House of Blues - ROCKED

Last night ROCKED!

We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing.  Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards.  It was incredible.  There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments.  No, it was a seamless show from start to finish.  Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.

And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly.  Comments I heard last night:

“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music.  Damnit man, you made me like Country.”

“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”

“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”

“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”

“You guys KILLED it!”

I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people.  Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles.  Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.

Thanks so much to all who came out.  This is only the beginning!

YEAHCOMEON!

- Dukes

(nearly all photos © Mike Danenberg - www.mikedanenberg.com)

The Hollywood Music In Media Awards

Tonight I attended the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), as my song “Walkin Thru Hell” was nominated as “Country Song of the Year.”  Didn’t win.  Not incredibly surprised by this  - not because I don’t think the song is worth the accolade; I certainly believe in that song, and am very proud to hold the nomination.  No, I guess I just questioned whether or not a song like that would win ANY award in today’s country music market.  Of course, the HMMA isn’t the CMAs or even the CMTs.  It’s a HOLLYWOOD award.  I guess it’s no big shock, then, that a “Swedish Country” song won the award.

Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this.  I just laughed.  The experience was an interesting one, to be sure.  This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee.  It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees.  It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card.  It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music.  Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest.  Still, fun - entertaining.

I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her.  Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity.  Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future?  Doubtful.  But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.

I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”


Yeahcomeon!

- Dukes