REJN, pronounced "rain," originally formed in February 2006 at the University of Southern California as the musical partnership between Chris VanBooven, lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and Derrick Ambat, lead guitar and vocals. Soon Adam Shahbaz, drums, percussion and vocals, joined the group, followed later by Chris Funkhouser, bass and vocals. Inspired by a vast range of influences and experiences, the band moved quickly to assemble their debut full-length album, ?Myriad Fa?ade,? under pressure of a growing fan-base.
Inspired by a vast range of influences and experiences, the band moved quickly to assemble their debut full-length album, ?Myriad Fa?ade,? under pressure of a growing fan-base. The album is on sale now at the bands myspace (www.myspace.com/rejnband) page and on iTunes.
While writing and recording the album with Don Lithgow at DML Studios, San Marcos, in the Fall of 2006, REJN ambitiously pursued show opportunities, including winning several Battle-of-the-Bands competitions at The Whiskey-a-go-go, B.B. Kings, and GroundZero at USC. The band also played several charity events, including a UNICEF event that raised over $10,000 and exposed the band to crowds in excess of 500 people, many of whom quickly joined the band's myspace page.
REJN often plays acoustic shows to complement their avant-garde Metal-esque sound. The combination has allowed the band to reach a broad demographic. REJN has been successful at acquiring fans of both sexes and across many age groups. REJN's explorations in ethnically driven melodies and rhythms has opened up a broad fan-base across ethnic and cultural lines. A REJN fan loves music, be it metal, flamenco, hip-hop, jazz, rock, or almost anything else. Such a broad reach often raises skeptical eyes upon introduction, but the commanding voice of Chris VanBooven and the cohesive and virtuoso styles of each individual in REJN glue the listening experience together. Meanwhile, the band's unwieldy and near-acrobatic live performance cements the viewing experience.
REJN is currently offering ?Myriad Fa?ade? pre-orders from their myspace and iTunes.