Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cullen Curtis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cullen, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Learning how to be a musician is like developing a story with no beginning, or ending. An abstract language where both listening, and receiving always take presidents over transmitting. This is way easier said than done, but I feel very strongly that this collectively sums it all up. One must learn some theory to get anywhere fulfilling, but not be bound to it to the point of your voice never being found. Playing along to records is also a must. Finally, having artists that you pay tribute to by carrying their torch, rather than their identity is essential. When I took about two years off of playing in bands, I felt the pressure of other people in the group to be stifling. The question of “Why haven’t we made it yet?” by everyone’s mood, and body language became utterly vexing. I had to bail! During those two years I worked as a guitar teacher (among other odd jobs as well). I also frequented many open mic nights, often playing familiar songs in 1 4 5 with strangers. It was during this time I figured out some theory, as well as how to really listen to other players in the midst of the onstage chaos. This time was very helpful to finding my voice, and more importantly learning how to work with others under a bit of pressure. Once I went back to playing in bands I realized this time out of my comfort zone was well worth it!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the music game after taking lessons from Doug Ferguson in the early 90’s. He was a true inspiration, friend, and mentor. He taught me that dreams are within one’s grasp as long as you put the work in. The name of my current band is Black Cat Rising. We are a psychedelic rock and roll band based out of Atlanta. Influences include Bowie, Zappa, and The Stooges. We are accessible on all streaming platforms, Check us out on the local podcast Streamboat Live for an acoustic performance, plus band interview. Now Dig This also features a full band performance (electric) from last year. Also, we are headlining a single release show at The Earl Thursday, May 23rd. My core purpose of this band is to give back what I was given by so many others…..inspiration.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Support your local bands. Go to live shows!!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn is that all of this was riding on me. I would never ask for help. Surrounding yourself with positive, able, and driven creatives is a must. Things must be delegated in a band to insure success. One handles publicity, one handles merch. another is capable of sound engineering.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.BLACKCATRISING.COM
• Instagram: blackcatrisingband
• Facebook: Black Cat Rising