An Interview with The Raven's Court

You are involved in a film about young people in street gangs - Urban Street Survivor - Is the movie industry something you would like to be involved in again in the future and how does it differ to the music industry?
Urban Street Survivor is coming a long exceptionally well, the band will be featured in the film and Erin and I both have parts in the film. Stuart Freeman is an extraordinary director and a pleasure to work with. You will find some info on the film at www.urbanstreetsurvivor.com.
Most of us have been involved with the film industry or theatre. Erin Dylan has spent as much time in theatre as she has in music and her love is shared with both. It is something we also have all had a passion for. My performances are so theatrical based that I find that the film industry goes hand in hand with the music industry. One day I would love to put the soundtrack together for a major motion picture.

The issue of street gangs and knife crime amongst teenagers is at the forefront of the UK's consciousness at the moment. Why do you feel young people join street gangs and what are the repercussions for society?
I had a troubled youth, which is part of the reason that I am happy to be involved with Urban Street Survivor. Speaking from experience, I believe that that parents not giving enough quality time to their children have fuelled the decay in the moral fibre of our current society. The result of this is the need for children to find a family type environment that they are accepted into, unfortunately in the majority of cases, this ends up being gangs which results in their anger and bitterness projected onto our society. I understand that parents are faced with an environment that requires both parents to work at least one job to survive in this tough economic climate, and that the government is as much to blame as the parents. At this point in time, I feel it is imperative that even though parents can not give the time needed to their children they really need to assist in focusing their children's energy in worthwhile directions, which include music and theatre.

Where is The Ravens Court headed to next?
We have started working on the next album "Devils Night" and are currently mapping out the film clips and songs. We are looking at some touring in 2009 and looking like we will hook up with Die So Fluid for a few gigs around Feb/March, they are a great band and I really admire Grog who is up front in the band. We have a lot happening in the U.S. at the moment and are working out when we can get over there and are looking forward to coming through Europe during 2009.