HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW ! ! !

Posted by David Norris on May 26, 2010

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

Vickie Raye releases single to radio

Posted by editor on May 18, 2010

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

Nashville in desperate need of disaster relief

Posted by David Norris on May 4, 2010

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.