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
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Mr Versatile