What are your names?
Kamber Kigin – Vocals
Matt Richards – Guitar & Production
Jordan Armstrong – Bass & Backing Vocals
Christian Nicks – Drums
What is the band’s name?
Raviner
How did you come up with the band’s name?
I was highly fascinated with the imagery, aesthetic, and symbolism of the raven. After some deep dive research on the etymology and mythology associated with the word ‘raven,’ I stumbled upon the antiquated french word “raviner” meaning “to furrow”, “to hollow”, and “to pillage”. That felt beautiful, esoteric, and transformational in meaning, so we “Americanized” the pronunciation and ran with it.
What is your genre of music?
Alternative metal / hard rock / dark electronic pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Hailing from Nashville, Raviner is a heavy alternative (“alt heavy”) band fronted by vocalist Kamber Kigin and supported by drummer Christian Nicks, bassist / backing vocalist Jordan Armstrong, and guitarist / producer Matt Richards. The band incorporates elements of hard rock, metal, and dark synth pop to create their distinctive and passionate sound. Raviner has garnered the attention and praise of fans and press alike, being featured by publications such as HM Magazine, Nashville Unsigned, No Country for New Nashville, and Tuned Up. They also earned the title of “Tennessee’s Best Unsigned Band” from Alt Press. They have played shows regionally and locally, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Awake at Last, Diamante, Ded, Eyes Set to Kill, Galactic Empire, Heavy Things, Icon For Hire, FLAW, Pop Evil, and Set it Off.
What made you go into music?
All of us stumbled into music in various ways, but for me, going all in with music as a career came after several years of songwriting, performing, and the beginning stages of honing my craft as a musician and artist. It just seemed to make sense. Fame was (and never will be) the ultimate goal. Music, art, and expression was (and always will be).
Who are your influences?
Our influences pull from a deep well of musical styles, genres and artistry. We love iconic hard rock and alternative metal acts like Chevelle, Deftones, Flyleaf, and Underoath, as well as newer nationally touring bands Bad Omens, Counterparts, I See Stars, Memphis May Fire, Moxy The Band, Sleep Token, and Spiritbox. We also find inspiration from an eclectic blend of artists and bands outside of our genresphere including Kate Bush, Sade, Silversun Pickups, Tears For Fears, and Tori Amos.
Are you signed?
No we are not.
You released your single ‘By The Throat’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
we describe “By The Throat’s” creation and production as a sort of “blood, sweat, and tears” kind of process, and honestly, that’s what the track is about. The song sets up an entire world for the listener to enter into – it’s chaotic, confusing, and certainly dystopian. But, there is always this glimmer of hope woven throughout the song – admitting that there is brokenness, violence, chaos, but understanding that healing, authentic love and connection, and simply being human is here to be found. It’s just hidden beneath all of these other maddening things.
Describe the track in two words.
Aggressive. (yet) Vulnerable.
What was the writing and recording process like?
As a songwriter, I went through a season of mostly songs navigating a whirlwind relationship and the tumultuous breakup that followed. Several years of healing, grieving, processing, etc. definitely wrote from a deeply internal and confessional place. However, “By The Throat” came about after taking some time to observe and absorb the world around me – the pandemic and it’s after effects that engulfed us, deep financial concerns and mental health concerns in my friends and family in the aftermath of all of that…this song rages and wars against all of it. I think all of us in the band were feeling the weight of all of that and were ready to get out in the creative process. Certainly cathartic.
The writing process, at least for me, felt much more external rather than internal, and I believe the music reflects that. It’s aggressive, driving, and at times, chaotic. However, there are moments in this track that feel truly beautiful and vulnerable. Underneath the anger, rage, frustration, etc, is a deep yearning for something more hopeful, something lighter for sure. Our bassist / backing vocalist Jordan did a stunning job writing the second verse lyrics that dig into this – “finding, something, a ray of hope on a different day, guide me, slowly, before it all drifts away”. Truly my personal favorite part of the track, aside from the killer breakdown that our drummer Christian and guitarist / producer Matt absolutely crushed in writing and composing.
Who did you work with on the track?
We worked with our guitarist / producer Matt Richards of Avenue Recording Company in Kansas City, MO. It was a highly collaborative effort among the band, and Matt’s stellar production work absolutely took the track over the top. We love it.
We also see a music video – tell us more about that creative process.
Early on we honed in on a certain aesthetic, mostly centering around a type of “cyberpunk” or “Bladerunner” look mixed with modern sleek elements. Pink and blue hues came to mind. I loved the contrast. Josh Lockhart, our videographer took it to a richer and more complex palette though and we absolutely love it. I think viewers will easily get immersed into the various teals, blues, pinks, and purples – it’s perfect. We just wanted a video where viewers can really see who we are as a band, and let the lyrics and the storytelling fill in the rest.
Can we expect an EP or Album and if so, can you tease us a little?
We are working on some new material right now in hopes of a new EP. Our goals are to continue challenging our own norms while still maintaining our signature sound and style. It’s exciting to take creative and artistic risks. “By The Throat” is just the beginning of setting up this dystopian, wild, strangely colorful world – we can’t wait to keep developing it.
Do you have any live shows coming up?
8/10 Nashville, TN (Zakkapalooza) @ The End
8/30 Gastonia, NC @ The Rooster
8/31 Johnson City, TN @ Capone’s JC
Let us know where we can get tickets if so.
Zakkapalooza
The Rooster
Capone’s JC
What else can we expect in 2024?
Definitely more show announcements, and hopefully another release by the end of the year. We are working hard!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
That question is always a tough one because I try to live in the moment as much as I can – being a musician and artist calls for that often. However, in five years I’d like to be touring much more regularly and confidently establishing a solid fanbase that can truly support the work we are trying to put out. We want to challenge our own norms as a band, and simply create something fresh and new while continuing to be ourselves – elder emos who are in this for the long haul.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“be inspired, never bound” – a wise elderly woman shared this with me right as I moved to Nashville 11 years ago. She was encouraging me to be aware and inspired by the traditions of our town and this industry, but never be bound by it where you lose yourself in the process. It’s always an interesting balance. We tend to be musical outcasts as far as the typical Nashville staple sound is concerned. but we kinda like it thay way. Raviner is Raviner. We are gonna keep being ourselves and hopefully invigorating and inspiring people.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Ibuprofen, phone charger, bananas, ¼” cables, and a serious social battery
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
X
TikTok
