Last night, DIGATL Circus landed at Star Bar. While the bands were busy performing upstairs, Mixtape Atlanta was downstairs snapping photos. View and download your DIGATL Circus photo booth photos, here. Special thanks to The Voice of Saturn and 4TH Ward Heroes for the specially designed masks.
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October 29, 2010
October 28, 2010
Mask Yourself
DIGATL Circus has arrived! 4TH Ward Heroes and Mixtape Atlanta's FREE electronic masquerade party is TONIGHT at Star Bar. Music starts at 9PM with Cousin Dan followed by Fly Golden Eagle, Shitty Candy and The Circus Peanuts, Machines Are People Too, and The Falcon Lords. The Voice of Saturn will be DJing all night so come prepared to dance!
Mixtape Atlanta will be photographing this special event with a photo booth and crowd shoots. 4TH Ward Heroes will also be giving away the ultimate DIGATL Circus accessory: masks designed by The Voice of Saturn. So come early, snag a FREE awesome mask, get your photo taken (new profile photo!), and stay for a night of fantastic music and dynamic performances.
October 28 | STAR BAR | 9PM | 21+
October 27, 2010
Sara Bareilles Reigns at Variety
Sara Bareilles is mostly known for her catchy, radio friendly, pop hits like “King of Anything” and “Love Song.” However at her recent Variety Playhouse performance, she proved what the sold-out audience already knew- this lady has talent. Backed by a full band as diversely talented as her, Bareilles effortlessly switched between piano, guitar, and ukulele all while never missing a note in her perfect alto to mezzo-soprano range.
Beginning her show with the track “Vegas” from Little Voice, Bareilles rattled off many of her bouncy hits including “Uncharted,” “Love Song,” and “Gonna Get Over You,” in which she was joined by opener Holly Conlan. Bareilles put her talent for songwriting and catchy melodies on full display as well as showing her likability by frequently interacting with the audience. However, Bareilles’s talent was truly highlighted in her execution of her slower, less commercial tracks. Performed back to back, “Hold My Heart” and “Basketcase” (both off of her new album Kaleidoscope Heart) might’ve slowed the pace, but their simplicity and emotion showcased Bareilles’s control of her voice and her ability to covey relatable raw emotion that resonated with everyone in attendance. Bareilles was joined by another one of her openers, Greg Laswell, for a striped down cover of Radiohead’s “Nice Dream.” Some artists tend to loose their audience once they slow the tempo, but for Bareilles’s audience they seemed all the more drawn to her.
When Bareilles returned to some of her more upbeat songs the audience was right there with her to sing along. For “King of Anything” and “Fairytale,” the crowd sang more of the songs than Bareilles and she seemed impressed by their enthusiasm and accuracy. By the time Bareilles finished up her set, there was no doubt that although we may know her songs from the radio, she is a must-see live to appreciate all her talent.
Kim Burdges
October 25, 2010
Let's Get DIGATL!
The Falcon Lords are headlining DIGATL Circus this Thursday (October 28) at Star Bar. 4TH Ward Heroes and Mixtape Atlanta are presenting this FREE unique electronic masquerade party that is the perfect start to the Halloween weekend. Known for their flashy ensembles and catchy superhero anthems, The Falcon Lords are one of Atlanta's most entertaining performance/ rock/ pop /earth-saving power groups. If you haven't seen them live, you'll not want to miss their performance on Thursday.
The Falcon Lords will not be the only ones pulling out all the stops at Star Bar. Also adding super wattage to the bill are Machines Are People Too, Shitty Candy & The Circus Peanuts, Fly Golden Eagle, Cousin Dan, and a special DJ set by The Voice of Saturn.
STAR BAR. 9PM. 21+. BE THERE!
Symmetry Live with Anoop Desai & Kevin Rowe
Thursday, October 21 BMI presented another musical showcase in their monthly series at the W Downtown's Drinkshop. This month showcased British singer-songwriter Kevin Rowe and American Idol alum Anoop Desai. Check out some photos from the intimate evening of music, here. Be sure to stay tuned to Mixtape Atlanta for upcoming Symmetry Live showcase coverage.
October 21, 2010
Anoop, There He Is
Every month, BMI and W Downtown team up to present an intimate music showcase known as Symmetry Live. This month, Anoop Desai and Kevin Rowe are the spotlighted performers. Although they are both talented, raising, young artists, many are already familiar with Desai from his stint on season eight of American Idol. From his emotional audition to his sixth place finish on the popular talent show, Desai always maintained a strong legion of fans and accolades from the famous judges.
Now with the release of his first album, All is Fair, it is easy to see that all the buzz surrounding Desai is valid. Mixtape Atlanta recently spoke with the talented performer about his upcoming Atlanta show, what he learned from American Idol, and how mixtapes inspired his latest album. You’ve seen him perform on television, now see him in person at Symmetry Live on Thursday, October 21 at W Downtown’s Drinkshop; the event is free admission and 21+.
Symmetry Live is a very intimate setting. Do you like being that close to your audience or does it make you a little uneasy?
I love being up close to everyone. I’ve done a lot of shows at clubs and smaller venues and I always enjoy it. These songs all mean something to me and I love being able to talk about them; each time onstage it’s different.
Have you always been this open as a performer or is it a style you have developed?
This LP [All is Fair] has some of the first songs I’ve ever written and they all come from a very intimate place of mind. They are inspired by a lot of people in my life and experiences so I want to share as much as possible. It’s amazing to write a song about my life and have someone apply it to their life. Listening to a song is truly universal.
Which songwriters have inspired you the most?
I was very fortunate to work with my best friend David Mikush on the album. We share a lot of the same musical sensibility. It’s always great to write with friends and I hope continue to write with friends more in the future too.
How has the response been to touring since the release of All is Fair?
It’s been great, because all the fans from American Idol are all over the place promoting my shows. We’ve also been visiting radio stations and promoting the single [“All is Fair (Crazy Love)”] and the response has been good. I love performing in front of people and that’s really the best advertising.
Did American Idol help you with your vocal or performance training?
In terms of performing, the vocal coaches at American Idol helped me a lot as a singer and artist and there are still some exercises I do today that carry over. As for a performer, all of the Idol performances are based on performing to a camera, but I did learn a lot from the Idol tour and playing big arenas.
What do you think of the two new judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez?
I’m sure it will be a different experience and will feel weird because Simon [Cowell] has been there forever. People have watched the show for so long and the contestants always change but from the audience perspective the judges were always the anchors.
Do you watch American Idol at all?
I try to catch it whenever I can. I miss it a lot because I’m usually running around touring, which is a good thing.
If you were making your ultimate mixtape, what one song would you have to include?
“If I Ever Leave You Baby” by Donny Hathaway would have to be on there. Actually, mixtapes kind of inspired All is Fair. I was in a relationship, where things just weren’t working out, and I created a playlist of songs to remind me of this girl as a way to get over her. I then took a lot of the elements from those songs that I liked and created my own. There is a common theme in my music and it’s mostly about self-vindication. “If I Ever Leave You Baby” has a little of that to it, but it is so guttural too. He is begging and pleading, and you can feel his emotion decades later.
Kim Burdges
October 19, 2010
MEGA Madness
On November 5, a new superhero named Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) invades movie theaters. Before he hits the big screen, the blue wonder stopped by the Georgia Aquarium for some MEGA fun and to pose with fellow young superheroes. Mixtape Atlanta was on site to capture all the excitement. Check out all the event photos, here. To purchase photos click- here.
Megamind hits movie theaters nationwide on November 5.
October 15, 2010
DIGATL Getdown
At the beginning of October, we told you to stay tuned for some exciting news and here it is! Mixtape Atlanta is teaming up again with 4TH Ward Heroes for one of this month's most exciting Halloween parties on October 28 at Star Bar. DIGATL Circus is an unique electronic masquerade event combining intoxicating visual elements with infectious live performances. Don't miss The Falcon Lords, Machines Are People Too, Shitty Candy & The Circus Peanuts, Fly Golden Eagle, Cousin Dan, and a special DJ set by The Voice of Saturn. Doors open at 8PM and music will start right at 9PM, so get there early. Plus, it's FREEEE!!!
Special thanks to our sponsors Mindzai Creative, Nao Media & Consulting, Nao Live, The Silver Tongue Online, and The Voice of Saturn for helping to make all of this possible.
October 13, 2010
October 11, 2010
October 08, 2010
Jimmy Eat World Feasts at Center Stage
On September 21, the always-amazing Jimmy Eat World returned to Atlanta to play Center Stage in support of their seventh full-length album, Invented.
Although Invented hit stores a week later on Tuesday, September 28, the band previewed many of the songs at Center Stage. After over a decade of chart-topping hits, it is amazing that Jimmy can stay true to the style that they started with. In writing this album they borrowed from their strengths from past albums and musically stuck with powerful and catchy guitar melodies. They worked with producer Mark Trombino, who has helped them capture and highlight their talent from the beginning. However, they tried something new lyrically with this release. Most of the lyrics were created by inventing story lines for two books of untitled photographs. This balance of new and old creates fresh songs with a familiar feel. With this combination of comfort and novelty, it is no wonder the band has developed a cult following.
At the Center Stage show, the band made every song look effortless to perform regardless if they had played the song ten times or at every show for ten years. They were gracious every minute on stage, giving every song everything they had. Despite the show being sold out, the level of excitement from the crowd at Center Stage was very underwhelming. And even though it had been almost exactly three years since they last played Atlanta, the only songs that seemed to catch the audience’s attention were the biggest radio hits.
We recommend listening to the closing track on the album “Mixtape” (for obvious reasons), and we also recommend that you make it out to the next Jimmy Eat World show!
Chloe Stoakes
October 01, 2010
Public Enemy Report from Center Stage
Military Intelligence Dossier- HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL!
Date: 14 September 2010.
Place: Center Stage, Atlanta GA USA.
Target: Public Enemy (Chuck D, Flava Flav, Professor Griff, and collaborators).
Atlanta connections: Local hero DJ Lord, "The Dwayne Wade of the turntables" in the words of Chuck D, currently touring as DJ for the group. Rival Entertainment.
Distinctive traits:
* Beat- Driving, relentless. The very soul of social/military mobilization.
* Instrumentals- Dense, layered, sophisticated, with samples drawn from an encylcopedia knowledge of funk, soul, pop, and rock. The Bomb Squad is responsible for some of the most intricate and creative orchestration in the history of pop music, let alone hip hop.
* Lyrics- Socially conscious, often militant. Staggeringly intelligent. In the history of hip hop, only KRS-One is Chuck D's equal as a teacher/philosopher. And only Ludacris rivals Flava Flav for comic relief.
* Performance- Stunningly energetic, especially given the age of the two main subjects (D and Flav). In a genre plagued by mediocre live shows, Public Enemy reminds audiences that hip hop began as a live performance medium.
* Crowd reaction- Mesmerized, energized, inspired. Highly mixed in age, class, and ethnicity.
* Highlights- The first live performance in over a decade of "Terminator X to the Edge of Panic" as well as the entire album, Fear of a Black Planet on its twentieth anniversary. Plus, of course, "Fight the Power," the greatest hip hop anthem of all time.
* Status- Immortals of hip hop.
* Recommended action- Proceed without delay to secure tickets for next encounter with the Enemy.
