Dain Griffin

Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

DG: I try not to take myself so seriously but at the same time try and write songs that resonate with people.

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

DG: I grew up in Phoenix but live in Las Vegas. I started playing guitar when I was 12, playing along to records like In Reverie by Saves the Day and it just kind of stuck with me.

PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?

DG: Life, I suppose, without sounding too cliche. Sometimes my songs are a story about nothing and other times, like my new album Dead Flowers, the songs are about personal moments in my life.

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

DG: Honestly, I would like to keep putting out music and playing shows with friends when there’s time.

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

DG: Probably this new album. Prior to this record, I’d say the time I was able to open for Saves the Day 10 years ago. They are the reason I wanted to be in a band, so it was great to get to share the stage with them.

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

DG: It certainly a challenge but I think myself and Rob of Hidden Home Records are getting the music out there and that’s what matters.

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

DG: Booking shows is a pain in the ass after you pass the age of 30, it’s a lot harder than I remember, ha. I will be doing shows here and there in the coming months in Phoenix, LA and Las Vegas. I will have more info on those shows soon.

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

DG: I think in today’s digital age, it’s a lot easier to get your music in front of people. I think Spotify is a double edged sword. On one side, streaming sites like Spotify take advantage of the artist as far as payouts go, but on the other side, it gets your music in front of people across the world with (mostly) ease.

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

DG: There are so many songs I wish I had written. If I had to choose one, I’d say Purple Rain. Purple Rain is one of the greatest songs (and albums) ever written and I could listen to it all day every day.

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

DG: I feel like this question is a trap (I feel like Admiral Ackbar saying that). I will say that there are so many things about the music industry that need to be changed and I’ll leave it at that. Any musician probably shares the same sentiment.

PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?

DG: I am currently trying to get this record out. The release date is 2/3/23 and I am excited to finally share it with the world. It’s been a long time coming.

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

DG: Right now you can head over to www.hiddenhomerecords.com to preorder the new album on vinyl as well as some other goodies.