“There’s every bit as much talent out there as there [was] when we first started, but the new bands have to live in their mother’s basement because they can’t afford to do this full time, because people are just filesharing and downloading,” he continued. “And that’s their prerogative — we allowed it and we haven’t sued everybody’s pants off for doing that. So that’s everybody’s fault — the record company’s fault.”
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-simmons-still-believes-rock-is-dead/#hiqrYX9htKCjWVWE.99
Pastor Rocky Lingerfelt, a contributing writer for Kick Acts and my brother-in-law Ernie’s (Deacon) older brother passed away and went home to be with the Lord. Rocky had a strong faith in God and enjoyed sharing about Jesus and his glory. Rocky shared with our readers about Christmas time when he was a kid. As a Kickacts tradition, we would like to re post this wonderful story in his memory. God Bless You Rocky.
Sincerely,
Chuck Gee
By Pastor Rocky | December 19, 2009
I remember as a child, being from an extremely poor family, and the oldest of 8 children, and what Christmas meant to us. It was all about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A Christmas Story of how He came into this world as a child as the son of a poor carpenter. A story of how he lived a sinless life and then rejected by his own people. A story of how far he came from glory to die on the cross for every mans’ sin. Then, three days later, arose from the grave as he said he would. He then ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Christmas was a time to thank God for what we did have.
My mother cooked on a wood stove and we heated with coal. During the winter, we would all sleep in the same room around the coal burning stove in an effort to stay warm. Mom would wash clothes in a tub with a scrubbing board, we would heat water up and take turns taking a bath in another tub, we had our well water to drink, and of course, who could ever forget the outhouse? We had no lights except for the coal burning lamps. We even had to make up our own flour paste to patch holes in the walls. Today, my daughters couldn’t even imagine a life style that way. And, I thank God they can’t. My brothers and sisters and I had very vivid imaginations. We created the frizbie by throwing a hubcap, we invented the hola hoop by using bicycle tires we were able to find.
We didn’t realize that we were that poor until we went someplace. Seeing the cars passing us by, the nice homes with electricity, Henderson Street lights, brought us to reality that we were at the very bottom of the human race. Even at this, we did have one thing, my brothers, sisters, and I had love for one another. We believed that only God loved us.
Then one night on Christmas Eve, as we lay sleeping, we were awoken by a bunch of car horns. A church brought us so much food and toys that made such an impact on our lives. Much of the food I didn’t even know what it was. Many of the toys I had never seen before. They brought in dolls that cried for my sisters, they brought trucks and cars for us boys. There were even battery operated vehicles. They brought clothes for us all. I have had many Christmas’ since that time. However, this special Christmas I shall never forget. The church members took time during this busy season to show us we were important. They sung Christmas Carols and told us about Jesus. This church brought not only material things into our home, but they brought love and salvation to us.
Christmas is all about Jesus and the love he shows along with offering us salvation at no price to us. For Jesus has already paid the price in full. Today, we seem to have really gotten away the true intent of Christmas. Christmas is so over commercialized and like everything else man has done, we have screwed up and forgotten all about God.
Join us for holiday cheer in downtown #HendersonKY this weekend.
Executive Director Abby Dixon gives us a preview of this upcoming weekend downtown events.
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
My name is Russell Ray drummer and Co-Founder of VYCES. You can find the band on Facebook under Vyces/Official. That is the same for all other social media sites and the website is www.vycesofficial.com. I can be found under Russell Ray on Facebook, and skinzman on instagram.
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
Well I always start with Motley Crue. They were the first Band that I got into as well as my first concert which made me want to pursue playing Rock music in the 1st place.
When I saw the video for “Wild Side” I knew immediately that I wanted to play the drums. Over time I got into heavier music like Pantera, White Zombie, Korn, and Slipknot. Those bands inspired me to develop a more aggressive approach to playing. However I love bands like the Deftones, Starset, and Chevelle. I love the elements of rock songs through those bands.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
Be open to everything and attached to nothing. What I mean by this is to explore, be creative, and find people who want to work as a team. Things don’t always work the way you think they will so be willing to adapt and keep moving forward. Every ending is a new beginning. Be honest, dedicated to your craft, and always listen and be observant. Everyone has different experiences. Learn from them, and keep your circle clean. Also-NEVER GIVE UP!
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Jumping the gun on signing a contract. I was advised not to sign for a project years ago that I thought was the one. I did anyway and it was a nightmare to get out of when things didn’t go right.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Best gig hmmm…There are so many that are up there but if I had to name one it would be the very 1st VYCES show in San Diego. The reason why is because Dave and I have talked about being in a band together for the last 8 years. We were never been able to until now. Other than Mark I have played in bands in the past with Shawn and Evan and I always admired both of them personally and professionally. I loved being in bands with them so for me it was my dream team of a band coming together. When we all hit the stage together for the first time- I felt the band really fire on all cylinders and it was electric. Has only gotten better.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Outside of music I write. I am working on a book and a movie script as well. I used to work at a magazine for a number of years, but I really just wanted to write for myself. As far as hobbies however it would be working on cars. I love rebuilding and fixing them. It’s therapeutic for me and I love doing it.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
Sure! To me it always comes down to awesome bands that write awesome music. If a band writes something they believe in and work hard to get it out there then people will get attracted to it. Everyone is different and like different things. It’s when bands copy each other or have no integrity that causes over saturation of nothingness. Keep it real-people will connect.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
I think it has helped TV more than music. I mean there are a number of artists careers that it helped, but how many can we really name and remember. I think the TV ratings are what has gone up. Plus that is not the reality of how bands start. It’s a TV show.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
It is what it is. We want everyone to have access to our music so however they can get it they get it.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
I have honestly never watched the show so maybe I should check it out. Ask me next time hahahahaha
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
I do! I collect vinyl. I have every Slayer record and Motley Crue record on vinyl, and a bunch of limited edition foreign and domestic releases from many bands.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
No…I wouldn’t choke him. If we were stranded I might need his help to get out of there.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
I have never listened to any of her music, or paid attention to what she does so I don’t really have an opinion.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Always real vocals.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Ooofff I don’t know. There are so many bands out there…..but check out There for Tomorrow, White Knuckle Riot, and Invidia. Awesome bands!
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
NIN. Trent Reznor never lets you down. How to Destroy Angeles is incredible as well.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
I read allot of self help books. I like educating myself on controlling your thoughts and emotions to help grow as a person instead of going backwards in life.
I prefer to live with a peaceful mind.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Rocky 3. It’s the first time that I have ever felt the feeling of inspiration. Also it shows that when you get knocked down there is always a way to get back up and fight. I apply that to life and most of my experiences. Rise Up!!
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has checked us out live, listened to our music, looked us up online, promoted us, and given us any time of the day. We are putting ever ounce of our passion and drive into VYCES and we are so thankful for the response, and inspiration from everyone. We hope to see you all soon and thank you Kick Acts for your time as well. Peace and Love…….
Well here is another nut job. Check out the video and decide for yourself. If he has had it since 1953 why reveal it now and not back then???
I remember as a child, being from an extremely poor family, and the oldest of 8 children, and what Christmas meant to us. It was all about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A Christmas Story of how He came into this world as a child as the son of a poor carpenter. A story of how he lived a sinless life and then rejected by his own people. A story of how far he came from glory to die on the cross for every mans’ sin. Then, three days later, arose from the grave as he said he would. He then ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Christmas was a time to thank God for what we did have.
Join us for holiday cheer in downtown #HendersonKY this weekend.
