Meet Tiaga, a sound and lighting company founded in 2015 making as big of an impact after the show, as it does during the show. With headquarters in Florence, Massachusetts and right here in the PNW at Bellingham, Washington. Tiaga has been providing and operating high-quality stage lighting, video wall panels, and sound systems. They provided sound for the legendary RynoBus at this last summers Paradiso Festival. And recently gave a huge helping hand to the Australia wildfires.
RynoBus At Paradiso 2019
More Than Just Noise And Color
Co-founder and heading up Tiaga’s operation in Bellingham. Local DJ, and owner of the glitch-hop/EDM music label SwingsetSounds, James Demarest. Known by his stage name, Jiminy Glitch, Demarest has been putting most of his focus into Tiaga. Working as a welder, when there’s work, he’s put 10s of thousands of his own dollars to make this dream come true. Now, five years after Tiagas founding things are starting to feel more stable. Not perfect, but stable and being a man to always look forward it got him thinking what else he could do with this?
If there’s one thing you gotta now about James, it’s he’s a softy for animals. Trust me I know, I’m his nephew. Of course, he’s a tough guy on the outside but simply say “hi” and he’ll open up like the nice drunk at the pub and show you pictures of his two tiny pups. With that in mind you can imagine the Australia wildfires, especially early on, was something he found very troubling. So he decided to use what he had in Tiaga and do something good with it. He decided to Make It Rain.
When It Rains It Pours
A benefit for the Australian wildfires. Make It Rain featured several performers such as Fractal Swaggin, Squanch, and headliner Duffrey. Featuring a silent auction with all proceeds from that and ticket sales being donated to helping the Australia wildfires. The night was a huge success! With ticket sales amassing $3,706.63 and the silent auction along with personal donations at $5.065.42 the event raised a total of $8,772.05 for the Australian Wildfire Fund. I have to remember to give a huge shout out to the Wild Buffalo. Playing a major roll in all of this they gave Tiaga the venue for free. All in all, it was an awesome night of music and seeing it bring a community together for a great cause.
Just The beginning
James and Tiaga don’t want to stop here though. Still ready to help the Australia wildfires at a moment’s notice, but looking ahead. He’s already begun working on his next benefit show that will be raising money to provide foster children with music gear like instruments, computers, DJ gear, lessons, etc. He’s already been in contact with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families about it and says “looks like everything should work out great.” He also wants to start an after school program for kids. All this being inspired by his time in the foster care system and him wanting to provide more opportunities for kids from his similar background.
Here’s a quote from him describing his story a little more in-depth.
I spent a sizable chunk of my childhood in foster care. Living with a church family and with other family members. It was VERY traumatic and SEVERELY depressing. Music was just about the only outlet I had to find a happy place. If it were not for a little Casio piano, I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today. On the bright side. I made it out alive! I can now use my experiences to show other children that they can make it out alive and create a “normal” life for themselves as well. I’ve always wanted to give back and I’m finally in a position to do so. Which I am forever grateful.
Make It Rain Recap
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