David Norris set to produce Nichole Cooper

Posted by editor on Nov 28, 2011

Every so often the planets and stars align just right to allow for two souls to come together in perfect chemistry & intense artistry. This is definitely the case when David Norris & Nichole Cooper met for the first time and decided to join forces. Late nights and uninhibited songwriting have proved to be an unstoppable momentum for these two regarding theme, genre, wit, & crafty pop songs that don’t sound like the old beat up norm.

“I just love writing with her” explains David “she brings an energy into the room that lights up the muse. She’s not afraid of any subject, and I think this album is going to be trend setting because of it. Besides, it’s just fun for me to draw from our different retro rock and roll influences. She is definitely one of a kind in my book and I’m blessed to work with her.”

Nichole has basically been an entertainer all of her life, writing song ideas since she was four years old. Progressively getting better through the years, she decided to get a degree at Portland State University in theater arts and business administration. Nichole was also an early finalist on the hit TV show American Idol. She cut her first self titled blues album in Oregon and toured diligently as the band leader to support the sales. If that’s not enough, she was a burlesque singer and performer at a wildly popular weekly cabaret in downtown Portland.

“I’m stoked to make this album.” states Cooper “These tunes are so true to my soul and I can’t believe how well this vision is unfolding. Of the many talented producers in Nashville, David really stood out for me. He is such a musical chameleon, and it’s a big dream come true to be working with such a kindred spirit. The project is dynamic and well rounded and this record is going to ROCK & BEYOND!”

A slave to the arts is not for the faint of heart, but she has been pulling it off successfully for years. You have to completely have it in your heart to keep your dream alive in such an oversatured market. Years of self discipline, development, and rehearsing goes into this if you want to do it on a grand scale, and she has made some very realistic goals for herself and works extremely hard to see it all come into fruition. Packing up her life and moving to Nashville is a true testament to her faith in her skill set. Some say it’s a 10 year town, she’s been here for 8 months and is already embarking on an amazing album project. Personally, I think she’s going to prove that theory wrong. Please help me in welcoming this amazing talent into the Norrisong family.

Here is their first solid production effort together…special thanks to Andrew Rozario & CJ Watson

Nichole Cooper with her official video release of “Get You Back”

~the editor

Nick Nicholson – NEON GRAVE – official video

Posted by David Norris on Sep 11, 2011

hey y’all…I’m very excited about Nick Nicholson’s official release for Neon Grave. Thanks to all that were involved…Jeff & Christie Santo of Santo Films….Doug Flint from WNUS 107.5 in West Virginia and everybody else who participated in the making of this stellar video…and thanks to my cowriter Clay Underwood…what an awesome collaboration. Stay tuned for the album which will be available for purchase on October 5th, 2011.

And be watchin out for the release of Jeff’s movie “Off The Boulevard” featuring Nick Nicholson along side the likes of Peter Fonda (Easy Rider), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Sonny Barger (Hell’s Angels), Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams), and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).

Enjoy the video and please request this song on your local radio stations and share this video with everybody you know…it all begins with the fans.

thanks a million,
David

Without A Girl Like You

Posted by David Norris on Oct 25, 2010

Well folks…the midnight muse has struck yet once again. There’s really no telling what will happen when Billy Ryan and I get together for a little musical fellowship, but we both know that somehow some way it’s going to be creative. With big plans in the works, we have both been in brainstorm mode, trying to be somewhat methodical about his press kit presentation. Looking at everything we have accomplished together up to this point, we both agreed that  one of the only missing elements was a featured video. So in the middle of the night, we grabbed an HD camcorder, some flood lights, and a ghetto blaster to lip sync to and commenced to producing a music video for a song we both wrote together titled “Without A Girl Like You”. I want to give major props to my youngest son Michael, who really took on his share of the load in the making of this production.

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

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MIKEY ! ! !

Posted by David Norris on Mar 12, 2010

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)

Stacey Blood – Suicide King video

Posted by David Norris on Mar 7, 2010

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

Stacey Blood – Buildin’ the Tracks video

Posted by David Norris on Mar 6, 2010

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