Music Row Insider editor & studio bass guru Jim Hyatt hit us up for an interview during the recording sessions last Thursday about Stacey Blood’s upcoming album “Millennium Blues”. Upon completing the tracking at County Q studios, we decided to meet a few days later to talk a little shop, share a few laughs, and expose the world to an inside glimpse of what it took to make the album.

“It’s common to hear, “it’s unique” or, “it’s something different” and in a lot of cases that just means nobody will want to listen to it.” explains Jim Hyatt, “But in the case of Texas-born Stacey Blood, you can rejoice in the actual discovery of “something unique and awesome!”

Hey friends,
It’s been a while since my latest blog. As you may have read on facebook or just heard through the grapevine, I’ve been pretty busy working on several projects. But with all that hard work there IS return, and finally kicking off Stacey Blood’s project again is proof of that. We absolutely laid down the law yesterday recording the final six songs for his upcoming album Milleniun Blues. With a stellar cast of some of Nashville’s finest session musicians and myself in the producer’s chair, magic was created that will surely turn the heads of this industry and stand the test of time.

“Six songs in one day? yeah baby, ROCK & ROLL. !” says Stacey. “No matter how many times you do this, you’re thinking is that really gonna happen? But at the first count off, you know it will.  It’s amazing that what takes me months to conceive, these guys can bring to life in a matter of hours. This project isn’t an easy one, but the whole team came through with flying colors as usual. All it did was make me want to get this album out even faster.”

Yeah, you could say that that pretty much says it all. But don’t get me wrong, efficiency doesn’t just come in a few hours. It takes great  communication skills, direction,  and one hell of a road map. Working dilligently on these songs for nearly a year on pre-production, Stacey and I knew these songs inside out going in and casting the right team was imperative for it’s outcome. Stacey Blood’s music is a little more challenging than the normal formula and is definatley a little left of center, which to me is very promising in an industry of chlones. He follows the true sense of his muse and doesn’t stray from his own personal convictions to try and just “fit in”. As a listener, I’ve always been a fan of his music and as his producer & cowriting partner I feel blessed just to be a part of something so unique and rockin. Coming from the same old school rock & roll influences, it seems like it was just meant to be that our musical souls collided in an age that is yearning for true individual art. Roots rock is definately alive and well and living in the suburbs of our hearts ! ! !

MILLENNIUM BLUES to be released in early fall

ROCK AND ROLL,
David

R U READY???                              R U LISTENING???

Country music star on the rise Billy Ryan has officially come on board as the newest addition to the Revival Underground family. On behalf of Norrisong Productions, I would personally like to take this opportunity to formally welcome him as an integral part of our exclusive inner network and am proud to expose the world to the new wings he is bringing to our creative circle. 

As many of you have already heard through the grapevine, read an article online, or maybe even just curiously stumbled upon…RU is taking flight !
Revival Underground Music Group is slowly & methodically evolving into a  force to be reckoned with. Years of experience in writing & production, passion for the craft, love for true art & self expression, and just good ol’ fashioned brotherhood & vibe make up this solid cast of individuals. The sky is the limit with RU as this writing group is in constant creative high gear working on new material, recording albums, or lighting up the stage.

“I’m thrilled to death to join forces with Billy Ryan” explains David Norris, “He is probably one of the most uninhibited and creative people I have ever cowritten with and we just gel like it’s meant to happen. The melodic dimensions and vocal strength he brings to the table are extremely soulful and his creative enthusiam awakens my spirit. Coolest part is that it’s really laid back and we both like to laugh alot….and somehow we still get results….a LOT of results. Finding that kind of complimentary chemistry is a rare find for anybody, and Billy & I are just taking it in song by song. It’s like hitting the easy button. haha”

Billy Ryan is currently singing lead vocals for the country power group Shenandoah as well as playing lead guitar for fifteen time grammy winner & vocal stylist Marty Raybon. Born and raised in Boaz, Alabama, Billy cut his teeth on grass music and moved to Nashville with stars in his eyes when he was sixteen years old. Paying his dues as a performing artist, he was reconized for his talents in an extremely oversaturated music community, landing his first recording deal with RCA Nashville. Billy is now currently working with award winning producer and president of Curb Records, Doug Johnson. While working on his next full album to be released, he is dilligantly writing, recording, & performing. And Billy Ryan is no stranger to the stage, sharing the microphone with country icons like Daryl Worley, Marty Raybon, Joe Diffie, Shenandoah, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Peterson, Mark Collie, Kevin Denny etc. and having several radio cuts under his belt, it is no mystery as to why he is so well received in Music City.

Here’s a little homestyle pre-production of a new song written a few days ago…please take a listen and help us welcome Billy Ryan to the Revival Underground…RU LISTENING???

 Billy Ryan – Way To Start The Day
(Ryan, Norris, & Wolf)

~ the Editor

PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH DAVID NORRIS AT THE SONG GARAGE ! ! !

Hey friends,
It’s always an honor to be acknowleged for the hard work you put into your craft, and this is no exception. A few months ago I was hit up by the editor of the Song Garage for an exclusive interview about the fine art of production and what it actually takes to make it in the music business. This in depth Q&A explains in detail the many facets of producing an album to the more interpersonal moments of songwriting in general and getting your songs recorded by other artists.

“When David agreed to speak with me about his role as producer and songwriter, I was excited about the interview.” states Aaron Cheney, “I had no idea that he was about to uncork what might be the most insightful look into the world of music production that I’ve ever received. So fasten your seat belts kids, and settle in for a long ride, ‘cause you’re about to get smacked upside the head with some serious knowledge!”

Below are links to the full two-part interview. I would like to personally thank Aaron Cheney for this wonderful opportunity to share a side of me that many have yet to tap into.

If you find any of this information useful to your own personal blogs, please feel free to use it with credit to the Song Garage and Norrisong Productions. Thank you for your interest.

CENTER STAGE WITH DAVID NORRIS – Part 1

CENTER STAGE WITH DAVID NORRIS – Part 2

cheers,
David

NORRISONG PRODUCTIONS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE:

(June 2nd, 2010) Rising artist Brian Martin & David Norris have agreed to produce a full featured length CD. Slated to be released in late Summer to early Fall, the two will be using the summer months searching for, and/or writing the perfect songs for the album, all the while preparing for the professional studio sessions to follow. David and Brian  have been talking about the idea of working together for years, and seeing these two finally join forces just seemed inevitable.

“It’s a pretty long and drawn out process when you want to do it right” explains Norris. “Living in these times and the new ways of the internet media circus, every song on every album in today’s day and age has to be a potential single or you’ll just flat out miss the boat. We have to take our song choices very seriously to compete with an already oversaturated market. So the goal is to try and exceed the industry standard in hopes that your art will not only go viral but become timeless recordings.”

Born and raised in Pocatello Idaho, Brian Martin grew up doing what most kids did, playing sports and enjoying the great outdoors. From an early age he had developed a deep passion for music. Always singing along to his favorite country stars and having that strong desire to honky tonk like the best of ‘em, Brian started playing the piano at the early age of six, but like most kids at that age, he got a little sidetracked and would rather have been hitting a baseball or casting a line in the water. In the sixth grade he got that music bug once again and took up the trumpet, continuing with his musical studies throughout junior high & high school. This lead to efficiency on other brass instruments.

“I can honestly say that playing in brass ensembles all my life really contributed to my ear training and gave me a very strong sense of intonation.” says Brian. “As well as giving me a great understanding of lead melody & harmony arrangement. And singing country music isn’t any different really, it’s all about tone control, licks, and phrasing. In those moments when I deliver a solid vocal performance, I can feel that I have actually become the instrument.”

At the age of twenty he followed in his father’s footsteps as a 5th generation railroader. Even though he was on call 24/7 he always had some way of keeping his music close. He continued working the railroad for many years but was involved in a dangerous accident that should have left him for dead or completely dibiltated, niether the case. It did, however, leave him in a situation where he could no longer do the demanding  role he played in his railroad career due to the risk of complicating his back surgery. Even though he lived to sing his story, this was a life changing event for Brian and his whole outlook in life shifted. This left him at the crossroads on whether he would follow his dreams or remain a slave to the grind. Having been to so many live concerts over the years, he came to realize the power music has over people and now feeling  that it is his life calling, has become driven to be able to help people release the stress of everyday life.

“In a bitter sweet way, this accident was a blessing to me” states Brian. “It suddenly put things into perspective and made me realize how short life really is, and that if you have a dream, it’s up to you to take it by the reigns and make it yours.”

Please help me in welcoming Brian Martin into the Norrisong Productions family, and that his success in country music will know no bounds ! ! !

~ the Editor

Hi friends, I would like to take a moment and dedicate my daily blog to my oldest son Matthew David Norris who is turning 14 years old today. As I said a few months ago when my youngest turned twelve, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t choose to use my “music business” website to talk about their birthdays, but would instead find other ways to show how much I love them. But my children are becoming such awesome musicians and I can’t express enough how amazed I am at their talents and see that they are indeed the sound of tomorrow. I am literally blown away daily by how fast they pick up on what most players find to be complex, and then pull it off with such finesse and ease. I know this may sound like I have Proud Daddy Syndrome, but really, I am genuinely proud of my boys…not only for their musical gifts, but for their dedication to life, humor, and just simple acts of random kindness in general. I couldn’t ask for anything better, and for that I’m extremely blessed. And I can’t deny the fun we have when we play music together. It’s the coolest thing in the world for me to wake up, start walking down the hall, and have Matt say “Hey dad, wanna throw a jam?” and I’m like “DUDE…PINCH ME ! ! !” haha

Here’s a song we recorded together that I thought I would share with you all. All of us being the Beatle freaks that we are, we worked up a little rendition of a George Harrison tune off the Abbey Road record. It was sounding real good in the room, so I decided to capture the moment with one live microphone. It really isn’t the most sophisticated or professional way of recording, but I’m really glad I did as this will be a treasured memory for years to come. Anyhoo, here’s the lineup…

Matthew Norris - Drums – age 13
Michael Norris - Guitar – age 11
Daddio - Piano & Bass - age nunya !

Matthew is also gifted in many other areas as well. He is a straight A student, and while just completing the 8th grade, is well beyond his academic level being tested at a junior college level in 95% of his subjects. Yes…ok…now that was straight up braggin’…haha

As far as hobbies other than music, Matt is a terrific skater. He has put many hours into practicing street style skateboarding and is really excelling. Kinda freaks me & my wife out watching them sometimes though when he’s going for tricks he has never tried and striving for that next level. Yes, bruises are a common thing here at the Norris Nuthouse, but that never seems to stop him. I absolutely admire any child who has that much drive and determination. Here’s a video of some of the tricks he’s been working on.

Another passion that Matt has always had is video editing. He really digs making home movies and loves to see results. Here’s one of his first creations using an old 1920’s approach to filmography using still shots. His editing skills have really heightened since this was made, but I always thought that this was a really creative piece of work, especially for doing this when he was like 11 years old.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN: THE STUPID BOY ! ! !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW ! ! !
I love you little buddy….YOU ROCK ! ! !

~ Dad

Tuesday May 18th, 2010: Norrisong Productions & PCL Music International is proud to announce the debut release of Vickie Raye’s single “Face” to country radio. Going for ads on over 250 stations nationwide, she is already gaining steam and the all important likabilty factor with DJ’s from all over the south and the east coast through extensive radio tours.  

“Vickie Raye is one of the hardest working and most self disciplined artists I have ever worked with. She really doesn’t need anybody to tell her when to jump…she tells herself and then it’s like she looks in the mirror and says “how high?” says David Norris…“She’s always on the go finding new ways to reach the masses. I have worked with Vickie for quite a long time and am truly inspired by her driven nature. And to top it all off, she’s cool…I didn’t just get an artist to work with, I got a life long friend out of the deal as well. BONUS ! ! !”

Though her song catalogue runs deep, the release of Vickie’s single ”Face” was a fairly easy choice for her to make. With the help of major key publishers in Nashville swooning over it, having it on hold for country artist Leann Womack, and having DJ’s in several states confirming that it had radio written all over it, she took that advice and followed her heart.

“With the arrival of Vickie Raye’s new single “Face”, country music gets a great boost of fresh air.  All it takes is one listen to this track to know that a wonderful new voice is on the scene.  Give it a listen and then let your listeners tell you what THEY think!”
~ Jim Quinton (Music Director) Mountain Country 103.9 & 94.3 FM/WPPL-FM Blue Ridge, GA

“…a first-rate Country power-ballad from Vickie Raye, who conveys the message of the song with such emotion and a powerful voice, that the listener can’t help but become personally involved.  Can’t wait to add this one to the playlist!” ~ Scott Kubala, PD The Boot, Farmington, MO.

As a guest at Norrisong Productions, I’ve included a preview for you all. Listen to “Face” by Vickie Raye in the flash player provided below and remember, it’s really up to you, the fans. So please call your local radio stations and request, request, request. I’m sure that you’ll all agree that she has so much to offer in this wide world of country music.

“I am so proud of this song. David Norris captured every moment magically and continuously included me in the production process. He respected my opinions, and he “caught” my vision and made it a reality. The best kept secret in town…” ~ Vickie Raye

PURCHASE “FACE” ON iTUNES HERE

~the Editor

Music City Nashville Tennessee, home of the Grand Ol’ Opry, was devastated last weekend by terrential rains which began early morning this Saturday and not letting up for 36 straight hours flooding our beautiful historic city. With 32 confirmed deaths and many lives still missing, and the death count rising, Governor Phil Bredeson has taken action by directly contacting President Obama resulting in  42 middle Tennessee counties being declared as Federal disaster areas.

This is the worst flood Middle Tennessee has seen in a century. The total damage has been estimated at 1.5 Billion dollars in Nashville alone. Our city is in crisis and we need to get the word out.

Tennessee has signed with FEMA to help those without flood insurance, but there are many families in immediate need. I personally know three people who have lost EVERYTHING in this disaster with 8 feet flood levels nearly submerging their homes, and hundreds more who have suffered great loss.
If you haven’t been directly affected, or actually know  anybody personally who has fallen victim, then it could easily feel like just another story on the nightly news at 10:00. But this is very serious friends. Assistance is imperative and donations are needed now.

Time is of essence, and any goverment sponsored aid (as wonderful it is in the long run) is loaded with red tape and can take months upon months to secure any monetary claim. If you care to donate, please contact these sources

CLICK ON ANY OF THESE LINKS AND DONATE TODAY ! ! !

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee serves as a leader, catalyst, and resource providing philanthropic services that enhance the Middle Tennessee area.

RED CROSS 2010 Nashville Flood Relief  or you can make a quick donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.

HANDS ON NASHVILLE if you are a Nashville resident and wish to volunteer some greatly appreciated time.

A Small Difference is Still A Difference – CLOTHING DRIVE
I am personally affiliated with this program working side by side with  my dear friend Vickie Raye and will be volunteering  my home as an East Nashville drop off point for this much needed relief effort. 
CLICK HERE to contact me directly to coordinate your generous donations.

Here is just  a little taste of our very long weekend folks. This will show you the magnitude of what we’ve been dealing with. Hopefully this will put some perspective on how brutal this storm actually was. And just to think, we only thought that we were in for another rainy weekend.

And here is another glimpse of the major dilemma we are up against. Notice that the Titan Stadium has now become a lake. The waters have risen high on both banks of the river and has flood damage all the way up to 5th Ave where the Historic Tootsies Lounge and the Gaylord Entertainment Center sit. Buisnesses are ruined, so there are many that are going to be unemployed, the levee is still leaking at Metro Center and is vulnerable to breaking, and the poor residents of Bellvue are literally homeless. Houss are nearly completely submerged in 7 to 10 feet of water. Not to mention all of the historical sites that are in ruin. This is a very surreal time for the fine folks of Nashville.

Please be generous and donate….it’ll look good on ya ! ! ! 

peace & love to you all,
David

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

And I’d like to give a special thanks to Lindsey Grimes for this awesome video. Through basic social networking, our emotional story has reached the heart strings of Dallas. Please repost this so the entire world may know what we’re dealing with. Donations are needed and awareness is key.

Norrisong Productions along with PCL Music International is proud to announce yesterday’s CDX radio release of Stronger Than Whiskey. Nick Nicholson debuting at 159 on the charts has already reached a major goal at Clear Channel’s mainstream 100,000 watt radio station 107.5 The BIG Kolt in Flagstaff, AZ with 13 spins and is well on it’s way to try and reach the top. With over 250 stations nation-wide expected to play this single in the months to come, as well as the hundreds of regional airwaves, Stronger Than Whiskey is sure to gain the exposure it deserves.

“Great things are happening for Norrisong Productions and this news has really been the icing on the cake.” explains David Norris “But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more in store.”

Nick Nicholson is still in the studio working on his much anticipated full featured album. With four songs already recorded, a single that has gone national, and a relentless team of professionals behind him, Nicholson is ready to hit the road runnin’. The album is set to be released in mid to late summer and will be available for purchase on nicknicholsonmusic.com CDbaby, iTunes, & Amazon.

“You think the album is comin’ out rowdy??? Hell…you need to come to one of my shows. My band lights up the freakin stage.” states Nick

Let us all congratulate Nick Nicholson on his new radio single and if you’re in the area you can celebrate the release at these following venues:

April 22-23 Agua Caliente in Palm Springs, California

May 7-8 Toby Kieth’s in Mesa, Arizona

May 14-15 at the legendary Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona

and remember, it’s up to you the fans….so don’t forget to call and request Stronger Than Whiskey at 107.5 the BIG Kolt Country Studio/Request Lines: 928-773-0442 or 800-799-KOLT

~ the Editor

Friday, April 9th 2010: Norrisong Productions and up-and-coming artist Alexis Hart, have officially agreed and have launched plans to produce her full feature length debut CD due to be released this summer. Working for nearly a month in the first stages of finding the right material, David & Alexis have picked an amazing song to record together to set the tone while her album project is under way. This will give her listening audience a glimpse of what’s to come and generate momentum for her album release. Set to go into the studio this Tuesday to start cutting her first single, they are both extremely excited about getting the ball rolling.

“Man, just rehearsing the song to find the right key gave me chills.” explains David “I can only imagine how powerful this is going to sound with a full production when she sounds this sincere in the room with nothing but a voice and an acoustic guitar.” 

Alexis Hart, age 17 was born and raised a Georgia native and has been singing from the time she could walk, devoting her entire life harnessing that burning desire to be a performer’s performer. Realizing her dream at a very early age, she has worked diligently to be the best she can be resulting in some major opportunities and achievements. Crowned Miss Falcon 2009 of over 10,000 contestants, she’s had the honor & privilege of singing the national anthem for not only the Atlanta Falcons but a wide range of other professional sporting events.

“If I could sing twenty-four hours a day, I’m certain I would. Fortunately I am finishing my last few months of high school and I may have the chance to do so.” explains Alexis

Another musical passion she enjoys is singing harmony in an all female trio. Competing and placing third in the Atlanta region this year gives her a great understanding of how competitive this industry really is and puts a fresh perspective on how much work it actually takes to be a contender when there is so much talent out there.

Alexis says she’s grateful for all of her opportunities that she has been blessed with and plans to continue working hard to achieve higher goals. Here’s wishing Alexis Hart everything she aspires to be and that success will be knocking at her door soon.

~ the Editor

PCL Music Announces release of Nick Nicholson’s new single “Stronger Than Whiskey” to Country radio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 23, 2010 – Nashville TN- PCL Music announced today that Singer/Songwriter Nick Nicholson will release his new single “Stronger Than Whiskey”, nationwide to country radio in mid-April. This single has already been noted by major radio stations across the country as being “One of the most powerful country singles to be released to radio in a very long time” Penned by two great songwriters from Nashville, David Norris and CJ Watson, “Stronger Than Whiskey” has the passion delivered like it was intended by Nicholson. Watson has written songs for James Otto (Mercury), Mustang Sally (Asylum), Lisa Shaffer (Lyric Street), Jason Whitehorn (Arista) along with Norris being one of the most talented writers and producers in the industry, who just happens to be the producer on this project.

Nicholson is a native of Gray, TN area and now resides outside of Phoenix, AZ. Nick dares to be different and takes Country to the next level, “I love to perform live and I love to entertain people. I long to leave the audience with something to talk about ’till next time!” Nicholson’s full CD should be complete by late summer. For more information on Nick Nicholson please visit Nick Nicholson on Myspace.

Hey friends,
This was just too darn cute not to share with you all. Here’s my youngest son & I trying to conquer a piece by Antonio Vivaldi made for the mandolin. There are a few mistakes for sure, but it’s a great effort and I’m really proud of that little bugger for taking on something so challenging. I’ll post a new video when we finally nail it.

LADIES & GENTLEMAN: Concerto in C major

Michael Norris – Mandolin – age 12
David Norris – Guitar – age nunya ;o)~

Hey friends, just before Christmas I had the rare opportunity to write a wonderful song with Melanie May, a young artist and down home farmgirl from Ohio. She came to me with a really different spin on what would normally feel like a tired theme…so different that I agreed. The idea is a present tense song of a lonely girl who sent her love away to fight in the war. The irony is that her favorite color, a color that reminded her of nothing but beauty & peaceful times was tainted, being that it was the last color she saw him wear as he boarded the plane to his uncertain fate and their future together. Green is an extremely visual song that captures the heart and emotions of today’s world dynamic.

Just after writing this song, Melanie & I took to the studios and produced a fantastic track. Releasing it a little over a month later to radio, it has been slowly but surely creeping up the charts. Coming in at #200 and climbing it’s way #124 last week (and still on the rise), we really get a sense that country radio is with us on this tune. But it’s all about the fans. The more you call and request this song, the longer it will remain in rotation and keep rising up the charts.

here’s where you can help…please request Green by Melanie May at your local radio stations. I was given a few call letters that are keeping it in steady rotation, and we could use a little love.

WYBL Ashtabula, OH 98.3 The BULL
you can text your request for “Green” to request@983thebull.com or call in at 440-992-BULL

WKKY Geneva, OH 104.7 – you can call in your request for “Green” using 440-466-3443

WYVY Union City, TN 104.9 – Text your request to textmysong@gmail.com

thank you all,
David

Hey friends, today I wanted to dedicate my daily blog to my youngest son who turns 12 today. Being that this is my professional music site, under normal circumstances I would find other ways to show how much I love him and celebrate the day of his birth any & everywhere else. But since he’s becoming so profficient on all of the instruments that intrigue him, I really felt the desire to share his musical talents with you all.

Michael is really coming into his own as an accomplished musician and I could not be more proud of his dedication to the craft of fine playing. He writes his own songs and studies music diligently within his own muse exploring the art of classical, jazz, blues, reggae, and his favorites good ol’ rock n roll & skate punk.

In august of 2009 Michael and my oldest son Matthew were noticed by long time industry veteran and dear friend Mike Kinnamon for their unbridled talent & spirited nature, and became part of the Central Management family. Kinnamon’s credits include personal manager to the legendary Van Zant family (Lynard Skynard) & Russian prodigy power group Bering Straight.

“Dang, I thought I wanted to retire until I met your kids, haha”  says Kinnamon

The journey has just begun for the boys as they move forward with their love, passion, and dedication for refining an already above average approach in skill-set for their age group. The sky is the limit and the world is their oyster at this age. As a father, I just want to see them happy and if music makes them enjoy life the way it does for me, I’m all for it. And besides…they’re really good at it ! ! !
I absolutley love jammin with them, and our improv studies are priceless. It makes me feel like a child again when we’re groovin’. Here’s to many more jams with my boys.

Below is a classical duet we did about six months ago captured by the very talented Robert Wolf. This will always be a wonderful memory to me.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MIKEY ! ! ! I love you so much ! ! !

“How totally cool is that? I love it. I also love the fact that Mikey wasn’t cutting you any slack.. GREAT!!”   ~ Thom Bresh (world reknowned guitarist)

Nashville recording artist and rising songwriter Vickie Raye blew the roof off of 3rd & Lindsley last night with her first ever full band showcase of her original works. Starting off the evening with her taboo laden thematical power ballad Like I Do, co-written with the ultra talented Billy Ryan, she captivated the room from the moment she opened her mouth. With the audience leaning on her every word, she wowed the crowd with a soaring chorus only few can deliver. The room, remaining silent during her entire performance, uproared with applause as she entered her next performance piece.

Leading into Cut Me Deep co-written with producer David Norris, she once again commanded the stage singing a heartfelt song of broken love, vulnerability,  and just needing answers to move on. Once again she took no prisoners with her passionate and geniune vocal performance. As the first release on her east & west coast radio tour, she gave this song all she had as she shared her deepest and most intimate convictions.

“I just sat there thinking wow….how blessed am I to be able to work with such talent. This girl is a producer’s dream. Artists like Vickie Raye are rare to come by if ever.” explains David Norris

With a slight mischievous grin, everybody knew that she was up to something sassy as the band kicked into the 3rd song. Singing an upbeat & fun but raunchy gospel/blues tune titled Preachin’ To The Choir written with Kerrville Songwriter of the year CJ Watson, Vickie showed her fans another side to her performance and songwriting  artistry. Her slippery melodies and swaggering stage personna left nothing to wonder as to why she was up there under the lights.

Ending the evening, Vickie Raye brought down the house with an amazing performance of her song co-written with the lovely & talented Debbie Pascarella Leaning On The Grace Of God. This song depicts the inner struggles we all face in life knowing what’s right but not always choosing that path. Once again for the record , she delivered the goods. Vickie Raye raised the bar at 3rd & Lindsley last night, not only as a performer, but as a songwriter’s songwriter.

Vickie Raye is the real deal. Singing her songs of real emotions, whether her mood is fun loving & easy or meloncholy & a hard pill to swallow, she’s is going to sing to you about what’s on her mind at the time she writes it. Watch for this girl, she is a God send to the Alt/Country movement….RU READY???

~ the Editor

OK folks, Stacey Blood & I burned the midnight oil last night and captured some really cool video footage for a new tune that we wrote called Suicide King. I got to admit, I’m a little burnt to write a full blog about it, but let’s just say that we got very inspired and couldn’t put it down until we completed it. Creativity is graveyard’s mistress….hope ya diggit ! ! !

peace & love,
David

As many of you already know, Stacey Blood and I have been woodshedding vigilantly in my home recording studio preparing for the making of his upcoming album and the major studio sessions that will shortly follow. We’ve been asked by many to give them previews of the material we are working on and considering for the CD, so we took the liberty of creating a video to share with you all. This will give you a glimpse of what to expect in it’s rawest form, and also give you a sense of being in the room. A “digital fly on the wall” if you will. This video represents building the rythmn tracks on a new song called “Never Gonna Change” and a couple minor snippits from “Penniless & Poor”.

I hope you all have as much of a blast checking out this video as we had making it.

peace & love,
David

I gotta say that sometimes breaking free from producing album projects or recording your own tunes and instead working with local songwriters here in Nashville can be an amazing way to hear great new music and to meet new talent that shares the same love for the craft as you do. Working on a demo today for Kerrville songwriter of the year CJ Watson along with Al DeTrolio & Jeremy Scroggie on their new reggae tune God Is Green, I had the privelege of recording the wonderfully gifted MuzicMafia artist Damien Horne. What a great match up for a song & vocalist. I am actually completely in love with this tune & have been from the moment I heard it. It had all of the right elements for an extremely crafty well thought out gem and Damien delivered the goods. It’s one thing for a vocalist to feel the song, but to get everybody else feeling it is a true art.

I’ve always loved working with CJ and his co-writers and can’t wait to hear the new ones he has up his sleeve,  as he always seems to come up with something that sets a new bar in the Nashville songwriting community. It’s a real honor to be hangin out in the midst of true musical craftsmen like Damien Horne & CJ Watson and soakin up a piece of Music City that a lot of people can only dream of. It’s truly fascinating watching tomorrow’s legends unfold right before your eyes. Yes friends, I absolutely love this town and really couldn’t see living anywhere else. I am humbled daily, inspired greatly, and blessed unconditionally for being able to take a part in so many lives and musical careers.

Here’s a sample of GOD IS GREEN written by CJ Watson, Al Detrolio, & Jeremy Scroggie

Performed by Damien Horne

peace & love,
David

Stacey Blood and I pulled some magic out of the hat last night when we recorded an old song we wrote for the second time. Our first recording of it was cool and all, but we really took a whole different vibey approach on the groove by redefining it and making some interesting melodic changes. Penniless & Poor is seeming like it could be a single or definately in a contending slot on the album.

With an old 60’s style approach to the feel and a new fangled artistic attitude in production, this song seems to have a set of wings all it’s own. “The liberties of pre-producing an album is an amazing thing when you are trying to define a sound. Experimentation is priceless and we have really taken advantage of it with these sessions.” says Stacey. 

And yeah, I couldn’t agree more. Melodic freedom is awesome when you’re in the midst of being creative and high fiving your muse. It’s like “hey Stacey, lets try a fretless bass right here on the bridge and make it sound all liquidified with a phase shifter. Oh yeah….that’s spacey ! ! !” 

Sometimes these kind of ideas are hard to capture when you’re on the clock and in crunch mode at a high dollar studio, so it’s really cool when you get the chance to lay down the initial arrangements and feel of a production by setting the tone before actually going in.

peace & love,
David

Working hard and late on a new song called Never Gonna Change. Stacey wrote this song about two weeks ago and is obviously one of the newer songs he and I are fleshing out here in the studio.

“This song has moved along pretty easily and we’ve spent the majority of the time experimenting with B3 and Wurlitzer tracks and it’s from Mars, man! That’s what I get for leaving Dave unattended for ten minutes.” says Stacey ”Hopefully soon I’ll have some audio snippets up here at the website. I am starting to run out of patience, however, because I have not yet been to my favorite Nashville eating spot yet for my chilis pablanos. This is simply going to have to change quickly. And just heard a great blues cat named Ira Walker! That dude is for real!”

Off now to the cave to cut guitar tracks and vocals for the “Never Gonna Change” demo. Talk soon.