a post punk band from the south side, they’ve been making some great stuff. “Something Easy” is another band from the south side that makes great music, they’re playing Reggie’s on April 19th.
RFB.FM: What’s next for Rainy Park?
RP: We’re releasing our second single in a month or so. It’s already recorded, so we just have to get the mix back and then record the video for it. I took more artistic risk with this one, I’m excited to see how it’s received. I think it’s my best song. It’s got the catchy pop stuff from “Dumb”, but also some of the darker concepts/weird song structures that were in old Alive Alone tracks.