Rising Music Star Nick Cain On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

Be yourself! Why is this so hard!? I’m getting better at it. Turns out me isn’t that bad.

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Nick Cain.

At 39 years old, Nick Cain’s life took an unplanned but welcome detour that changed everything he knew about passion and determination. It began at The Gorge in Eastern Washington, at a country music fest — Watershed — that strummed the strings of his heart just as much as those of the guitar he would pick up following the event in 2019. With no musical background to speak of, Nick dove headfirst into the melodies and rhythms of country music, dedicating every possible moment to self-taught sessions that echoed through the basement of his home.

His regular life as a real estate developer was put on a pause by the Covid-19 pandemic, a break that proved to be a silver lining for Nick’s budding musical aspirations. With building permits on hold, his basement became a sanctuary where he nurtured his newfound love for music, strumming and studying with relentless enthusiasm.

The year-long confinement cultivated in him a desire not just to play guitar, but also to sing and craft his own songs. His unyielding resolve led him all the way to Los Angeles, where he had the good fortune of being mentored by celebrity voice coach Roger Love. It was Love who introduced Nick to the acclaimed songwriter Drew Lawrence. “Spending a week with Roger was a pivotal moment. Writing with Drew has been a great match,” Nick reflects on the experience that escalated his journey into the realms of music creation.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series, Nick Cain! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

In a once-small town. Family of 4 boys. Parents worked hard but we didn’t go without. We had horses and acreage on a river and I remember spending the majority of time outdoors whether it was fishing, hunting, ATVs etc…I remember spending entire days in the woods. Belfair was a great place to grow up in at that time especially because there was soooo much space. So much forest land that was accessible. You knew everybody. Trips to the grocery or hardware store seemed like social events. We could ride our bikes on the roads into town. I used to occasionally ride my mx bike to school if I missed the bus before I got my driver’s license. A lot has changed since then. I will say I miss it.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

It was the summer of I believe 2018. I had just recovered from a pretty lengthy divorce. My cousin insisted that we go to this country fest at the Gorge in Washington called Watershed. We packed up the coolers, hooked up the boat, and headed east for a long weekend. We spent all day on the Columbia River and hit the event at night. I was blown away by the experience. The energy, the talent, the sentiment in general. This was my first concert experience and forever altered my course. I purchased an acoustic guitar that next year and when covid happened I was unable to get building permits or work at all so I used the time to dive into music. Paring some top names in the industry with my die-hard work ethic paid off quickly. I always say “Having what you want is the easy part. Knowing what you want is the hard part.”

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I wrote and released a song called “Country Hallelujah.” I’ve heard stories about artists having their work compromised but never really thought it would happen till it did. I was having a rehearsal at my place and while recalling the song on Spotify I saw the title but a different artist! Naturally, I clicked it and it was my tune! At first, I was really frustrated. How could this have happened? The lyrics were over the demo track. I was able to track down the culprit. At the end of the day, it was flattering that someone liked it enough to claim it as theirs.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

HAHAHAHHA. I remember when I first started taking vocal lessons. Working with celebrity voice coach Roger Love for a week was a massive catapult. I had never sung before in my life. At the end of the week, we had demoed a song. I was so proud of the accomplishment that I sent it to a number of friends. Well, let’s just say there has been substantial growth since then, and feel an apology is in order for subjecting them to such abuse. Lesson learned. Only share finished products.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I was so eager to play during the pandemic. Through other acquaintances, I met up with guitar player Billy Shew. He jokingly said if you really want to play find a gig and I’ll play it with you. Washington was basically on lockdown but the Midwest was not. I reached out to a club in Wyoming called the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyanne and booked a one-week house gig! With only 6 weeks to prepare I had to learn 100 songs. Nothing like a deadline. Then, they had us back a few months later, and was able to play there for another week then to Deadwood South Dakota to play 2 weeks at the Saloon #10. I am definitely grateful to have been able to work with Billy. As far as live performance, I don’t think I’d be this far had we not connected.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Tell us a bit about your new single “That’s What The Whiskey’s For.”

Music videos! I’m excited to see the final products. I actually have a line dance being created for one of my releases coming out in April 2025, “Pumpin on the Heartbrakes.” “That’s What The Whiskey’s For” is really just a fun tune about leaving real-life stuff behind for a moment. I wrote that with Zac Maloy and Drew Lawrence on my first trip to Nashville. It was a great week. I got to see downtown and write with other amazing writers.

As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?

Yes. Challenges. I’ll start by saying that I’m glad my first real career occupation was sales at a Ford dealership. I quickly learned how to overcome objections and turn them into opportunities. I also learned people skills. Just because something isn’t going your way or working out doesn’t mean it’s the end. Find another way. Try another angle. I was in a meeting with Rod Parr, owner of the dealership, and I can still hear ringing in my ears. “Persistence overcomes resistance.” I guess the moral of the story is to keep your eye on the goal. Don’t lose focus. You can achieve it if you really want to.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. I actually started out with pretty good advice. Whenever I start a new project I tend to go to the professionals first and bypass the learning curve. Get advice from professionals.

2. Practice with a metronome! I’ve heard this over and over but shunned it off. Playing my first acoustic solo gig was an eye-opener. I’ll leave it at that.

3. Be yourself! Why is this so hard!? I’m getting better at it. Turns out me isn’t that bad.

4. Music is the easy part! Keeping 4 people together has been like herding cats. I’ve moved to retaining players for the year so I can fully control bookings.

5. Record yourself performing! I almost died when I saw the first video of me onstage! Mortifying, but a great tool for growth. I wish I had seen it sooner.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

Generally, I observe my surroundings all day long. While driving or operating heavy equipment is when most ideas form. Sometimes it’s a situation, a comment, a melody, experience…ect. Those ideas are entered into my notes throughout the day and explored during writing times. Knowing multiple songwriters and their personalities gives me options for the best fit to the concepts.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

That’s tough. All I really have is authenticity. I don’t pretend to be a cowboy, I don’t have a horse anymore or wear cowboy boots. I wear Danners and a ball cap. Most of my songs stem from real situations. There’s an old saying that “there’s a little truth in every joke.” I’m heading towards a little deeper chapter of storytelling and opening up the vulnerability side.

How do you connect with your audience?

I feel as though I am my audience, although mastering the art of being yourself has been a challenge on stage. At the end of the day, we are all not that much different from one another and I feel like we all experience similar situations throughout life. I’m convinced after working with Drew Lawrence that anyone could be a songwriter if they learned how to tell their story. I’m only sharing my similar experiences to them with a band.

With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?

That has been REALLY tricky. My personal life has virtually been on hold. I have been a full time single dad for almost 10 years now. Balancing work, family, health, and music doesn’t leave much time for other relationships. It’s an arrangement of priorities. Now that my youngest is driving this year I see some wiggle room on the horizon. I am grateful to have family nearby to lend a hand.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I’d say if we could crank up the “get along with each other” volume. I think we have become weak on respect, values, ethics, and morals. I’ve had the opportunity to travel and see other cultures. What we complain about here in the states is minor in comparison to what others are dealing with on a daily basis.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

That list is kinda long. As an entrepreneur, I think Elon Musk would be at the top. He gets things done. Like him, I myself tend to see things as right or wrong, black or white and am open to ideas. A problem solver.

In the music world…Blake Shelton. Great at music and business. He has been a major influence for many years. Would be a dream come true to work on a project with him.

How can our readers continue to follow your work online?

Check out my website nickcainmusic.com.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!