GainesFM

David Aaron Gaines, better known by his stage name Gaines, is an American rapper. He found music at an early age, elementary days to be more specific, it was here where his mother used to read her poetry to him, this would have a significant effect on Gaines' personality and subsequently his music.

He has never felt comfortable doing anything other then writing music and immediately fell in love with this form of expression. Fast forward a couple of years down the road Gaines decided it was time for his voice to be heard and starts to record at the age of 17 in his fathers basement. Gaines has always felt a chip on his shoulder as though he had something to prove to the world; no matter the circumstances. Now, he's proving himself though music.

With influences from Nas, Eminem, Micheal Jackson, Sade, Kid Cudi, and Lincoln Park. Gaines starts his journey. It was shortly after high school that Gaines released his 1st mixtape entitled Freedom Of Speech which spoke on the trials and tribulations of high school and life as a teenager though his eyes. Freedom Of Speech dropped jaws from close friends and family all alike, which gave Gaines that extra motivation he needed.

With great expectation, Gaines released a 2nd mixtape entitled Purple in September 2010. The first single "I Hate My Job" was featured on 101.3 KDWB's "The Dave Ryan In The Morning Show". Only a year after dropping his 2nd mixtape Purple and getting great feedback from radio stations, blog sites, and the fans Gaines felt it was necessary and time to make a full fledged album with all original beats. And he did, with help from some producers of Purple, which included Lazy Thunda, Dae Walker, and additional help from Rahki Smith (Grammy-award winning producer). He even had a live band added for a more interactive feel!

Gaines released his highly anticipated first album, The Night Crawler, in September 2011. The album showed Gaines as an all around artist as opposed to just a rapper, because not only did The Night Crawler feature rap, but it showed fans another side to Gaines with more of an alternative, rocker vibe combined with some commercial elements that will have generations to come listening to his music!

Since then Gaines has collaborated with names such as Chance The Rapper, Mod Sun, Toki Wright, and shared the stage with Asher Roth, Logic, and Redman to name a few. With the noise and responses of this new project Gaines is more than a force to be reckoned with a bright future ahead!

Past Shows


Sep
8
th
2018
Cabooze Outdoor Plaza
Sep
8
th
2018
Cabooze Outdoor Plaza

Prof

with Lil B, Montana of 300, Cashinova and more!
Jan
3
rd
2018
7th St Entry
Jan
3
rd
2018
7th St Entry

GainesFM

with UJU, BABY SHEL, Velvo and more!
Sep
19
th
2017
Fine Line
Sep
19
th
2017
Fine Line

YoungBoy Never Broke Again

with GainesFM and TIIIIIIIIIIP
Sep
9
th
2017
The Cabooze
Sep
9
th
2017
The Cabooze

PROF OUTDOORS After Party 9/9/17

with DJ D-Mil, Manchita, Bionik and more!
Jan
22
nd
2017
7th St Entry
Jan
22
nd
2017
7th St Entry

GainesFM

with Cram, Devon Reason, DJ TRAVIS GORMAN and more!
May
4
th
2016
7th St Entry
Sep
6
th
2012
7th St Entry
Sep
6
th
2012
7th St Entry

Finding Novyon and GainesFM

with K Bone, Kids Like Us and MIDWEST SELECTS
Jan
18
th
2012
7th St Entry

More Shows

Dec
13
th
First Avenue

Emo Nite

with Derek Sanders (of Mayday Parade)
Mar
16
th
7th St Entry

Ray Bull

Feb
16
th
Fine Line

Dua Saleh

with Sam Austins
Jan
10
th
First Avenue

G. Love & Special Sauce