#129 - It's A Free Form Conversation with Rick Cua

Meet Rick Cua. A member of the successful mainstream rock group "The Outlaws", garnering 2 Gold Records, he's toured with such acts as ZZ Top, 38 Special, Molly Hatchett, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, Joan Jett, Marshall Tucker Band, The Allman Brothers, and the Dixie Dregs, then spending the next 39 years as a Christian recording artist. Eventually, he would release 11 albums, with six #1 songs and nine Top 5 hits, a Dove Award nomination, and 4 SAMMY Awards. He has performed across the United States and around the world for a large part of his life. Has toured all 50 states and performed in 14 countries. On top of that, he was the Vice President of EMI Christian Music Publishing for over 5 years back in the late '90s, early 2000s. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Rick's Italian heritage is apparent in his first instrument—as a young boy, he started on the accordion. He eventually moved on to the piano, trumpet, clarinet, guitar, and eventually settled on the bass—and rock music. Membership in early bands fed his musical obsession and led to paying gigs by age 14 and an inevitable career choice. Rick has also been featured in Bass Player Magazine. He also works on an annual tribute project called "Lest We Forget" that honors the musicians who have passed away that year. Rick talks about what it takes to be a successful bass player on stage, what that role is, and how important it is for the drummer and bass player to work hand in hand. He also talks about being creative, and don't always worry about getting a song on the radio. He also talks about to don't forget to document your music, and retain ownership if at all possible. Last but not least, we discuss as to whether or not Christian music is still a viable entity in this current music world. The Business Side of Music ™ © 2020 Beyond the Music Co-Produced & Hosted (by the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender  Co-Producer, Creator & Technical Advisor (the man behind the curtain): Tom Sabella Audio Engineer (one really cool guy): Jim Tennaboe Director of Video & Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Lighting Director (the inventor of video): Mark Pleasant Editor (the "ums' and "aahs' removal guy who makes us sound good): Mark Sabella Marketing & Social Media: Kaitlin Fritts All Around Problem Solver: Connie Ribas Recorded at: The Bunker in Franklin, TN (except during the COVID 19 pandemic, then it's pretty much done VIA Skype or over the phone, with the exception for those fearless enough to come to Bob Bender's living room… and there are a few). Mixed & Mastered at: Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over & Promo: Lisa Fuson Website: businesssideofmusic.com  Stream or Download (free) businesssideofmusic.com  To submit to be interviewed: [email protected] Sponsorship information businesssideofmusic.com/sponsor-affiliate/ Join our mailing list for show announcements, career advice, industry discounts, free gifts, and more.  Like Free Special Thanks to Tom Sabella and Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast, and trusting us to carry on their legacy. For our disclaimer and all its details, please click on the applicable link on our website. The music provided for this episode is from: Artist: The Fabulous Bagasse Boyz Single: Big Mamou Album: You Can Dress 'Em Up But You Can't Take 'Em Nowhere Composer: Link Davis Contact Info: The Fabulous Bagasse Boyz PO Box 1419 Albany, LA 70711-1419