Question: What do you get when you mix passion, positive reinforcement, solid lyrics, soaring rhythms, heavy rock and neck strain from saying "whoah, I like that"? You get TRUST DIVIDED. I'm talking about the newest band from Louisville (or Jeffersonville, IN more appropriately.) Let's get a little inside info on this talented group of rockers, shall we?
TRUST DIVIDED is comprised of a group of experienced and serious minded musicians, two of which met through the U.S. Coast Guard in Louisville. Knowing that it takes hard work and dedication TRUST DIVIDED set a course that has picked up a quick, steady pace that resonates well with the public and seasoned bands such as REV THEORY. So much so, in fact, they quickly scored a gig where they get to open up for them. In just four months they have recorded five songs in a respected, high quality studio, garnered a wealth of positive feedback and easily have booked many concerts.
What is extra cool about Bradford and David is the fact that they are in active duty. "Due to The Military we find ourselfs having to transfer every three to four years, which makes this even more of a challenge for our band," says David. "Our goal was to come out very professional with a good sound that we hope people enjoy listening to."
I, personally, find that remarkable and inspiring. I've listened to four of their songs and agree that TRUST DIVIDED has a powerful sound with positive lyrics. What adds even more flair to their dedication is the fact that all of the members are married, getting married, have children, and have children on the way. David says, "When we put a song together we always keep that in mind because we want our children to be able to listen to our music. We dont have as much time as most other bands so we are doing everything we can in the little time that we do have. "
Isn't it cool to see this kind of heart and determination with talent to boot? I think so. Therefore, I pulled out my unique list of interview questions and had them get to it. TRUST DIVIDED, you've been marked.
Hit Man: What made you choose the name Trust Divided?
Trust Divided
Individually, we all have reasons for the name, but as a whole, we selected the name because of how much we base our music on trust. After a few months of playing together, we realized the effort and reliability each individual put towards this band. And trust me; it takes a ton of hard work and dedication when you're involved in music. Each of us plays a vital role in creating our music, so we chose the name in resemblance of dividing that trust equally amongst each other, our families, and God. None of us can do this on our own. That is why we put a big emphasis on trusting each other, God, and those who support us to give us the strength to pursue not only a career but a dream in playing music. HM Being part of the Coast Guard is awesome and I want to thank you for serving our country and helping those in need. Is pursuing a musical career something that spawned early on or did it happen during your active duty?
TD For Bradford and David, they both agreed it was an interest of theirs way before they even decided to join the Coast Guard. David describes that since he can remember, he had a passion for music due to the impact his father had on him. Charles Payne was a professional drummer for 50 years and for a few of those years, David was a roadie for him and was inspired from there on. Bradford was always involved in singing in the choir throughout high school, but was never really inspired to pursue a career in music until his senior year when he learned how to play guitar and joined his first band.
HM I totally believe in music as two major identities. One: it is a great way to express feelings whether good, bad, love, hate, etc. Two: Lyrics are often times the most important instrument in a song. You believe in this theory. What ways do you hope your lyrics will influence people?
TD We definitely believe that lyrics play a key role in each song, but we don't believe they make a song. Everyone in this band agreed that in order to create/write great music each instrument is equally important, because each instrument compliments one another. However, we believe that lyrics can be the deciding factor on whether that person is drawn to our music or pushed away, which leads right into answering the second question. There's a hope that lyrics will give people a since of good and pride about themselves, an inspiration if you will. We base our lyrics on biblical principles, and by doing that, we want to provide to those listening a sense that there is hope in this world. A hope that encourages and gives them faith to believe they have a purpose-driven life. We want to be that spark that lifts people up and inspires them to live a Godly life.
HM Have you ever actually tried to divide trust?
TD Basically, with this question you have divided us all, so now you've been marked ?haha. We're just kidding, but seriously, yes, in the past we have, and for each of us it never turned out good.
HM What's one thing you would never trust?
TD Well, we each of us had our own, so we figured we would write down a few: Temptations of this world, public restrooms, rotten tomatoes, Satan, and a flat tire because it won't fill up with air.
HM What is one of the coolest experiences you've had so far in life with music?
TD This differs for all of us, so I will list them individually.
David: Being able to see his father play with a variety of professional acts and the opportunity to play with Rev Theory.
Jamie: Gaining support from his loving wife, getting lessons from his mentor Jeff Guernsey, and meeting Joe Satriani.
Bryan: Cherishes every chance he gets to play.
Bradford: Meeting Ben Burnley from Breaking Benjamin, Jon Sumrall from Kutless, and basically just having the opportunity to perform on stage and influence others with music..
HM Your success is happening faster than anyone I've met so far in the local scene. Do you think this has something to do with having no interest in the women, drugs, alcohol, etc.? What I mean is, looking at music as fun is number one but having a mental focus directed towards business instead of mostly pleasure seems to a better idea. Am I close to right?
TD Yes, as we mentioned before, we all are married or going to be married and have families. This has a big impact on how we live our lives and how we present ourselves as musicians. We place God and family first before everything else and we don't want anything to hinder that relationship with either one. Don't get me wrong, we love to have fun and some of us do drink, but we all have seen or been apart of bands where the drugs and alcohol ruin the music. All we can say is, it is awesome to know that each member has his priorities straight and is willing to put time in the business side of things. The more dedicated we are, the more it will be worth it in the end.
HM As fast as possible, list a few things that rhymes with trust.
Ok hip hop and celebrity music fans across all genres, put your phones on vibrate, turn down your music a bit and focus! I bring a very special treat to your eyes, a world reknown music producer that probably sounds familiar to you. His name is Frankie Biggz and if the name doesn't sound familiar, his musical prowess will. So that you will be more apt to check out his MySpace page, which you can visit by clicking his name http://www.myspace.com/frankiebiggz I'll hit some highlights of this quite possibly most sought after independent record producers that exists today. Fact 1: Frankie Biggz has 20 years in the biz! Fact 2: Frankie Biggz started at the age of 9 opening nationally bands like Poison, Guns?n?Roses and Ratt Fact 3: Frankie Biggz earned a #1 Billboard Hit, Angel En El Cielo by Stefani. Fact 4: Frankie Biggz earned a Platinum Record and three Grammy nominations. Fact 5: Frankie Biggz remixed and programmed for various Platinum artists such as Christina Aguilera, Eminem and 50 Cent. Fact 6: Frankie Biggz shared space and studio with producers like Dr. Dre,Randy Jackson, Rodolfo Castillo, and Sergio George. Fact 7: Frankie Biggz is one of the creative minds behind HBO's Paranormal TV show ? Dead Serious? Staring Shannon Sylvia. Fact 8: Frankie Biggz won a Latin Grammy for his production work on Sony Latin Artist Oscar D?Leon. Fact 9: Frankie Biggz is an International Club DJ, Business Owner, Grammy Award Winning Record Producer and TV VJ Host. If you want over a dozen more facts and information about his own record labels and other projects he has done stop reading right now and check out his myspace page at Myspace.com/FrankieBiggz . Then come back directly for a rare, original interview with one of the most inspirational success stories in the music industry. Or read the interview first, then go to his myspace page. Frankie Biggz, you've been marked! Hit Man:Of course, your success resume is outstanding. In your own words will you give us who Frankie Biggz is? Frankie Biggz: Well, I'm just a 4th generation Mexican/American born in Monroe Michigan in 1973 just south of Detroit. I am the middle child of two brothers, and my first love has and always will be Music.
HM:You have done many things and have had many accomplishments. What is the one that stands out as most memorable to you and why? FB: My two biggest accomplishments were the births of my two sons Marcus and Luis Lucio.There's nothing like seeing your kids being born period.
HM:What inspired you to go after your music career and also, what helped you to break down the barriers to continue to move forward? FB: My inspiration was my older brother Miguel Tomas Lucio. When we were kids, he played the drums and all I wanted to do was be like him.I would sit with a huge boom box and record every Jazz Band concert he had at school. I was determined to be a drummer, so I just listened to music and watched MTV all day,everyday!
HM:Not many people may know this but I am a fan of Yoo Hoo. Did you know that? FB: Nope.
HM:I think it is made in Heaven. Is there a beverage that you believe would never get old to you? FB: Jagermeister baby!! lol
HM:I meet a lot of sayers and rarely any doers. Some people have this idea preset that a person is shady. I can vouch that you, Mr. Biggz, are the real deal and I wish people could know that you are one of the rare ones who are comopassionate and appreciative. Is there any advice you can give people to help explain why some producers and celebrities are shady or any advice to help show that many are not? FB: Unfortunately, about 90% of record producers have earned the "Doche Bag" tag !!
1. They use this false power that they give them selves to be "Dream Weavers" or "Star Makers" and use it against unsuspecting new artist to either sleep with them or rip them off. 9x's out of 10, these guys don't know the first thing about the music business and believe that programming a beat on there MPC makes them a producer.
2. They LIE about who they have connections to, both managers and labels, YET, they have no credits to there name.
Advice?
1. Keep working and never give up the dream.
2. No substitute for pressing palms!! Meeting someone face to face is way more effective then phone calls or emails.
3. PAY YOUR PRODUCER!! Hit Production is not FREE!
4. Have fun, be real, and be honest.
HM:Your myspace page mentions that you are looking for the next great thing. I suppose you get a lot of people claiming to be that thing. When someone contacts you to try to prove it, what are you really looking for? FB: Something that I've never seen or heard before!
HM:What comes over you when you do music? Where is that place you go to shut out the world and allow the music to take over? FB: GOD , and HEAVEN!
HM:Do you hate it when people call you Smallz just to be funny? FB: Not at all because the only person that's ever said the word "Smallz" is my former Latin Artist Evonne Ramos. Whats funny about that is that she calls her self "Smallz" She'll call me on the phone and say" Biggz, It's Smallz" !! So for the last few years she's "Smallz" to me...Love ya Sis!
HM:What advice do you have for people struggling to make it with their dreams? Is there any sure fire strategies you have come across that works? FB: My advise is to never give up but PLEASE educate your self in this business, ask a lot of questions and never stop promoting!!
HM:It is now time for the pitch! Please tell how someone can get a hold of you and where they can find more information on the amazing Frankie Biggz. FB: myspace.com/frankiebiggz
facebook.com/frankiebiggz
frankiebiggz@gmail.com
Last question, albeit strange: If you could reap rewards for good deeds or reward reapers for good deeds what would those deeds be? FB: Great question, however , that's not one I'm at liberty to answer or even know. I'll know it when I'm face to face w/ my maker, I mean, is that not the subject of your first meeting with him?
Mr. Biggz, it has been an honor! On behalf of the music industry and fans of music in general, thank you for your contribution to the world of music. It's a universal language that is easily understandable and your musical touch has made it even more pleasant.
Once in a great while someone will take notice at a band in Louisville, KY. A very great while. We had a couple that I can think of. Days of the New (which I consider Indiana because my sister went to High School with Travis, Jesse and Matt), Villebillies (which I hear truly started in Bowling Green because Louisville is very anal and uncaring about rap/ hop hop talent if you can call them that) and Flaw.
“What?” you say. “Flaw?” Yes, Flaw, the best band, in my opinion, that came from Louisville. You remember them right? They made you want to jump around until you got trampled in a mosh pit? Ritalin couldn't cure Flaw's might! Well front man, Chris Volz, has agreed for me to interview him for your reading pleasure. And if for some reason you don't know about the band behind that unparalleled hit, “Whole”, among others, then here is a quickie.
It all started in 1995 with Volz answering an ad in a newspaper. Before you knew it, BAM!, they released a few indie cds and was picked up by Univeral/Republic Records. In 2001, when they released their album with this company, they topped the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. What was good for the world changed just a few years later after a couple band member switches. For some silly reason Universal dropped them but not on their heads.
Volz got a new band that you might recall, Five Bolt Main. After 2 years that band was no more. Sucks don't it? Well, don't worry too much. Now, Flaw is back and so is Chris Volz with a solo album called “REDEMPTION.” Redemption from what, I wonder?
Well, despite all the rumors Chris Volz's myspace page says that things are back in business. This should resonate well with fans and supporters and hopefully, bring back those who had given up. So are you ready to see what's going on and exactly where it's going? Thought so. Ok Chris, you've been marked! Let's do this thing!
Hit Man: So you and Flaw have had ups and downs and I'm not sure what the real story is. In fact, you might now feel comfortable explaining it or spending that much time on it. A lot of people might wonder, “WTF?” Especially on the internet rumors, more specifically myspace. Is there anything you'd like to say to help people understand what happened? If not, no worries just say “next question please” or just give me a dirty look. I can take a hint.
Chris Volz: As you stated earlier we were dropped by Universal in 2005 for not selling enough albums on our second release. It was devastating, we had the entire rug pulled out from under us. No more tour support or advertising and so on, gradually the band grew apart.
Everyone blamed everyone else for the falling out and the rumors only fueled the fire. So I started FiveBoltMain with some other local musicians and we did pretty well for a minute, toured the US did a couple videos for MTV which aired on Headbangers Ball. Unfortunately we weren't making enough money to cover the other guys bills back home so that ended up washing out as well. I then decided to go out on my own and write a solo record. I recorded it in NY city with the drummer from Biohazard 'Danny' and was very proud of the
outcome (RockRidgeMusic.com). I toured on that record for a while and that's when I started talking to the Flaw guys again. We are all so much older and wiser about music and this crazy industry so we are going into it this time with a renewed sense of accomplishment. We have just finished our third Flaw record titled “Homegrown Studio Sessions” which we will sell exclusively at our concerts across the united states through November and Dececmber '09. You can get all of our updated concert dates at myspace.com/officialchrisvolz or myspace.com/flaw.
There have been many other bulls*** rumors that people have posted online about me and the band but none of them are true as we all know how the internet can get sometimes. No press is bad press………..
HM: I want to know if you are doing both a solo and stuff with Flaw. Basically, is the lead singer of Flaw Chris Volz? If so this could be one hell of a concert!
CV: Chris Volz is the singer for Flaw and always will be.
HM: It's a good damn thing! Here's one you probably saw coming, why go solo?
CV: I have poured my heart and soul into this project for the past 12 years. That being said, I have always wanted to do a solo project
with full creative control and when given the opportunity I had to jump on it.
HM: The lyrics to your songs are sometimes wormhole deep. “Whole” was all that and more, especially when I found out it was about your mother. If I am not right about that, what was it about and what kind of zone do you go into when you write lyrics?
CV: The lyrics have always been very important to me as most of you know. The song “Whole” is about my mothers suicide and every time I feel emotions about a song I am writing it gets very personal.
HM: Lyrics are an important part of music. I sometimes wonder why hip hop and rap artists don't do much in the way of inspiring positivity or other bands for that matter. Is there anything you portray when you write lyrics?
CV: I always want to use life situations and things I have personally experienced, I am pretty serious about that.
HM: If there is a common theme in some of your lyrics what would it be and why?
CV: Everyday life and the lessons we learn.
HM: You know what I think would be cool?
CV: No. lol
HM: I think an electric and/or acoustic guitar with a Yoo Hoo symbol would be awesome. Your thoughts?
CV: Do it, that would rock!!!!
HM: Tell us your inspiration for the title Redemption.
CV: I just wanted to relay the feeling that I have overcome all the bulls*** that other people have created in my career, and it just fit.
HM: “YOUR OWN MEDICINE” is bad ass! On this album what do you consider your personal favorite and why?
CV: My favorite tracks on my solo record are 'Your own medicine' and 'Redemption' because they really portray what I was feeling at that time in my life. I will most definitely do another solo record in the near future.
HM: What did you eat before you did this interview?
CV: A 1/2 slab of ribs and potatoe salad.
HM: You know you have a lot of fans. For them, anything else you'd like to add that I didn't cover?
CV: Thank all of you for your continued support and I will see you all soon on this upcoming tour.
HM: Your success, although you've struggled, has gotten you back into the spotlight. That's awesome! What advice do you have for people trying to make it and hitting brick walls?
CV: The advise I have for struggling musicians is...
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DOESN'T THAT SUCK? Mojo only allows so many characters so if you want to see the rest of this article head to http://mafiaconnections.net/blog/2009/10/17/chris-volz-from-flaw/
If you want to see this article and a solo video of Chris Volz and a recent video of Flaw go here, http://www.danielsdoorstep.com/chrisvolz
Ok, I brought you Terry Harper, the go-to guy for serious promotion here in the Louisville, Ky area but that's not the only one to go to. He has an apprentice that can just as easily get the job done. His name is Frank Lewis Jr. and he will punch you right in the face. Wait! No, that was Frank Douglas Lewis the former professional American football wide receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills from 1971 through 1983 and he wansn't even a junior. NO, I'm talking about Frank Lewis Jr. the Ville-a-fied Ent!/Owner. So if you want even more exposure for your music or some inside info please read on. For the record no one will punch you in the face while you read this article! So relax and see what Frank had to say during my interview with him.
The Hit Man: You are Frank Lewis Jr. Is that correct?
Frank Lewis Jr. yes
THM: You tout yourself as "Ville-a-fied Ent!/Owner" and you are right to do so. For those who don't know exactly what that means or what all that encompasses will you please elaborate?
FLJ: Ville-a-fied Ent! is a promotions company, we mainly deal with live music and have dealt with DJ's and parties as well, but mainly live music shows. We book venue to secure a date then book bands, will create a show poster to help online promotion, arrange for sound production and will DJ in between band sets. Also will try and get venue to run specials to help draw more people out.
THM: You know Terry Harper, another crucial promoter in Louisville. What sets you two apart? If answering that might offend him what is your originality in promotion?
FLJ: nothing in my opinion really sets us apart except for the fact he has more years into this and a tremendous list of national acts to his name, he basically showed me the ropes as I'm a very observant person and sponge up do's and dont's. I hear from alot of local bands that they like dealing with me and Terry, so I take that as a compliment.
THM: For no specific reason, would you like to have a Spider Monkey as a pet?
FLJ: can't say I would, I have had to end relationships because they were like spider monkeys sleeping and that means I don't get any sleep...lol....and gotta have my rest so I can maintain my drive and ambition.
THM: Now that the Spider Monkey question is out of the way, what types of music do you promote?
FLJ: mainly rock, have done some country and even acoustic which would make our buddy Wes happy.
THM: Terry Harper, as well as many others, said that the hip hop scene is dead because of
violence. While some say it's because there wasn't enough attention paid to the lyrical
content and the impressions in how artists presented themselves, others say it is because
there isn't any talent. I have to disagree with the latter. I know that this city has
talent in rap and hip/hop. If you were presented with an opportunity to give rap and
hip/hop another chance, in your opinion, what would be some definite criteria that these
types of artists should do to make sure they leave a positive impact? YOu can even mention
the lyrical content, should they have an agent or manager, etc........
FLJ: I'm more old school in my hip-hop being I'm 37 (almost 38), but love some real hip-hop and can't say I dig what the younger cats are doing right now. I have been do concerts before and saw good turnouts and no violence but those were Jay-Z, Dougie Freah, Nappy Roots, Common and The Roots. So certain acts can do well the old school acts because the crowd would be older and grown and act more in that manner. Not that all the upcoming can't but it just takes a few to ruin it for everyone. But also acts like The Roots, Beastie Boys who give you a true live show with live intstruments.
But would I take the chance and local and newer acts, I would have to pass because the insurance and security risks are higher and you get charged as so, so then that makes your risk to reward as a promoter not worth it.
THM: Getting back to more of your experience, what brings you the most joy for what you do for
other artists?
FLJ: giving them the opportunity to get there music heard and expand there fan base
THM: Do you have a personal experience that you'd like to share? If not, would you like to make one up?
FLJ: more specific as personal experience in what?
THM: Nevermind. For artists out there trying to truly make it, what advice do you have for them?
FLJ: practice, everyone be on same page as far as band goals, try and get quality recording together, promote and keep online pages constantly updated, network with regional acts to get your music outside of where you live and ask other bands about promoters and who they like dealing with just don't play shows for sake of it. Yes you need to be heard to some guys will screw you over and just try and make most of opportunites and make sure it is fun.
THM: I'm gonna wind and you can pitch. How can a person get a hold of you and what should they have ready to save time when they actually speak to you and be taken seriously?
FLJ: mainly contact me here : http://www.myspace.com/villafiedpromotions
that away you should have everything i need to see and hear on your page, and if don't have a music page make one, what better way to have anyone anywhere be able to check you out.
THM: Lastly, if you had your choice of any hairstyle in the world and color what would you pick and which celebrity do you think would be most offended?
FLJ: as for offended not my worry i do something because i feel like it and now i can't make everyone happy and i rocked a mohawk tis summer, then a buzz cut and now with it getting colder lettig it grow back abit.
More Frank Lewis Jr. contact info and titles:
Frank Lewis Jr.
Ville-a-fied Ent!/Owner
http://www.myspace.com/villafiedpromotions
502-345-1900
A Healing Touch Massage/Owner
http://www.ahealingtouchmassage.topchiro.com
502-345-1900
cars
homes
jobs
health
one of my paintings
The Hit Man