Mixtape Atlanta

Stellate's New Music Video Premiere

Tonight- Friday, February 26- Stellate is premiering their new music video "Sing Sing" at Hard Rock Cafe's Velvet Underground. Before you see the first collaboration between producer Kim Burdges (Mixtape Atlanta) and Rett Thompson (Rett Thompson Video), see the exclusive behind the scenes photography of the video shoot from POParazzi Photography. Check out all the photos, here. Get more information about the Premiere Party, here.

Causing Trouble

Pop Death Squad has done a solid job of creating the third Thursday of every month as a must-do in the Atlanta music scene by hosting Big Trouble in Little Five at Star Bar. The show is free (one incentive), draws a good crowd (another plus), and features bands that people in the industry and out genuinely want to see (selling point). A great example of this musical promotion hurricane was the bill on February 18.

Lera Lynn and The Wandas warmed the stage and the crowd for two Atlanta favorites and standouts. The Aristocrats, featuring James Hall, Darren Dodd, and Dropsonic's Dan Dixon and Dave Chase, played a short but powerful set of new music by a true super group. James Hall, who might as well have a bronze statue of himself outside Star Bar, proved why he is rightfully called a rock star. His wild yet controlled performance of belting, harmonica playing, dancing, and ripping down light gels, silenced most of the talkative crowd. Being the consummate performer he is, when finished he calmly took a bow, replaced the light gel, and retreated to the crowd to watch the next act.

Ponderosa was next and did not disappoint. The band, comprised of Atlanta music veterans, illustrated why they have such a devoted following. Playing familiar and brand new songs, Ponderosa solidified much of the hype that has surrounded them for the past few years; they are a talented group with a classic sound but modern appeal. They can chug a pitcher of beer onstage but not miss a chord or waver on harmony, and that makes them a rock band you don’t want to miss but most importantly-like all the greats- party with.

Check out more photos from The Aristocrats and Ponderosa, here.

Stay tuned to see what tricks the Pop Death Squad team has in store for March's Big Trouble in Little Five on March 18.

Kim Burdges

"Sing Sing" Music Video Premiere Show

Friday, February 26 come to Hard Rock Cafe’s Velvet Underground for the music video release of Stellate’s song “Sing Sing.” Produced by Mixtape Atlanta’s Kim Burdges and directed by Rett Thompson, “Sing Sing” is an electric video that captures the band’s high energy and pop appeal. Not only will attendees be the first to see this new music video, Stellate will perform as well as The Breakdown and Come Down Denver. This is an all ages show. Fun starts at 9PM. Get your tickets now!

Smith's Hosts a Great Night of Rock

Wednesday, February 17 Please Please Rock Me premiered at Smith’s Olde Bar to a crowded house ready to hear the Fab Four’s famous hits. The band members of Y O U and Yacht Rock Revue effortlessly executed The Beatles songs ranging from A Hard Day’s Night to Let It Be. The band also tackled some of the most popular covers of Beatles songs, including Stevie Wonder’s “We Can Work It Out” and Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Although you can find this talented group of musicians jamming to the best of soft rock as The Yacht Rock Revue every Thursday at 10 High and the first Friday of the month at Andrew’s Upstairs, they will don their suits and British swagger again March 31 at Smith’s for the next installment of Please Please Rock Me. Don’t miss it.

While the music of The Beatles invaded Smith’s upstairs, another group of talented musicians performed downstairs in the Atlanta Room. The Swear’s Elizabeth Elkins and Josh Baker performed acoustic sets. Baker and Elkins kept the mood light and friendly in between their solo acoustic numbers. Baker's commanding voice could easily front a classic rock band yet he manages to expertly control it so that his vocals on his acoustic songs are not over powering but just as effective.

See photos from Please Please Rock Me and Josh Baker with Elizabeth Elkins, here.

Romeo Spike at Lenny's

This Thursday, February 25, Romeo Spike will perform a long over due show at Lenny’s with Author’s Apology and Metreaux. Spike formed similar to Postal Service with band members Mike Kunz and Donn Aaron sending tracks back and forth to each other between Chicago and Atlanta. Now with all members Atlanta locals expect to hear a lot of buzz about this band, which infuses electronic rock with laidback lounge grooves and funky beats. To listen or purchase songs from Romeo Spike’s debut album, For the Cause, visit iTunes.

Take a Trance

It's been awhile since Atlanta's Trances Arc played their usual haunt The Earl, but you will not want to miss their next show. Friday, February 19 Trances headlines a killer lineup including Modern Society and The Biters. Expect to hear some songs from Trances’ forthcoming new full-length album TA, which the band recently raised over $10,000 to complete its mastering, duplication, and publicity. TA will be released later this spring, but get a taste of your soon-to-be favorite songs tonight. Doors open at 9PM and Trances will take the stage closer to 11PM. Check out Mixtape Atlanta’s photos from Trances last show at The Earl, here.

Come Together

They have been urging Atlanta to please rock along with them for years. First, they entertained you with their original hits as Y O U. Then, they made soft rock cool again with The Yacht Rock Revue. Now the guys who brought you all these music experiences are presenting Please Please Rock Me, a special Beatle-ology featuring classic tunes from the Fab Four as well as some with a twist. Please Please Rock Me debuts February 17 at Smith's Olde Bar. You'll not want to miss the start of this new venture; it's guaranteed to make you "glad all over."

The Reel Mix: The Wolfman

The Wolfman’s cinematography is proof that any film set in cold, foggy, Victorian England automatically carries an air of suspenseful mystery. Unfortunately besides some impressive yet disturbing special effects, there is not much thrill or fright in this wannabe scary movie.

The film’s plot lacks depth and regrettably the talented cast is not given enough dialogue nor character complexity to really add some intrigue to the enticing setting and background. It is always a pleasure to see Anthony Hopskins on screen, especially in a chilling mysterious role; however, there is not enough range to his character for him to explore. Benicio Del Toro effortlessly pulls off his portrayal of the dark and browbeaten Lawrence Talbot, but halfway through the film it seems like even Benicio is starting to doubt having taken the part.

Even though the transformative effects used to signal the evolution from man to monster are gruesome and frightening, the end result looks more like a cross between Teen Wolf and the gorillas from Congo. The Wolfman perfectly sets the scene for a strong period mystery; it just doesn’t deliver one.

Motion City Soundtrack is for Real

On February 8, Motion City Soundtrack returned to the Masquerade after taking over a year off to write and record a new album. Playing to an almost sold out crowd of adoring long-time fans, Motion City Soundtrack had nothing to prove; they could have shown up with matching costumes and an elaborate light show. On this tour to promote the release of My Dinosaur Life it would've been perfectly acceptable to mostly play songs from this brand new record. I wouldn't have even been surprised if they had a selection of songs set in stone for every night of the tour. But all of this is exactly opposite of what MCS brought to the stage.

The band took the stage dressed as themselves and the light show was only mediocre, but it didn't matter. They played new songs as well as crowd favorites including songs almost a decade old. Front man Justin Pierre and his bandmates had every person in the room enthusiastically singing along at some point in the 90 minute set. Musical talent and the obvious love for what they do were all that they needed to give the crowd exactly what they had come looking for, and leave wanting more. If you missed this show, catch Motion City Soundtrack with Fun at the Fabulous 40 Watt in Athens on April 20. Read Mixtape Atlanta's review of Fun's most recent Atlanta show, here. Chloe Stoakes

Setting Valentine's Day Aflame

They heated up X-Mix's photo booth with their hot looks and sizzled onstage with their dance moves for Kingsized's Elvis show; now Dames Aflame are bring their trademark showgirl act to Paris on Ponce in a new revue called "POP!". Pulling from the best Las Vegas showgirls and sexiest Paris burlesque shows, Dames Aflame have created a unique review all their own. "POP!" is perfect for lovers, friends, dates, and any one who just likes to be entertained. The Dames will perform two shows February 12 and 13 at 8PM and 10:30PM. Tickets are going fast, but can be purchased here. Also look for special guests, including Kingsized's Big Mike Geier and Dana Snyder from Adult Swim.

Smooth Cruisin'

Friday, February 5 The Yacht Rock Revue docked at their usual monthly port of Andrew's Upstairs to present the smoothest rock show in Atlanta. Before setting sail on the dance floor, many sailors and sailorettes stopped by Mixtape Atlanta's photo booth. Pick up all your cruise photos here. You can also purchase hi-res versions and prints from your voyage here.

A Special Valentine for Movie Lovers

Looking to celebrate Valentine's Day a little differently this year? On a tight budget? The Atlanta Film Festival has helped put together a fantastic FREE event for all the lovers out there...movie lovers, that is. Saturday, February 13 at noon AFF is screening the Woody Allen classic Manhattan at Midtown Art Cinema as well as a post film dessert reception a block away at Guillotine Post. The entire event is free as long as you RSVP here.

Get Into the Groove

Perpetual Groove is returning to La Fayette, Georgia’s Cherokee Farms for their eighth annual music and arts festival, Amberland. If you are looking for Memorial Day weekend plans, look no further. May 28-30, Amberland 8 will combine great music, the outdoors, and some priceless people watching. With a different theme promoted each day over the three-day festival, this will be one experience not to be missed. Although more details are still to come, it is confirmed that Perpetual Groove will perform six separate sets as well as a performance from their side project, Lazy B and The Recliners, and Brock Butler’s solo endeavor, Brockfest.

Tickets go on sale February 5 and a limited number of “early bird” packages will be available starting at $65. Tickets can be purchased through the band’s website at www.pgroove.com.

Olé!

Friday, January 29 Team Luis marked its one year anniversary with non-stop festive fun at Star Bar. Bringing the best of Atlanta music to the stage and the cheesiest of Tijuana cantina decor to the entire venue, Team Luis and Mixtape Atlanta partnered up for a crazy fun night that not many remember. If you grabbed a sombrero, chile pepper, or mustache at Mixtape Atlanta's photo booth check out photos here. If you don't recall posing for any photos-chances are you did- so you might want to take a peek too.

Check out photos from one of Team Luis's featured bands Young Orchids from their January 20 show at Drunken Unicorn here.