Wednesday, March 31 The Whigs return to The Late Show with David Letterman stage for the second time in their career to promote their new album, In The Dark. Tonight also marks the first night of their new tour. Although it doesn't look like the Athens trio will play Atlanta, they are scheduled to play Athens' 40 Watt with Band of Skulls on Thursday, April 8- get tickets! Read Mixtape Atlanta's interview with The Whigs' bassist Tim Deux here.
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March 31, 2010
SXSW 2010: Saturday, March 20
As SXSW came to a close on Saturday, the best showcase was saved until last with the 3rd Annual 40 Watt Party. Converting every available space at Side Bar into a performance area, 40 Watt managed three stages all with dynamic lineups that ran smoothly and on time. Although the weather was blustery and cold, many braved it and little seemed to care as the crowd imbibed in drinks and dancing.
Spring Tigers were the first to perform on the only indoor stage, while Lera Lynn took to the partially covered outdoor stage and Modern Skirts kicked off the main stage. Performing first is never an easy task, but Skirts’ show came off effortless and polished despite the freezing temperature. The Athens quartet played several new songs off their upcoming third album, increasing enthusiasm and buzz for its release. J Roddy Walston and The Business continued their SXSW string of performances with another exciting, high-energy spectacle.The Whigs, who have been on a non-stop promotion whirlwind for their new album In the Dark, reveled in playing on their hometown stage. Although The Whigs are known for their invigorating performances, the band held nothing back as they packed their set with back-to-back hits including “Kill Me Carolyne” and “Like A Vibration.”
While The Whigs began their set, Ponderosa finished up on the outdoor Jerry Fuchs Stage. The Athens/ Atlanta rockers played a solid set full of original hits infused with classic southern rock appeal and their signature swagger. After the official 40 Watt party wrapped up, many returned to Side Bar for a late night dance party to let loose and celebrate the end of an amazing festival. DJ sets by Black Dominoes and Washed Out kept the crowd dancing until the early morning. Check out all the 40 Watt Party photos here!
Kim Burdges
SXSW 2010: Friday, March 19
Although Atlanta artists played many showcases throughout SXSW, on Friday they all converged onto one: We Put the A in Austin. Producing a diverse lineup of mostly hip-hop and rock acts, We Put the A in Austin benefited from an awesome lineup, a unique two-story club layout at the Light Bar, as well as a frequent open bar courtesy of Belvedere Vodka. Weapons of Audio (formerly Futureshock) and Hollyweerd got the party going downstairs, while alternative acts like Mermaids, The Judies, and indie songstress BOSCO performed on the rooftop. Spree Wilson and The 54 also performed on the roof with their mixture of rock and hip-hop beats. Frequent SXSW performers Ocha La Rocha rounded out the rock diversity on the upstairs stage, while The Falcon Lords made sure everyone was having a good time by dancing with the crowd. Check out all the photos from We Put the A in Austin here!
Kim Burdges
SXSW 2010: Thursday, March 18
Even though J Roddy Walston and The Business reside in Baltimore, they have performed several times in Atlanta, most recently including Star Bar, and they are always met with a warm reception. In Austin, the crowd was red-hot for all of The Business’ sets. During their performance at Red Eyed on Thursday, there was minimal chatter or bar lines. As soon as they walked onstage, the dispersed crowd quickly huddled to the front of the stage and stayed mesmerized for the band’s entire set. The room was amazed and astonished at what they were witnessing- a true rock and roll band. Between J Roddy Walston’s attack of the piano with clawed like hands or bassist Zach Westphal’s pulsated neck and intermediate head thrashing, The Business is the type of authentic Americana rock act our parents bragged about seeing in the 1970s. Even actor Colin Hanks’s eyes seemed to dart around the room as if to say, “Does anyone else see this?!” He was not alone. At several of The Business’ shows throughout the week, that seemed to be the general consensus: shock, awe, and pure enjoyment.
Austin is known as the live music capital of the world and it is easy to see when live music venues are created everywhere. The foyer of The Pita Pit served as the venue for Atlanta’s Mack Messiah performance featuring Young Orchids’ Kyle Gordon on drums. Proving that he really is everywhere, Atlanta nightlife staple, Kenny Crucial lead his band to a short energetic show, which drew a crowd from passersby.Thursday night, several of the week’s biggest showcases played out at different venues across town featuring quite a few Atlanta and adopted Atlanta artists. BMI took over Maggie Mae’s for a killer showcase that occupied both floors of the venue with some of SXSW’s most buzzed about artists. Aslyn set the bar high with a strong performance and large devoted crowd. She played many songs off of her recent album The Dandelion Sessions, including “Trying to Drive,” a duet with Zac Brown that she performed just as powerfully solo, and “Wally,” a bouncy yet emotionally charged powerhouse of a song. As Aslyn wrapped her performance downstairs, The Rocketboys took to the stage upstairs. With vocals reminiscent of Pictures and Sound’s Luke Reynolds, The Rocketboys produce an interesting mixture of piano driven hits that are ambient yet make an impact.
While the BMI Showcase continued to produce noteworthy artists and draw a crowd of fans trying to enter, The Favorite Gentlemen and Ticket Alternative party got under way at the picturesque The Belmont. Considering many of the southeast’s most promising artists are signed to Favorite Gentlemen Record Label, their joint showcase party with Ticket Alternative was a hit. All Get Out and Death on Two Wheels played their second shows at SXSW and managed to increase their energy and stage presence. Harrison Hudson, Winston Audio, and Shotgun Lover also performed on the blockbuster bill. Check out ALL of Mixtape Atlanta's photos from Thursday- including stage and party pics- here!
Kim Burdges
SXSW 2010: Wednesday, March 17
Wednesday morning the slightly crowded streets of Tuesday became packed with the overnight influx of bands and fans. Most of the day shows kicked off around noon and BMI’s Austinist Day Party at Mohawk was a must attend. South Carolina natives and frequent Atlanta performers All Get Out was one of the first performers to take Mohawk’s outdoor stage. Surviving initial technical difficulties and lack of sleep, the boys from Charleston played a solid set of old songs and new ones from their soon-to-be-released LP. One of their new standout songs, “Lucky Bastard,” is the perfect mixture of a driving beat and catchy chorus, including the repeated “I wanna go home,” that shows a significant lyrical and musical maturity. All Get Out's new stuff will help them solidify their established fan base as well as gain new ones. Vancouver’s Yukon Blonde followed All Get Out on the outdoor stage and they had enough easy rock licks and folk groove to make these Canadians come off with a pure Americana sound.
Although many Atlanta artists dominated the bills at venues up and down the popular 6th Street, it was great to see local artists out and about supporting their fellow hometown musicians. Members of The Constellations, Young Orchids, and Ponderosa were in attendance to watch Death on Two Wheels’ first SXSW performance of the year on the rooftop of the Blind Pig Pub. Playing a full set, which included mostly songs from their last album Separation of Church and Fate, those that knew the songs sang along and those that didn’t gobbled up copies of the band’s albums at the front of the stage so they would.On the other side of town at The Lustre Pearl, which is part gutted house and part posh bar, The San Diego Hoe-Down showcase got under way. Pearl rocked with performances by Steve Poltz, Transfer, and El Ten Eleven and the promise of free beer and tacos. Although no free tacos were found, the west coasters did deliver on their beer promise.
Since Wednesday was also St. Patrick’s Day, many fans choose booze over bands but luckily there were still plenty of music to be heard. Tigercity brought their hybrid of easy rock and hipster disco beats to the swarming rooftop of Paradise and instantly helped heat up the chilly night temperature with their dance provoking hits. Leaving the stage all together to join the dance party, lead singer Bill Gillim and bassist Joel Ford, invaded the crowd for their final song “Are You a Sensation”.See all of Wednesday's photos here!
Kim Burdges
SXSW 2010: Tuesday, March 16
Even before the official music portion of South By Southwest started, many musicians, industry insiders, and fans crowded a few showcases on Tuesday night. BMI welcomed artists and VIPs to their 10th Annual “Howdy Texas” Happy Hour at Stubb’s Bar-B-Que. Although mostly known as a BBQ joint, Stubb’s would host many of SXSW’s most anticipated shows including She & Him, Broken Bells, Muse, and The Walkmen. Across the street from Stubb’s, bands such as Brazos andCartright, warmed the stage and speakers at Club Deville for Tugboat Hustle’s Freaks Meet Folks party. A few blocks from that, Paste Magazine and PureVolume prepared for their own celebration.
Paste and PureVolume’s Kickoff in Austin Party at the PureVolume House signaled the beginning of all the powerhouse showcases SXSW has become known for. Although the crowd’s high energy (thanks to the open bar) and intriguing venue led to the promise of an entertaining night, the laidback, mellow lineup of Joshua James, Johnny Flynn, and Jakob Dylan & Three Legs featuring Neko Case caused the mood to fall flat. The Wallflowers’ lead singer, who is known for catchy writing and hooks, gently rocked his audience to sleep with songs from his new project, Three Legs. Even the addition of the talented Neko Case could not wake the sleepy mood Dylan had created. However, across town the audience at Zynga’s Fader Fort party was wide-awake and inciting dance riots due to the lively performances from Atlanta’s The Constellations and Metric.
Kim Burdges
March 30, 2010
March 26, 2010
Photogs on Parade
You’ve seen them a concerts, events, bars, and in the streets always with a camera. Now see what they see through their professional photographic eyes. 4th Ward Heroes presents "Working Class Heroes" photo exhibit at Mint Gallery on Saturday, March 27. Get a rare up-close look at the talented work of some of Atlanta’s hardest working photographers. Check out photos from Erik Dixon, Jessica Howell, Lynn Taylor, Matthew Smith, and Mixtape Atlanta’s own and POParazzi Photography founder Jessica Lewis! Jessica will be showcasing photos from Mixtape’s recent trip to Austin for 2010’s SXSW Music Festival. Come out Saturday and support these talented photographers that always make us look good and beautifully document our city and times. The opening reception lasts from 8-11PM, including music from Judi Chicago’s DJ Baron Saturday, and the exhibit runs through April 10.
It's Bacon Time!
It’s that time of year to consume copious amounts of bacon and beer for charity. This Saturday, March 27 Bacon-Fest returns to Dad’s Garage from 1-5PM. The annual fundraiser benefits the non-profit improv and theatre company and is always a good time. Not only will there be bacon, but plenty of bands will be performing to entertain you while you chow on some cured meat. Those scheduled to perform include Weapons of Audio (formerly Futureshock), Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, and a special DJ set by Judi Chicago's Baron Saturday. Dad's Garage’s house bands The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded are also scheduled to make appearances. Tickets range from $45-$15 and are selling fast. Get tickets now! Mixtape Atlanta will also be at this event taking photos, so get ready to pose with some bacon!
March 23, 2010
March 19, 2010
March 12, 2010
DO NOT Miss The Judies
Friday, March 12 4th Ward Heroes and Team Luis have compiled an impressive lineup of artists to celebrate The Judies’ highly anticipated new self-titled album release. J Roddy Walston and The Booze, who have each been receiving recent buzz, will both take to the stage with their own unique blend of retro pop rock before the band of the night performs.
The Reel Mix: She's Out of My League
The race is to be this year's The Hangover officially begins this Friday, March 12, when She's Out of My League rolls into movie theaters. Jim Field Smith's romantic comedy traces the ups and downs of a relationship between beautiful and "perfect" Molly (the stunning Alice Eve) and the not-so-beautiful and decidedly-less-than-perfect Kirk (the hilarious Jay Baruchel). An unusually strong ensemble cast headed by Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad, 27 Dresses) rounds out the film, and that bench strength is adds real depth of the film. There are literally a dozen secondary but significant characters, and they're each sketched out well. That's a rare accomplishment. Leading man Jay Baruchel, too, is a rising comedic star (he's also currently starring in How to Train Your Dragon), and is winningly funny here.
But it's Alice Eve's wildly charismatic performance that carries the film. She's the enthusiaistic breath of fresh air the stale genre has been missing since Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary, a film that's a much more apt comparison to this one. She is, of course, one of the most beautiful women you'll see on screen this summer, but it's so obvious throughout the film that she's having such fun, and that's infectious. She's also a classically trained actor, and that training and experience show in her flawless comedic timing.
It's certainly not family-friendly and not all the jokes work, but I laughed out loud quite a bit, and that makes it a top-shelf comedy in my book.
Michael Dunaway
March 11, 2010
Mixtape Atlanta is Taking Over Austin
Mixtape Atlanta is heading west to Austin, Texas to report, photograph, promote, and party at South By Southwest Music Festival. Most importantly we are going out to support Atlanta artists and no other event will showcase them better than We Put the "A" in Austin. Mixtape Atlanta has proudly joined the lineup of local sponsors hoping to make this show the most fun of the week. We Put the "A" in Austin is Friday, March 19 at Light Bar from 2-7PM. It is FREE, open to the public, includes an OPEN BAR from 2-4PM, and performances from some of Atlanta's most promising bands. If you have Twitter, RSVP here to be included on the guest list. If you don't tweet, RSVP here. Get a special preview of bands set to perform by downloading a FREE We Put the A in Austin Preview Mixtape, here.
March 10, 2010
Friday Night Fever
Friday, March 5, The Yacht Rock Revue brought disco back to Buckhead with a special edition of their monthly Andrew's Upstairs show by performing a special set featuring the music of The Bee Gees. From "Jive Talking," "Nights on Broadway," and "Stayin' Alive," Yacht Rock had the crowd spinning and swaying to the classic disco hits before transitioning into their other smooth rock standards. Many disco goers stopped by Mixtape Atlanta's special disco photo booth before they put on their boogie shoes. Pick up your pics, here. Don't forget you can purchase hi-res, prints, and merchandise of your photos, here.
March 09, 2010
Shamrocked
March 6, A Social Mess took over Park Tavern for Sham (Yacht) Rock Irish Fest. Making the most of the year's first warm sunny day, thousands dressed in their greenest attire flooded Park Tavern and Piedmont Park for speciality drinks, a performance by Yacht Rock, and an ice slide. Check out all of Mixtape Atlanta's photos, including the crowd, band, and one slippery slope, here.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a FALCON!
March 4, The Falcon Lords celebrated the release of their new CD, Straight From The Center of Their Volcano Lair, at Star Bar. The superhero trio donned their signature costumes to stop crime, perform music, and take photos with fans in Mixtape Atlanta's superhero photo booth. Check out all the falcon-tastic photos, here. Also read Mixtape Atlanta's album review of Straight From The Center of Their Volcano Lair, here.
March 08, 2010
Get the A to Austin
Help get an amazing roster of Atlanta bands to Austin's South By Southwest festival so they can perform in the locally organized We Put the A in Austin showcase. Tonight Monday, March 8 head to D.B.A. Barbecue for $1 Yuengling drafts and delicious food. The guys from Esperanza will be guest bartenders and they are graciously donating all of their tips to the cause. All money raised tonight will go to a fund to help cover gear, travel, and other costs associated to getting Atlanta bands to South By Southwest. Ocha La Rocha, one of the bands on the We Put the A in Austin showcase, will also perform at D.B.A. Keep the weekend fun going tonight and grab your friends and head to D.B.A. for delicious food, cheap beer, good music, and an awesome cause. Bar opens at 6PM.
March 03, 2010
Trances Arc Still Got It Going
February 19, Trances Arc returned to The Earl’s stage for a dynamic performance. Although the band has played The Earl numerous times over the years, February’s show was full of new enthusiasm and polish. As the band prepares the release of their much-anticipated full-length album, TA, their own anticipation of bringing new live music to their fans was palpable. Each member of the band radiated enough energy to power an arena much less the backroom at The Earl. Perhaps what makes Trances' shows a must-see is the fact that the band has as much fun as the audience. Even lead singer Eric Toledo, couldn’t suppress a smile no matter how hard or high the vocal. Trances may come off as a rowdy rock band, but their live and recorded performances show there is a lot of heart behind that party.
