Denver area writer, Dana Cain, has been creating a sci-fi rock opera since her high school senior year in 1974. Fast-forward to 2018, she is actually now watching her vision come true. Out of the blue she was hit with inspiration on her 58th birthday. Cain recalls, “I have no idea where it came from, but I blurted out that I wanted to finish my science fiction rock opera I’d started in high school.” After all these years there was a new rock opera given to the world.
Thinking back to the days of rock opera classics such as “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, “Tommy”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar”, Cain revitalized her ideas and mixed in some inspiration from David Bowie, Genesis, ELO, and science fiction. She hired local musicians and singers including Mark Putt, took a crash course in Studio One recording and mixing, and shared that everyone gave it their all.
In true apocalyptic fashion a war kills everyone and a girl reprograms an android to be her boyfriend. Sadly the girl starts dying from radiation sickness. Yes it was written by a teenager, according to Cain the “larger-than-life drama and emotion is what stage musicals are all about too, so this is a perfect fit.” When it comes to being melodramatic, she added “when you’re a teenager, the whole world is about your feelings — your incredibly new and strong emotions. You’re feeling all this stuff for the first time. First love, first heartbreak, first betrayal, first freedom. It’s so powerful that it’s hard to express, and it comes out sounding overwrought and melodramatic.”
“The Android’s New Soul” is now available digital downloads, CD, and even a cool double vinyl LP with poster and booklet. CDs and single songs are available through CDBaby.com. For more information about the rock opera and more of Dana Cain’s events, check out her website.
For those who geek out over art, Dana Cain is also putting on this super cool Denver Modernism Show August 24-25-26. Sponsored by Adrian Kinney and held at the National Western Complex, this event will show off retro 1950s-60s-70s home decor, fashion and art. It also happens to be perfect timing to celebrate Andy Warhol’s birthday.