Mike McCann – Stepping off the Edge | My Journey as Navy SEAL to Raven Tree Band

Transitioning from the military or law enforcement can be challenging. I’ve transitioned from both careers and have had my share of rough spots both times. I first heard of Mike McCann while listening to a podcast hosted by Stew Smith . For those who don’t recognize Stew Smith’s name, he’s a former SEAL that has been training candidates for careers in special operations, law enforcement, and fire service since the 90’s. After listening to the podcast, the first thing I did was check out Mike’s band, Raven Tree on YouTube. Having always been a rock fan, I had an immediate connection to his music.

The thing that locked me in was watching Mike perform. He has that thing that you see in people who become-one with what they are doing. As I watched video after video, I recognized that when he was playing, he was in his own place in the universe. Nothing else existed except his guitar and the music. Totally at peace and nothing else mattered in those moments. After following Mike and Raven Tree for about two years I reached out and asked if he would be willing to do and interview with me for The Gear Bunker. He agreed and we set up a date and time. It was a wonderful experience to be able talk with him about his career, transitioning, and Raven Tree Band.

What keeps you breathing?

A little back story to the original podcast with Stew Smith. Mike and Stew had gone through Basic Underwater SEAL training together. Mike made a career out of the Navy starting as an enlisted man in 1991 and retiring as an officer in 2012. He spent his career in the TEAM’s and military intelligence. After retiring he entered the corporate scene but quickly discovered the integrity he once found in the military was lacking in the private sector. So, in 2014 he walked away from a six-figure job to pursue his dream of being a rock musician.

Like most veterans and emergency responders, Mike had his share of challenges re-entering a world so different from what he had experienced in the military. While at a seminar for former TEAM guys, he was able to confront his issues and come away with a clearer plan for his future. Since the age of 12, playing guitar and music had been a passion. During his time in the military, he’d frequently team up with other musicians to form bands and play at local venues in Virginia Beach.

Stepping off the edge

On Mikes decision to leave a corporate position, he found himself sliding in an unhealthy direction because of the atmosphere at the job. Although the money was good and the work interesting, it was hard to walk away from. He described the decision as stepping off the edge. And compared it to stepping off the back of a C-130 and falling. You’re nervous but once committed it was easy and a relief. As we spoke, we both discovered that people often stay in situations that are toxic. Destroying them from the inside yet they find reasons not to change. The hardest part is being honest with ourselves and possess the ability to step off the edge into something new. Something healthier.

After leaving his corporate position, he focused on music and formed Raven Tree Band. Raven Tree is a Rock/Blues band with Mike writing songs, playing guitar, and singing. The whole process of music for Mike has helped work through his own transition process. And helped him deal with his experiences as a combat veteran.

Redemption & Perspective

Raven Tree is based out of Baltimore, Md and has a solid following there. According to Mike, their first album, “Raven Tree” is one of redemption. MY two favorite songs on the that album are “Watch Me Die” and “You Caught Me”. Watch Me Die is a bit dark but touched a place in me that very few songs or people ever see. The second album “Red Devil Mistress” has a blistering rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. Mike describes the second album as perspective. Some might consider the songs on the dark side. But talking with Mike, there was a clear process and progression with the music. The first and second albums were a way of clearing the shadows out that were lingering in his thoughts.

3rd Time’s the Charm

The recently released third album, “3^rd Times the Charm”, is a new outlook that contains fresh material with a little different flavor. Raven Tree’s song, “Red Devil Mistress” is featured in the recently released film Harvey. Mike and Raven Tree have a number of projects on the horizon including performances west of the Mississippi.

I really like the music Mike and Raven Tree are putting out. One of the most profound things about Mike’s transition was his ability and willingness to step off the edge and follow his dream. Many of us stay in jobs and situations that kill our spirit because we believe we have no choice. The reality is that with planning and forethought we can step off the edge to something new that improves our lives. I would like to thank Mike for taking the time to talk with me, making the music that he does and for showing that change is possible.