Hello Michael, and thank you for taking the time to talk with us.
We are always excited to come across new musicians with something special to offer, and your new single ‘Bends It Like a Guitar String’ is something to pay attention to, but before we dive into the song let’s get to know the artist behind the music.
Empire: Every artist has their own reason for creating the music they create, and I am curious what your origin story is as a musician? When did you decide to approach music and when did you make the decision to take it seriously as a professional?
Michael Raven: My older brother turned me onto music growing up. We listened to all the new bands coming out and would go to concerts in the summertime. He was an enormous influence on me . When you experience a live concert with all that energy and excitement it had a profound effect on me and still does to this day. That energy and excitement is the driving force behind why I became interested in making music and writing my own songs. Unfortunately, life has a funny way of presenting a lot of obstacles that take precedence and demand your attention. It’s only been recently that I’ve been fortunate enough to have all the stars align and really start making some progress moving forward on this childhood dream.
Empire: Your new single ‘Bends It Like a Guitar String’ feels very much like a summer party playlist type track, and no doubt it will be added to many playlists in 2025. Can you tell us a bit about the song itself? What made you create this song? And what was your songwriting process like?
Michael Raven: The song Bends It Like A Guitar String is just a really exciting song with lots of energy about a pretty girl. It’s an attempt to capture that feeling of seeing that beautiful girl as a young boy or man that you just feel is out of your league. It’s a little superficial but fun. The songwriting process for this song was basically just strumming a cord progression on acoustic guitar while vocalizing a melody and putting lyrics to it.
Empire: For many artists, where they are from directly affects the music that they make. Do you feel that where you live has had a significant impact on you as a Country-Rock Artist?
Michael Raven: I would agree that where you grow up has a definite impact on the type of musician one becomes. For me, I feel that life experiences is the other side of that coin which holds a significant role in shaping the type of artist you develop into. Ultimately you write about what you know, but I have to say environment and experiences truly define an individual.
Empire: Inspiration comes in many forms, who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound? and where you draw inspiration from for your music?
Michael Raven: My biggest musical influences growing up were all the classic rock bands everything from ZZ Top to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Guns N’ Roses. Nowadays, I feel like those lines between genres has blurred somewhat. I currently draw inspiration from modern country stars like Luke Combs, Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen.
Empire: I am interested in what your songwriting process looks like. Do you start with lyrics, melody, or something else?
Michael Raven: My songwriting process varies from day to day. Some days it’s as simple as strumming a chord progression on acoustic guitar and trying to vocalize lyrics over the top. The other days it’s writing lyrics and trying to vocalize a melody without any instrument accompaniment. The latter approach is sometimes a little more freeing for the vocal melodies. I would have to say that both approaches have served me very well.
Empire: Going a bit deeper into your thoughts on songwriting, what themes or messages do you most often explore in your songs?
Michael Raven: Well, you write about what you know. For me it’s about all of my life experiences. This includes everything from the good times through the bad times. Celebrating and suffering through love, loss and tragedy. Hopes and dreams of the future while reminiscing about the past. I explore a lot of these themes repetitively.
Empire: Last year was one of the biggest years for Country music and it looks like 2025 is set to be even larger. How do you feel about what has been happening in the music industry when you consider all the crossover’s being done by artists of different genres? Are you for it, against it, could not care less?
Michael Raven: I love what’s happening in the music industry, especially when it comes to the country music scene. When I was growing up, it seemed everything was very genre specific. You either liked pop or you like country or you like rock or metal. There was no kind of blurring of the lines so to speak. Today’s country music scene has become a sort of melting pot. You have country rock, country pop, country rap and everything in between. I feel as though country music is bringing all of us together. It has really transcended all the boundaries in music. I feel like that’s a good thing.
Empire: Some musicians live for the studio while others live for the live show. Which do you prefer, and do you have a favorite venue or show that you have performed at?
Michael Raven: I feel like there’s a uniqueness to both the studio and the stage. When I’m in the studio, I’m trying to capture a song which has a very personal element to it. You want to capture that emotion and personal relevance. When you perform live, there’s a circle of energy with the crowd you are feeding off of them and they are feeding off of you.
My favorite venue would have to be Toads Place in New Haven Connecticut. It holds a lot of sentimental value. It’s a place where my brother would take me to see a lot of summertime concerts. Having the opportunity to perform there was a very special moment for me.
Empire: So, we know that you can sing. Do you play any instruments? If so, do you mind giving us a bit of a gear-rundown and let us know what instrument is your current favorite in your collection?
Michael Raven: Being a singer songwriter, I do play guitar sometimes to aid in the songwriting process. Currently I enjoy playing acoustic guitar. I have some Taylor acoustics, which sound incredible, but I would have to say the favorite in my collection is my Gibson hummingbird.
Empire: You have an accompanying music video for your new single, what is the idea behind the video?
Michael Raven: The idea behind the music video is a youthful encounter between a guy and a girl at a bonfire party. It explores that intimidating feeling that a guy gets while trying to work up the courage to talk to the opposite sex. It’s a fun upbeat, reminiscence of that party atmosphere of our youth.
Empire: Collaborations are becoming even more popular with the growing demand for genre-mashups. If you could collaborate on a song with an unexpected band or artist, who would you choose to song write with?
Michael Raven: If I could collaborate on a song, it would be with Jelly Roll . I think that our vibe and sound would really complement each other. We both have a similar edge to our music.
Empire: Now that you have done something many musicians only dream of, which is professionally recording a song and creating a music video for it, do you have any advice to offer indie musicians looking to achieve this for themselves?
Michael Raven: My advice for Indie musicians, or young and up-and-coming musicians would be never stop. Never stop writing, never stop singing, and never stop playing guitar. If you are a songwriter, just keep at it because ultimately that is what has opened the doors for me. Obviously, meeting very special people and making those connections and networking are also just as important. You have to keep cultivating and nurturing that talent in order to grow.
Empire: You have a new single, but we don’t know anything beyond that. Are you in a position to tell us whether we can expect an EP or perhaps even a full-length album?
Michael Raven: The current plan for now is to do a follow up single and a follow up music video. If the opportunity presents itself to record an EP or even a full length album I am certainly ready for that challenge.
Empire: Finally, and thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. Do you have any news or thoughts that you would like to share with us?
Michael Raven: I’m very excited about releasing this single and music video. This is a very special moment for me. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are progressing and thank you so much for your time and this interview. It was a pleasure.
BENDS IT LIKE A GUITAR STRING IS AVAILABLE ON JANUARY 10TH/2025
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