Pat Blackwell
Pat Blackwell has enough energy to power a nuclear reactor. It's a fuel that burns full-throttle, ignited by the heat of his songs, his voice and the power and passion of the performance. His message to the world exists on a plane the reaches far beyond music, but thankfully he is one of those songwriters and performers gifted enough to focus the rollercoaster of the human condition into song. His latest release, Livin' The Dream, is a reflection on that and is firmly planted in rock and roll.
His influences are vast, which his music demonstrates. He is keen to point out that everything he listens to directs his musical development in some way. However, he would certainly include The Beatles, Aerosmith, Elvis, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, Elton John, and all-things Motown among his biggest influences.
The South Carolina native grew up steeped in music and paid his dues recording and touring extensively with his band Vision for many years. He has performed with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, David Lee Roth, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie and The Blowfish, .38 Special, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and many more. Along the way he wrote, produced, performed, and engineered on many national jingle spots for Texize, Coors Brewery, Proctor and Gamble, Fotomat, and Johnson & Johnson. It was here that he made inside contacts, built recording industry relationships and learned the cut-throat business end of the music industry.
There have been awards and accolades since. He has won a PRS Songwriting Award, was a finalist in the Billboard Songwriting Showcase, won second place in Gibson Guitars Bass Guitar Riff War, and was nominated for the 2012 Virgin Records/JPF Songwriting award. His song "I Still Love You" from Vision's A Little Faith, appeared in an off- Broadway rock musical. Fans and audiences are continually drawn in to Pat Blackwell's music and performances because of his energy, honesty and passion.
Livin' The Dream is Pat's second solo album and follows the critically-acclaimed and best seller, Burn Baby Burn. It was recorded with longtime friend, recording engineer, and co-producer Charlie Mayfield. The two co-produced it and are the only musicians performing on it, with the exception of Daniel Blackwell providing both lead and rhythm guitar on three tracks. Pat also teamed with friend and poet Christie Ward on two tracks by turning two of her poems into songs. The project was originally going to be a collection of Pat's songs that he would record and listen to while driving around. But the process went so well and he got so inspired, that he turned it into a 11 track full-length project. Livin' The Dream brings home the truth of life, the sometimes struggle of life, and the growth that comes from it all. And it is all seen through the lens of rock music. The theme of moving from darkness to light permeates the album. Livin' The Dream sings that message loud and clear both musically and lyrically. Most of all though, it's just pure, flat-out fun..