Mixtape Atlanta is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Purple Rain on August 4 at The Plaza Theatre. Atlanta's oldest continuing operating theatre is hosting the anniversary screening on the movie that made Prince a star. Mixtape Atlanta will be in attendance taking photos of all "The Beautiful Ones" at our Purple Rain themed photo booth. The night will also mark the opening of an 1980s inspired Art Show that will run through September 1. Art show and photo booth start at 8PM and the film starts at 9:30PM. Tickets are $8.
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July 31, 2009
July 29, 2009
Put Down the Razor
You have rocked the boat at Yacht Rock. Pushed up the sleeves on your blazer for Reagan Rock. Now the members of both revues want you to quit shaving and join the fun for Mustache Rock tomorrow at 10 High. The Please Rock players will be performing some of the late 1970s easiest listening tunes, as well as giving out a prize for the best 'stache. Mixtape Atlanta will also be there capturing all the fun and taking photos at our 'tache-tastic 70s photo booth.
Wanna win tickets to see The Bridges?
The Bridges perform tomorrow night at Smith's Olde Bar, and Mixtape Atlanta wants you to see them for free! Email your name to [email protected] for your chance to win. This talented folk-pop family has not played Atlanta in some time, so catch them now while you can.
Smith's Showcases the Best
Smith’s Olde Bar hosted one of Atlanta’s finest concert lineups of the summer on July 25. Nashville’s The Four Kicks started off the night with their blend of radio friendly rock hits with catchy pop hooks. Even though it has been a while since the band played in Atlanta, Kicks’ garnered a respectful sized crowd for an opening band. Their harmonies were spot on and their orchestration impressive live. Performing songs new and old, Kicks’ gave a tantalizing preview to their new album, which is set for release this fall.
Y.O.U., local rock stars known by several aliases, followed Kicks with an impressive set showcasing their mastery of any genre they tackle. Displaying a more laidback sound and style than their fans might be used to seeing, they illustrated that you don’t have to be loud to grab an audience’s attention. Seamlessly vacillating between rock, blues, jazz, and pop, Y.O.U. smoothly moved from one song to the next adding keys, horns and extra percussion on certain tracks and minimizing instruments on others. By the end of their set there was a line of fans ready to purchase their new EP, The Long-Playing EP.
Hightide Blues compounded the room’s elevated energy with their always-entertaining stage show. Going over their original set time, Blues proved that they could continue to perform if the audience was just as into it; they were. The crowd danced and sang along to many of Blues’ original songs as well as paid close attention to their new songs. Although Blues is known for being a band that has and brings a good time, on several tracks they also proved that they have the talent to establish themselves as skilled musicians. Jonathan Pears easily rotated through several instruments and managed to keep a different musical line altogether, when him and Paul McDonald played off of each other for an impressive mix of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth;” one of the top highlights of the whole night. See photos of all three bands in action.
Death On Two Wheels Calls Back Home
Atlanta natives Death on Two Wheels returned to their home city on July 24 to rock Drunken Unicorn, a venue they have played many times. Although it is not the first time they have graced the Unicorn stage or played in Atlanta this month, Wheels always manages to keep their shows as fresh and even more energized than the time before.
Wheels is one the few non-pop rock bands that can incite a dance party, and some how they always do. Tracks such as “Calling Us All Back Home” and “Sadie” can’t still the audience’s toe taping feet; usually leading to all out dance throw-downs as the tracks crescendo and intensify. Lead singer Trae Vedder’s coarse yet powerful voice drives most of the band’s sets; however, each member of the group is an equal player. It is no surprise that bands become more and more polished with time, and the tightness of this quintet’s performances are proof of their laborious touring schedule.
If you have not caught Death on Two Wheels live, you have no excuse. They will probably have another local show scheduled for fall, and be sure to catch it so you can say you saw them before they were big stars. Check out more photos of Wheels doing what they do best.
July 27, 2009
Mixtape THIS: Apes of Wrath
Why: With a name reminiscent of what could be a Mad Magazine movie spoof (Planet of the Apes & Grapes of Wrath anybody?), you will find that Apes of Wrath have a sense of humor that runs deep. Apes of Wrath have been building a following in their local San Diego for years and are planning on unleashing their brand of indie post-punk on the world with their upcoming full length debut, due in the Fall of 2009. In 2008 we received a bit of a teaser of what was to come with their self titled Apes of Wrath EP. Earlier this year at SXSW, Apes of Wrath headlined opposite Athens own Dead Confederate at the SXSW Obscure Magpie 14hr Party. Clever name aside; the crunchy guitar riffs, driving rhythms and brooding vocals will have you emphatically spreading the word to your friends about Apes of Wrath. Take the fun of Maximo Park, the rock of Queens of the Stone Age and a voice reminiscent of Joy Division's Ian Curtis and you get Apes of Wrath. With ties to Atlanta I am sure their first show here will be a sell out so keep an eye out for when that happens; Mixtape Atlanta will be your source for those details. In the meantime if you find yourself on the west coast, looking for a good time, here are 4 guys who are ready and willing to make that happen.
For the fans of: Music you want to listen to while driving 150mph in a high speed chase*.
Add this song to your Mixtape: "Death Train" from Apes of Wrath EP
*We here at Mixtape Atlanta do not condone any actions which lead you into a high speed chase; only the selection of proper music for such occasions.
July 24, 2009
Please Rock Y.O.U.'s new EP
You don’t often hear the term “detail oriented” applied to rock groups; however, the members of Please Rock tackle each project with such fine-tuned attention it is no surprise that Y.O.U.’s new EP is more complicated than it first appears. The Long-Playing EP actually contains 13 tracks, 5 new and 8 bonus tracks of previously released Y.O.U. material. It is in the new tracks, which are a nice preview to their upcoming 2010 full-length album, that will leave you impressed, scratching your head, and not being able to get them out of your mind. Y.O.U.’s attention to being so vaguely detailed in their lyrics makes their songs such a joy to listen to and fun trying to decode.
On first listen, the opening track “Firefly” might come across as a delightful, childlike song about the electric bug. However, after repeated plays you discover it is actually deeper than that because it could easily be used to describe summer loves, volatile relationships, outgoing spirits, or an ode to the popular vodka by the same name. Lyrics such as: “Oh my firefly/ I wish I could light up like you,” will bring a smile due to the bounciness of the music and lyrics, but also for trying to figure out what is the true reference.
Nicholas Niespodziani’s clear vocals also help to objectively deliver each track and further add to the solving the mystery. “Going Down Swinging” seems like it should be about standing by a relationship; however, the word “love” is never actually sang. Instead lyrics like: “Storms like these have tried to knock out our city/ but our power never came from our walls” make the song a fitting revolutionary call. While lyrics: “It’s a tough time to come up so empty/ It’s a strange time to be starting out/ but it were going/ then we’re going down heavy/ without a doubt,” can be applied to starting bands, dreams or life on ones own.
If two songs from an EP can prompt this over 350-word review, the final LP cannot come soon enough. Come check out Y.O.U. live this Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar and pick up your very own copy of The Long-Playing EP, you won’t regret it. Mixtape Atlanta is giving away tickets to the show so send your name to [email protected].
Add this track to your Mixtape: “Going Down Swinging” makes you want to pick up a poster and rally for a cause.
Catch the Tide this Saturday at Smith's
Hightide Blues headlines an amazing lineup, including Y.O.U. and The Four Kicks, at Smith's Olde Bar this Saturday and Mixtape Atlanta wants to make sure you are there. We are giving away several pairs of show tickets with copies of Hightide's recent album Love Come Easy. Enter now by sending an email with your name to [email protected]. Also visit the band's website to download their new song "Please Believe Me." See you at the show!
July 23, 2009
Return of The King
Mark your calendar now for one the year’s not-to-miss events. August 14 and 15, Mike Geier and The Kingsized Orchestra with Dames Aflame return to Variety Playhouse for their stunningly unique tribute to Elvis Presley. If you haven’t bought your tickets for Paul McCartney’s show at Piedmont Park on August 15, save some cash and invest in a cozy seat at Variety to witness the magic of The King. After all, where would The Beatles and Rock n’ Roll be without Elvis? Get your tickets now!
July 22, 2009
Mixtape THIS: YahZarah
Why: YahZarah’s not the usual “Neo-Soul” songstress –she’s HOT! She’s an artist who invokes memories of the greatest soul artists of the past. Her sultry, soulful vocals have been undeniably recognized in groundbreaking musical compositions with global renowned artists such as Erykah Badu, Little Brother, and Nicolay. She’s also been featured heavily on The Foreign Exchange’s latest album Leave It All Behind. This DC born, North Carolina residing songstress is the infusion of Tina Turner, Parliament and Minnie Riperton. On her latest release The Ballad of Purple St. James, she blends sexy with soul and kicks it up a few notches to high intensity funk.
For fans of: Music that is so good you can taste it; music that is sexy, melodic, and overflowing with soulful sensations.
Add this song to your Mixtape: "Orbit"
-Ina Claggette
July 21, 2009
The All- American Rejects Dominate Turner Field
After July 18’s Braves game, everyone was treated with a special concert performance from The All-American Rejects, who took over Turner Field. The band came to the stage in style by riding on the back of two convertible sports cars. Before hitting the stage, lead singer Tyson Ritter hyped up the crowd by rolling around in Turner Field’s trademark bright green grass and attempting to playfully hide from the camera that was projecting him on the JumboTron.
Once onstage, Ritter embraced the stereotypical rock star idiosyncrasies by taking off his shirt, dancing on stage, singing directly to the camera, and acting out whatever crazy antics came to his mind. The band was scheduled to only play twenty minutes, but instead performed a full set lasting over an hour. Everyone sang along to their 2005’s hit singles, “Move Along” and “Dirty Little Secret”. The band also had fun playing with the lyrics from “Swing, Swing" adding in the words: "the notes are old, this song is too.” The Rejects also played their latest single “Mona Lisa Smile” from their newest album, When the World Comes Down, and ended their set with "Gives You Hell." Check out photos of the rock stars overtaking Turner Field here!
July 20, 2009
All Get Out Gives Their All
South Carolina based All Get Out is no stranger to performing in Atlanta. Last fall they were frequent Atlanta performers sharing bills with Manchester Orchestra, Ponderosa, and others. On July 17 All Get Out returned to Atlanta closing out an exciting lineup at Vinyl featuring Gasoline Heart and Rova Zetella. Luckily for the other bands, All Get Out went last; because following lead singer Nathan Hussey’s passion would have been an impossible task.
Hussey’s clear falsetto danced along the band’s southern infused rock hits as the crowd bounced along to each track. The guitar laden and well harmonized “Water and God” is always a standout that should make similar bands like Band of Horses and Manchester Orchestra envious. As the set progressed so did Hussey’s intensity and the amount of veins pulsing out of his neck. By the time they ended with the emotionally wrenching “Let Me Go,” Hussey looked exhausted and the audience was in awe.
Often times a crowd can hear a band’s intensity, but with All Get Out you could clearly hear and see every ounce of passion this talented quartet gave. Don’t miss their next Atlanta performance, you won’t regret or forget it. See Mixtape Atlanta's concert photos.
Hey Monday Heats Up Masquerade's Hell
One of the worst feelings as a performer is when your equipment goes out and you are unable to be heard or hear yourself. One of the ultimate tests of a great performer is how they handle such a situation. Hey Monday’s Cassadee Pope passed such a nightmare with flying colors at their concert July 16 at Masquerade’s Hell, solidifying her place as a consummate performer even at such a young age.
Shortly after Pope took the stage solo only armed with her acoustic guitar to perform “6 Months,” her microphone and amps went out. Not wanting to loose the energy the band had worked so hard to gather throughout their set, Pope ditched the mic and moved closer to the crowd where she led them in a sing along. While the concert upstairs rivaled for the sound in the room, Pope never lost the audience’s attention and she never missed a note. Considering the song was already the slowest of the night, it would not have been surprising if it was completely inaudible due to Yo Momma’s Big Fat Booty Band performing above. What was amazing was how hard Pope and the audience worked together without instruction to raise their voices above it all with Pope even providing harmony.
As if on cue, as soon as Pope strung the last chord to "6 Months" the power came back on in full force. The rest of the band joined her onstage and they rocked out with full power to close the night with “How You Love Me Now.” The term “hot, young talent” is thrown around a lot to describe developing bands, but Hey Monday is truly about has hot and talented as you get. Check out all of the excitement in the night’s photo gallery.
TONIGHT: Brian Bonz travels 'From Sumi to Japan' to Vinyl
Brian Bonz and the Dot Hongs debut album From Sumi To Japan cannot easily be classified by the categories often used to define an album, and that is not a bad thing. Is the album enjoyable? Yes. Recommendable? Yes. What type of music is it? No idea.
Japan is the type of album that grabs your attention, but not because of a particular hook or beat. It draws you in because of the mood it invokes, which in this case is comforting warmth. Although the lyrics are sometimes hard to discern they are as rich and warm as the expertly engineered orchestration.
The whole album stands stronger as a piece then any one track, although each track has its own vibe. From the opening “Two Tree Blockade’s” soaring atmosphere to the darker pop-friendly “Kid Shit” and the haunting “The Batman Song,” Japan is full of diverse sounds and tracks that effortlessly fall into a cozy soundtrack. Come see what you think of Brian Bonz’s unique sound July 20 at Vinyl when he performs with Nightmare of You.
Add this song to your mixtape: From Sumi to Japan's "The Batman Song," it's dark traveling beat will leave you torn between dancing or laying still
July 17, 2009
Mixtape THIS: The All-American Rejects
Why: Pop-Rock is not the first genre you would expect a band, who hails from Stillwater, Oklahoma, to play; however, that’s where The All-American Rejects call their home. Since their self-entitled debut album in 2003, All-American Rejects have progressed immensely. Their third studio album, 2008’s When the World Comes Down, proves that they kept their same debut charm, while maturely advancing in their music. The first single off the new album, “Gives You Hell”, is much different from 2002’s first single, “Swing, Swing”, but you’ll find yourself singing along just the same like it was seven years ago, minus the trucker hat on your head.
For the fans of: real meaningful pop-rock lyrics that will cause you to hit repeat
Put this on your Mixtape: "Breakin'" from When the World Comes Down
Don't miss The All-American Rejects play after the Braves vs. Mets game at Turner Field on Saturday, July 18. The game starts at 4:00PM and the band will start playing twenty minutes after the last out. They will also be back in Atlanta with Blink 182 at Lakewood Amphitheatre on September 29.
It’s Got Groove, It’s Got Meaning
Be a part of one of cinema’s most beloved musicals this weekend at the Plaza Theatre’s Grease Sing-A-Long. Friday and Saturday night you can relive all the fun at Rydell High with an audience full of people belting out all the popular music numbers. Don’t remember all the lyrics to “Summer Nights”? No problem! The lyrics to the hit songs scroll along the bottom of the screen, so there is no excuse not to sing along. Goodie bags will also be given out with fun props to interact with during the show and a live host will help lead the night. Prizes will be given for Best Costume, so dust off your leather jacket and poodle skirt and head to the Plaza. Get your tickets now!
July 15, 2009
Hey Monday, Hey Atlanta
Touring non-stop for almost a year, Hey Monday is showing no signs of slowing down. Hold on Tight is not just the title of their debut album, but an accurate description of the exciting whirlwind the band has been in since signing to Columbia Records last fall. Fronted by lead singer Cassadee Pope, Hey Monday encapsulates the power pop movement with high energy tracks, strong but forceful vocals, and catchy yet danceable lyrics. With a positive outlook akin to their “take on the day” band title, it is not surprising that Hey Monday has already toured with some of music’s most popular acts in an extremely short time.
“I was really stoked playing with Fall Out Boy; they are one of the nicest coolest bands,” says Cassadee Pope of her former touring mates. “I love touring with This Providence. They are all such cool guys and I’ve listened to them for years. 50 Cent was a cool, but unexpected experience too when he joined the Fall Out Boy tour for a few dates.”
Although Hey Monday has already shared the stage with some of pop-rocks staple acts like Cobra Starship, Metro Station, Fall Out Boy, and many others, there is still one act Pope would like to collaborate with.
“I would probably have a stroke if I could play a show with Blink 182,” says Pope.
Playing with Blink 182 may seem like Pope’s dream, but it is not an unrealistic one considering the band’s hard work and acclaim from fans and critics. One reason Hey Monday has proven to be more than just good ear candy is because of their high energy dynamic shows.
“We don’t just put on a show,” explains Pope. “We try to take our album and multiply it by a million and have a lot of fun onstage. It’s so awesome when you can actually see people in the crowd feel the music.”
Hey Monday’s ability to grab the audience and make them relate to songs they might not have heard of before is a talent in itself, and on their previous tour with Fall Out Boy and Cobra Starship they did just that.
What can you expect for Hey Monday’s upcoming Atlanta show?
“Expect to have fun. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun and I can’t wait,” says Pope. Who doesn’t want to have fun? Don’t miss the opportunity to see them live at the Masquerade Thursday, July 16 with The Let’s Make a Mess Tour. Get your tickets now!
Cassadee Pope’s pick for her ultimate mixtape: "Definitely Boston’s “More than a Feeling,” it’s one of my favorite songs of all time."
July 13, 2009
Jungol Boogie
Two of Atlanta’s most popular rock bands- Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun and Jungol- played before a full house at the Drunken Unicorn on Friday, July 10. Both bands have gained a solid following with their inventive rock music and consistent touring around the city.
Sun captured the audience’s attention and engagement by supplying one hit after the other. Energetic lead singer, Lauren Gibson, never cooled, stomping and dancing along to the band’s experimental pop-rock hits. If she danced, so did the audience; when she slowed down, the crowd did too. Not many performers are able to hold their audience’s attention with so much suspense, but Gibson did it stealthy yet effectively. The other band members also initiated crowd participation. Drummer Jeremy Cole led the crowd into unified clapping to supply the beat for one of the songs, which impressively enough was maintained throughout the track. Gibson also pulled several people, including Mixtape Atlanta’s Veronica Yung, onstage with her to dance to one of the songs.
The energy created by Sun was maintained by Jungol. Before taking the stage, the band added neon light tubes creating a more visual experience to their performance. Jungol also performed with intensity and passion throughout their set. See all the onstage fun from the night by checking out Mixtape Atlanta’s photos.
If you missed out on Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun's performance be sure to see them Saturday, July 18 at East Atlanta's Graveyard Tavern for Pabst's Backyard Bikini BBQ Blowout. The party starts at 3PM and admission is free!
