I'll Rest When I'm Dead

While 2009 was a whirlwind year, the future is just as exciting.

Last year saw the release of my “Welcome to Nastyville” EP to much critical acclaim, with one music writer describing it as, “Waylon Jennings doing shots with The Ramones in a Vegas titty bar.” My punk-tinged outlaw country seemed to have struck a chord (no pun intended) with American music lovers, which resulted in several key live performances in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, followed by a grueling touring schedule. I was fortunate to have the support of every member of the Nastyville band, and I’ve never shared a tour bus with a more professional bunch of musicians. Thanks again, guys!

While 2009 was a successful one for my musical endeavors, it was also filled with much change on the homefront. As many of you know, I married the love of my life, Mrs. Rosie Ribner, and we also celebrated the birth of our son, Johnny and the addition of my stepsons Jacob and Draco. And although it was hard to leave Flint - a city whose people I've come to admire so much - we're all one, big happy family living in Novi, Michigan. It’s a good way for things to settle down a bit.

While my songs continue to burn up the alternative and college radio charts, I’ve decided to take a break from the relentless grind of touring. It won't be much of a break, though, since I'll be devoting more time to this blog. The second half of 2010 will be a critical year in American politics and I plan to cover this in future installments here. Don’t worry, though – I also plan to present more new and exciting outlaw country tunes! So whether you’re just passing through or plan on staying awhile, feel free to share your opinions. And don’t be afraid to be brutally honest, either.

After all, this ain’t Nashville … it’s Nastyville!

An Outlaw Country Beatdown

There are many benefits to having my CD in a bar’s jukebox. For example, sometimes my songs become background music for a good, old-fashioned bar brawl.

Last Thursday, my best friend beat the shit out of some asshole at a dive bar in Midland, Michigan. Apparently, the asshole – who has a huge crush on my friend’s fiancée – sucker punched my buddy after the two exchanged some words. (My friend made the mistake of turning to walk away from the situation.) Well, that was the one and only punch the prick got in the fight, because my friend proceeded to whip his ass from one end of the bar to the other.

His arms were like the Energizer bunny – they just kept punching, and punching, and punching. In fact, the only time he stopped hitting the asshole was to pick him up and slam him down on a table. The fight ended with the dickhead on the ground and my buddy raining punches down upon his face. The only thing that saved the unfortunate shit-head was the intervention of the barmaid and two female onlookers.

Now, I must admit that hearing that the dumbass received a much-deserved ass whippin’ is good news; but the best part about it was that my song, “Give Me Some Whiskey” was playing during the fight. Now that’s priceless.

I guess those of you who’ve described my tunes as “ass-kickin’ outlaw country” weren’t kidding around!

"Welcome to Nastyville" available now!

If you've already heard the songs and you are ready to purchase a CD of your very own you can purchase the CD of all six songs for a mere $5; just click the "add to cart" button on the sidebar...

If you have not heard them and you want to take a listen to some original Outlaw Country from Flint, Michigan; then go to http://www.myspace.com/jpribner and have a listen.

I know you won’t be disappointed!