Artist Showcase Archives - Page 2 of 5

Pamela Hopkins on Nashville Rocks Episode 4

November 22, 2024

Givin A Damn Don’t Go With My Outfit, But I Still Care What I look Like

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The Nashville Rocks platform lit up with energy and artistry in its recent episode, featuring Pamela Hopkins, a celebrated country music artist known for her authentic storytelling and captivating performances. She sat down with Jason to delve into the creative journeys behind three of her standout music videos: Givin’ a Damn (Don’t Go With My Outfit), Little Rock Famous, and Little Things.

The interview offered a unique glimpse into the artistry and thought processes behind these music videos, which have become fan favorites for their relatability and visual storytelling. Hopkins, who balances her life as a musician, lyricist, performer and venue owner herself, shared fascinating anecdotes and insights that revealed how she brings her music to life visually.

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“Givin’ a Damn (Don’t Go with My Outfit)”

Pamela kicked off the discussion with Givin’ a Damn (Don’t Go with My Outfit), a cheeky anthem celebrating individuality and self-expression. Hopkins explained how the video captures the song’s empowering message about staying true to oneself in a world full of judgment. The video’s colorful and dynamic aesthetic mirrors its sassy lyrics, with Hopkins donning vibrant outfits that playfully defy convention.

Jason praised the clever cinematography and lighthearted moments in the video. Hopkins shared how the team worked hard to strike a balance between humor and empowerment, creating a relatable narrative that encourages viewers to embrace their quirks unapologetically.

“Little Rock Famous”

The conversation then shifted to Little Rock Famous, a tribute to Hopkins’ Arkansas roots. With heartfelt lyrics and vibrant visuals, this song paints a picture of life in Little Rock, celebrating the everyday heroes and unique culture of her hometown.

Jason admired how the music video captures the essence of local pride. Hopkins revealed the importance of highlighting her community, explaining how the video features real locations and faces from Little Rock, creating an authentic connection with her audience.

“Little Things”: Simplicity Meets Emotion

Finally, the pair dove into Little Things, a heartfelt ballad celebrating the small, often-overlooked moments that make life meaningful. The music video is an emotional journey, visually emphasizing the song’s themes of love, gratitude, and connection.

Jason commended the video’s minimalist yet impactful approach, which lets the song’s message shine. Hopkins explained that the focus was intentional, as she wanted viewers to feel the song’s intimacy without distraction.

A Meeting of Creative Minds

Throughout the interview, Jason and Pamela shared a warm and engaging rapport, diving deep into the artistry of music video production. Jason, with his extensive experience in photography and videography, brought insightful questions to the table, while Hopkins’ candid storytelling gave fans a fresh perspective on her creative process.

The interview on Nashville Rocks wasn’t just an exploration of Pamela Hopkins’ music videos; it was a celebration of her artistry and the collaborative effort that goes into bringing songs to life visually. Fans left the episode with a newfound appreciation for Hopkins’ craft and an eagerness to revisit her videos with fresh eyes.

If you haven’t yet watched the episode, it’s a must-see for anyone passionate about country music, storytelling, and the art of visual media. And, of course, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Givin’ a Damn (Don’t Go with My Outfit), Little Rock Famous, and Little Things—each a testament to Pamela Hopkins’ talent and authenticity.

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Kelsey Blackstone Plays Punk Wok in West Nashville

November 13, 2024

I went to see a show and discovered a cool Asian cuisine restaurant! At first, I couldn’t find the venue because it is tucked away in the corner of an historic area in West Nashville. It was a dark and stormy night and I happened to see one person walk across the parking lot and go into the corner of the shops area. I followed, thinking that’s got to be the only place doing anything at 10:30 at night in this storm.

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As I entered, shook off the rain and made sure the door guy knew I was on the list, I was welcomed by a cozy little restaurant that has been “after-hours-modified” into a cool, alternative venue. Is it small? Yes, indeed it is, but couldn’t be a better place to see an intimate show with your favorite artist.

The place? PUNK WOK. Yes, you read that right and it’s kind of a play on words, but is actually referring to their ability to cook whatever they want. During the restaurant hours, they cook fantastic Asian cuisine and after the dinner crowd is gone, they move some tables and carve out a corner for a band! I spoke to the owner, Clay, and he told me it was one of his manager’s idea to do this. According to the owner, it’s been a success! So if you are a foodie and love some good independent music, make sure to check out Punk Wok to see if you can find an artist that suits your tastes and go see a show!

After having Kelsey on The Nashville Rocks Show for independent musicians, I thought it was only natural to go see her perform live in front of an audience. Well, this adventure turned out to be a pleasant one. The first thing I noticed was the audience, full of youth and excitement as the night actually presented three artists of which Kelsey was the second artist to play that night. I had missed the first artist because I was coming over from the Music City Cares Veterans Benefit Concert at Wedge Pizza. It took a bit for the bands to swap places, but during that time, more people showed up for the show.

As Kelsey began to play, I also noticed the band was full of true musicians. The talent and skill displayed was that of a skilled band of many years, but coming out of much younger artists. Kelsey was vibrant and energetic and the crowd reacted to her with the same energy.

Much dancing was had and bubbles seems to activate a fever of energy as the night rocked on. Keeping the energy up, Kelsey shared her cover of “505” by Arctic Monkeys. Seeming to be a fan favorite, everyone was moving and grooving to that song.

As Kelsey moved and grooved herself as she performed in her shining blue sequined mini-dress, the crowd responded every time as the energy in the room seemed to be contagious. With great fervor, Kelsey ensured her band was introduced and shared in the limelight that was the Punk Wok stage.

To close of her set, Kelsey showed her release of her new music video for her song “Sway.” Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and give her much support for her music video efforts. If you haven’t seen it, head on over to the Nashville Rocks channel and check it out HERE!

Overall it was a great show and my only regret was not staying for the third artist of the night, Natasha Blaine. Hey, more music to research right? Check out both of these artists at their links below.

Kelsey Blackstone | SPOTIFY | Instagram | WEBSITE | APPLE MUSIC

Natasha Blaine | SPOTIFY | Instagram | WEBSITE | APPLE MUSIC

Kelsey Blackstone on The Nashville Rocks Show Episode 3

November 8, 2024 Leave a comment

Kelsey Blackstone is the 3rd musical guest on The Nashville Rocks Show 2024

Kelsey shows grit and determination to make moving to Nashville her next strategic move in her music career.

Kelsey and I talk in depth about moving from Boston to Nashville and how she keeps up her musical relationships with artists she’s connected with while at Berkley College of Music. Her critical connection with Poindexter allows her to maintain a long distance music creation relationship and continue to put out new music and new music videos with his help.

In this episode we talk about her band members and the making of the music videos “505” and “Sway.” Plus, she has a pre-save giveaway for those who pre-save Sway!

See episode 3 of The Nashville Rocks Show with Kelsey Blackstone! Then Download her latest track “Sway!”

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Rock City Machine Company Plays The Eighth Room

November 20, 2023 Leave a comment

Rock City Machine Company at The Eighth Room

Heavy Metal Elite at The Eighth Room

Written By: Tommy Gilbert

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, and as I scanned the room, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of some of Nashville’s Heavy Metal rock elite. The venue, known as the Eighth Room, was a hidden gem that I had yet to experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I could sense that tonight was going to be something Read more →

Wreking Crue Destroys Music City – Live At Bowie’s in Downtown Nashville

September 9, 2023 Leave a comment

How It Started

It all started as any other Friday. Finish work and be free by 5 p.m. But this Friday night would be way different than any other night. I knew I’d be headed downtown Nashville to see the often-accoladed Wreking Crue from Detroit Michigan. Not knowing really what to expect, because it was recommended by my buddy, I really didn’t have any expectations of the band I was about to see.

We headed down to Assembly Food Hall to confuse ourselves over what we actually wanted to eat before the show, but ended up getting some barbecue and Tacos. No, not together. I got barbecue and my buddy got tacos. Of course that had to go with a couple beers. I’m a Lager guy so I started off with some Yuengling.

There was some entertainment there at the Assembly Food Hall, but I didn’t catch the name of the talent, but if you want some dinner and entertainment, it’s a good place to start.

Garden Of Eden

Bowie’s On 3rd

Then, on to Bowie’s on 3rd Avenue. Surrounded by rhinestone cowboy clubs and bro-country music lies a rock-n-roll gem in Nashville. A veritable refuge for rock-n-roll fans and an escape from the country onslaught that is downtown Nashville. Bowie’s is a self-described downtown rock ‘n’ roll bar that doesn’t just live for the weekends, but for every night. As we entered the venue early for the Wreking Crue show, we were greeted with the sounds of a fantastic cover band names Garden of Eden that was reviving tunes from the late 70s and early 80s. Garden of Eden plays regularly at Bowie’s so you have the chance to catch them. While enjoying the band and having a brew or two, the room began to fill up for what was to come from Wreking Crue.

Wreking Crue

Finally, the time came for Wreking Crue to hit the stage and at first it was a little jarring as they lit the place up with the lights and sounds of a small, but effective Motley Crue experience. To complete all members of the tribute band to represent the actual members of Motley Crue we had Vinnie Roxx playing the part of Vince Neil, Nikki Sikks as Nikki Sixx, Crash Mars as Mick Mars and Stixx as Tommy Lee. Each of these members could really hold their own with the Motley Crue sounds and excelled at portraying their characters. To top it off there were Crue Girls in attendance for backup vocals. Once the experience began, it became clear that these guys were serious about putting out the best most accurate Motley Crue experience they could muster. Having seen Motley Crue multiple times back in the hey day, I feel I’m uniquely qualified to say that.

Their first set was focused primarily on Motley Crue’s earliest works including Live Wire, Take Me to The Top, Come on And Dance, Too Fast For Love and Merry Go Round. The introduction to Wreking Crue was a welcome one. You could tell they were there for fun and to make the crowd happy. With banter back and forth with the crowd, random sips of whiskey (just like Motley Crue would do) and the Crue Girls singing backup, it was a completely well rounded experience of a Motley Crue tribute band.

The second set was even more of an onslaught of the Wreking Crue experience with a return to Motley Crue’s more recent work and an outfit change for the backup singers. With a humble cry from lead singer Vinnie Roxx, “Are you guys sick of our shit yet?! The truth is we do this because we love it. We love the music and we love bringing it to you and having fun.” On to newer tracks from Motley Crue including Shout At The Devil, Red Hot, Looks That Kill, Knock Em Dead Kid, Home Sweet Home, Girls Girls Girls and Dr. Feelgood.

With Vinnie Roxx hitting vocals that Vince Neil can’t these days, it made me think of a replacement, but that’ll never happen. Nikki Sikks banged on the bass and you could really feel it in your chest. Crash Mars power over the guitar was evident in his finger work for the solos and even in the rhythm. Seemingly the youngest member of the band, Stixx, even did an impression of a one-handed drummer to highlight his skills over a set all while holding a bottle of whisky. The backup singers (likely the wives), were having a blast on stage and reliving their Motley Crue Experiences as well.

All in all, it was a great show including pick and stick tossing to the audience and trips to the merch counter. If you have a chance to see this great tribute band, do yourself a favor. Grab a couple of friends and do it. Take it from an old Motley Crue fan, it’s a worthwhile experience.

For more on Wreking Crue, visit their website

WREKING CRUEWebsite
More Motley Crue and Music Downloads here:

https://www.motley.com/

MOTLEY CRUEMusic Downloads

Doug Kistner Enlists Multi-Million Sellers Bill Champlin and Liberty DeVitto for New Single

December 11, 2021 View all 3 comments

Former member of the band Chicago, Bill Champlin, and former Billy Joel drummer, Liberty DeVitto join the MTS Records’ keyboardist for “There’s The Door.”

As a member of the iconic band Chicago, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bill Champlin sold millions of records and contributed to the band’s signature ’80s ballad style. In fact, Champlin sang lead on the band’s1989 Billboard Year-End chart #1 song, “Look Away.”

As Billy Joel’s touring and recording drummer for 40 years and a sought-after session player, Liberty DeVitto is responsible for drumming on records that have sold a combined 150 million units worldwide.

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Now, Champlin and DeVitto have teamed with renowned #1 international iTunes charting keyboardist and vocalist Doug Kistner for the release of his latest single, “There’s The Door.”

“Instantly recognizable!” says Michael Stover of MTS. “Bill’s vocals you’ve heard on so many hit singles, and those drums…couldn’t be anyone but Liberty! Add in Doug’s impeccable writing and keys… a Yacht Rock classic!”

Doug Kistner is a renowned touring keyboard player and vocalist from Verona, NJ. Embracing the musical stylings of 70s and 80s megastars like Chicago, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins, Kistner has forged a place for himself as a “Yacht Rock” contemporary. Doug has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine. In 2021, Doug Kistner took the leap from sideman to centerstage, releasing 4 singles and hitting the top of the iTunes charts in South Africa and Top 15 in the UK. Doug Kistner is currently with The Lords of 52nd Street featuring former members of Billy Joel’s longtime band, Liberty DeVitto, Russell Javors and Richie Cannata.) Kistner also performs with Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love.

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