After receiving his first guitar at age 13, in his birth place of Indianapolis, IN Kevin began learning chords from his father, a respected country guitarist and vocalist in the local community, as well as from his first Mel Bay chord book. Fast forward to St. Petersburg, Florida, where the family had relocated. Kevin found himself among a group of high school friends who all played guitar and concentrated on songs by Led Zeppelin, Rush, AC/DC and the popular southern rock bands of the Southeast such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet. At age 15 Kevin began lessons from one of the areas most respected instructors, Joe Braccio. Kevin’s main influences on guitar were Michael Schenker, Randy Rhodes and Rick Medlocke. Kevin co-founded his first original rock band, Liar, at age 17 and played his first live show at the age of 18. This band lasted for three years and Kevin was a main contributor of songs. Kevin then co-founded Astaroth which picked up where Liar left off. Astaroth was in existence a little over three years and during this time Kevin served as main songwriter as well as co-management. Classical guitar was studied during this time to broaden Kevin’s musical knowledge. When Astaroth disbanded Kevin co-founded Lucian Blaque. The first order of business was to assemble the best songs and immediately head into Morrisound Recording Studio and release a six song EP. Fifteen songs were recorded at the same time so a nine song full length release was ready shortly thereafter. In the five years that Lucian Blaque was in existence over two hundred and fifty live performances were delivered, three local releases were made available, with a fourth released only to the sizable fan club they had garnered, and national and world wide notoriety was gained. One song was included on a national industry-only release by Rodell Records. The band was nominated for Metal Band of the Year three years running at the Tampa Bay Metal Awards as well as two consecutive nominations at the Tampa Bay Music Awards. Kevin was nominated once for Metal Guitarist of the Year. A showcase performance was also delivered for the Southeast Music Conference, a gathering of members of all facets of the music industry in Tampa, Florida. One live appearance was also made for the Jammie Awards, the yearly music industry awards conference in Orlando, Florida. Opening slot performances were performed for national acts such as Quiet Riot, Savatage and Cry of Love. After five hard driving years, numerous lineup changes to the bass and second guitarist positions and lack of a substantial offer from any record companies Kevin made the decision to step away from the music business for a time to concentrate on another career. Having never lost the desire to create music Kevin assembled a group of songs and offered his first solo release, Self Portrait, in 2010. The two CD package included one nine song CD comprised of acoustic based songs, most with full band compliment, and a six song CD made up of hard edged, electric guitar driven rock, ranging from blues based to hard rock/metal and even pop-punk. Kevin played all guitars and bass, and even added keyboards on one song. Kevin’s nephew, Brad Hipsher, performed all drums. Two studio vocalists were employed due to the differing styles. In early 2012 Kevin completed his first studio recordings using his own voice. Again, two CD’s were pressed, one entitled Saturday Sessions containing seven original songs and the other entitled Covers on Shangri La containing nine cover songs of varying styles. The recordings include only acoustic guitar and vocals. During the recording of the acoustic project a publishing deal was signed with Fervor Records/Vintage Masters and two Lucian Blaque songs were placed in movies. Running A.D. was placed in American blockbuster The Grey starring Liam Neeson and Gene Pool was placed in Donovan’s Echo, a Canadian independent film starring Danny Glover and Bruce Greenwood. A deal was also completed with Arkeyn Steel Records for a re-release of 15 Lucian Blaque tracks in Greece in the near future. March 2013 marked the completion of new music. Twenty-three tracks spread over two CDs once again. Rise Up contains blues tinged rock songs while Thieves Among Us is more straight up rock with a couple tracks that stray from Kevin’s conventional style by way of drum and keyboard loops. March 2015 saw the debut of Rolling Papers, a new documentary fill, at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. The movie features Lucian Blaque’s song Bring Them Down. April 2015 is the anticipated date for completion of Karma, a new release of twelve original songs. Andrea Guy “Thieves Among Us paints a good picture of a versatile artist.” “Kevin Wilson is one prolific musician.” “The songs on the record “range from “super catchy pop to pop/adult contemporary to progressive rock.” “The guitars stick with you” and there are choruses “you find yourself singing long after the song is done playing.” Andrew Greenhalgh “Kevin Wilson is an intriguing act. The guy can play guitar and he writes lyrics that are approachable and relatable, singing them with honesty and integrity.” Thieves Among Us contains “slow building southern rock vibes; full-flavored guitar licks and attitude; pop-friendly elements and even an acoustic ballad.” Dan MacIntosh “With Thieves Among Us Kevin Wilson has recorded a consistent pop-rock record.” “Loneliness and regret are two of the most common themes running through Thieves Among Us.” “This is a softer, more acoustic Kevin Wilson, and not the sounds of the guitar slinger he’s showcased on other recordings.” “Thieves Among Us reveals Wilson’s growth as a songwriter. He’s advanced in leaps and bounds.” G.W. Hill With Thieves among Us “Taking this disc as two halves, essentially breaking it into two shorter albums, one would be left with a very good disc followed by an incredible one. The first half of the disc contains a collection of songs that move between alternative and classic rock sounds with ease. Once it hits the title track, though, this thing goes through the roof in terms of quality.” “This album shows off a lot of talent in the instrumental and vocal departments. Perhaps more importantly, it features songwriting that is quite mature and advanced. These songs are accessible and yet complex. They take a lot of chances, while still feeling somehow familiar. That’s a real skill. This is a very entertaining set that comes highly recommended.” Wildy Haskell “Thieves Among Us focuses on Wilson’s songwriter tendencies, ranging from ballads to anthemic rockers” that have “potential to get stuck in your noggin.” “Wilson gets points for authenticity.” “Wilson shows a great range and depth of songwriting styles.” “There is a definite everyman aesthetic at work here.”