The long wait for the release of Raven Cain’s new album, “Son of the South,” is over. Cain took time to visit on the launch of his new album, the road to get here, radio airplay time, his radio show, his view on the music scene, advice to others, and more.
George Scott (GS): Wow! So, it is finally out. Your album, “Son of the South,” is available now. Congratulations.
Raven Cain (RC): Thank you so much, my friend. I could not have done it without the support of my family, friends, and awesome support team from 405 Hollywood.
GS: Having followed you and this project, I know it has been a great deal of work, effort, and time to reach this point. What can you share about the process? What have been some of the highs and lows? What have you learned?
RC: My goodness. That is a question, to say the least. It has been quite the journey, with some major highs and lows. I recorded the album with John Houston, and Blackhawk (Walters) produced it. It was an outstanding process. I had to put together a band to record with, and throughout, I had members come and go and new ones join. I now have a tour band with some world-class musicians as well as a local band that helps me with local shows.
I have learned so much about the music business since this started out. One thing that stood out is radio play. I’ve been so lucky to have my friends at KONY Country support the single. But it is so hard to get airplay. I’ve also learned this is a “hurry up and wait” kind of business. It takes a lot of patience and dedication.
GS: Yes, we have discussed the subject of airplay, previously. This is the reason you started Raven Cain Radio and your show, “The Closet.” How is it going?
RC: The radio show is all about making a difference in the music world. Record labels are responding. That is awesome, because not only do we get great music out, it also expands the network of friends. This helps not only me but my fellow music friends as well. Plus, listeners get to hear a greater variety of really cool music.
I’m excited to partner up with The Desert Pulse to include a written sharing of the show to showcase the artists we’re playing on “The Closet.” It all just helps promote artists and music that much more.
GS: There are a lot of great things coming out of Raven Cain Radio. Not only for music, but it seems you and Torri are having a great time working together. I really enjoy hearing her take part and getting the experience of it all — especially with you, her dad.
RC: Oh, yes. She wants to be an actor. So, she loves the attention and is bitten by the showbiz bug. You might be able to tell from the show that she has no lack of confidence. She loves to bust my chops on the show. If I say anything remotely cool, she gets disgusted. She thinks I am too old to be cool and tells me to act my age. Ha ha!
GS: It is fun to hear and see. I am very excited for you, her, and your show. It is fantastic to see it growing so rapidly. It is quickly becoming a great source for helping musicians.
RC: Networking and supporting underground music is so very important.
GS: Speaking of music, what will listeners find on your new album?
RC: I’d describe it as “outlaw music.” What I mean by that is that it’s against the grain. It’s not your traditional country, and it’s not new country. It’s kinda my own style. The album is straight from the heart, and that’s what I hope listeners will hear and feel.
GS: It is really fun to see you engage and watch how people interact with you during your performances. Your First Friday George Streetfest performance was tremendous, and I still hear from people talking about that one.
RC: I just love seeing people happy and having a good time while expressing myself, honestly. I try to give all of my energy in every performance.
I just love Streetfest. It’s all about community. I think it’s very, very cool that the city is allowing musicians to come and play. I’m looking forward to being able to play Streetfest again in the near future.
GS: How would you describe the local music scene in southern Utah? What is working well? What do we still need?
RC: I haven’t been here too long, really. I would say the scene is growing. I am from a big city, so to me, it is still small but growing. We need more community and support, mostly as a group of artists. We are all in this together, and the more we all network and help each other, the more it will grow. I appreciate what you are doing with The Desert Pulse and The Independent. I hope my radio show helps as well. I encourage artists to send me their songs, and we will help promote them and their music. Let’s work together and not against each other.
GS: Another issue that repeatedly comes up is how difficult it is to earn much for playing. Our area, it seems, is notorious for paying musicians little to perform. Is this something you have found true?
RC: Yes. But, I think it’s because a lot of my musician friends cut themselves short by playing for free. That hurts everyone. When you undercut another group at the same venue, that hurts everyone. You have to realize your talents are valuable. Value yourself, and others will value you as well.
GS: On that note, what would you say to those wanting to chase their dreams, whether as musicians or whatever it might be?
RC: Take action. Make that action consistent. Be laser-focused on what you want, and set up a team of friends that support you.
GS: So tell me, where can your album, “Son of the South,” be purchased?
RC: Anywhere digitally, at this point. Hard copies will be available soon. The links to get the album today are on GooglePlay at goo.gl/ZFeHPT and on Spotify at smarturl.it/sonofthesouthraven. Thank you so much for taking time with me. I always enjoy talking with you. I would also like to thank all my friends out there who have supported me and my music. I have an incredible team of family, friends, and business partners. Thank you all.
