Arts & Entertainment Connexions

You probably already know that I’m not talking about the reason you buy Nyquil or Theraflu when I mention Cold. These are the guys with numerous hits including one of my favorite songs ever, Just Got Wicked. Actually, they just got wicked Thursday night when they headlined an intense show that featured local boys Trust Divided, with a pair of rising acts known as Day of Fire and Edison, and the human lightning bolts known as Nonpoint. So how did the latest Cold lineup fair to my ears?

Scooter, the singer/guitarist upheld his end of the deal with smooth vocals I’ve always enjoyed to the intense delivery of his messages. Zach slammed away on his guitar complementing Jeremy’s flawless bass skill while leaving room for Sam to do his manhandling of the drums which he does so well.

These guys have it, let me just say that. The crowd loved it, the other musicians loved it, I loved it, and I think the ghosts of Phoenix Hill Tavern loved it too. Their song lineup was well worth it, especially the few they let us sample from their upcoming release “Epic.” Their visual effects was a nice addition and if you didn’t know any better you would have thought you were standing in Freedom Hall, the way everything came together. It was intense. Sadly, I never got to actually hang with any of them but Becky, their manager, was happy to chat with me. Soon we’ll see if I convinced them to add something from their vault to Acoustic Alternative Radio.

So for the five of you who may not know who Cold is, check out their link at ColdArmy.com and join as a member so you can get to know this band. You’re in for quite a ride!

-Hit Man

It’s hard to believe that I would one day meet one of the most adrenalized group of hard rockers that exist but, truth be told, I did and it rocked! As if you needed an introduction to stage thrashers, Nonpoint, this group has it all and Phoenix Hill Tavern was right to bring them back through Louisville.

First I want to tell you about Zach. I was totally blown away by his skill on the guitar. If I closed my eyes I would swear to you that 2 or 3 guitarists were on stage but that’s not the case, it was all Zach. He rolled it, pressed it, set it on fire and smoked it all by himself. After the show we hung out a bit and reminisced about guitarists of the late 80’s and the 90’s such as Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme which is my favorite guitarist of all time. In fact, my brother was with me and he praised Nonpoint for their musical accompaniment of his high school years.

Robb, well, he murdered the drums with the same high octane spirit that fueled Bastard, the name they call their Bassist who frantically hammered right along with Zach. Robb had an awesome sense of humor, and like the others, really enjoys his craft. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to meet the Bastard, er Bassist Bastard. That’s kind of fun and weird to say all at the same time.

Then finally the super charged front man, Elias, exploded the cramped room up room and somehow managed to get hundreds of people to jump constantly for minutes without stop. How’s that for a motivational speaker? His messages were clear, his spirit was on fire and Nonpoint’s mission was unmistakable: move like you have a pair. And we did. In fact, to the two chics I kept slamming against because of lack of space, please forgive me for slapping against your bodies so much. Actually, you should get a hold of me. Anyway…

Elias was pretty cool and super appreciative in person. We snapped a photo with him and he signed our ticket stubs and posters but the line to meet them grew quickly. However, I am thankful to have rocked to the most intense concert to date with Nonpoint and to meet the members was a real treat. Nonpoint can come back by any time and often and soon. In fact, I might be able to get an acoustic song from their acoustic album that released in December of 2009 called “Cut the Cord” to Wes of Acoustic Alternative Radio so all you supporters of that site and this one can have one more reason to keep the station playing. You certainly don’t want to miss them.

So if you want to jump around no matter where you’re at, get one or all of their cds. If you want a concert that’ll make your neck hurt just by standing still, go see them. Here’s their link Nonpoint.com. Thanks a lot Nonpoint for a night to remember!

- Hit Man

It was a treat to see a live performance by a group that reminded me of the 90’s. Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden would all be proud of the band Day Of Fire. Going on right before juggernaut Nonpoint, who ripped up the scene starting in the late 90’s, this band was the perfect segue. I have to interject that their cover of Fastblack by Full Devil Jacket was amazing and a rare treat. Their originals though were fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the freshness of their style and the memories of my favorite decade in music: the 90’s.

Vocalist Josh brings a passion and joy to the table with his on stage presence which guitarist Joe and Bassist Chris bounced around nicely complementing him while Zach destroyed the drums. The variety in songs not only from their latest album “Losing All” and their latest single “Lately” was refreshing and kept me thinking about what I was going to hear next.

While I didn’t get a chance to hang with band members for very long at all, or meet Josh, his artwork was astonishing. Truly, a very talented man, not that he needed more than a good voice. Day of Fire came together nicely and I really hope people longing for that 90’s vibe pick up a copy of their music. There’s 3 cds to choose from and you can sample their success here at DayOfFire.com.
Thanks for the reminder of great music guys. Don’t wait too long to come back through Louisville.

-Hit Man

Let me tell you about a group that spend the last 3 years overseas giving fans a real treat; Edison. This group has a sound that, at times, made me think I was listening to Rage Against the Machine then 30 Seconds to Mars then something different, yet effective due to their superb use of effects. I mean, it was like they packed a stadium sized concert experience in the single room of Phoenix Hill Tavern which was a wise decision based on the number of show goers that packed the place.

Ethan, the lead vocalist, sets himself up for giving his all which is clear by the way he visually soaks into the music. Jonathan and Joey, the guitarists play well together and separately at a rhythm and lead tug of war that works beautifully. Anton fires away nicely on his bass and I give props to drummer Todd. Todd can multitask between drumming and working some audio effects for the other instruments, finding a way to keep rhythm by doing it simultaneously. It was cool to watch them come together flawlessly.
I would have liked to have spent more time with the band members after the show but don’t worry, I’ll get a full fledged article of them for you soon. You just need to check out their site at EdisonRock.com. Well done guys. When you get a break from your extensive tour come through here again. I’d like to see you play alongside 650 North if I had a request.

-Hit Man

Boy, have I got a story to tell you. You might recall my article on Trust Divided, a local band from Jeffersonville, Indiana making some noise in the Ville. These guys are a blast to listen to live. They somehow managed to score an opening gig for National Acts Nonpoint and Cold in probably not even 6 months of dedication to their craft and belief in their talent.

Not only does David hang with the best of entertaining with his sweat inducing drumming, lead singer Bradford pours out emotion and stage presence with lyrics that, if you recall, have powerful messages. Sprinkle deep cutting guitar riffs and sweltering leads by Jamie and Chad and mix it with the rumbling bass skills of Bryan and check your pants when the show is over!!!

Not only could these boys compete and provide a spectacular, much deserved opening for two very well known acts they also offered a very warm, positive feeling with their humble nature as individuals who are very grateful for smiling faces, positive atmosphere and blistering music. If you’ve never been to their site to check out their smokin’ sound head now at myspace.com/TrustDivided.

Thanks guys for living up to your potential, it was an awesome treat!

-Hit Man

Hello everyone. I am happy to announce a promotional dream come true for artists of all genres. In light of the recent news about Ear Xtacy potentially being erased from Louisville I decided to go ahead and announce something I am introducing to artists of all genres. It’s a sad truth that local artists get little exposure and I think like most others do: it’s got to change! So artists of all genres, listen up closely.

Thanks to a supporting cast by Shout! Radio Services and Daniels Doorstep I have an opportunity to give you exposure unlike any other. It’s a package that consists of a high definition video posted on YouTube for your portfolio, an interview like you see me post on this site (which will be posted on as many sites as I can including DanielDoorstep.com, this site, and Louisville Mojo), the opportunity for you to sell your merchandise to the public, and at times mention on local public broadcasting stations, and sometimes being aired live on Acoustic Alternative radio (for musicians). There is a lot more to it than that and you can find information here at AllForOnePromotions.com.

I’m also using my html coding experience to come up with a list of artists in the Louisville area. I have realized that I cannot search one spot and find all the artists that exist in this city. So anyone who is in a band, who paints, who is a comedian, etc. send me your name and what you do and a link so I can get a public directory for this city.

I hope to be able to start one of these conventions really soon but I need the cities support. I am going this alone as far as paying for the initial costs, doing the recruiting, doing the physical work and most of the advertising and it’s very difficult but my passion and desire to be a good samaritan and help others drives me forward. Hopefully, this will work. I have seen no one go to this extent. I can’t thank Shout Radio enough for their support. Here’s to everyone who has an art and skill to make the world a better place!

Sincerely,
Daniel C. Morrison
aka The Hit Man

Hello everyone. I hope the holiday season did you well and your new year started off right. If it didn’t, I hope you were able to sleep through it, ha! I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that the reason the content has not been added regularly has nothing to do with the holidays. I have sprained and fractured my left ankle, caught 2 nasty computer viruses where I had to wipe all computers and my external hard drive and also fought a 17 day nasty cold/flu. Please, no violins.
I’ll have you know that I will be adding content again shortly but I am also excited to announce a project I am going to start backed with support by Shout! Radio Services, AcousticAlternative.com and a trio of good samaritans. It is going to be an arts and entertainment convention focusing on artists of all genres all over the nation, starting first in Louisville, KY. Not only will this allow artists to showcase their talent it will also aid them in a successful resume with promotional opportunities next to impossible to find in one place.
Stay tuned for more information on this. I’m just awaiting the final website design. This is a real deal, not some fly by night idea. I’ll stake my entire reputation on it. In fact, it’s coming together so nicely that I am positive God has a hand in it! So happy 2010 everyone and remember, together we and 2010 can accomplish anything!

One for all,

Daniel C. Morrison
aka The Hit Man