Ra(Z)neR

BIOS Genre: This band is not going to stick to one type of style… alternative rock, ballad rock, reggae, EMO style, whatever they feel. Each member’s influence drives the bands sound, combined they become something great. Band Members: Justin Alonso – Vocals, lead guitar, songwriter Matt Kizer – Vocals, bass, songwriter Corey “CoCo” Dawson – Vocals, drums, songwriter Gigs: Rainbow Bar and Grill, Whiskey a-go-go, The Vibe, Tremors, Biacci, Gotham, Angels’ Roadhouse, Stingers, Brandin Iron, My Heros About the Band: In mid-September of 2007 Corey Dawson and Justin Alonso were performing together as members of the cover band, Tracer. A few short months before Corey had also been playing with the recently disbanded Speaking in Metaphors with Matt Kizer. Dawson, Alonso and Kizer all wanted to be a part of the creative process and were looking to create more of their own sounds, through Dawson the three joined together to form RA(Z)NER . The groups’ love of all music is at the core of the songs they write and ultimately perform on stage. They each instinctually know when they are writing, that the final product will be a uniquely awesome song, but they also understand that great music takes effort. The bands members each contribute their individual sounds and styles culminating in a final product that is a tribute to the hard work and creative process they follow. RA(Z)NER’s friendship drives their entertaining performances on stage; watching them have a good time together is as much an experience as hearing their toe tapping beat. RA(Z)NER has strong chemistry and a steady stream of performances and once they play are always asked to return for future gigs. About the Artists: Justin Alonso grew up in Fullerton, California; when just 6 years old his Grandpa, Roscoe (Honey) Hawks put a guitar in his hands. This is the moment he credits to directing the rest of his life. Justin continued his pursuit of music through out his school years learning to play the violin in elementary school, adding singing, and cello along with marching band in High School. Though not crazy about the violin, Justin continued to play it throughout high school just to perfect his knowledge of reading music. At 16, Alonso became acquainted with Dawson and began to play in his first “official” rock band 1Away. Because of his young age, Justin would have a large “M” written on his hand and would be forced to stand outside clubs until the band took the stage to play. This did not deter Justin, music is his love and this philosophy is reflected in the lyrics of RA(Z)NER’s song Carry On, no matter what happens in life you can’t let it get you down, Carry On. Matt Kizer of Nuevo, California was into soccer and hockey throughout his youth. In his senior year of High School a group of friends got together to start the band Recognition for Discussion (RFD), they asked Matt if he wanted to join them. That’s when Matt picked up his first bass. Having a natural infinity for music, Kizer quickly mastered the guitar and bass, expanding to the key board. RFD played alternative and punk rock shows at small venues and local parties, but couldn’t play bars because they were too young. In 2005 Matt was asked by an acquaintance to join the band Speaking in Metaphors, that’s when Matt and Corey hooked up. SIM went on to perform at the House of Blues and the Viper Room along with many smaller shows, before disbanding in the summer of 2007. Matt has a collective sound and likes all music; he believes you can never have enough musical influences; he is able to follow that belief performing and creating in RA(Z)NER. Corey Dawson of Riverside, California, began playing the trumpet in 6th grade but just could not make the proper sound. Still yearning to play music he was handed a pair of drum sticks in Junior High School by his band teacher, finally in High School his band teach Mr. Razner gave him some drums. The major musical influence for Dawson he credits to the Riverside SKA movement. Corey attended a lot of shows with his friends Travis Barker and Freak Daddy who have gone on to make a mark in the music industry. In the summer of 2002, Dawson’s band 1Away opened for the Skeletones at the Riverside Orange Blossom Festival. Corey loved the beat of the Skeletones, their funky bass, happy groove, and dance songs. This was the inspiration Corey needed to go on and create his sound of today. Prior to RA(Z)NER Corey believed that only amazing performer- musicians were in rock bands, with RA(Z)NER he realizes it is all about creating a great sound together and having fun, that ultimately results in amazing performances.