Kevn Kinney is the lead singer of Drivin N Cryin, a rock band that achieved legendary status in the Southeast during the late 80s and 90s but never quite broke into the national big time. DNC’s popularity peaked when their album *Fly Me Courageous* was certified gold. During that time, the band toured with Neil Young and Soul Asylum, but even after selling over 500,000 copies, they never recouped the expenses that went into the recording and production of music videos they weren’t really all that into in the first place.
Despite the ups and downs, Kevn told me he has never been happier than he is now because he does what he does for himself and doesn’t worry too much whether other people like it. Kevn remains a prolific and respected songwriter and tours constantly. Over 38 years playing together, the band has “survived the pressures of fame, a shifting musical landscape, multiple lineup changes, and miles of backroads and highways” to arrive where they are “comfortable with their past and confident in their future.”
I had a great time talking to Kevn in my basement where we discussed:
Why we both don’t love jam bands
How the song *Straight to Hell* went from being a “dumb song at the end of the record” to one he now has to play at every show
Why, unlike a lot of musicians, he actually appreciates Spotify and iTunes
The good part about touring at 62
How artistic envy keeps artists down
Some of the bands he has loved working with over the years, including: the Black Crowes, Collective Soul, Indigo Girls, REM, Edwin McCain, Blues Traveler, and many more
The difference between Atlanta and Athens, GA
Big thanks to Michaeline and Ed Roland for connecting me with Kevn.
See Kevn and the band’s live dates here. Buy Kevn's new album, Think About It here. Follow Paul on Instagram. See Paul’s upcoming shows.
Are you really still reading?
Share this post