Still Fighting the War – Slaid Cleaves Interview

If you haven’t heard of Slaid Cleaves yet, you will be hearing lots from him soon. As an artist with a mission Slaid has turned the release of his latest single, “Still Fighting the War” into a fundraiser benefiting a cause near and dear to his heart,  Operation Homefront, which provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. The title of the single truly represents not only the lyrics in the song but also the tone of the record. Cleaves is as passionate about his music as he is about doing whatever he can to help those who give so much for our freedoms. I had the chance to speak with Slaid about his new album, the message behind his songs, and the audience his music has touched.

CMP: When did you first get your start in music?

SC: Music has always been apart of my life. I started playing in a garage band in High School and now I’ve been at this for almost 20 years.

CMP: How is what your doing now different from past music you’ve released?

SC: I’ve always tried to connect my music to something, but I’ve just put so much more behind the lyrics in this album. This single now, “Still Fighting the War,” has so much emotion behind it and really addresses the plight of those returning from war and struggling to readjust to society.

CMP: This single is also benefiting a major cause connected with the Military and their families, can you tell us some more about that?

SC: Yes, all proceeds from each purchase of the single go directly to a cause called Operation Homefront. When I first started putting together this record I really wanted to give something back to what influenced it and this is just such a great cause, and really helps families and service members with whatever they need.

CMP: How has the response been from the service men and women that this single/album is really geared towards?

SC: You know in this career there really is no handbook and I’ve learned to be critical on myself and the music I’m putting out there, but to have a US Soldier come up to you and say how much they connected with your song, it makes everything worth it. Only 1% of the country is made up of Military and my hope is that this album will really reach them, and also reach the many others who are not directly affected, but need to know what is going on.

CMP: Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your career?

SC: That would definitely be my wife. For 19 years she has done everything from booking shows, to paying the band, to selling T –shirts, and I really don’t know what I’d do without her. We both have a lot riding on this new album and we really want it to do well.

CMP: What’s coming up for you with the release of your album? Are you touring?

SC: Lots of interviews and radio debuts preparing for the tour. I’ll be touring throughout Texas, then up through the East Coast and Southwest until we head across the pond to do some international dates. Slaid Cleaves Tour

He may be more folk than country but an artist like Slaid Cleaves is one in a million. His music is inspiring, his sound is unique, and his album will undoubtedly be a hit. To buy Slaid’s new album and/or download his single “Still Fighting the War” and donate to Operation Homefront today please visit: Album / Single Download