CAIN encourages students to get plugged into high school, be kind to people, and start working towards their goals.
Composed of former Hartselle High School students Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain, the band CAIN recently released their song “Rise Up (Lazarus),” which was high on the iTunes Christian music chart, and “Celebrate Me Home,” a Christmas song with a music video filmed in Hartselle. Taylor Cain Matz, Madison Cain Johnson, and Logan Cain spent most of their childhood homeschooled. Their parents wanted them to have a good sense of who they were, and they believed homeschooling was a way to do that. When Taylor, the oldest sibling, was going into ninth grade, the Cain’s all decided to start attending public school in Hartselle. While most kids were unlocking lockers with ease, they were learning how to; they were late to classes for a while and would turn papers in without a name, but soon, they were comfortable. Once all the siblings were at HHS together during Taylor’s junior year, they all got more plugged into the school. Being together gave them confidence. Throughout high school, the trio shared friends and were very close, a foreshadowing of their future.
Though the community knew J. P. Cain as a coach, principal and leader of the community, Madison, Taylor and Logan saw their “Pop” in a different light—simply a farm guy and family man. They would often go to his house to snap peas, silk corn, and fish. He would regularly say how proud he was of them. Looking back, they see how influential he was not only in Hartselle but also in their lives, encouraging them in everything.
CAIN started singing together at church. Because faith and church was such an important part of their lives, music was too. In addition to singing with Performers, Chorus, and even at Winter Formal, they hosted a Bible study at their house, which grew a crowd. When friends of Taylor complimented her on singing, Taylor was surprised. As more and more people complimented the siblings, they started singing at different events. Once in college, they honed in on their music careers; this was something they wanted to pursue professionally.
After 7 years of preparation, CAIN toured with Zach Williams and We The Kingdom. Their opening performance proved to be game-changing; the band felt like they were doing exactly what they were supposed to do. Worship music filled them unlike any other genre. They received a standing ovation, and afterwards, they jumped up and down in excitement backstage. Since then, they have released music and music videos. They plan to release more music and an album next year. They will also be touring again with Zach Williams and We The Kingdom.
Looking back on high school, the band believes the most important thing is to be kind. They correlate kindness with success. They have met successful people who are willing to help anyone even if they gain virtually nothing. Taylor said she focused a lot on grades and everything that came with high school, but that was only the beginning. They encourage HHS students to follow their dreams even in high school. They look back on HHS with fond memories. They specifically valued their relationships with the teachers. Even though Logan said he may have been difficult for teachers at some times, he believes those were the best relationships he had. CAIN said they are very thankful for everything Hartselle has given to them.
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