Hi Michael and welcome to College Radio Charts! How has your 2025 been so far?
Hello, and thank you for having me. 2025 is off to a running start! I have released my debut single along with an official Music Video and Lyric video. The response on socials has been nothing short of amazing! I’m overwhelmed and grateful for all of the positive vibes, energy, and feedback! A special thank you to all the new fans out there for your support!!!
Congrats on the release of “Bend It Like A Guitar String”! This song paints such a vivid picture—where did the inspiration for it come from? Was there a real-life “butterfly” behind it?
Thank you! It’s a very fun upbeat song one of my personal favorites…that’s why it was chosen to be released first. The inspiration for the song comes from falling in love. I think everyone can relate to this topic. Feeling those butterflies in your stomach when you are just head over heels for that special someone! There is a real-life butterfly well deserving of these lyrics…but, I’m gonna keep that one to myself…so she will remain nameless…
Your music blends country storytelling with rock energy. Did you grow up on both styles, or was there a defining moment when you knew this fusion was your sound?
This is a great question!! My musical journey started with a record player and some “Trucker Albums “that my mom (Santa) had left under the Christmas tree. I was only about six years old, and I would play those songs over and over. Trucker Country is a sub-genre of country music. So, you could say I started off listening to country. It was my older Brother who turned me onto the world of Classic Rock Bands! He would take me to concerts every summer and introduce me to everything from ZZ Top to Guns-N- Roses, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Stone Temple Pilots. In High School I played in a Hard Rock Band. We played all original songs …that’s where I got my start writing lyrics and playing guitar. After the band experience ended, I moved on to Acoustic guitar and just continued with writing lyrics and melodies. The defining moment in my life is when I met and started working with Stacy Hogan from A Writers Paradise Studios in Nashville Tennessee! We have been working on songs together for almost a decade now. He is such an enormously talented Musician, Engineer, and Producer!! He has brought the best out of my lyrics and melodies …It has been a game changing experience working with such a professional, down to earth ,and all around amazing person!! I could not imagine working with anyone else…
You’re stepping into a lane dominated by artists like Jason Aldean and Eric Church. What sets Michael Raven apart in the country rock scene?
I have nothing but respect and admiration for artists like Aldean and Church, the latter of which I have seen live! I feel that I bring a unique creative voice and the ability to express emotion through my music. I have a deeply rooted passion for what I have to say. Essentially, it’s your ability to not just play notes but to create a meaningful musical experience through your individual interpretation and style. The ability to compose unique melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that are distinctly your own. To have that signature sound! I think there is always room to push the boundaries a little.
You recorded “Bend It Like A Guitar String” with Stacy Hogan in Nashville. What was that experience like? Did the track evolve in ways you didn’t expect during production?
Stacy is such a cool down to earth individual. I feel blessed to be working with such a professional. He has truly elevated my musicianship. Stacy has an uncanny way of getting the best performance out of you… and I don’t mean that just for me he does that for everyone he works with! The track turned out exactly the way I knew it would. We have been working together for a long time, and I know what Stacy brings to the table. Just show up prepared to work and you will be happy with the results.
The imagery in your lyrics is striking—how do you approach songwriting? Do you start with a melody, a lyric, or a feeling?
My approach to songwriting varies. Sometimes I start with strumming a guitar chord progression while trying to vocalize some lyrics or a melody over the top. Other times I’ll just vocalize a melody or lyrics a cappella. Both methods have served me very well.
This song feels like it’s meant to be played loud, preferably with the windows down on a backroad. How important is the live performance aspect of your music?
If you ask me, all songs are meant to be played loud!! I feel the live performance is the most important aspect of music. It gives you a chance to connect with your audience you feed off of them just as much as they feed off of you. It really becomes like this circle of energy that flows back-and-forth.
Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? Were you more of a honky-tonk kid or a rock-and-roll rebel?
As a teenager, I was more of a rock ‘n’ roll rebel. Really love the classic rock bands also very into the southern rock sound like Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. As I have matured and grown, I’ve had a greater appreciation for acoustic guitar music. I love music that moves you that has that energy about it. So, I guess you could call me a Rock -and – Roll Rebel who has been refined with a shot of country.
Did you come from a musical family? What are some of your earliest musical memories?
My grandmother played acoustic guitar, and I still have that guitar to this day. My aunt plays piano, and my brother and I used to goof around on that piano when we were little although we couldn’t really play anything but it sure was a fun thing to do.
The country music scene has evolved a lot in the last decade, blending more rock, hip-hop, and pop influences. Where do you see yourself fitting into that evolution?
I really enjoy what’s happening in the country music scene. It seems to have turned into a melting pot of music, which I feel is a great thing. Well, I definitely see myself fitting into the country rock genre. I love the storytelling of country, but I also love that energy of rock music. It just connects with me makes me feel young. Reminiscent of my youth.
Your music video for “Bend It Like A Guitar String” captures that wild, free-spirited energy of the song. How hands-on were you in crafting the visual story?
Yes, it does. We were definitely going for that falling in love moment of our youth, hanging out with friends at a party with the music cranked up loud! I had a few suggestions for the storyline but the main brainchild behind that story is Joshua Lockhart the director. He sent over a treatment for the video, and I felt he just nailed it. I would like to say thank you to Stacy Hogan for putting us together.
North Carolina has a rich musical history. How has being from there shaped your sound and your approach to storytelling?
North Carolina is blessed with an incredible musical history. I could never name all the talented musicians that come from here but two of my favorites, Eric Church and Luke Combs and that’s good enough for me.
You’re just getting started in your career, but what’s the ultimate dream for Michael Raven? Headlining stadiums? Grand Ole Opry? Something else?
I have to tell you I’m just happy right here in the moment being able to record some really awesome songs with Stacy Hogan. And if you had told me a couple years ago that I would have an official music video out to support my song I wouldn’t have believed you.
Country music fans are some of the most passionate out there. Have you had any fan interactions yet that really stuck with you?
Country music fans are the most loyal music fans in the world. I would say just the overall response to my debut single has been an amazing experience and I’m super grateful for all the support that I’m receiving. Thank you to everyone.
Every artist has that one song they wish they had written. What’s yours?
If I could choose one song that I wish I had written… man that’s a tough one. I tell you what I’m gonna choose two because I can’t decide between these two. One would be Jelly Roll’s “Halfway To Hell” and the other would be Luke Combs “Can I Get An Outlaw!”
With the rise of TikTok and streaming platforms, how do you balance making music that stays true to you versus creating songs that might go viral?
When it comes to writing music, you just write about what you know. You’re not trying to fit into any style or going for some viral social media experience. For myself I just write about my life experiences love, loss, tragedy and having fun!
“Bend It Like A Guitar String” is just the beginning. What’s next for you? A full album? A tour? Give us a glimpse into the future of Michael Raven.
Well, I certainly wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to record a full-length album as well as a huge summertime tour to support it but we’ll have to see what the future holds for those two things. As for right now, I’m gonna be heading back in the studio with Stacy Hogan to record some more singles and with any luck, some more official music videos to follow.
Thank you so much for spending some time with us today, Michael! Where can people go to find out more about you and your music?
Thank you for your time and I appreciate all the great questions. The easiest place to check me out is michaelraven.com from there you can find all the links to all my socials and streaming platforms thank you for all your support.
https://michaelraven.com/
