Hillbilly Vegas Releases New Single “Mr. Midnight” Featuring Paul Rodgers – Rock & Blues Muse
Hillbilly Vegas has recently unveiled their latest single and music video, titled “Mr. Midnight,” featuring the legendary Paul Rodgers from Bad Company. This electrifying track, which forms part of their upcoming album ‘A La Mode’ slated for release on May 8th through Quarto Valley Records, follows the success of their hit song “I Hope You Know” currently making waves on the Rock Radio charts at #20 and still climbing.
“Mr. Midnight” embodies a heavy, electric blues-rock vibe with a nostalgic ZZ Top ‘Tush’ vibe combined with the contemporary blues sound of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. The intricate guitar riffs in the song transport listeners to the late-night ambiance of Beale Street, conjuring images of adventure and mischief, complemented by Paul Rodgers’ signature classic 70’s rock aura.
In a statement, Paul Rodgers shared insights into the inception of “Mr. Midnight,” revealing that the song originated during his songwriting sessions a few years back. The track was intended for an album called ‘Midnight Rose,’ which he didn’t realize would come to fruition until Sun Records expressed interest in releasing a Paul Rodgers album. Bassist Todd Ronning, with whom Rodgers collaborated on the song’s demo, provided familiarity and expertise in bringing the track to life.
Explaining the creative process behind the song, Rodgers revealed that the guitar riff served as the song’s foundation, around which he constructed the lyrics. Inspired by a feline companion of his wife, Cynthia, named Jasper, Rodgers penned the lyrics, drawing from the sleek and enigmatic nature of the black cat he affectionately dubbed Mr. Midnight. Upon hearing Hillbilly Vegas’ rendition of “Mr. Midnight,” Rodgers was impressed by their execution of the track and decided to contribute some vocals to enhance the final recording.
Steve Harris of Hillbilly Vegas expressed his excitement about collaborating with Paul Rodgers, praising his vocal prowess, phrasing, and overall approach to music as inspirational. The collaboration not only elevated the song but also served as a reminder of the band’s roots in rock and roll, evoking a sense of legacy and tradition in their music-making process.
The accompanying music video for “Mr. Midnight” was shot in Oklahoma, showcasing the band’s raw and authentic performance style. Directed by Jon Wright, the video captures the essence of the band in their element, with the added thrill of having Paul Rodgers visually integrated into the production, elevating the overall experience.
As the band gears up for the release of their second full-length album, ‘A La Mode,’ on May 8th, which features 11 tracks in digital, CD, and Vinyl LP formats, Hillbilly Vegas continues to expand its international fan base. Their energetic live performances have earned them a reputation for delivering a rollicking experience that transcends genre boundaries, appealing to diverse audiences.
With a lineup including Steve Harris on lead vocals, Stacy Thornburg on guitar/vocals, Geraldo Dominelli on guitar/keyboards, Todd Ronning on bass, and Gunnar Molton on drums, Hillbilly Vegas promises an electrifying musical journey that pays homage to the timeless spirit of rock and roll. Get ready to groove to the electrifying sounds of “Mr. Midnight” and stay tuned for the release of ‘A La Mode’ on May 8th.