Written by George Scott
Local musician Raven Cain has been signed to a major recording label and is hosting a community jam party to celebrate on Saturday, May 23, at 9 p.m. at FireHouse. Cain has been playing music most of his life. He has been a part of some big things and had previous recording deals with a handful independent labels.
“But this is a dream come true,” Cain said. “Proof that sticking with your goals and dreams is worth it … I’ve been so blessed and [have] accomplished nearly everything I wanted to do. The key is taking action and staying consistent.”
Cain attributes his success to following—almost religiously, one could say—the program “Way of the Hawk” produced by Blackhawk Walters.
“It takes consistent action everyday,” Cain said. “List your goals out and do something everyday towards achieving them.”
Obviously, it takes talent as well. The 2014 Country Showdown winner certainly impressed Universal Studios’ 405 Hollywood, especially CEO Will Swan.
“I am very excited to have Raven with us,” Swan said. “I met him through a mutual friend in a band in Utah. I didn’t even know he did music at the time. We just hit it off and stayed in contact through Facebook. Through our conversations, I learned he played. Once I heard him, I was sold and knew I needed to get him signed.”
Cain said he wasn’t sure if it would actually go anywhere.
“I was pretty content just to get it in front of the studio,” he said. “It was a bit of a process and I started to wonder if I was their ‘cup of tea.’”
While his music sat in the studio, Cain continued to play locally, both as a solo act and fronting Mister HYDE. His music is diverse, covering everything from outlaw country to hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll. Not only does he possess talent for singing, his energy makes him a great entertainer. This combination creates the magic needed for success in the music industry. After months of waiting, the news finally arrived. Raven Cain was wanted.
His dark and melodic version of “You Are My Sunshine” was released in early 2015 and hit #2 on the charts in the outlaw country genre.
“This is only a sampling of what is to come,” Cain said.
He is very excited for the artistic liberty offered with the studio. Swan said as soon as he heard the song, he loved it.
“I put it on my phone so I can listen to it often,” he said. “I even put it on as my ringtone.”
With influences from many genres, Cain has a sound for his outlaw country that “…sounds a little southern rock and country. It has a biker country sound with emotion and meaning.”
One of the exciting aspects to the deal for both Cain and Swan is that he won’t be limited to one genre. There are plans for multiple albums and differing genres. Outlaw country and rock will both be cut.
“We are going to switch it up and not just do one genre,” Swan said. “We might even include a rap artist on a song. We just want to maximize Raven’s talents and share him with the world.”
Both Swan and Cain said that a great deal of the music will be produced locally where possible. Swan said this is how he prefers it.
“I like the feel and comfortability of the sound when it can be done in an artist’s hometown,” he said. “We will support Raven doing as much as he can at home. We may bring him to Austin or LA for pieces, but [we] want him to do as much at home as possible.
Cain is super excited about this.
“Everybody here has been accepting, helpful, and super supportive,” he said. “I want to give back. I want to utilize other local artists to be a part of this. I want to help give others a chance to get a shot to make their dreams come true.”
With plans on staying in southern Utah, Cain is hopeful that others will also get the opportunity to be heard and possibly picked up by the label.
“It has just been a bunch of crazy stuff and things are happening fast, now. I am living my dream,” Cain said. “My friends, the community, and my wife have been amazing. Diane [Cain’s wife] has been there no matter what. She has always had my back. Hell, when I was really working hard in my martial arts, she let me turn our living room into a studio. She is amazing. There will be some songs about her.”
Now that the deal has been signed, it is time to get recording. Cain has been writing and has a lot of songs to choose from. Going through them to find the ones that really capture the sound and vibe he wants to share first is his priority. The recording schedule is laid out and begins June 13. He will hit the studio and start recording his first album for a major label. Once this is completed, Swan said the songs will be made available for download and albums will be available in some localized markets. The plan from there is to start doing some expanded tours.
With all of the excitement of the news and in preparation for the work to come, a celebration is in order. Cain is hosting a jam session on Saturday, May 23, at FireHouse.
“I just want to party and play with everyone,” Cain said. “It is going to be a big jam session and is open. I want people to come out with their music and instruments and just jam with me. It is open to everyone.”
There is certainly much more to come on this story. However, it might be the only chance for many to get to participate in a jam session with this recording artist before he hits “the big time.” Cain’s jam session starts at 9 p.m. There will be a $5.00 cover charge, with the funds—as well as a portion of the merchandise sold—to be donated to Bikers Against Child Abuse.
