Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a singer, songwriter, musician who has been arranging, producing and performing music in multiple genres for over 30 yrs.
How did you come up with your artist name?
A former business associate threatened to sue me after I fired him. Claiming he owned the rights to the name DC Pryor. So I changed it to Doug Cash. The last I heard of him, he was either homeless or joined a religious commune.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I was in my first meetings with music publishers, vice presidents, producers and A & R directors straight out of high school. A long time ago…
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
Mainly by necessity. I had grown tired of being in bands with no direction, dedication or leadership. So I started my own label, (Pryor 2 What ? Records), built a publishing catalogue and a video catalogue. In this day and age, you have to own the music and the masters. It’s no longer about getting signed to a major. You’ll end up as nothing but an employee. When you own the label you become a partner. Which of course puts you in a stronger negotiating position. It’s all about leverage.
How would you describe your latest single?
“You wept for yourself” hearkens back to the days of Buffalo Springfield and Joni Mitchell. Singer-songwriter, pop, country, blues, soul. Depth of imagination coupled with a dark sense of humour. Solemn, soulful, psychedelic, sensual.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
The video ” You Wept For Yourself ” by Doug Cash is available on youtube. It’s also available on Youku.tv in China.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
I can’t say I have many inspirations in today’s industry. My main focus is finding new outlets for licensing opportunities for indie films, feature films, television, cable, streaming, gamers etc.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
Some days it’s just a feeling. I know I’m going to write something that day. Whether I pick up my acoustic or walk up to my keyboard. Walking down the street I may get hit a line or two. A melody could wake me up out of a dead sleep. I’ve dreamt of opening melodies with the aid of Ringo and Paul. I’ve taken lines out of a book. There are too many avenues to mention. It helps to be a sponge.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
My next video with be for the song “Secrets”. I’ve yet to come up with an outline for my video admin Alfie Argentina. He edited the video for ” You wept for yourself “. I’ve worked with half a dozen very talented video admins, but Alfie is the man.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
With the pandemic, I have no plans for playing live. With the help of my over 200 admin/vendors in 38 countries, my music reaches the world through blogs, interviews, indie radio, corporate radio, video promos. That’s music marketing in the 21st century.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
That’s too long ago to remember. I’m sure it just paid for studio time. The last check allowed me to pay royalties to my best friend/songwriting partner Jeff Cooper. AKA Jefferson Davis. Check out his albums ” Shades Of Blue ” and Boy Child a comin’ “. He’s a brilliant combination of Curtis Mayfield and Willie Nelson.
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
A great rapport with a good engineer. That’s all I’ve ever needed. I’m not a big equipment guy. Everything I’ve ever done is by feel and by ear. I can’t talk to you about my favourite mics, guitars, amps. Gibson, Fender, Marshall, Ampeg. Doesn’t matter. Just has to be the right gear at the right time for that moment.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
Never stop.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
That’s the magic of the unknown. Who knows where I’ll be in the future or who I may meet. I like working with imaginative and talented folks. They bring a different spice to the session. Take the song in a different direction. Halos fly in the wind.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
Mainly local artists here in Sacramento, Ca. I worked with Sandra Dolores on the song: “Wouldn’t it be much easier 3″. I worked with Lindsay Marie on the songs ” Occupational Hazard ” and ” All I can ask “. I worked with Jen Cordero John Malcolm on the song ” For All The times “. I worked with Lauren Wakefield on the song ” Secrets “.They’re all great talents. Lots of laughs! These songs are available on Youtube and Spotify.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Paul Simon, Carol King, Paul McCartney, Sly Stone, Larry Graham, Verdine White, Mohini Dey, Lisa Melvoin, Elvis Costello, Chrissie Hynde, Buddy Guy, Andy Partridge, Omar Hakim.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
People have told me they love my voice, my lyrics and my articulation. After a gig, years ago, an older woman told me she could understand every word of every song I sang. She said I can’t remember the last time that’s happened. I thought, well that’s cool.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc..)
I need to become a better keyboard player.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
Too many. Louis Armstrong: Stardust, Gloria Lynne: Stella by Starlight, The Beatles: I am The Walrus.
What was the last album you listened to?
I have no idea. I was just on youtube recently, listening to albums by The Miracles, The Sylvers, Soundgarden, Kiss, Joni Mitchell.
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
The greatest combination of pop, rock, rhythm & blues, psychedelic, Indian, classical, folk, avant-garde. The Beatles
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
That’s tough. As a singer-songwriter it hasn’t gotten any better than Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
There’s room for everybody.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
Not really. I have no use for them.
What is your main goal as far as music?
That the success of my publishing allows me to buy a house in Hawaii.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
People who value the depth of imagination, aptitude over attitude, sense of humour and a sense of wonder.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
Depth of imagination and versatility.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
Hanging at the beach in any weather. Inclement or not. I’m there. Plus, I used to be a pretty hardcore, Gardner.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
Quincy Jones, Kate Bush.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Working with both of my sons in the studio.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
A time of Torment by John Connely
What’s your favourite sports team and why?
Golden State Warriors are the most entertaining team in sports.
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
Bogart in The Big Sleep
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
James Earl Jones. He’s still going!
What can we expect from you in the future?
Two new videos in February. Fool Play 2 and Knives.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
Spotify. Itunes, Amazon, Youtube, Deezer, cdbaby
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