Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Norris.
Hi Richard, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing drums at age 14 when my Dad bought me a drum set for my birthday. Over the years, I played in various bands and even moved out to Los Angeles to play. Fast forward to the current day and the band I play in now, Bettin’ On The Mule. We have two CDs out and are working on a third.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been an easy one for us. Bettin’ On The Mule has had some challenges along the way. When we released our debut CD called “All In” we had our CD release party and one week later the Covid pandemic hit then the whole world shut down. So we never were able to properly promote it. Our bass player Shannon Wilson was in a terrible car accident a couple of years ago. He had to take months off to recover. Then last year I had cancer surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from the back of my right leg. I had a few complications from the surgery and we ended up having to cancel a couple of our bigger shows. But I am blessed by God that after two surgeries and some tough recovery, I am cancer free and back to playing drums with Bettin’ On The Mule.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the drummer for Bettin’ On The Mule and also sing backing vocals. Jacob Wilson is the lead singer and Rhythm Guitar; Brandon Wilson is the Lead Guitar player and backing singer as well. The newest member of the band Shannon “Beef” Wilson holds down the bass while providing awesome backing vocals. Our music is a unique combination of Southern Rock, Classic Rock and County we like to call “Hometown Rock”. We are still touring and promoting our second CD called “Tag Applied For” and are working on new music that will be released later this year. We will also be releasing our debut music video for our song “Every Day and Every Night” which debuted at #2 on the Georgia Songbirds Countdown heard on internet radio stations heard all over the world. We were blessed to record our CD at Cock of the Walk Studios, the Kennesaw recording studio of Jackyl lead singer Jesse James Dupree and to work with acclaimed engineer/producer Jeff Tomei. The band was also named the winner of the Smileys Unique Entertainment Georgia Music Showcase in June 2022. We were also nominated by the International Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA) for Band of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. In 2023, Bettin’ On The Mule is looking forward to releasing new music, touring, playing festivals, gaining new fans and making new music videos.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like the variety of entertainment that is provided in Atlanta. You have an awesome choice of talented artists. The local music scene is one of the best in the country. I think my least favorite thing about the city is the TRAFFIC!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bettinonthemule.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bettinonthemule
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@bettinonthemule
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KYUY6AsIyV8UappW2Logg
Image Credits
Sonya Norris; Todd Dean
