Interview with David M Raine
David M Raine is a professional Actor and Songwriter. He honed his skills in New York City, working as a model, stage actor, and frontman for a rock band. Now in Philadelphia, he focuses mainly on his film and television acting career. We have conducted an interview with him.
When did you start your songwriting career?
I was still very young when I began songwriting professionally. I had just completed a
European Tour of the Broadway Musical, "Hair". I had done musicals before, but none
that had the Rock Concert feel that "Hair" can have at points in the story. This feeling
really connected deep in me. As soon as I returned to New York City, I joined the band,
Hundred Pound Head, as the lead singer. That's when I began to introduce my
songwriting into the mix.
What is your role in 'House of Cards'?
Working on "House of Cards" was a fantastic opportunity. I worked closely with Robin
Wright. As a matter of fact, she also directed the episode I was in. I played the head of
her secret service outfit. Unfortunately, the storyline took a drastic turn, and my
character was not needed for Season 4. I turned down a part in "Veep", as well as a
Lottery commercial, in order to do "HOC". I'll never regret the decision.
Do you enjoy being an actor or a songwriter? Why
I enjoy Acting and Songwriting immensely. I believe keeping my feet in both industries
has kept me balanced, and also made life pretty exciting. They each reward me
differently. They both are a craft of storytelling. Acting puts you in a position where
you're both telling and being the substance of a story. Songwriting allows you to literally
compose the emotion and texture of a story’s landscape. Now, lets not forget that they
both also require you to have a healthy amount of courage and insanity, but the reward
of seeing someone really feel what you performed or produced is indescribable.
Which top tip would you give to someone who aspires to be in the entertainment industry as an actor or songwriter?
My most valuable tip is, do not enter this industry without being prepared for the long
haul. For some, it happens relatively quickly. For most, it takes half a lifetime, and even
then, you’re blessed if you can at least make a living. DO NOT compare yourself to
anyone else, whether they are famous or a failure. Focus on YOUR journey, and keep
moving.
What is the most exciting aspect about being a songwriter?
The most exciting part of songwriting for me used to be the times in the past, when my
band was playing a club in the East or West Village in NYC, and the audience members
would sing along with me when we played their favorite song. That feeling is amazing!
Lately, since my Acting career is getting a new push, I’m doing much less live concerts,
and more writing for film placements. So now, I get excited when I see a film and my
song is playing underneath to support the effect of a scene.
If you can have it your way, which three new roles would you like to take on? Which will be the most challenging?
The three new roles I would like to take on vary greatly. One would be the biopic of Bob
Marley. Another would be a new Superhero…one that deals in mysticism, as well as
physical power. The third would be a long standing series Lead, like James Spader’s
(Raymond Reddington) in “Blacklist”, or Kevin Spacey’s (Francis Underwood) in “House
of Cards”.
See…I told you they would vary…
Instagram: @davidmraine
Twitter: @dmraine
