Hey all, July is almost over and here in Sacramento we have weather in the 90s but we are talking Christmas. The guys in The Nickel Slots asked me back to work on some behind the scenes promotional videos for the Christmas LP they are working on.
I spent Saturday at Pus Cavern studios watching the recording process... It was fascinating. Thanks to Joe Johnston who was nice enough to answer all my silly questions about the studio. I think most Sacramento bands who have "made it" recorded there at some point. It was cool to watch the microphone placement and how the band records in different parts of the studio.
I came back with Christmas tunes stuck in my head but it was worth it I got a lot of fun interview footage and behind the scene video for a project later this year..
I did a 3 camera shoot all by myself, and got to put some new gear to the test and for the most part I was happy with the footage I came back with. although I did learn how far I could push some gear in low light. but over all I'm pleased and can't wait to finish up the video.
The Nickel Slots are releasing 4 holiday songs 1 original and 3 standards done in their Americana style.
Here is a look at a teaser video I did for the band.
We here at jdknightfilms.net are proud that another one of are videos is being promoted nationally. Thanks to The Nickel Slots for believing in our work and getting it out for the world to see...
Press Release:
July 7, 2015 (Nashville, TN & Sacramento, CA) — The Nickel Slots, an alt-country, Americana-styled roots rock band out of Sacramento, California announce the release of their second nationally promoted music video, “On the Wall.” This video is a throwback to early-‘80s MTV music videos, set to a rockin’ song about a beloved guitar.
The band is again partnering with Nashville-based video promotion company Visual Image Marketing, which earlier this year promoted their music video “The Devil’s Chain Gang.” That video garnered airplay on major Country music video networks including Heartland TV, ZUUS Country, CMT.com, and Australia’s CMC TV and various other music video shows across the US, the UK, and Europe. The new video “On the Wall” can be viewed here:http://bit.ly/onthewallvideo
About the video:
Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony Brusca wrote the song about a guitar hanging on the wall, sung from the point of view of the musician for whom nothing is going right without it. He desperately needs to get the guitar back into his hands. The video is a joyful homage to some of the band’s favorite MTV videos of their youth, featuring energetic live performances in whitewashed rooms.
About the band:
The Nickel Slots’ high-energy alt-country/Americana music takes you on a journey through hard times and desperation that always carries hope that better things are just around the corner. With influence from early roots Americana music as well as a touch of rebellious ’70s punk, The Nickel Slots draw the line that connects Johnny Cash to The Clash. From the sentimental folk tune to the foot-stomping, raucous sing-along, their alt-country rock songs bring you back to a long-lost memory or shared experience of pain, joy, heartache, love, hope, and redemption. Their music has been called Americana with attitude, where country, rock & roll, and punk meet.
Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony Brusca writes songs that tell unique stories and has a knack for connecting with audiences. Bassist and mandolin player Paul Zinn’s backing vocals add an extra dimension to Tony’s melodies and his bass lines just can’t sit still. Christopher Amaral, The Nickel Slots’ versatile drummer, lays down train beats and adds distinctive power to the band’s sound. His brother, award-winning electric guitarist Steve Amaral, throws down tasteful licks that dance across the line between rock and country.
When you're in-between gigs don't forget to play. Bring a camera
everywhere and shoot. Have some fun, shoot the stuff you want to shoot not just the video
your clients want to shoot. Remember why you got into this business.
At work things have been very uniform
lately and I have been itching to be creative, just to get out and play with my
cameras. So this 4th of July I brought a couple cameras to the family firework
show, and threw together a fun little video... It was a fun little shoot and
edit. Enjoy!
The
video's don't have to be perfect, it's a chance to try new things that you may
not want to try on a paying gig and you could end up with a new trick in your arsenal
or at least a nice little video for your family.
I spent Saturday at Pus Cavern studios watching the recording process... It was fascinating. Thanks to Joe Johnston who was nice enough to answer all my silly questions about the studio. I think most Sacramento bands who have "made it" recorded there at some point. It was cool to watch the microphone placement and how the band records in different parts of the studio. 
