Electronic Press Kit

“ Rinus Pauel is the frontman and songwriter of RINO, a powerhouse band blending rocking blues, funk, and soul with influences from jazz. With a fiery groove, soulful vocals, and searing guitar work, RINO delivers high-energy performances that move both heart and body. Originally from the Netherlands, Rinus built his roots playing small festivals and venues in Europe before relocating to the U.S., where he quickly made his mark on the Arizona music scene. Backed by world-class musicians on keys, sax, bass, and drums, RINO brings a sound that’s as tight as it is soulful. A fusion inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, John Mayer, Robben Ford, BB King, Gary Clark Jr., the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Marcus King. “

ABOUT RINO

Rinus Pauel, frontman and songwriter of RINO, leads one of Arizona’s most exciting acts, a band that blends rocking blues, funk, and soul into a sound that’s unmistakably their own. With groove-driven rhythms, soulful vocals, and guitar solos that burn with feeling, RINO’s music hits with both emotional depth and infectious energy.

Born and raised in a small town in the Netherlands, bordering Belgium, Rinus cut his teeth performing at small festivals and intimate venues across Europe, absorbing a wide range of musical influences. After moving to the U.S. to chase love and new beginnings, he reinvented himself and dove headfirst into his musical passion. In just a few years, he’s become a fixture in the Arizona music scene, performing between 150–200 shows a year and earning recognition as a dynamic performer and songwriter.

While RINO delivers electrifying full-band performances complete with keys, sax, bass, drums, and Rinus’s signature guitar and vocals. Rinus also performs extensively in solo, duo, and trio formats. His solo shows range from smooth, acoustic sets perfect for restaurants and speakeasy-style venues to electric performances with backing tracks that bring the energy of a full band to more intimate settings. This versatility makes him a favorite among venues looking for anything from soulful ambiance to high-energy groove.

RINO’s live shows are a soulful, fiery experience where tight musicianship meets raw emotion. The band features some of the finest players around, all seasoned pros who’ve toured and recorded internationally. Rinus has shared stages with artists such as Les Paul Roque, Mahlon Hawk, Lucius Parr, Wes John, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Corritore, Don Williams, Gabriel Bey, and Fred Boswell Jr., among others.

In 2025, RINO won the Arizona Blues Showdown, earning the title of top blues band in the state and a spot representing Arizona at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. They’ve also performed at major venues including the Chandler Center for the Arts, playing to over a thousand fans.

RINO’s sound channels the soul of BB King, Freddie King, and Albert Collins, the groove of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Marcus King, and Robert Cray and the sophistication of Robben Ford, Dave Matthews Band, and Santana all tied together by Rinus’s unmistakable voice and guitar tone.

Currently, RINO is gearing up to release their first three singles written and arranged by Rinus while expanding their touring footprint, growing their audience, and catching the attention of record labels.

With every note, RINO invites you to “Feel the Groove” and experience the pulse of rocking blues, funk, and soul.