Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Gaines studied drawing and painting as a child, but became interested in singing while in his teens, joining local cover bands and taking his cue from the recordings of musicians like John Lennon, David Bowie, Paul Weller, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. After high school, Gaines was offered the singer slot for a New York rock & roll band, but turned it down to move to Philadelphia, where he signed with Chrysalis Records in 1990. His self-titled 1992 debut, featuring The Band's Garth Hudson on saxophone, organ and accordion, drew critical praise from far and wide, and put him on the musical map as a sensitive folk-rock artist. Somewhat Slightly Dazed followed in 1994, and in 1998 Gaines returned with Galore. Always Be marked Gaines first release for the new millennium. ~ Richard Skelly