Interview with Raven on 5/9/07

By: David Rachac

Raven - Photo by David de Young

Who is the local renaissance man/bon vivant known as Raven? Aside from being a long-time tastemaker on the local music scene, he’s recorded three CDs and frequently tours the UK, both as a solo artist and as part of '60s pop star Bobby Vee’s all-star oldies rock and roll show. In this interview, Raven talks about his perspectives on the local music scene, his music career and how his intense love of everything English coalesced into the creation of England Swings, the local homage to UK music that is having its annual show on Friday, May 11 at the Triple Rock.

HWTS: What was the first music-related memory you had that made you just stop and say “Whoa!”

Raven: I wish I could offer up something unique here, but like many others, it was driven into my heart like a stake into a vampire, when on Sunday, February 9th, 1964, I saw four fellas from Liverpool, who sounded nothing like I'd heard before. The fact that my parents were so outraged by their appearance made it all the 'cooler' to be digging on them. The next day in school, all the kids were united in choruses of 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” and I tried in vain to comb my crew cut onto my forehead. It remains the defining musical moment in my life. Anyone who saw it, I'm quite certain remembers it as vividly as I.

HWTS: What was it about the English bands -- not just the Beatles -- that spoke to you in a way that many American bands did not?

Raven: Well, I should state that I was enjoying many American acts as well -- The Beach Boys, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and most definitely Elvis Presley. That being said, The Beatles started an avalanche of Brit acts coming over, and you couldn't turn on the radio or TV without seeing a UK performer. Everyone bringing something new to the table, and I acted as sponge and soaked it all up, with a sense of giddiness that was infectious, as proven by those around me who felt in like. I still remember the first time I heard "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones. I had my white Motorola transistor radio inside my school desk, and couldn't hold back my joyful reaction when that opening riff busted through. I was disciplined accordingly -- I still really hate chalk!

HWTS: You were elbows-deep into the local music scene in the 80s. What do you remember most fondly about the heyday of the "Minneapolis Sound?"

Raven: The '80s? A lost decade, I'm afraid. The promise of the late 70's, gave way to a bad fashion show, where your choices were limited between 'classic cover' bands who played the bowl circuit, or the underground scene (Huskers, Replacements, Suburbs, etc.), which was terribly exciting on one hand and frustrating on the other. Of course, there was Prince, Alexander O'Neal and the Time, but it seemed as soon as something hinted at success, there was either a complete 'decadent' breakdown or an attitude adjustment which seemed to almost always include a sense of egomania.

People always look back on the "Minneapolis Sound" and glorify it beyond what it really was, which is sad because it wasn't all that. It had moments of hope, but more often than not, behavior always fell prey to the "live fast, play hard, die young" theory, which is and always will be bullshit, so what might've been never was. One thing though -- back then, an original band could make a bit of money, unlike now, where agents/promoters/club owners all claim poverty. When the room is full, and the cover is at least $5, and people can't possibly consume less than 5 beverages (at $5 a piece), how does the band still get screwed? Back to your question, I don't look back fondly on the Minnesota music of 80s, or music in general, mainly because it's not healthy. To quote The Temptations "Don't look back," or as Paul Weller says "Blink, and you'll miss it"!

HWTS: Do you see similarities between the music scene now and the music scene back then?

Raven: Among those who are really committed to achieving success, whatever that may be, the signs are positive. I book acts that have a positive attitude and understand the trappings that exist and don't succumb to them. The down side in this town is the sense of 'comfort,’ those who get lost in their own local press clippings, which is nice, but in the grand scheme, there's a world beyond this state. Unless you're making waves there, it's the 'big fish/small pond' theory, and it applies today as much as ever. Achievement isn't found in the full houses in this town, but the quarter full houses in NY/LA/Chicago, and for me, the UK, where they understand Kings of Leon, The Cold War Kids and Raven. We have a lot of talent here, but only a handful go out on that limb, and what's sad is they're the ones who seem to be anonymous, unless some internet "know-it-all" like Pitchfork, who know shit, declares they've discovered the next Nirvana, and then watch the locals fight to suck that teat. Pathetic!

HWTS: You have had some great opportunities to work within various facets of the music industry -- talk about some of them.

Raven: I've been quite fortunate. Through friends who worked for the Beastie Boys, I was able to move a bit of equipment during the '95 Lollapalooza tour, and various shows including the Tibetan Freedom Concerts, for which Adam Yauch should have won the Nobel Peace Prize. I was more tolerated than helpful, but never treated as anything but a friend, and where I first met the nicest man in show business, Dave Grohl (St. Dave, as he's known), and the most misunderstood woman, Bjork. If you had 100 photographers following your every move, you'd probably lose it on occasion. I found her more than accommodating, and always with great disposition. Now using “if you can't say anything nice about someone”, there was Billy Corgan and Perry Farrell, but hooping it with the fellas at Madison Square Garden remains a treasured memory. And I’m still waiting for Money Mark to pass the damn ball!

And then there's marriage, 4 1/2 years of my life I'd like to regain. I was somewhat forced into leaving the music bit behind, which I did willingly, at first. But the best times lay ahead, when hooking up with an old acquaintance, 60's pop star Bobby Vee. Through my association with Bob and his family, I amassed many life lasting friendships, with many of the artists who laid the foundation for the music that's performed today. Bob, along with sons Jeff, Tom, Rob & daughter Jennifer, was kind enough to put me to work as his merchandiser/Personal Assistant, and it was through him that my love affair with the UK became what it is today. I've always been drawn to it, going back to my first crush, actress Hayley Mills. I met her son Crispan, who fronts Kula Shaker, and told him of it. He was amused and promised a signed photo from mom – for which I am still waiting. And the lads form Liverpool of course.

Although I made my first visit to the UK in 1995, it was brief and I was with my ex-wife, it was with Bob and friends such as Brian ('Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini') Hyland, Chris ('Let's Dance') Montez, Little ('Locomotion') Eva among others, who sent me over the edge concerning the United Kingdom. I was part of a UK tour in 2002, which included Bobby Vee, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez, The Chiffons and The Big Bopper Junior. What's wonderful about the country is that these entertainers can still perform to sell out audiences in 1000-3000 seat venues, where in America, they've been relegated to Branson and the occasional county fair -- shame on us! Many giants in the world of music would attend these shows -- Sirs Andrew Lloyd Webber, Julian Weber and Tim Rice, Robert Plant, Lulu, Ron Wood, Brian May, Suzi Quatro and more -- showing respect that this country obviously lacks. I've also been able to become good friends with likes of Holly Golightly, Steadman and Art Brut, just to name a few, all whom I've had the pleasure of sharing a stage, and can't say enough nice things about. I've been fortunate, but I believe in Karma, so being genuine has its rewards and sometimes pays off.

Raven at England Swings, 2006 - Photo by David de Young

HWTS: Let's talk about England Swings -- what was the initial idea behind it and how has it grown over the years?

Raven: I like to share! After returning in 1998 from my first 'proper' visit to the UK, I wanted do something that would show others my love -- and I mean love -- for the UK and its music. And since I had always had a strong relationship with First Avenue, I pitched the idea to both Steve McClellan and Nate Kranz, and without a lot of persuasion, they agreed to let me put together a show that would feature local bands performing only material from the UK. So, on August 30th, 1999, England Swings was born. That evening, 27 acts took to the stage armed with their fave UK tunes, and although a logistic nightmare, somehow it all worked and an enjoyable evening was had by all. Relief! I hadn't envisioned doing anymore, but I had so many bands inquiring about when the next one would be, so on Wednesday, February 6th, 2001, we did it again, but we cut the number of acts to a mere 14. This, too, proved an enjoyable evening, adding a winner-take-all raffle which remains today, and hence an annual event began. I've been most fortunate in getting acts who have a similar passion for the music of Great Britain/Scotland and Wales, and am forever thankful to the many who helped make it work, as it takes a considerable amount of help for this to become reality. And now, it's number 6! So thanks to those who appreciate the efforts of those involved -- it's nice knowing the efforts are appreciated.

HWTS: The sixth installment of England swings will be at the Triple Rock on Friday, May 11th. What are we going to see?

Raven: More of the same, just a different location and one room instead of two. There will be 12 acts performing 15-20 minutes of UK cover material. This year's line-up is: Useless, Mercurial Rage, In Pictures, The Screens, The Beatifics, Arch Stanton, Colonial Vipers Attack, The Wag, The Alarmists, Landing Gear, So it Goes and Fab Tab & the Teds. This year's Presenters/Hosts are David de Young and Jake Rudh, who will also perform DJ duties. As always, there will be a winner-take-all raffle which includes gift certificates and t-shirts from Brit's Pub, along with various UK related DVDs, CDs, posters, as well as merchandise from the evening's participants -- all this for a mere $1, and you can enter as many times as you like, and PLEASE do! The performers will be selling merchandise, and as they are giving their services free of salary, it's my hope that the punters will take note of that and stroll on over to the merchandise table and show their appreciation by making a purchase or three.

For those in the know, you'll note a cast rich in talent who always bring it, and what's more, they all are big admirers of UK music, which is a major plus. I've always been very fortunate with these shows, but what sets this one apart is the enthusiasm of the performers. More than in the past, this crew is well up for and excited by this event. The previous shows were all wonderful. I am saddened by the fact The Melismatics will be out of town, as they've always given memorable performances in the past, but I fully expect an evening of professional and passionate performances. This event will also be filmed, in hopes of a future documentary, so don't be thrown by the cameras. Basically, if you have a passion about the UK, there's no place better to be – and that is a fact!

HWTS: Anything else in the future that we are going to see coming out of the Raven camp?

Raven: Concerning my own career, I've recently had the pleasure of playing with my friends Art Brut in both London and Chicago, and look forward to getting my next CD recorded, so I can achieve that elusive recording contract. The summer will be spent in several studios, as I feel I've finally put together the songs that best represent what it is I actually am attempting to achieve musically. There will be more local shows in between studio dates, and it's my wish to have this project completed by the early autumn, as there is a likely tour of the UK in the works which will feature some acts the local market may be quite familiar with -- but that's all I'm at liberty to say at the moment. So to my band in London, here we go again!

There may be a few shows for my alter-ego band Fab Tab & the Teds (featuring Katy Vernon) as well. Whenever my dear friend Big Sandy comes back to town, it will be us in support. It’s an enjoyable history lesson for those unfamiliar with UK music prior to the Beatles. As always, digits are crossed in hopes of acquiring global domination, but it's there for the taking, and if I do, I'd treat it properly, I promise!

HWTS: Any final thoughts?

Raven: Thanks again to HowWasTheShow, who reaches out to help the local music community in a way lacking by those who are paid to do so. Your efforts of appreciation in this event are greatly appreciated, and to those planning on attending, I can promise a FUN program, with many smiles. I'd like to thank Shane Kramer and the staff of the Triple Rock for taking on this event, as well as all the participants. The music of the UK has always been my biggest influence, sans Springsteen and the genius who is Scott Walker, and when I get the opportunity to share that passion with others, it remains among the most satisfying experiences in my life, which is only just beginning.

In closing, I'd like to once again thank The Beatles, who changed my life on a Sunday evening in 1964, and enriched it forever with an album called Revolver. And more than anyone else, for Cliff Richard, for setting an example of what this industry should be about -- entertainment! My admiration for him is endless to this day. He is not only the finest singer on the planet, but quite possibly the most passionate about his craft as well as his beliefs. He sets an example of excellence no one has even come close to in this industry, both on stage and off. I just saw him in Cardiff last November, and he gave a 2 1/2 hour performance that those half his age wouldn't/couldn't be able to approach. His lust for living keeps him looking easily half his age and his 'spiritual' journey is one which few have the discipline for, but one I truly aspire to. So thank you, Sir Cliff, for taking the high road -- it's still my preferred surface on which to travel.

Artist Info: Raven

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