RCA With Steve Cropper

Today I was fortunate enough to have the Legendary Steve Cropper put down some amazing guitar parts on a song that I am currently working on called \”Perfect World\” . We recorded him in his personal studio The Historic Studio C at RCA where the famous studio B where Elvis Presley Recorded amongst many others is located. Needless to say this was a dream come true and absolute honor! I know it sounds ridiculous and corny but my mom always tells me that I’m like Elvis hahahaha so this felt quite amazing getting to be in the same walls creating music just like he was. The sound Engineer Eddie Gore greeted us with open arms and a heart warming smile on a beautiful sunny day making us feel welcome and right at home. Now being 29 years old its not like I grew up knowing who Steve Cropper was so I wasn’t as nervous as i’m sure most people older than me would be but still after learning about his long list of accomplishments and involvement in the music industry I know this wasn’t just your average guitar player or studio session. I mean \”sittin on the dock of the bay\” Ottis Redding, Stax records, Ringo Star, Booker T & The MGs & THE BLUES BROTHERS?! That was one of my fathers favorite movies, So yeah I was nervous lol

Walking down the halls I couldn’t help but be enamored by all the historic pictures of all the greats who have recorded there, old black & white photos of artists such as Dolly Parton hanging. When we walked in the studio Steve said what are you guys doing here! jk jk he was super nice welcoming us and said so what are we working on. My manager Troy Luccketta said I sent you the song, didn’t you get it. Steve replied: NO, I didn’t get any songs. My heart racing Steve goes I wasn’t quite sure what we were doing but we can do whatever you’d like. Troy says Yeah I sent it awhile ago but here lemme show you only phone real quick lol After about 15 seconds of listening Steve Smiles looks at me and says that’s you singing. I nodded and Steve said, “So you want me to play guitar on it. Ummm yes please ahahah he says Okay, I can play guitar for ya. Let’s go grab my guitar. WHAT A MOMENT! We walked into his office where he has some amazing historical Achievements on the wall. after talking for a bit he picks up his guitar and for a second few month back about 3 month into moving to Nashville I was sitting with a great friend and songwriting buddy Mr. David Norris who is a prolific songwriter and more so amazing human. David was the first writer I worked with days after arriving in Nashville and we hit it off immediately starting off with a song Called \” Love Is An Ocean\” which I’ve yet to record. Anyways… We were hanging out talking about the current state of the world with fear & division being on the rise and how with world problems like these it can be overwhelming leaving us feeling defeated as people not knowing how we can help the situation. As songwriters we feel our purpose is to be the messengers helping bridge the gap of different walks of life hopefully finding a common ground and allow us to come together through sound and meaningful messages. We felt it was only right that we wrote a song about unity. And how amazing that would be in a \”Perfect World\” if we could all come together to create a better world to live in for the future generations to come.

Debut Album In The Works

Rizz Recently relocated to Nashville, Where he is currently working on his Debut Album with Troy Luccketta (Tesla) as Executive Producer who has hand picked world class musicians & producers (The Believers) to create a timeless record. \” With songs featuring artist such as Steve Cropper (The Blues Brothers), Rami Jafree (Foo Fighters) Michael Devin (White snake) Michael Staertow (The Guess Who) Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd) With help on production from Dave Brainard as co-producer.

The album is an accumulation of songs written as far back as 7 years ago. \”I feel that timing is everything and feel as if there couldn’t be a better time to release them.\” Showing his diversity, This project covers multiple genres not boxing him into one specific style of music. \” I just like to express how I feel and different types of music brings out different emotions\” This project is a combination of all my favorite tracks with some upbeat reggae, infused with a hip hop flow and lyrics that speak to the soul. Reminding us how powerful we are as humans. Expressing how we can all make an impact on the world by just being who we are and believing in ourselves.

Humble Beginnings

We built a \”studio\” out of all the closet doors from the spare bedrooms that we wired to the ceiling using metal clothes hangers. I recorded my first songs using a garage band microphone on Audacity, a free DAW system and any cheap music equipment I could afford at the time. Moving forward my dad helped me build a fully enclosed recording & mixing room and slowly started adding to my collection while upgrading anything I felt would make a difference to the sound.

Throughout the years I started to find my style of music & writing to appeal to more of a dynamic demographic. I wanted to make music that not only me and my friends would listen to but something my younger sisters as well as parents & grandparents could listen to.

Make you want to get out of your seat and move your body with songs like \”Give It A Go\” that have a deep baseline, followed by piercing vocals that resonate on a spiritual level. I take pride in creating music that will leave you thinking about your life and where you are as well as where you want to be. If I can motivate one person to be a better version of themselves I feel that I’ve accomplished something worth living for. I’ve been writing original songs since I was in Highschool with my friends in my parents garage.