BMI hosted another impressive lineup at Vinyl on August 27 at their Rock Showcase. After their equally impressive June showcase, BMI is demonstrating their gift at selecting the best range of talent in the south. Singer songwriters William Gibbs (backed by Kevin Heuer on drums) and Micah Dalton serenaded the crowd with their Americana rock while Modern Skirts and Heypenny electrified with their own unique sounds. The Modern Skirts have gained increased popularity with their recent album All of Us in Our Night, and their live performances are even more entertaining then their recording. Beginning their set with drummer John Swint laying a steady beat with a strapped on bass drum before switching to his set, the Athens natives infused their more laid back hits with infectious live energy. The Modern Skirts’ comfort onstage and their catchy songs had the entire crowd taking note; proving that this band might soon be dethroning The Whigs as Athens’ newest “It” band. Heypenny had the difficult task of following Skirts, but held their own. Outfitted in matching trench coats and backed by singers and a horn section, Heypenny entertained with their pop-rock songs as well as some covers including, Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”. Check out more photos!
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August 31, 2009
Dancing the Night Away
Two of the 1970s most popular bands, Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago, pulled out all the stops for their August 25 concert at Chastain Amphitheatre; proving that after 40 years of touring these bands can still put on a pleasing show. EWF is celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band that helped define disco music and continues to be popular on the dance floor. Their performances of hits “Shining Star,” “September,” and “Sing a Song” had the diverse audience singing and swaying to the beats.
Fellow Chicago, Illinois natives Chicago also entertained with familiar hits from their 42 year catalogue, including “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and many others. The jazz infused rock band, including several founding members, never lacked energy or missed a note. Even without popular former frontman, Peter Cetera, the remaining band members switched lead, on songs sharing remarkably similar powerful vocals. The nearly three-hour concert proved that good music is truly timeless, especially under the star filled Atlanta summer sky. Check out more photos from this inspiring night of music.
August 27, 2009
BMI Showcase Spotlight: Heypenny
Mixtape Atlanta talks with singer/ songwriter Ben Elkins of Heypenny about their music and upcoming set at the BMI Rock Showcase tonight, August 27, at Vinyl.
Mixtape Atlanta: The story of your personal musical development is an interesting one. You started out with more of a jammy sound, then moved into more indie rock influences. How did that happen?
Ben Elkins: It happened in Chattanooga.It was just me back then, and I wanted to get some people to play with me, but little did I know that the jammy thing wasn’t what people were interesting in doing any more. And I didn’t have any idea about all the really amazing indie music going on. I just wasn’t clued in to any of that. And my friend Chris and a couple of others starting passing recordings off to me, like The Shins record and The Arcade Fire, and I saw the Wilco documentary, things like that. There were a couple of years of a really great music scene in Chattanooga. I was on the outside observing it, but definitely was influenced by it and got more interested in simpler rhythms, finding something good and pounding away at it. I used to think that a song has to be changing all the time, and tricky and impressive and wowing people. But when I sat down at a piano and played one chord over and over for awhile, that felt better to me.
MA: On your first record, you played a lot of those instruments yourself.
BE: Yeah, that was like a real growing stage for me. And then, when the record was done, my whole goal of my life was to put together the right band. Kevin, our guitar player, was on board from the beginning. He’s kind of the closest guy to the project, and always has been. The two of us went through lots of bass players and drummers, but now we’ve got this super solid core four-piece. We love playing with each other. Then there are about six other people, depending on how many horns and backup singers we go with. And they’re starting to become a more important part of the band too, so it’s kind of this big monster. One show we did recently at Mercy Lounge in Nashville, we had fifteen people on stage.
MA: You ‘re going to be The Polyphonic Spree before long.
BE: (Laughs) Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised. It just works really well with the music. It’s a big sound. Vocally, especially, there’s usually 5-6 vocals on the recording, and it’s really magical to do that live.
MA: Who are you bringing down to the show tonight? What kind of sound can we expect?
BE: A little horn section and two backup singers, so there will be eight of us. We have our new uniforms too.
MA: Uniforms?
BE: Yeah, we have these insane outfits we wear. It feels like 80% of being in this band has nothing to do with music. We’re always working on costumes or sets or whatever. For our EP release, we did this huge night here in Nashville. We had artists painting these 8-foot tall canvases based on the coloring book that we released the record in. That’s how we like to do it, we like you to know from the time you walk in the door you know you’re at a Heypenny show. If we had the means we’d cook Heypenny food too. We want it to be a whole experience.
MA: A full-senses extravaganza.
BE: Exactly. I don’t understand why more bands don’t do that, put on an actual show. I mean, you’re on a stage. And with all the history of people putting on shows on stage, I think you’re missing out on a lot if you just go out there like you’ve just stepped out of an Abercrombie and Fitch catalog.
MA: Okay Ben, what song would have to be on your ultimate mixtape?
BE: For me I’ll go with "American Tune" by Paul Simon. For Kevin, "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty.
Watch Heypenny's "Cop Car."
Heypenny - "CopCar" from Paper Beats Rock on Vimeo.
BMI Showcase Spotlight: Modern Skirts
Mixtape Atlanta talks with singer/ songwriter JoJo Glidewell of Modern Skirts about their music and upcoming set at the BMI Rock Showcase tonight, August 27, at Vinyl.
Mixtape Atlanta: Last year’s All of Us in Our Night was a little bit of a departure from Catalogue of Generous Men.
JoJo Glidewell: Well, it had been four years since Catalogue of Generous Men, and we kind of felt trapped a little bit by that first album. So the theme of the new record is us trying to break out of that and push into new territory as a band. And I think it has the qualities and the faults of that process.
MA: Did that play itself out sonically, lyrically, or in other ways?
JJG: I think both. The lyrics were a little bit darker than the first album, which was such a happy, poppy thing, especially lyrically. And this album was a lot more serious, a lot more… I don’t know, complicated maybe? And the music expressed that too, although that was less deliberately.
MA: You have this great reputation as being live show legends in Athens. How were you able to retain that live show energy while playing this new music?
JJG: Well, when we play our songs a lot more energy naturally flows into the songs. At first we were careful about what songs we played off that record because we didn’t want it to be too much of a downer show. But when we got to playing those songs, that live energy gave a new life to those songs that took them to a different place from the record.
MA: You’ve gotten some big shout-outs from REM’s Mike Mills. You’re his favorite Athens band, right?
JJG: Yeah, that was one of those things that kind of made my head pop. He randomly came to see us play one night, and it was dark and I couldn’t see who I was talking to. And then he introduced himself, and I realized who I was talking to! He told us how much he liked us, and then a little later at an awards show he dropped our name and said some very nice things about us. Then we had the opportunity to work with him – he produced one of the tracks on our album, and we got to go over to Amsterdam and open up for REM. It’s been a rewarding relationship for us.
MA: Okay JoJo, what’s your favorite track for your ultimate mixtape?
JJG: I’m actually making one of those right now for a friend’s birthday! One of the songs I can’t stop listening to is The Walkmen’s “Another One Goes By.” I usually listen to that one three or four times in a row. Another one that always finds its way onto mixes I make is “Elephant Girl” by Blonde Redhead.
Add this track to your mixtape: "Soft Pedals" from All of Us in Our Night
'Winning' Director/Producer Linda Burns
Tonight at 7:30PM, the inspiring documentary Living is Winning screens at The Carter Center as a part of 2009’s Docufest. Mixtape Atlanta had the privilege of speaking with the film’s director and producer, Linda Burns, about her journey to bring the amazing true story of tri-athlete Andrew Johnson to the screen.
Mixtape Atlanta: How did you find such a great story?
Linda Burns: It really came from my co-producer Jeff Keating, who has been Andrew [Johnson]’s best friend since fifth grade. I had been working with Jeff on his Fight Night script. Andrew was doing a triathlon is Coeur d’Alene Idaho, and Jeff was watching with his friends and thought “This could be my next film!” He told me about it, I agreed and signed on, and we went from there.
MA: You’re known primarily as a producer; what made you decide to direct this time?
LB: No, I AM a producer. This is my one and only time as a director! (laughs) Well, I had filmed the races, and I knew what Jeff wanted creatively and I translated that so that the cameras got what we needed. And I knew I was going to be doing a lot of the interviewing; we got to the point where we said, “Well, I’ve directed everything so far.” And having done production for 15 years I knew I could shape the story quickly and efficiently. So I kind of became “Director By Default.” And you know, I think the process has made me a much better producer. I now will be able to support my directors so much better, having had this more rounded experience. Even though it almost killed me.
MA: This was your first documentary film. How different was it from doing a narrative film?
LB: That’s a really interesting question. Especially since documentaries today do follow a similar structure to narrative films. And they often do it better – I’d say 90% of the narrative films I screen are horrible, but 90% of the documentaries are fantastic. I’d say the biggest difference is struggling to get what you want. In this case, I had this guy with an incredible ego who didn’t like to talk about failure and struggle. And what’s a sports doc without failure and struggle? I didn’t want to make this kind of leukemia movie of the week. So I had to really work to get to the dark side of the story.
MA: What are people most struck by in the film?
LB: Well, people go in thinking it’s a bleak sports doc, but they’re surprised by the humor in it, and by how upbeat it is. There’s a real takeaway- to use Drew’s line- that “the only limitations we have are those we put on ourselves.” And you know, to see that this guy has gone through all of this, and still has such a positive attitude, it’s amazing. It’s like every time he gets kicked in the teeth, he gets up, slaps some new ones in, and jumps back in there. And that’s a story people need to see, especially in times like these.
After the screening mingle with the filmmakers at the film’s after-party at Artmore Hotel's Studio Bar and Lounge.
BMI Showcase Spotlight: William Gibbs
Mixtape Atlanta talks with singer/ songwriter William Gibbs about his music and upcoming set at the BMI Rock Showcase tonight, August 27, at Vinyl.
Mixtape Atlanta: You’re based in Greenville, South Carolina, but where are you from originally?
William Gibbs: I was born in Troy, Alabama, but ended up in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and finally here in Greenville.
MA: Tell me about how you got started playing music.
WG: When I was fourteen, I shattered my leg and I was laid up in bed for a little bit. So my Mom went up into the attic and found this old guitar and gave it to me just for something to do. So that’s where it all started. But I’ve only been doing music full-time for just under a year now.
MA: How would you describe your sound?
WG: Well, Pitchfork called it “pop Americana,” and I think that’s fair. My goal, though, is to do whatever’s best for the songs I’m fortunate enough to record. So I end up with a lot of different sounds, and I try not to worry too much about cohesion. I’d rather have a good song than have it fit really neatly into some pocket.
MA: Will you be playing solo on Thursday [at BMI Showcase]?
WG: It’s usually me and Kevin Heuer on drums. Sometimes we’ll have a rotating cast of third members, but it’s usually at least the two of us. We’re not trying to be the White Stripes or anything; this is just what a four-piece looks like during a recession. But we get a pretty big sound with just the two of us.
MA: Last question, what song would you have to include on your ultimate mixtape?
WG: That’s tough. Maybe the Brigham Young University Choir’s version of “Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing;” that’s one of the more moving pieces of music I’ve ever heard. That or Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin'.”
Add this song to your mixtape (and listen to it below): "Darling, You Were Beautiful Once" from My Fellow Sophisticates
August 26, 2009
Fall for Trances Arc
Atlanta rockers Trances Arc return to The Earl Friday, August 28, with Autovaughn and Plain Jane Automobile for a not to miss night of music. Although Trances have performed at The Earl countless times and even shared the stage with Autovaughn before, they never tire or disappoint. The group has currently been hard at work on their next album, TA, to be released early next year. They also have plans for a regional fall tour, including some dates with Autovaughn. Check out their recent music video for their hit "Birds Collide" off of their album XOXOX. Tickets for Friday's Earl show are only $8, so get them now!
After the Show, It's the After Party
After watching some of independent music's most talented rock acts at BMI's Atlanta Rock Showcase at Vinyl on Thursday, August 27, come party like a rock star at the official after-party. BMI is hosting a free after-party at the W Atlanta Downtown's Drink Shop from midnight to 2:30AM with drink specials and special acoustic performances from Modern Skirts, Michael Tolcher, and Heypenny. If you haven't purchased your tickets for the Showcase, get your tickets now!
'Winning' Doc Returns to Atlanta Thursday Night
Ever run across a true story and think, “Now, THAT would make a great movie!”? I have to imagine that was the case with Living Is Winning, the 2009 Atlanta Film Festival Audience Award winner, which screens again this Thursday night at The Carter Center as part of Docufest. It is the story of Drew Johnston, a lifetime elite athlete, who is forced to pull out of an Ironman triathlon with a leg injury, only to discover that he has Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. The story of what he decides to do thereafter is nothing short of incredible.
Rather than retreat to a restful recovery, Johnson decides to double his efforts and return to triathlon competition. The Ironman triathlon competition. While undergoing chemotherapy. Yes, you read that correctly.
The documentary tells the story not only of his decision and the ensuing struggles to reach his goal, but also of the years that led up to that moment, both professionally and personally for him. It’s amusing to watch him recount his initial antipathy, as a champion professional cyclist, to triathlons and especially triathletes (who are apparently disdained by serious cyclists – who knew?). And the film is well shot, with some great themes (endurance of will, physical training) and scenery (Hawaii, hello?).
Interestingly, Johnston doesn’t emerge as a universally likeable figure. Inspiring, yes. Admirable, yes. But he has an unusual blend of humility and cockiness, and not everyone will be attracted to him. However, I can’t imagine there’s anyone who won’t be moved by his story. Apparently AFF audiences resoundingly agreed.
See Living is Winning Thursday, August 27, at The Carter Center at 7:30 PM. After the film part with the filmmakers at Artmore Hotel’s Studio Bar and Lounge.
For ticket info and to see the trailer, go to the Docufest page for Living is Winning.
August 25, 2009
Fleetwood Mac & Cheese?
Atlanta musicians David Berkeley and Micah Dalton have joined forces to create ATL Collective, which brings together different musicians on a monthly basis to cover a classic album. This month a roster including Besides Daniel, Berkeley, Dalton, and others will tackle Fleetwood Mac's iconic Rumors. Fox Bros BBQ is providing macaroni and cheese and Danneman's Coffee is hosting this creative event. The music starts at 8PM and cover is $10.
East Atlanta Strut Lineup Announced!
The lineup for the East Atlanta Strut on September 19th in the East Atlanta Village has just been announced! They will also have an artist market, 5k, parade, and a kids area. The best part is that the event is FREE! Check out the schedule below:
99x Graveyard Stage (West)
12:20 - 1:00 Stooge Brothers
1:20 - 2:00 The Hot Rods
2:00 - 2:30 PARADE
2:30 - 3:00 Battle of the Marching Bands
3:00 - 3:30 Parade Award Ceremony w/ The EntropyFunk EAV Allstars
3:30 - 4:10 The EntropyFunk EAV Allstars
4:20 - 5:10 Gravediggers
5:30 - 6:15 East Ponce Soul Faction
6:45 - 7:30 Deadtowners
8:00 - 8:45 Steadlur
9:00 - 10:00 The Constellations
92.9 Dave FM Slush Fund Stage (North)
12:00 - 12:40 Wallbangers
12:50 - 1:00 Uncle Daddy and the Kissing Cousins
1:00 - 1:20 Queen and King of the Strut
1:20 - 1:45 Uncle Daddy and the Kissing Cousins
2:00 - 2:50 Tag Team
3:00 - 3:40 Part Bear
4:00 - 4:40 Loyd's Rocksteady Revue
5:00 - 5:40 The Judies
6:00 - 7:00 Connor Christian & Southern Gothic
7:20 - 8:20 The Empties
8:40 - 9:40 Dropsonic
August 20, 2009
The Drownout on Tour
Atlanta indie- electronic rockers The Drownout begin the first of their fifteen show tour tonight in Charlotte before continuing onto cities like New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, and others. The band will end the tour in their hometown of Atlanta on September 19 at Vinyl. Get tickets now! For a preview of The Drownout's intoxicating sound, listen to their hit "High Waters" off 2008's Paper Trails and Binds.
August 19, 2009
Mixtape THIS: Heston
Why: Heston is one of the hottest new artists in the indie soul scene. This British West Indies born singer-songwriter has a vibe that is a throwback to the best of 1970s mellow soul. He combines excellent storytelling with melodic grooves to produce thought proving and smooth music. His sound is heavily influenced by artists such as Elton John, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, and Bob Marley. These people were pivotal in his development as a songwriter and a singer. This influence can be heard on his latest album Storyteller, which has helped launched him into global success.
For the fans of: Music that takes you on a love high, evoking sensuality, like a lovers teasing caress, relaxing minds, healing broken hearts, a soulful melody that will simply leave you saying "yes"
Add this song to your Mixtape: "Radio" from Storyteller
-Ina Claggette
August 18, 2009
Don’t Skirt This Show
Athens’ Modern Skirts are just one of the impressive acts BMI is bringing you for their upcoming Rock showcase at Vinyl on Thursday, August 27. Nashville’s Heypenny shares the bill with their innovative Pop/Rock and William Gibbs and Micah Dalton represent the best in modern songwriting. Get your tickets now!
August 17, 2009
August 14, 2009
Paul McCartney Still Amazes
Before Sir Paul McCartney rocks Atlanta’s Piedmont Park this weekend, he played New York Mets’ new Citi Field Stadium in Flushing Meadow, Queens. McCartney’s return to Queens was somewhat historic considering that The Beatles were the first to play the old Shea Stadium in 1965. McCartney’s recent show at Citi Field was filled with nostalgia as the rock icon played everything from early Beatles hits, mixed with lots of anecdotes about how he met George, tributes to both George and John, and how certain songs came to be, as well as his most recent hits. McCartney’s nearly three-hour show never got stodgy or dull and at 67, he still knows how to rock and pack a stadium. Check out Mixtape Atlanta’s exclusive photos from McCartney’s CitiField show here!
If McCartney’s New York show is any indication to what Atlanta can look forward on Saturday; McCartney fans are in for a treat. Sneak a peek at Sir Paul’s Atlanta set list.
In case you are unable to make it to Piedmont Park for the big show or if you want to continue celebrating Paul McCartney's catalogue after the show, head to Smith’s Olde Bar Saturday night for a Paul McCartney Tribute. Many Atlanta musicians including Christopher Alan Yates, Paul Warner, Jeremy Ezell, Emily Kate Boyd, Sanjay Kothari, and more will be performing McCartney’s hits. The Judies will also perform Abbey Road. Doors for the tribute open at 8PM and tickets are $10 or half-price with a Paul McCartney ticket stub from the Piedmont show. But, why pay for tickets? Win tickets from Mixtape Atlanta to Smith’s Paul McCartney Tribute by sending your name to [email protected].
-Kim Burdges (ATL) & Robert Krakovski (NYC)
Soul Patrol Alert
Season Five American Idol winner Taylor Hicks has been touring the country in the national production of Grease as Teen Angel, but Sunday night, August 16, he is making a special stop at Smith’s Olde Bar to perform some of his own hits. Hicks will be sharing the bill with local Atlanta crooner Ben Deignan, and it is sure to be an entertaining night of soulful rock. Mixtape Atlanta is giving away tickets to the show; email [email protected] for your chance to win.
August 13, 2009
Sticking to The Script
The Script’s debut album feels like it was written for continuous radio play; it doesn’t break any new musical ground but it expertly plays off of successful Pop-Rock molds and creates some appealing hits. Most of the Irish pop band’s songs deal with heartache and breakup, but without being overwhelming or depressing. Their catchy lyrics and rock progressions showcase The Script’s tightness as a band as well as the their solidity as one of the foremost touring acts. Lead singer’s Danny O’Donoghue voice echoes other popular rock singers of today with a smoothness similar to Robin Thicke and more power than The Fray’s Isaac Slade.
On The Script, the band incorporates several different genres into their Pop-Rock style. Songs like “We Cry” and “Rusty Halo” dabble into the R&B/ Soul arena with synthesized beats and faster vocals. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Anybody There” are well-orchestrated slower love ballads with sweeping atmospheric crescendos supported by forceful piano and steady guitar chords.
The Script has opened several times for fellow Irish natives U2 and will open for Paul McCartney’s August 15 show in Piedmont Park. Opening for these rock icons is a competitive spot that many artists would clamor for, and being on the same bill as McCartney and Bono show the amount of confidence and potential many in the music world thinks this band has. Be sure to see them live this weekend when they warmup the crowd for Sir Paul; get tickets!
Add this song to your mixtape: “Breakeven” a bouncy yet honest track about how emotions in breakups are never evenly split.
