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

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

“Yeah, my mind was set on Nashville and heading east, but when I found out about my father’s stroke, I pretty much just took a left at Utah.” says David

Ending up in Gillette, Wyoming to be with family, he immediately tried to find work in the music community to soothe his soul, which was a very small market in a very a small town. Taking on any job he could, and literally working four jobs to make ends meet with his first child in the mix was a very challenging time.  It may have seemed a little stifling to his dream back then, but that’s when he met Michael Elmore. Landing a guitar instructor job at a local music store, Michael signed up for lessons and from that moment on, magic started unfolding.

For the next few years, David taught Michael (who already had some years of formal piano training under his belt) the art of guitar, music theory, and the craft of songwriting. Excelling faster than any other student and literally becoming his own, David and Michael’s father discussed the idea of entering him the Midwest Guitar Wars competition. Taking 1st place was an excitement being that he was one of the youngest contestants and that there were so many. This prompted him into relocating to Los Angeles to study under the legendary Frank Gimbale in Pasadena at the Los Angeles Music Acadamy LAMA.

During this time, Michael kept entering guitar wars in Hollywood and eventually landing 2nd place in Southern California. Forging original bands in the Hollywood scene, and becoming intermingled and embraced with mainstream acts, Michael felt the need to get a sense of what America was really about, and became curious as to why we were even at war. This intense feeling made him stop shop and enlist in the military. Serving many years as a marine, and nearly being killed several times in duty defending our country, Michael has finally come home with honor. Please raise your glass to salute his album “Bullets and Bombshells” as the diary of his life and the melodic memoirs of his time spent at war.

~the Editor

“Having recorded four songs already and understanding the radio viability of Nicholson’s vocal talent and his successful charting release of “Stronger Than Whiskey” last summer, this album just makes sense to finish now.” states David Norris “But the main objective for me as a producer was to get him involved in the writing this time around. We need to know who Nick is and what he really stands for. Let the world see life through his eyes. And boy did we all write some fantastic new songs for this album with the help of our tight knit inner circle. Between Nick, CJ Watson, Vickie Raye & I, we really kept the writing true to his heart and mood. Be expecting a variety of things. But yes friends, for the most part we kept it rowdy with plenty of concert songs.”

Nick Nicholson is definately coming into his own and has been playing all the cards right. Sharing the stage & singing with country & rock icons like Toby Keith (pictured above) and his stage experiences rockin his lead vocals with bands like Little Feet (among others)  just last week, Nick is no stranger to the game of becoming a serious force in music history himself.

Look out for Nick Nicholson’s full featured album this spring…this CD is gonna ROCK ! ! !

~the Editor

“CJ Watson is hands down Nashville’s hidden secret weapon to songwriting in all genres in my opinion.” states David Norris, “His catalogue runs deeper than Bill Gates’ pockets and has always been an influence in the way that I perceive songwriting. The dude is seriously brilliant and I’m lucky to be his friend, cowriter, and production sidekick ! ! !”

In 2008, CJ won the prestigious ‘New Folk Songwriting Award’ at the Kerrville Folk Festival joining the ranks of past winners Steve Earl, Lyle Lovette, Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zant and Nanci Griffith. He was invited back for a mainstage spot at the Kerrville Wine and Music Festival.

His songs have been recorded by James Otto (Mercury), Lisa Shaffer (Lyric Street), and others, airplay on NPR’s All Things Considered, the Rick and Bubba syndicated morning show and Car Talk.

 As a recording artist, CJ had a Top 10 Indie single on Pristine Records. He was a frequent guest on WSM’s Opry Star Spotlight and has also performed on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree for radio audiences in the millions.

CJ is the author of several books, including “The Everything Songwriting Book” (Adams Media) about which American Songwriter Magazine said: “While no book can cover every aspect of songwriting, this one certainly comes the closest. This is a reference every songwriter should own.”

Other cool things CJ has done include being  lead singer/lead guitarist/chief songwriter for the first Rock band to tour China, a cast member/scriptwriter/songwriter for public radio’s “Roadside Attraction”, host/emcee for the Miss Plus America Pageant and Keynote speaker for the 2005 Chicago Songwriter’s Conference. When on the road with his band, The Evertones, he gives seminars at colleges and NSAI workshops across the US.

QUOTES:

“The best songwriter to come to Nashville in a decade”
~Bart Herbison, Exec. Dir., NSAI

“a true genius”
~ASCAP VP Ralph Murphy

“an amazing guitar virtuoso”
~Ken Renales, CEO, Cubbyhole Records

“A brilliant writer”
~Shake Magazine

“That mother*****r can sing the Blues!”
~Bonnie Bramlett

Please help us in welcoming our dear friend CJ Watson into an underground that is taking flight…Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

~the Editor

After having landed the right management and professional team surrounding him, we have been insured that many of Nashville’s top music executives will be present to check out his live performance chops. And Billy Ryan is no stranger to the stage…being a former RCA recording artist, tourng the world, and filling in as the lead singer for Shenandoah lighting up their stage, Billy Ryan is in a league all his own.

If you live in or around the Nashville area, we’d love for you to come and support the cause. Let’s pack this place my friends ! ! !

THE LISTENING ROOM
209 10th Avenue South – Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37203
Thursday, January 6, 2011 @ 6:00pm

QUOTES:

“This guy sounds like he should be dead and in the Hall of Fame”
~ Terri Jo Box

“Billy Ryan is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in country music today”
~ Country music super group Shenandoah

“If Billy Ryan keeps going like he’s going, it’s no doubt he will be in the Hall of Fame”
~ Michael Peterson

“Billy Ryan is probably one of the most uninhibited and creative people I have ever met. The melodic dimensions and vocal strength he brings to the table are extremely soulful and I predict his creative enthusiasm will continue to stir the spirit of Music City in a paramount way for years to come. All the ingredients of a true country icon…it’s only a matter of time.”
~ David Norris

SEE Y’ALL AT THE LISTENENING ROOM ! ! !

this message has been brought to you by the Revival Underground

“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

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

“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

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:

“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

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.

“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

“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

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.

LADIES & GENTLEMAN: Concerto in C major

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

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

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)

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

peace & love,
David

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

peace & love,
David

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

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

“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.

“the moment I heard this song, I knew I had to cut it. I was hoping that it was still available because damn, this is a “big boy song” explains Nick.

Stronger Than Whiskey written by producer David Norris & Cj Watson will be released in late March or early April to radio stations near you. Please call and request it often as it really is up to YOU the FANS ! ! !

visit Nick Nicholson online
http://nicknicholsonmusic.com/

Stacey Blood

“as cool as it is, the only problem with taking our sweet time to make sure the album is exactly right is that we end up with three albums worth of material, and it’s so damn hard to pick and choose when all the songs are written with this theme in mind…I feel like I’m putting some of my children on time out for no reason…haha” explains Stacey.

Stacey and David will be woodshedding for over a week this time around to solidify the remaining tracks on the album. Production will start in mid April and will be released to the public in late spring or the beginning of summer. This untitled album will be Stacey Blood’s second commercial release following his album Reversed Space which can be purchased at:

Stacey Blood - Reversed Space
Stacey Blood at CD Baby

Stacey Blood – Reversed Space
Stacey Blood at iTunes

This contest designed by tunesmith.net was held at Hollywood Disco in downtown Nashville. Each team was given an assignment to write the next radio single for Andy’s upcoming album, and were given two days to complete a song and perform it for a panel of judges on the third day of the event. Judges included Andy Griggs, Jimmy Van Zant, Sharron Dennis (Dennis Entertainment) as well as other entertainment industry professionals.

Being in 2nd place will put our song “Crawl” as consideration for the album as well as open doors for other avenues in pitching the many songs we all write.

I’d like to personally thank Nan Cassidy for putting this competition together and giving everybody a chance to live their dreams at being the next successful songwriter in Music City.

for more information please visit these sites:

Andy Griggs official homepage
http://www.andygriggs.com

Tunesmith Pro
http://tunesmithpro.ning.com