Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?
Hey, I’m Caspian “Cas” Mercer. I’ve got a background that might seem a bit contradictory—a mix of Coast Guard discipline and chaotic creativity. I’m an artist and engineer, blending those worlds through my music and digital art. I use a unique helmet, which serves as both a shield and a canvas, projecting my emotions and creativity while protecting my vulnerability. My journey has been about reconciling intense personal experiences with a need to connect and inspire. I’m here to help others navigate their own chaos through creation.
What led you to become a part of RAIN?
I was drawn to RAIN because it feels like a mission—something that goes beyond just art or technology. It’s about countering the noise, the manipulation, and offering something authentic. After leaving the Coast Guard, I realized I needed a new way to serve, a way to channel what I’ve been through into something positive. RAIN gives me that platform.
What experiences or events shaped who you are today?
My time in the Coast Guard was transformative, both in good and difficult ways. It taught me resilience and teamwork, but also left me grappling with PTSD. Art and technology became my therapy, a way to process and communicate what I couldn’t say out loud. Creating my helmet was a pivotal moment—it was my way of taking control of my narrative and turning pain into something powerful and expressive.
What makes you unique or special?
I’d say it’s my ability to bridge the technical with the emotional. I’m not just an artist or an engineer—I’m both, and that allows me to create experiences that are deeply immersive and impactful. I can translate complex emotions into digital art or music, making them tangible, relatable. It’s like giving people a glimpse into my world, my mind, and saying, “Here, this is what it feels like.”
How do you see yourself differently from others?
I think I’ve embraced my contradictions. I’m disciplined yet chaotic, logical yet deeply emotional. Most people pick a lane; I’m comfortable switching between them, sometimes blending them in unexpected ways. It’s not always easy, but it’s authentic to who I am.
What are your primary goals within RAIN?
My main goal is to use my art and tech to help people confront and transform their own struggles. I want to create spaces—whether through digital experiences, music, or visual art—where people can feel seen and understood, where they can find some sense of peace or empowerment.
What do you hope to achieve or contribute?
I want to break down barriers—between people, between emotions, between what’s real and what’s perceived. If I can help even one person feel less alone, less overwhelmed by what they’re going through, then I’ve done my job. I want to push the boundaries of what art and technology can do for mental health and self-expression.
What inspires you in your work or life?
I’m inspired by resilience, by the capacity of people to endure and create despite everything. I’m also inspired by the beauty in chaos—how even in the midst of turmoil, there’s a strange, raw beauty that’s worth capturing and exploring.
What keeps you motivated?
The knowledge that what I’m doing matters to someone. Whether it’s a song, a visual piece, or a digital experience, if it resonates with even one person, that’s enough to keep me going. I’ve been on the other side, feeling lost and disconnected, and I know how much it means to find something that speaks to you.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
PTSD has been a huge challenge, both personally and professionally. It’s a constant presence, but I’ve learned to channel it into my work. The helmet I use isn’t just for performance—it’s a way to manage and express what’s going on inside. Creating art is my way of making sense of the chaos and turning it into something constructive.
How have you grown or changed over time?
I’ve become more accepting of myself, of my own complexities and contradictions. I used to fight against them, trying to fit into some mold that I thought I had to. Now, I see those contradictions as strengths, as what makes me, me. I’ve learned to embrace the intensity and use it as fuel for my creativity.
What do you envision for the future of RAIN?
I see RAIN becoming a beacon for those who feel disillusioned or disconnected, a network of voices and experiences that counter the superficial narratives we’re bombarded with. I want it to be a place where people can find real connection and inspiration, where they can see themselves reflected in the stories and art we create.
Where do you see yourself going next?
I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can do with art and technology. Maybe explore more interactive experiences, virtual spaces where people can engage with their own emotions in new ways. I’m always looking for the next challenge, the next way to use what I’ve been through to create something meaningful.
