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If you've been wondering whether rock n' roll has truly been put to death by today's fabricated, widget-like pop stars popping out of the woodwork, rest assured that you will find the phoenix not only rising out of but bursting forth from Rick Brantley. Brantley, barely 21, writes, plays, and sings his Southern angst-filled rock n' roll with the heart, soul and body of a young Bruce Springsteen or Kris Kristofferson. Brantley's songs address the same timeless issues that his protégés addressed in the 60s and 70s: the confusion and longing inherent in lovelorn youth, political and racial injustice, and a search for meaning in a world that offers harsh judgments but few solutions. "The issues are the same today as they were when Lennon, Dylan, and Robbie Robertson (a few of his influences) were writing about them," Rick says, "and we are still divided over them." In keeping with the true rock n' roll concert tradition of his heroes, a Rick Brantley performance is packed to the max with action. One moment Rick's fingers are hammering across the keys as he belts out lyrics with a Bob Seger-like frenzy, and his full backing band pounds down the house to keep up with him. Next, Rick is center stage, howling with an electric ax, and the next moment he's back at the keys, under the spotlight, crooning out a ballad that will break your heart. His audience is always riveted. Rick Brantley's music is meaningful and his performances overflow with passion and integrity. After a long, long wait, rock n' roll has found the real deal again.


"He epitomizes everything Rock & Roll stands for and I could not think of a better voice to deliver the punch...He is the Dalai Lama providing World Peace in a sea of edgy, hardcore, underground southern rock." - Todd Anderson, The Tennessean

"He howls like a wildcat, shreds guitar and pounds a piano like a veteran of some long-forgotten honky-tonk war and writes songs with such grit you'd swear he is a cantankerous old man." - Steve Wildsmith, The Daily Times

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Since Prince was on Appollonia... Sep 14

So I was running through a new song with the guys last night and during a brief break in the music/conversation/noise The Roach goes, "Why don't you ever write happy blogs"? So here is my attempt at a "happy blog":

The new record is almost done. Mixing the last 2 tracks, then mastering, then packaging and artwork, and then it's over. Finally. It's been a long road and I have learned an infinite number of things about myself as a writer, as a "producer", and as a music listener. I have learned alot not of ":not-to-dos" and figured out how to make alot of things work for me that I didn't think would. ProTools is a strange and wondrous device that has saved my ass more than once. So, that will be out soon. Also, you may notice that my schedule is filling back up. I will be heading to all my favorite places and venturing into some newer markets as well which I am really excited about. Going on a little Florida run in a couple of weeks thanks to a really great, super helpful buyer at The Social.

Whenever I go into Carnival with new songs I instantly get this very strange, skeptical, like "what's next?" look from my managers which I can't blame them for. I have a penchant for weirdness that doesn't always please the buying public not to mention the people who invest in my career. They always come around (mostly because my ideas tend to get less weird as the song evolves-most of the time) and I continue to enjoy unfettered freedom creatively but it's always funny to see the initial reaction. Especially since I walked in recently and said I have two new songs, "Lonesome Flo and Her No-Fingered Fist" and "War For The People (Shotgun Sugar)". See what I mean? I do need to come up with "Paradise City" or something as a reward for the support for the "Tookie"s and "Frank and Abilene"s and "Hangman, Honey"s in my catalouge. I'm still trying everyone.

Thoughts:

-Go buy the new Kayne West record. Awesome. Best tracks: "Stronger", "Glory", and "The Good Life"
-Springsteen's new single makes me sad. "Radio Nowhere"?
-I love The Office. Greatest American sitcom.
-I need to get my piano tuned again. I know I don't play that badly.
-I got a new guitar. '62 Gretsch Corvette. Bad ass.
-Don't ever try to bathe with 2 inch tape. Uncomfortable and hard to get out of.
-I know what a mosquito bite looks like. Thanks anyway.

Happy enough?

Three feet high and rising.

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  Rick Brantley