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 loves 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 Kevin and the band’s live dates here.🎸

🔥 Buy Kevn's new album, Think About It here. 🔥 

👂Listen to Paul’s Drvin N Cryin / KK playlist on Spotify.👂

👀 Follow Paul on Instagram here. 👀

🔥 Read Paul’s Substack here. 🔥

🎤 See Paul’s upcoming shows here. 🎤

About Crazy Money:

Unlike traditional personal finance or investing shows, Crazy Money is not about how to make a million bucks, how to beat the stock market, or how to save money by switching cable providers. It is about deciding what role we want money to play in our lives and how we can use it to achieve our best selves. Topics covered include: philosophy, happiness, contentment, meaning, dreams, purpose, success, mental health, Buddhism, Stoicism, the hedonic treadmill, morality, mid-Life Crisis, business, work, careers, authors, books, consumerism, values, capitalism, economics, investing, saving, spending, personal finance, charity, philanthropy, altruism, affluence, wealth, wealth management, culture, society, and status. Crazy Money is edited by Mike Carano. Are you really still reading?