HOT RAIN

Dark Clouds appear, a strong wind begins to blow, the siren warning sounds, you hear thunder in the distance, slowly you feel the rain start to fall……You start to take cover, but wait something's different….Your feet begins to move, you can't stop your body from swaying, your head begins to bounce to a familiar groove…"Todays Forecast: Hot Rain, forget your umbrellas, bring your dancing shoes!!! Started in the summer of 1999, Hot Rain is no new comer to Hawaii's island music scene. Originally started with members who met through church, Hot Rain has been capable of moving crowds since early in their musical journey. They got recognition early on by winning the battle of the bands contest on the roof top of Dave and Busters. In 2005 they won the Maitai rumble, yet another band competition. As their reputation grew they have opened for numerous international acts such as War, Yellow Man, Don Carlos, Eek a Mouse, Maxi Priest, Steel Pulse and Ub40. In 2008 they toured Japan and shared the bill with Fiji, J Boog, Laga Savea, Siaosi, and Kiwini. Hot Rain has also toured in countries such as Australia, Tonga, American Samoa, Guam and New Zealand. In the islands due to their musicianship and ability to learn an artist's music quickly and exactly, Hot Rain earned a reputation as Hawaii's mainstay backing band. When not touring with Fiji or J Boog they have also stood in as the band for Marty Dread, Oshen, Micah G, A2C, Sahra Indio and Kimie. Hot Rain's reputation has also given them the opportunity to stand in as the band for International Reggae Artists Tanya Stephens, Cas Haley and Junior Reid when they came through Hawaii. In addition to playing live Hot Rain has lent their talents in the studio to many recordings gracing the Island Music charts. Artist such as Fiji, Micah G, Laga Savea, Siaosi, Kiwini, Kiani, Mike Love, The Green, and Anuhea to name a few. In 2010 they began work on their debut album. Consisting of all originals, with all the music arranged and produced themselves. The long overdue "Self Titled" album has got the island music world buzzing with anticipation all the way to New Zealand and Australia. Since it's release on November 2011, "Self Titled" has not disappointed. With hit songs Love, Cuz I'm, and Heavyweight Love hitting #1 on several of Hawaii's top radio stations, Hot Rain has the islands rockin to their brand of Reggae music. Showing much promise "Self Titled" debuted at #8 on the Billboard reggae charts and hit #2 on iTunes American reggae charts. CARL NOA Fascinated by his father's rendition of stairway to heaven and tired of playing the ukulele, Carl Noa aka Capt cako picked up the guitar in the summer of 1998. As a writer he wrote songs performed by other bandmates, meanwhile singing backup until being thrown in the limelight as the lead vocalist. Since starting The Hot Rain Band in 2000 with fellow member Laga Savea its been a roller coaster ride on his musical journey. CRYSTAL NAKAMAEJO "A proud mother of two amazing little boys, Crystal Nakamaejo (aka Jahprincess) began studying voice at the early age of 5. Since then she has performed and competed in different talent competitions and has been featured in numerous recording projects, including Brown Bags To Stardom and the Kamehameha Schools Children Chorus. Along with making sweet music with The Hot Rain Band, Crystal frequently sings with her church to glorify Jesus, the One who has blessed her with the gift of music." BLAINE MATEO Masterbassist, born Blaine Mateo, first started playing bass out of boredom with drummie Big L at church. His influences are the good and bad bassists...inspired by the good ones and reminded not what to do from the bad ones. CHRIS RODRIGUERA Chris aka Chris Rod, discovered his love for music while attending college at UH Manoa. in 2001 where he learned how to play the keyboard and developed his skill while playing in a church worship band. Chris joined THE HOT RAIN BAND in 2004 and has been playing keys and singing background vocals ever since. He currently holds a job at a private school as a skills trainer and works with children with autism and special needs. Although he loves his job, he hopes to begin a full time career in music with THE HOT RAIN BAND. JORELL NACAPUY Jorell aka Jay.Keyz started classical piano training at the age of five. His parents roots in their church choir, and his families love for music soon had him mimicking Gospel, Jazz, and R&B classics. Jorell joined the Hot Rain band in early 2005, just returning from school in Arizona, he would go out to check out the island music scene and was soon recruited by Carl Noa to join the band. In addition to a busy schedule touring with Hot Rain, Jorell is a well sought after producer and session player in the islands. LESLIE LUDIAZO Leslie aka Big L was born into a musical family. Since birth he was surrounded by music. His mother and father where both musicians and played in the same band. His sisters and all his brothers sing and play instruments as well. As a child his biggest musical influences were his brothers Roger and Freddy. They constantly challenged him as a child to be a better musician. One of his biggest accomplishments is to be able to play music at the level he's playing right now and to be able to do it with friends he grew up with. Joining the band as a keyboard player and back ground vocalist in 2003, Les hopped on the drums in 2005 when the bands original drummer left the band. Since then Les has developed into one of the most sought after drummers in the islands. Hot Rain, nearly 12 years in the making is more than a band. Their persistence through the "up's and downs" of the music business is what sets them apart from their peers. Their humble beginnings, love of music, and loyalty to each other cannot only be heard but felt every time they take to the stage. Get ready for Hot Rain………