Raygun Carver is a folky project created by Michael Soiseth, a singer-songwriter and musician from the Pacific North West. He creates gorgeous folky songs such as latest release, Everywhere You Go Is Where I’ll Be. It’s quite a dark sounding tune, making it very different from anything else out there at the moment. If you’ve not managed to have a listen yet, a full stream can be found at the end of this interview.

By Jane Howkins

You released a single titled Everywhere You Go Is Where You’ll Be. What can you tell us about the track?.

I was inspired by the music of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, the song Sinking Soon by Alicia Keys and The Stroll by The Diamonds back in 1958. You can hear that influence in the backing sax and vocals.

How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?

The song has been getting great reviews so far. If you want the single you can download it on most streaming platforms.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

Yes. I will release another single from the upcoming record in July in anticipation of the full record.

Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?

I’m hoping to release the full record, Devil in the Details sometime in late August.

Raygun Carver is a project created by yourself, Michael Soiseth. Why did you decide to produce your music under that name, instead of as a solo artist?

My name gets mispronounced all the time and my artist moniker is much easier to remember. It’s a play on the name of a real author who lived in my hometown and is buried there.

Your music has a dark, gypsy folk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I was inspired by artists such as Cab Calloway, Klezmer, vaudeville and gypsy jazz.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?

My drummer/producer and musical partner Robert Wollam and I will begin a new project under the name Sutrobath this fall. The best way to describe this upcoming project would be ‘Wagner meets the Beatles.’

You’re from the Pacific North West. Where are you based? How is the local music scene faring at the moment?

I live in Port Angeles, WA. It’s a small community where tourism is a big draw in the summer as we are right on the ocean with the beautiful Olympic Mountains right behind us. As far the music scene in town, it’s mostly a small niche of folk and jam bands.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

All my major influences come from the UK and that’s the music that is most deeply embedded in my musical DNA. I’d love to do a tour of intimate venues in the UK if the opportunity presented itself.

Any last words for the fans?

Follow me on Facebook and Spotify for all the latest releases. Thank you for listening and pass it on!