2009 September » Flip Side to Music

Preacher Stone

Sep 072009

Preacher Stone
Interview by: Tracy Lewis
Interview with: Ronnie Riddle

This band is an AWESOME bunch of down home guys who can really ROCK THE HOUSE!

I met Marty Hill through Myspace a couple of years ago and we struck up a friendship, so i asked if him if he and the guys would let me interview them and they graciously agreed!
I personally have their cd, and have about worn it out listening to it constantly!
This music is what i call real from the soul country rock with a rowdy twang that makes you want to get up and dance and have a GOOD TIME!
(and who cant use that with the way the world is full of sorrow and strife these days?!)

TL: Who is Preacher Stone?

RR: Marty Hill, Bennie Huntt, Jason Donaldson, Josh Sanders, and Ronnie Riddle.

TL: Please tell us about where you guys all reside from?

RR: We’re all North Carolina boys.. We are all from small towns around Charlotte.

TL: Musicians are drawn together for their own reasons or desires. What do you think attracted you guys to make music together? And how did the idea for the band and the name come about?

RR: Marty wanted to create a kick-ass Southern Rock Band. He and Bennie had played together in Phantom Park and I had played in another Charlotte area band, Riddle. His brother recommended me and we hit it off from the start. We were a group of kindred spirits that loved the same type of music. Marty came up with the name Preacher Stone, and there was never any question about it. The name worked.

TL: When did the band first perform?

RR: January 3rd 2009 at Amos’s Southend in Charlotte, NC.

TL: What previous experience either with other bands or solo have you all had performing?

RR: We’ve all played since we were teenagers. Many years and many bands in many bars and clubs.

TL: Who or what would say MOST influences the bands sound?

RR: Our musical influences are Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet, Zeppelin, Bad Company, and a ton of other classic rock and country acts. We’ve also been steeped in southern culture and blue collar raising.

TL: Who writes the material for the band, or is it a group effort?

RR: It’s a group effort. Marty and Benny bring in the riffs and the arrangements as well as titles or subject ideas, and I writes the lyrics. The thing I really enjoy about this band is that no one tells anyone how to do their job. It’s a very organic process.

TL: From your performances so far, is there any that stand out more than the other? If so where and why?

RR: We just had a blast at Uncle Buck’s in Salisbury, NC. It was the first gig that anyone ever brought me a mater sammich on stage! What a night. They’re all memorable because this band is so exciting live.

TL: If you could perform anywhere in the world you wanted, where would it be and why?

RR: We want to perform all over the world! Anywhere people want to see us, we want to see them!

TL: Where can our readers go to find out more about you?

RR: Our website: http://www.preacherstone.com

TL: Do you have any cds out? If so, what are they and where can people go to purchase them?

RR: Our debut CD is available on our website.

http://www.preacherstone.com/store/

TL: Do you have any upcoming events or news that you want to share with our readers?

RR: As a matter of fact, We are playing The Charlotte “Blues Brews and BBQ” Festival this Friday, Sept. 11th at Trade and Tryon from 11:30 am. – 1:30 pm.

TL: Where do you hope to see the band in about 5 years? And any final parting words for our readers?

RR: In five years. We want to be touring the world, making music for people to enjoy.

Thanks for the interview guys and keep that incredible music coming!!!
Wishing you much success in all that you do!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THEIR VIDEO TOO THAT WE HAVE PLAYING AT OUR BROADCASTING STATION

http://www.livestream.com/flipsidetomusic

Eddie Benitez

Interviews No Responses »

Sep 072009

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Eddie Benitez
Interview by: Tracy Lewis

I have been friends with Eddie for a few years now on myspace, and have followed many of his appearances online, so i approached him and asked him if i could do this interview article so that more people could get to know this amazing guitarist and gentle loving man of faith. He was hesitant at first simply because he believes there is more feeling in spoken word then what can be put in print. But he agreed and so i bring to you……Eddie Benitez.

TL: Just who is Eddie Benitez? Please tell us a little about yourself.

EB: I am just a guitarist who believe in Jesus. and i see things in a different light.

TL: When did you first become interested in becoming a musician?

EB: About the age of 11 I knew that I wanted to play and perform in fron of people

TL: What and who has influenced your style of music the most?

EB: I started playing in minor notes so I am use to that. Some guitarist I enjoy listening to is John McLaughlin, Roy Buchanan

TL: What would you say is the most memorable event in your music so far?

EB: Playing at the Madison Square Garden at age 14.

TL: Where does the inspiration for the lyrics of your songs come from?

EB: From the world, People I know and my children.

TL: What one impression/inspiration would you hope has been captured from your music?

EB: The power of Love and faith

TL: You’re a very spiritual man, please tell us how this came about in your life?

EB: With my health having issues and the Angels I see along with my deep faith in Jesus and God.

TL: You have a book coming out? Can you tell us a little bit about what it is about?

EB: The book will be out in a few months and the facts are there about spirituality and religion along with my life’s story.

TL: You also have been featured on TV on Discovery Channel’s series,
A Haunting-Casa De Los Muertos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7WnAMsJTk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cp39WFlEQw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNwYg669Ym4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhSuEWi1Ffs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBE3VdHXiS0

TL: Tell us about that episode and your thoughts on it.

EB: Everyone has seen that episode and the truth is what the show captured. That brought in more awareness that evil does exist.

TL: How has all this exposure effected your family, and how have they used your inspiration/ influence in their lives? I hear you have a very talented son?

EB: The exposure was good . All my children have talent. Tiara who is 16 plays guitar great and is an engineer with protools.

TL: Where can our readers find out more about you online?

EB: My website http://www.myspace.com/eddiebenitez
My site will have in the coming weekend some chapters from the book so all can have a view of what is to come.

TL: Where can our readers purchase your music and or your book?

EB: Retail outlets have my CD but with so many closing you can find my CD at a better prive online at any online retail outlet. Amazon is one of them.

2009 brings a New Era for Eddie Benitez’s music as Visions of Angels, his latest CD, is released with NuGroove Records.

eddiebanner

TL: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

EB: Just to create a faith in you in Jesus and God. Love each other and respect each other.

Flips Side to Music would like to thank you for giving us this interview, and feel very blessed being able to call you friend. May your life be full of many more blessings and success! Be sure to check out the video at our broadcasting channel too! http://www.livestream.com/flipsidetomusic

Tony Rossi

Interviews 1 Response »

Sep 072009

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TONY ROSSI
Interview By:Debbie Stevens

DS: Toni Rossi isn’t a new face to the music scene, having had years of experience behind you. But where did it begin and how long have you been performing?

TR: I started when I was ten, my mom bought me an air hockey game, but it was broken, so when she returned it whe bought me a guitar instead. I started playing bars when i was fourteen, in older bands.

DS: The lead guitar is obviously a love, but was this your first instrument of choice?

TR: Yes, sold on the guitar from the beginning.

DS: Who were you listening to when growing up?

TR: I loved the European giutarists such as Ritchie Blackmore, Micheal Schenker and Uli Roth, but I liked everything as long as it was tasty, but those were my favorites.

DS: Do you feel your music reflects any part of you, and if so, how?

TR: Oh yes. When you write music it comes from your heart, and your song reflects what you were feeling at the time you wrote it.

DS:Being able to mix it up with other bands and musicians, has there been one defining moment which stood out more than any others?

TR: My favorite band was my high school band “Viper”. We had the best teen band in Chicago, my hometown.

DS: Is there any favorite style of music you prefer, if so, why?

TR: I like playing all styles, I’ve always said that its not what you play but how you play it.

DS: Can you recall your first ‘live’ performance? How did that feel?

TR: I’ll never forget it. I played my cousins sweet sixteen birthday party. It was a rush. I knew right then that this is what I wanted to do with my life.

DS: Has there ever been a time you felt you didn’t get the audience response you had hoped for? If yes, why?

TR: To be honest, I’ve never had an audience flat out ignore me but some audiences are more responsive than others.

DS: There’s a great selection of your tracks over at myspace, including such numbers as “Looks that Lie”. “Forbidden Love” and “Sex Ed”. Are these available on any CD’s?

TR: You can download them on Itunes. “Looks that Lie” and “Forbidden Love” are on my upcoming CD but you can download them now on Itunes.

DS: What other bands have you played with?

TR: Too many to list, but “Lois Lane”, “Chosin Few”, “Peter Criss Solo Band” and “Arizona” are the best ones.

DS: With your lyrics, were any derived from personal experience?

TR: Always, you know the usual, love found love lost.

DS: What inspires Tony Rossi when writing?

TR: Groove, groove always gets me going. Everyone of my songs starts with a good groove.

DS: Are you writing anything now?

TR: Yes I’m currently writing and recording a new CD but I’m also on tour all the time so it’s slow coming but it’s coming. You can download the first two tracks on Itunes. It’s my heaviest and darkest CD yet. 1

DS: What does the future hold and where can our readers find you?

TR: Well I’m gonna finish this CD, then more touring, its a constant cycle, but i love it.
You can find me at http://www.myspace.com/tonyrossimusic where you can sample my music.
All my recordings are available on Itunes.

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