Courtney first hit the LA music scene in the 90’s with his band The Gathering, which was a part of the coffee house/unplugged scene. In 1999, Gains put out a solo record which featured the song "Journey Man”, produced by Guns n’ Roses’ Matt Sorum with Slash on lead guitar. The song was in heavy rotation on college radio. In 2006 he was the front man for the band Benny Bliss and the Disciples of Greatness, which spun off a rock and roll anti-technology road comedy film.
In November of 2009, Ripple Street was formed with Courtney on guitar and vocals. Once satisfied with the original material they worked up, they set off to record their first EP in 2012. In 2017, the band put out their first full length LP. Collaborating with such musicians as Derek O’Brien of Social Distortion on drums, Michael Hatley, and Greg Hetson of Bad Religion on guitars- the ‘cruise grunge’ sound was born.
Courtney has worked with Bruce Kulick and Doug Blair on “Dreams in The Witch House"- an HPLove-craftian metal rock opera. He released his last EP “Safe Haven” in Fall of 2023 to warm reviews. 2025 saw Gains release a new single "Fear The Boogie" which will be in the upcoming horror film The Barn III. He has had several songs featured in films. A video for "Fear The Boogie" was released October 31st.
A full LP will be dropped in 2026. A tour will follow.
