Momentum Begets Momentum: An Interview with Country Artist Hunter Kaine

With the recent release of her debut single, Long Way from Lonely, Australian country music artist and producer Hunter Kaine is looking forward to making her mark in the music industry. The daughter of musician, Lawrence Ralphs, Kaine believes that music has always been in her blood and can’t wait to see what the future may bring.

In this interview, we discuss her decision to turn Long Way from Lonely into a duet with Shane Nicholson, what people can expect from her upcoming EP and what she misses most about touring and performing live.

 

Congratulations on the release of your debut single, Long Way from Lonely. It sounds great!  What’s your fans’ reaction been like so far?

I’ve been totally blown away by the support! It has been so well received and of course when you produce a song, you always hope that people are going to love it just as much as you do.

Everyone has really gotten behind it and I am really grateful for that. I think people can hear within the song and see from the music video, the care that was taken with it and appreciate the incredible talent of the songwriters.

Can you tell me more about the song?

Long Way From Lonely was co-written by Phil Barton, Nicole Witt, Josh Matheny and Alex Kline.

They wrote it together on a boat in Alabama. I can only speculate, but I’d like to think the inspiration and intention behind the song was vulnerability, a willingness to not hold anything back, to be bold and unapologetic about being real.
The song is fundamentally about the need we all have to connect. I can’t help but feel there is a synergy going on with it, especially in relation to the times we find ourselves in. We all just want to reach out to family and loved ones again, or to make new connections.

 

What normally inspires your song writing?

Embarrassingly but honestly, melodies usually come to me in the shower. Now I’m not sure if that’s because the acoustics are good there and self-criticism dissipates. Or perhaps it’s because I’m on ‘autopilot’, creating space emotionally and within the mind to allow the energy to freely channel through.

 

The single is a duet with Shane Nicholson. What was it like working with him?

An absolute career highlight. Shane is such a unique artist and person. He’s super humble, professional and always willing to share his knowledge and experience. It is artists like Shane that keep the wheels turning in the industry and mentor the upcoming musicians. He gives his all to the task at hand and it really shows in everything he does.

We had a wonderful time working together on the music video, exploring creative ideas, whilst leaving room for banter and catching up on all things music. So it was great!  We’re both partial to a drop of fine whiskey and enjoyed a couple of glasses at the end of the shoot with the rest of the film crew.

What made you decide to release the duet as your first single, as opposed to a completely solo song?

Long Way from Lonely totally captivated me, so I just really wanted to run with what I was most passionate about at the time. It was somewhat of a grand idea, a big challenge, but that’s very much in my nature.

 

What do you want people to take away from listening to your music?

I would always hope that people get from my music what I receive from my favourite artists and bands, and that is a connection, irrespective of the subject matter of the song.

I’d hope that my music either makes them feel like what they are going through is not exclusive to them, that they are not alone in their circumstances or emotions, high or low. On the flip-side I’d hope that like myself they can put on a song and completely change direction and use music to paint a different day ahead or re-frame a situation, transcend a way of thinking or being.
Music has so much power in it, plus it feels good!

Long Way from Lonely has already been streamed on Spotify over 90,000 times. How does that make you feel?

You know I actually hadn’t contemplated streaming numbers until just recently. It’s absolutely incredible to know that so many people across the globe are listening to our song! I mean I had never contemplated Long Way From Lonely being played in Austria, or Africa for example. It’s an unexpected reality for me and it is a really wonderful one.
You actually took over the production of this single as well. Can you talk me through the recording process?

There are many amazing musicians in Melbourne, but this song required a really gentle disposition from all of the players. It needed an almost humble approach when it came to playing style, intelligent, even tempered and honest. So, the search for those players was first and foremost and I was very fortunate to find them all. I had a vision of what I wanted Long Way from Lonely to be, and outside of the normal scope of cutting a song, I felt this track had some very important parameters that needed to be respected.

Firstly, maintaining the integrity of the song whilst shifting its energy into something lighter, more contemporary from the demo and turning it into a ballad/duet. Secondly maintaining and supporting the musical integrity of the collaborating artist, whilst also maintaining and supporting your own. It’s a fine balance, and not something you do hastily or on the fly.

Ultimately the vocal arrangement received the most attention and Shane opens the duet with ‘that voice’, to what then becomes a conversation when my vocal enters the first double verse. The song contains strong harmonies, a sound that I am very drawn to and instrumental melodies that fly in and out, sweeping and coming in waves across the top of the mix.

I made the decision to record Long Way from Lonely at Rangemaster after meeting with several studio owners. David Carr was the recording and mix engineer with the exception of Shane’s vocals, which were recorded interstate by Shane himself. The featuring musicians on Long Way from Lonely are Patrick Wilson, Shannon Bourne, Shane Reilly, Dylan Knur, Carolyn Oats, David Carr and Rodrigo Bustos.

Your debut EP is due out later this year. How indicative is Long Way from Lonely of what people can expect from the upcoming record?

That’s an interesting question to answer as my EP is still being shaped. I think Long Way from Lonely is really in its own lane so to speak. I certainly wouldn’t try to emulate it; I think that would most likely sound reductive and would ultimately take something away from it. I believe the idea is to commit to the song you’re working on, throw yourself in 100% to its uniqueness and its energy. I think my personality is quite dynamic, so I like my music to be malleable and be free to be what it is, so there really isn’t a formula in mind moving forward.

 

Usually when releasing new music, artists start planning tours to promote it. How has the current Coronavirus crisis affected your plans, if at all?
Fortunately, it hasn’t impacted me too greatly as I am currently in pre-production on some songs and recording others. It certainly would have been nice to do some appearances with Shane, but sadly these aren’t the times we find ourselves in. Releasing Long Way from Lonely has kept me quite busy also, so I’d say that I am definitely one of the lucky ones right now as I wasn’t dependent on upcoming tours or shows.

Do you plan on hosting any virtual events to compensate?

I’ve been thinking about the potential of doing that for my next release. I guess we’ll just have to see how the months play out. Long Way From Lonely being a duet and being so special to me means that I’d really only ever want to perform it live at a show, at least that’s my feeling on it at this point in time.

 

What do you miss most about touring and performing live?

Most definitely connecting with an audience. There’s just so much energy that you give to an audience and they give it back. It’s really thrilling as anything can happen, it’s not a rehearsal, you can’t stop the process and do another take. It keeps you very ‘present’ in your environment and within yourself.

 

This is your first solo release, but you’ve actually had some success as the lead singer of Deep Creek Road. How does working with the band compare to your experiences thus far as a solo artist?

There are pros and cons to both, but that’s to be expected. There’s a lot more freedom as a solo artist, creatively speaking. With that comes complete responsibility of the outcome, but I’m cool with that, I don’t mind challenging myself.

Band logistics is generally a tough issue to work around. Some band members have families, are working musicians on other projects, or live interstate. So regardless of how passionate you are about the band, it can be quite tricky to gain momentum. I’ve been in a few bands throughout my life. Many of them were incredible times for me, but this is a really nice change, something new and I’m really embracing and enjoying the process.

 

Your father is Lawrence Ralphs, so it could be said that music is in your blood. Did you ever feel any pressure to pursue music because of this?

I wouldn’t disagree, that’s for sure. Music was my dad’s greatest passion, as it is mine. My earliest memories of myself are musical ones and it always brought me great comfort, so I think there’s definitely music in the blood. My father always treated me like a friend and accepted me as I was. But I know he’s happy that we are so similar with our shared love of music.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

There really wasn’t a moment that can recall, I think it was always there from the beginning. My dad used to play his guitar to me most nights, a kind of going to sleep ritual, instead of reading a book or something like that. I remember it being my favourite part of the day.

 

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?

Probably an actor, or perhaps something related to film or music videos such as directing or producing. It would be something in the creative sphere.
Who inspires you, both musically and personally?

My father Lawrence Ralphs, a tenacious and highly creative person. His enthusiasm for music was so contagious and he always put in so much effort into everything he did. He was incredibly articulate and took great care in what he was going to say. I suppose it is testament to how important communicating an idea or a thought was to him and it translated to his music also.

You also worked with ARIA nominee Ian Ritter on the music video for Long Way from Lonely. Can you tell me more about that?

Ian Ritter and I have known each other for many years and we can be very like-minded at times, so it makes the process much easier. Ian is a well known photographer and creative based in Melbourne. We co-produced and co-directed the music video for Long Way From Lonely together in a 1960’s vintage motel located in Essendon, Victoria. There was a great aesthetic to that motel, it felt like it was broken, but in all the right ways, if that makes sense. Shane flew in and spent the day filming with us. The sun was shining, the props were superb (guitars and whiskey), being creative and exploring ideas, not a bad way to spend a day at all!

If you could collaborate with anyone in the industry (living or dead), who would it be and why?

I’m a huge Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks fan. What an incredible career she has had! Stevie is such a rarity in the industry, her sound has always been her own and her writing is elegant, intelligent and ethereal. I also really dig her honesty about her life. She always seems so open in her interviews about the good, the bad and the ugly that went with her life in the industry. Stevie lived a life that not many women before her had, so she was a pioneer in my eyes and I totally love and admire her for that.

 

What are the highlights and lowlights of your career thus far?
I’ve been really lucky to work alongside some seriously talented musicians, had some amazing gigs and met a lot of great people along the way. My latest song has been a labour of love and I’ve really grown from it as a person and as an artist. Working with Shane Nicholson was incredible. It’s not very often that you can have an idea about working with someone of that calibre and the vision turns into a reality. So this experience is a standout for me in my career.
My lowest point was when I had a condition called vocal dysphonia for a few years that prevented me from singing. It was a really terrifying thing to go through and there was a solid couple of years whereby I couldn’t get a diagnosis. I went through a lot of speech therapy and physical manipulation to get back to normal. Losing those years was super tough on me emotionally, but you realise all you have is here and now, so you gotta dust yourself off and get back on the horse. Going through something like that brings even more value musically to a person when they’re back doing their thing again, so that’s the silver lining!

Why does country music appeal to you so much?

Country music is a unique genre. People who love country music love it passionately. The reasons are clear; country music has a way of playing into culture, feelings, and emotions. This is an old music genre, with great story telling, distinctive instrumentation and a simple, honest and real centre. I can’t help but love it, it’s an easy love!

When not performing or recording, what does an average day look like for you?

My days always contain music in some way. My most favourite thing to do is put on my headphones and go for a long hike. It’s like a reset button for me where all the elements come together perfectly. I tend to come away from my hikes much more focused and more creative.

What’s the biggest misconception regarding making a career out of music, in your opinion?

There’s a couple of notions that spring to mind. Most people think that there’s a lot of money in music, that all you have to do is put out a song and then from there money grows like fruit on a tree. The music landscape has really changed over the last few years and the reality is that most people don’t purchase music anymore.

As an independent artist there is a substantial amount of outgoings involved in releasing quality music and you’ll most likely have to have a day job to be able to fund your music. So essentially you have to work two jobs.

Most artists earn their living from touring and merchandise, so I strongly encourage everyone to support their favourites by purchasing some merchandise, or by promoting and heading to shows as soon as we can perform live again.
The other notion is that it’s easy being a musician, simply turn up and play or sing. It’s actually a business and if you’re serious about sharing your music and having any longevity it’s so important to learn as much as you can about how it all works.

How does social media play a part in your success thus far, in terms of expanding your audience and connecting with fans?

It’s a great component and it plays an integral part, especially in these ‘lock down’ times. It’s really the only way to personally interact with fans of your music. It seems to be such a given these days, to wake up and check in with friends and the world on social media. I think you’d be hard pressed to find any artist or band established or not without a social media presence.

 

Do you think it’s more important to engage with fans on social media given the current climate?

It certainly is, especially for new artists. It’s the and one of the only mediums available to them during these times. But with that being said, I think it’s equally important not to overshare also. It’s important to make the distinction between quality and quantity.

 

What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve ever received in relation to making a career in music?

The best advice I ever received was in response to me looking at where I wanted to be, as opposed to where I was. A friend of mine recited a quote “as you start to walk out on the way, the way appears”. I think this is really true and key to anything in life,’ momentum begets momentum’.

I’ve heard my fair share of bad advice also, some naive comments and some from people that don’t want to see you do more than them or better than them. You have to keep your energy going, your desires strong and be careful whose opinions are going bare weight in your future.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I tend to mainly listen to older decades of music and touch base with current releases and albums from time to time. I’ve been listening to Vince Gill and Don Henley this last week. I saw Vince play with The Eagles and it was one of the most perfect shows I’ve ever seen and heard. Amazing beyond words!
What’s the epitome of success for you as an artist?

I think if you can make a living from your passion that is success. Doing what you are born to do is success. Sharing your experience and mentoring others is success. They’re all valid and all things as an artist that I aspire and subscribe to.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I’ve got some ideas about that, but you know I’ve got to be honest, I’ve never been the type of person to talk about my goals. I feel like they lose energy when you voice them too often. I’m inclined to just knuckle down, keep an open mind and enjoy life as much as possible. Ask me in five years if things went to plan!!
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

My next single is locked and loaded, so stay tuned for that. I’ll be releasing an accompanying music video with it also. Outside of this, I’m aiming to finish and release my debut EP later this year. I would also love to get back out on the road later this year and share these songs with you all!

Hunter Kaine’s debut single, Long Way from Lonely (featuring Shane Nicholson) is out now. To find out more about Hunter Kaine’s music, click here.

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