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In a town known more for generating pop country 'hat acts' and Contemporary Christian music, there is a storm brewing. Small independent bands with no management, booking, record labels or local media support are changing the way people think about Nashville, Tennessee.One of the leaders of this movement is the Hillbilly Casino, the brain child of Nic Roulette, former singer for Indiana rockabilly powerhouse “The Blue Moon Boys." In 2004 Roulette moved to Nashville. After having a rotating cast of characters backing him up, Nic found a solid core of top notch players that were interested in being a band. In the spring of 2005 when Nic hooked up with bassist Geoff Firebaugh (BR5-49), guitarist Ronnie Crutcher (Tabasko Kat, Brian Setzer’s Nashvillians) and drummer Andrew Dickson, things started to come together.What started as nothing more than a revved up rockabilly band playing for tips at Layla's Bluegrass Inn on Nashville's famed Lower Broadway, has turned into a closet industry doing almost 200 shows in 2007 alone. Though you might still find the Casino playing at The Opryland Hotel, or Layla's when they're home, they've taken their show on the road as well. New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Europe, Hollywood, and all manner of theatres, clubs and backwater bars in between have seen the Casino roll in, set up, and lay waste to any and all in attendance. Whether doing corporate events, their own club shows or supporting acts like the Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Reverend Horton Heat, and Southern Culture on the Skids, these boys can play on any stage, in front of any audience, and they will make those people their fans. In December 2006, The Hillbilly Casino opened several dates for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and every night this virtually unknown (at the time) band received standing ovations, and had new fans lining up to get their debut CD 'Sucker Punched'.Sucker Punched was the Casino's first full length CD and learning experience for the band. Completely DIY, the band bought, begged and borrowed the equipment to self produce, record and release this collection of 14 songs. In late 2007 after having sold a couple thousand copies at shows and from their website the band once again retreated to the garage behind Andrew Dickson's house, lovingly known as "Studio D" and started recording their follow up.Two years of experience playing together really showed as the band laid down tracks for what was to become 'Three Step Windup'. The additional experience that Andrew and Geoff had gained engineering and mixing other projects showed as well. In April 2008 just before leaving on their first European tour the Hillbilly Casino released 'Three Step Windup', 14 songs that encompass everything that the band loves, rockabilly, honky-tonk, punk, jazz, and just plain old American rock and roll. Where you'd find most bands sitting back and waiting to 'get signed', the Hillbilly Casino takes a cue from bands like Jason and the Scorchers, Fugazi, and Black Flag. They press their own CD's, print their own shirts, and spend plenty of time in the Econoline getting the rock and roll out to the people. From thirty minute opening slots, to 3 and 4 hour marathon sets, these boys are gonna bring their 'A' game and you'll probably get tired before they do.Additional Info –The Hillbilly Casino has performed along with the following national Acts…
Brian Setzer Orchestra (7 shows), Rev. Horton Heat, Los Straightjackets, Southern Culture on the Skids, Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers, The Horrorpops, The Cramps, Wanda Jackson, The Blasters, The Supersuckers, 7 Shot Screamers, Koffin Kats, Flatfoot 56, Lonesome Spurs, Three Blue Teardrops. (Rancid and Doyle Bramhall - June 2008)The Hillbilly Casino has performed at these festivals and venues…
Gibson Amphitheater (Hollywood CA), Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN), House Of Blues (Chicago, IL), Headliners (Louisville, KY), Exit/In (Nashville, TN), Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) Bergenfest (Bergen, Norway), Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival (Kilkenny, Ireland), Rockin’ 50’s Fest (Green Bay, WI), State Theater (Detroit, MI), Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA), Rocketown (Nashville, TN), Rodeo Bar (New York, NY)Members of Hillbilly Casino are endorsed by King Doublebass, Gretsch Guitars and Ampeg Amps.
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