On a normal basis with my interviews I don’t make it a point to include myself in them, however this particular interview has a special meaning to me. I’ve been blessed to know many amazing and outstanding musicians in this world, but there has been one local musician, who in the short time that I’ve known him, has made a tremendous impact on my creativity as not only a musician but as a human being and a friend. Joe Dunn is not only an inspiring and gifted musician, but is a kind-hearted soul that once you meet him…you understand the gifts that deserve to be given to us and shared with the world. On the verge of making the biggest move of his musical career and life, I sat down with Joe Dunn to focus in on his past, present, and indescribable future for this phenomenal musician…this is The Departure of Joe Dunn… Mr. Joe Dunn…this has been a long time coming my friend. First things first…tell everyone a little bit about your self. Who is Joe Dunn? I love to write... (more...)
In 1992, Sevier County built one of the most state-of-the-art solid waste facility in the world. Only 10 similar facilities exist. Due to superior composting technologies and recycling programs, Sevier County is able to reduce the total solid waste production by 70% compared to the national average of 27%.
Story By: Denver T. Stevens
Most musicians take steps throughout their journey as an artist. Whether it be taking on a new audience, separating themselves from a single instrument or taking on numerous projects to expand their creativity. For leading Knoxville musician Kevin Hyfantis it’s all of the above and more. Hyfantis has taken what once was an ordinary musical career for most, and has put his own spin on the diversity of making music. Fronting his band Hyfantis and The Bishops, sharing the stage with an acoustic harmony driven duo of Leo and Lauren, and his charismatic and driven solo career, Hyfantis is not your typical laid back musician. It seems as if this local artist has no boundaries when it comes to making everything work. With the unveiling of his amazing talents as a front-man and lyrical songwriting prowess, I sat down with Hyfantis to delve deeper into how he is making music work in every avenue. Read More -->
Story By: Denver T. Stevens
Being a front-man for a band is never an easy gig. The idea behind being the main voice and leader for a group of collected musicians to create one solid musical union is…well, put simply…it’s difficult. With the somersault of Knoxville’s newest craze The Pop Rox onto the scene, front-man Valerie Buckner has taken that task head on and has made her voice the only standing sound that resounds through these southern hills. Buckner’s vocal style is filled with explosive energy and defies the typical idea of a female lead. She has taken the stage by the reigns and has made it her own. As she and The Pop Rox continue to take Knoxville by storm, I sat down with Buckner to get the low-down on how she is taking a view from the front. Read More -->
Story By: Denver T. Stevens
There are people in this world who simply have everything going for them. Whether it’s a joyful smile, a creative thought, or just simply an amazing talent…it seems as though these people are the ones who make a difference in this world. These are the people who make dreams a reality and change this life as we know it. This is a direct representation for the talented Gene Priest. It’s an everyday journey of his to make his ambitious dreams a reality. With his creativity and amazing talents, he’s already wrapped the United States as an established drummer with some amazing bands of many different genres. On the verge of the release of his debut EP “Living to Die” and taking the spotlight from behind the drum kit to being the front man of his very own Project “Gene Priest & The Cardinal Sin”…I sat down with this awe-inspiring musician of many trades to discuss just exactly how he is making the light his own. Read More -->
A rock band is only as good as the connection that they share between one another…for the boys of The Few (formerly known as Thoroughfare) it was about not only making music but finding something that they could believe in. With the addition of lead vocalist Lindsey Stamey (formerly of Vertigo) it seems as if The Few has taken what once was a well-established rock band and has charted a new territory. With an already energetic fan base and tour dates with some of today’s most well-known rock bands, I sat down with The Few to focus in on their creative stage presence, their music, and what’s next for this explosive rock band from Knoxville, TN. Well…it’s OFFICIAL The Few is like a wrecking ball of rock music in full force and on tour. Tell us about the new band, members, and the background of how all of this started? Everything came together very quickly with The Few. Colin (drums), Cameron (keys), Thomas (bass) and Seth (guitar)... (more...)
If you don’t know him…you will. If you do know him…you love him. He and his project are known throughout the southeast as the go-to hype man with a classic R&B soul. Jaystorm and his project have reenergized the originality of where music was and has taken it to its limits and beyond. If you want funk-rock with a boom of hip-hop and a sweet southern-soul all you need is a man with a mic and his project backing. On the verge of releasing his brand new album, I sat down with Jaystorm to discuss his vocal magnitude, the background of his relationship with NMZ Distributing, the iPhone and Axe Instinct; and what’s up next for this explosive frontman of pure-funk rock and R&B from the downtown brew of Knoxville, TN. First thing’s first, describe the Jaystorm Project’s sound and what people should expect when they come out to see you? A guitar full of Jimi Hendrix mixed with a healthy dose of pure funk, rock, and hip-hop guaranteed... (more...)
It’s her definitive style and the true nature of her characteristics that make her a genuine artisan and sets her apart from the rest as not only a human being…but as a celebrated hairstylist. For some, passion for one’s craft is something that is developed over time…for Heather Kerley…her passion for the art of hair design is her lifestyle and is now her truest form of creative release. On the verge of becoming Knoxville’s top stylist, I decided to connect with Heather Kerley and discuss the ins and outs of her creative mind, the background of her relationship with Joico/ISO, and what’s around the bend for this creative rock goddess of hair from the very heart of this great city. Inspire us…tell us about yourself? Well, I would say that I’m a little bit quirky, a little bit rock n’ roll, and a whole lotta fun!! No, seriously, I am a Stylist at Fringes Studio Salon and Spa. I have been a stylist for almost 6 years and... (more...)
For anyone who has seen her photography knows that Knoxville’s own Lori Hensley has taken what once was a basic photograph and has made it into a visual dream that tells stories of not only the subject and its contents, but what’s behind the eye of her extraordinary creativity. Lori’s photography enables unimaginable journeys, breaks the barrier between real and surreal, and is beauty at its finest through the lens of her very own imagination. She believes in photography as the true gift of art and has given each and every one of us a reason to pick up a camera and explore the possibilities. With her awe-inspiring images and an online brand name and presence that has set her apart, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Lori Hensley and delve deep into the mind’s eye of her distinctive creativity, her life’s passions, and what’s next for this beautifully creative photographer. Tell us about yourself? Where does one start? ... (more...)
They live their lives as a passage way, sing songs of love and happiness and have given music a real reason to be blasted over the radio, but for Knoxville Rock Band The Fine Line it’s about sharing their lives and giving their fans a live show that will leave them feeling refreshed and replenished. With their ability to revive a heartbeat and passion for life and a brand new album set to release, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with The Fine Line and focus in on their drive, music, and what’s in-store for this creative and passionate rock band from East Tennessee. Tell us about The Fine Line, band members, who you are, and how The Fine Line came about? The Fine Line is a project that I (Kirk Wynn) created in 2007 after I left a band that I had been with for over 4 years. I loved this band, but I was playing drums and I felt like there was more for me to offer musically and spiritually to the music community. I started writing... (more...)
For anyone who has seen one of his live shows knows that Knoxville’s Joe the Show is not your typical stage musician. His live shows are filled with surprise after surprise, innovative meshing of original songs and covers, and is the epitome of a good time at a local pub throughout these southern hills. Joe the Show is a true performer and is eclectic and entertaining with a stage presence that is truly inviting and refreshing. With his awe-inspiring stage presence and a brand new website set to release, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Joe the Show and focus in on his innovative stage presence, his life, and what’s next for this passionate performer from Arkansas. What is the story behind the name Joe the Show and how did that come about? I moved to Los Angeles in June 2006 to pursue a music career with a singer/songwriter from Arkansas and we were trying to come up with a name for that band. We came up with so and so and... (more...)
They tour throughout the United States with explosive hard rock, songs of love and loss and have made a solid name for themselves throughout, but for Knoxville Rock Band Thoroughfare it’s about getting back to the basics of rock music and giving their fans a live show that will leave them mesmerized. With an already energetic and explosive fan base and a brand new EP set to release, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Thoroughfare and focus in on their explosive stage presence, their music, and what’s next for this high-octane and passionate rock band from the heart of the south. Tell us about Thoroughfare, band members, who you are, and how Thoroughfare came together? Thoroughfare is made up of Jordan Beach (Lead vocals and guitar), Colin Cunningham (drums), Thomas Boyd (bass), Cameron Cunningham (Keys and vocals) and Seth Rowlette (guitar and vocals). Thoroughfare began around 2003 while Colin and Thomas where in high school... (more...)
Story By: Denver T. Stevens He just released his debut album “Wait and See” and has made a solid name for himself in the East Tennessee music scene, but for Knoxville native Singer-Songwriter Stephen Hunley it’s just another day to give back to the ones he loves. Stephen Hunley, 28, is the nephew of Country Music Artist Con Hunley and is a University of Tennessee graduate. With the spotlight on Stephen and a few upcoming shows that could really set him apart from the rest, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Stephen for the very first “Featured Artist” and really focus in on who he is, his music, and where he intends to go with his amazing talents. So…you’re opening for Joe Nichols this Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Cotton Eyed Joe! That’s a big deal! How did that come about? Mike Hammond at WIVK heard some of my stuff; liked it; and asked if I would like to open for someone at Cotton Eyed Joe! I said yes…without... (more...)
