Johnny Raindrop / Matt Raindrop / Andy Raindrop / Darren Raindrop
Influences
Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers /
Raffi /
The Ramones /
Sandra Kerr /
John Faulkner /
Woody Guthrie /
The Velvet Underground /
Sam Cooke /
Paul K Joyce /
Julia Donaldson /
The Violent Femmes /
The Coasters /
Gary 'US' Bonds /
Donovan
Twangin’ on a guitar! Bangin’ on a drum!
Look out everybody ‘cause here come …
Johnny and the Raindrops play rock’n’roll music for children. They write lively and original songs that get children (and grown ups) dancing and moving, singing and grooving. The Nottingham-based four-piece band play live at festivals, carnivals, parties, community events, schools, pubs and clubs. Formed in 2008, they have so far recorded and released four CDs:
‘Ring! Ring! Say ‘Hello’ to …’, L.P. Summer 2008
‘I’m Dreaming of a Wet Christmas’, E.P. Winter 2008
‘Songs for Sherwood (and Nottingham)’, L.P. Spring 2009
‘Let’s Make a Band’, L.P. Summer 2009
‘Songs for Sherwood (and Nottingham)’ was produced as part of a collaborative project with the children from Haydn School in Sherwood, Nottingham, the CD being the result of a series of singing and song writing workshops and recording sessions with the children.
Johnny and the Raindrops love playing shows. Here is a selection of the ones we have played so far.
2009
August: Nottingham Children’s Festival. Nine appearances over
three days at Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Park.
July: Ambergate Carnival, Derbyshire
Opening ceremony of new play park on Forest Recreation Ground, Nottm.
June: Arnold Carnival
Sherwood Festival
2008:
Dec: Christmas lights switch on in Sherwood
Sept: Stapleford Carnival
… plus dozens of self-organised gigs/parties in community halls, pubs and venues all over the place.
Johnny and the Raindrops have been gathering airplay on BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC Radio Mansfield and Trent FM’s.
The band’s child-friendly lyrics about pirates, planets, parts of the body, aliens, mermaids, robots, teddies, rhyming, colours of the rainbow, counting and teeth are coupled to fun, fresh and funky music that is crafted and played with love and care. Strongly influenced by the rock’n’roll of the late 1950s and early 1960s, the songs of Johnny and the Raindrops are joyous and innocent, full of stories, pictures and larger than life characters. The band’s beautifully-basic sound has been described as ‘skiffle’, however they blend the sounds of ‘50s doo wop and rhythm and blues with rock’n’roll, country, folk, blues, soul and occasionally funk and punk!
Guitarist Andy Raindrop is one of the best players in Nottingham, his lightening-fast fingers and experience in blues, country and roots music add that touch of magic to the Raindrops’ sound.
Double bass player Darren Raindrop is an in-demand session player, contributing his bass and sax talents to the Raindrops.
Singer/writer/rhythm guitarist Johnny and drummer Matt have played together for nearly ten years in successful bands. All the band adopted the surname ‘Raindrop’ as a show of brotherhood and as homage to the Ramones.
Appealing equally to children and adults, the Raindrops are the perfect addition to any children’s or family event. Check out the sample of songs (click ‘Sample Johnny’s music’) and videos on this site, or visit the band on MySpace (linked here under ‘Music and video samples’) or direct on www.myspace.com/johnnyraindrops, Facebook (search for ‘Johnny Raindrop’) or YouTube (for concert footage, songs and videos).
Keep on rockin’!
Johnny and the Raindrops
Rubber Biscuit would like to invite you to the ' KINGCLAW ' 7" Vinyl Single Launch Party ! The party is due to take place at The Golden Fleece (Mansfield Rd Nottingham) on FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER . KINGCLAW will be playing a live set with full light show , special guest BECK STACY will provide support and DJ KING KAHLUA will entertain with his tuntable skills . There is a late license and Admission is free , we look forward to seeing you there . . . . .
hi liam good to see you today .have got on the course.thanks for kind comments re our songs.keep up the good work great tracks see you in the future. ps if you know of anyone at the college re playing gigs on college circuit please let us know.any help in welcome. best regards roy
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