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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

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https://www.motley.com/

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ROCKIN’ NIGHT IN NASHVILLE: Emily Wolfe Set the Stage at The Blue Room Ablaze!

August 14, 2023 Leave a comment

Hotter than a Texan summer and wilder than a roadhouse brawl, last Friday night was etched in the annals of rock history as the electrifying Emily Wolfe stormed into town all the way from the Lone Star State. The legendary Blue Room in Nashville, TN became ground zero for a sonic showdown that left the crowd of die-hard music aficionados awe-struck and thirsty for more.

Opening Act : Brandy Zdan

But hold onto your leather jackets, because before the blazing inferno that was Emily Wolfe took over, a lone warrior stepped onto the battlefield. Brandy Zdan, the Canadian dynamo who’d traded her maple leaves for Nashville’s neon lights, emerged center stage with nothing but her guitar and a spirit that reeked of old-school punk rebellion and the untamed essence of western blues. In a world drowning in mediocrity, Brandy was a beacon of authenticity, armed with songs that told tales of life’s gritty challenges and her very own brand of unapologetic activism.

As the room shook with the resonance of her gritty, muddy guitar riffs, Brandy seized the stage with the ferocity of a thunderstorm tearing through the night. Her voice, a mixture of raw power and smoky allure, traversed the spectrum from velvety softness to spine-tingling, rock-your-socks-off belting. Each note she unleashed was a testament to her prowess, a siren’s call that ensnared every soul in the room. With her storytelling prowess, she spun tales that resonated deep within, captivating the crowd and birthing a horde of newfound devotees.

You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, folks! If Brandy Zdan’s primal energy left you craving for more, then brace yourselves for the unstoppable force that is Emily Wolfe. But remember, rock is not just about the music; it’s a way of life. So, dive into the world of Brandy and let her fierce melodies be the soundtrack to your rebellion. Your journey through the raw, unfiltered essence of rock has only just begun.

Stay tuned for more from Brandy and the rock revolution!

DOWNLOAD BRANDY ZDAN MUSIC

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Images from the show:

Headliner : Emily Wolfe

DOWNLOAD Emily Wolfe – Walk In My Shoes

In a world pulsating with anticipation, the stage awaited the arrival of a true rock sensation. As the lights dimmed and the air grew electric, a hushed awe settled over the crowd, hanging in suspended animation. Then, as if conjured by the very spirit of rock itself, Emily Wolfe stepped onto the stage. The silence was brief, a heartbeat’s pause before a thunderous eruption of applause shook the very foundations of the venue.

Opening the Portal to Sound

With the stage now her canvas, Emily launched into her set with the raw power of a sonic sorceress. “Violent Veins” kicked off the spectacle, the haunting notes piercing the air like a bolt of lightning. And just as the crowd was catching its breath, “Hazy Days” unfurled, enveloping the space in an intoxicating sonic embrace. It was as if the audience had stepped into a vortex where rhythm and blues entwined with the unyielding spirit of Texas groove metal.

Vocals of Crystal and Fire

Emily’s voice, a hybrid of ethereal clarity and rock ‘n’ roll grit, painted the night with shades of emotion. A sweetness that could melt hearts seamlessly blended with a potent, rock-fueled power. Her vocal dexterity was a testament to her artistry, shifting effortlessly from delicate verses to earth-shaking choruses. Each lyric she belted out was a spell woven with conviction, carrying the audience on an emotional journey through soundscapes both tender and turbulent.

Guitar Sorcery and Rhythmic Alchemy

Ah, but it was her guitar work that truly cast the spell. From the very first chord, Emily demonstrated a prowess that sent shockwaves through the crowd. Groovy riffs slithered like serpents, intertwining with distorted tones that carried the weight of a thousand emotions. The rhythm section, a fortress of thick and funky beats, laid the foundation for her sonic tapestry. And in moments of sheer exhilaration, beat drops reverberated like the heartbeat of the night itself.

A Symphony of Transformation

As the show surged forward, the guitar tones shape-shifted, each change heralding a new chapter in the sonic saga. It was as if Emily’s instrument was the brush, and each song was a vivid stroke on the canvas of sound. Her music embraced a spectrum of emotions, a testament to her songwriting prowess. The highs and lows of her compositions mirrored the ebb and flow of life, a journey etched into the very fabric of the melodies.

My favorite thing about Emily Wolfe is her passion. You can see it.Melissa Burchette

A Glimpse into the Soul

Amidst the flurry of chords and the whirlwind of sound, Emily’s emotion was palpable. With every note she played, every lyric she sang, her face became a mirror reflecting the passion burning within. It was a connection that transcended the stage, bridging the gap between artist and audience. In every beat, in every strum, the audience felt the heartbeat of a musician who lives and breathes her craft, a devotion that radiated from the stage like an incandescent aura.

Carving Her Name in Rock’s Legacy

In a musical landscape echoing of legends from eras gone by, Emily Wolfe shines as a modern beacon of female rock power. Echoes of 90s luminaries like L7, The Breeders, and Melissa Etheridge are present, but Emily adds her own signature stamp to this potent legacy. She’s not merely performing; she’s rewriting the narrative, carving out a niche that’s undeniably hers.

So, my fellow devotees of the sonic arts, take heed of this message: Do not miss the chance to witness Emily Wolfe in her electrifying glory when she graces your city on tour. For in the midst of the stage’s blaze, she doesn’t just play music – she conjures a transcendent experience. It’s a journey through sound, an immersion in passion, and a testament to the undeniable truth that, in Emily Wolfe’s world, it’s ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC.

DOWNLOAD EMILY WOLFE MUSIC

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Images from the show:

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.

DOWNLOAD FROM AMAZON OR iTUNES…

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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Ava Rowland Releases Music Video for Latest Single “Love Away The Lonely”

December 6, 2021 Leave a comment

“Love Away The Lonely ” Available to Download and Stream

Rising country singer/songwriter Ava Rowland shows off her playful side with the release of her music video for her latest single, “Love Away The Lonely“. Ava lures her past love back onto the scene, proving there’s no need to be alone when she’s always around as a shoulder to lean on. The high-spirited video channels retro style with ’70s aesthetics, bright colors, lava lamps, record players, and more! “Love Away The Lonely” was premiered by Sounds Like Nashville and is available to download and stream!

Here is Ava’s premiere with Sounds Like Nashville.

“I’m excited to share my single and music video for Read more →

Render Sisters Releases New Single “I Don’t Wanna Know”

November 29, 2021 Leave a comment

“I Don’t Wanna Know” Debuted November 9th

Pop-country duo Render Sisters, composed of best friends and sisters Mary-Keaton and Stella Render, continues their blossoming maturation and obvious sisterly kinship on their new single, “I Don’t Wanna Know.” The new tune finds the sisters singing about the unpredictable nature of relationships in the modern world. Released everywhere digital music is available on Monday, November 29, “I Don’t Wanna Know” is the sixth single the teen duo has released since their emergence in 2020.

Mary-Keaton and Stella wrote the song with Nashville-based songwriter Doug Kahan (Trick Pony, Clay Walker, Jon Pardi) on a recent trip to Nashville, but the idea behind the song came from an actual relationship which Mary-Keaton had recently been involved in back in their hometown of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

I Don’t Wanna KnowDownload On Amazon

Dallas Remington Releases Wild In The Woods Single To Digital Platforms

November 22, 2021 Leave a comment

Dallas Remington's Wild In The Woods Single Artwork

Dallas Remington’s Single Wild In The Woods

NASHVILLE, TENN. – (November 19, 2021) – Rising Country songwriter and performing artist, Dallas Remington, known for her energy and ambition, has released a new single, “Wild In The Woods,” to digital music platforms. Production, engineering and mixing was by Corey Lawson at Claw Sound Studios and Mastered by Harold Larue Mastering in Nashville. Studio musicians on the project included bass guitar by Curtis “Footz” Comack, drums and percussion added by Dave Ryan, electric, acoustic guitar and banjo were played by Corey Lawson, slide guitar and dobro added by Spencer Wade, keys along with B3 organ were provided by Greg Herndon and background vocals performed by Mariya Stokes. The tune was written by Chris Sligh, Mary Kutter and Dallas Remington during a writing session while talking about the types of parties they would have once the pandemic is over. True to her roots, Remington said she would choose to have a bonfire on her family farm. “Wild In The Woods” is available on all digital streaming and download platforms at wildinthewoodsDR.

“I’m so excited to have written this smash with Dallas. She is so talented, driven, and I’m blessed to call this Kentucky gal my friend. Pumped to see this jam and this future star rise to the top,” exclaimed Mary Kutter!

Wild In The Woods Roots

“I’d heard a guy at a Kroger in Springfield, TN tell someone “I don’t drink anymore, I like to keep my wild in the woods,” and I immediately wrote that down in my phone. When I met Dallas for the first time and she described what she wanted to write, that title fit perfectly. It was a fun write, and I’m so proud that this song will be out in the world,” shared Chris Sligh.

It is always an awesome time when you get to write with someone you’ve grown up in the industry with. Mary Kutter and I have known each other since we were both very young and both still commuting from Kentucky. I was so honored when she invited me to write with her and the amazing vocalist/writer, Chris Sligh. I grew up on a farm down a dead end gravel road in the backwoods of Kentucky and about the only time we ever got to be wild was in the woods or down at the party deck on the creek. Mary, Chris and I wanted to write a “party song” and when Chris threw out the title “Wild in the Woods” – I was hooked. This song is my definition of a good time.” stated Dallas Remington.

“…Way out there, that’s where
I get down till the sun comes up
I don’t need a DJ
Or a big city crowd to have me some fun
I ain’t a stick in the mud
It ain’t that I’m being good
I just keep my wild in the woods
Taking shots at empty bottles
Out where the blacktop ends
I’m a live wire around a bonfire
Dancing like no one’s watching
Guess you misunderstood
In my neck of the woods
We do what you would if you could
Yeah, that’s how we party …”

The past couple years have no doubt been long and stressful for everyone. “Wild in the Woods” was written in the midst of the pandemic when Dallas, Chris and Mary were talking about the types of parties they would have once the world is back to “normal.” Some of Dallas’ favorite memories are of spending time with her family in the woods on their farm. Growing up outdoors with her family and friends exploring, hunting, fishing and ending the day with a bonfire are memories she’ll cherish forever. This upbeat, swampy song places the listener deep in the woods, miles away from the nearest bar or big-city crowd. Enjoying the simpler things with the people you love is what life is all about.

Download Dallas Remington’s Song Wild In The Woods on Amazon or iTunes here: