Mixtape Atlanta

BMI Indie Rock Showcase

This Thursday, BMI is bringing an energetic lineup of Atlanta based indie rock bands to Terminal West. Magnets & Ghosts (featuring Collective Soul's Dean Roland) headline the night that also includes sets from The Romans and The Electric Sons.

Doors open at 8PM and music starts at 9PM. Tickets are $10 in advance (buy here) or $12 at the door. Uber has also joined the night's fun to make sure you party safely and in style. NEW Uber riders will receive $20 off their first ride to or from Terminal West by using code BMIShowcaseATL at signup and before requesting your first Uber. This offer is only valid on rides *requested* between 1/31 5PM - 2/1 4AM. Check out Uber Atlanta's pricing page before you ride!

Uber-ing is super easy! Just visit http://bit.ly/SVelLA for step-by-step instructions on requesting a car, and http://bit.ly/UU43vT for details on applying promotion codes. If you have any questions, please send them to [email protected].

Whynatte and Red Hare are also sponsors for the night, so grab a drink and come party with us on the dance floor for a fun night supporting local indie rock talent.

Angie Aparo at Eddie's Attic

This Saturday night catch Angie Aparo, one of the most impressive and versed singer/ songwriters of music past and current, at Eddie's Attic. Aparo is no stranger to Atlanta and often plays at larger venues like Park Tavern and Smith's Olde Bar, so it will be a real treat to see him in such an intimate venue. The performance- part of BMI's Songwriter Series at Eddie's- will also feature Danny Grady, formerly of the popular band Injected, and Chris Porter.

Doors open at 6:30PM and the show starts at 7PM. It's an all ages event, but tickets are going fast. They are currently $15 in advance, but if there are any left at the door they will be $18.

After the show, check out the after party at Colbeh on Decatur Square. They will be No.209 Gin drink specials and it is open to all 21+.

Get Your Hoodies Ready for Saturday

According to local meteorologists Saturday's weather is shaping up perfectly for the outdoor Peachtree Music Festival. With sunny skies and a high of 70 degrees, nothing quite beats fall weather and great music. One of the most anticipated acts of the festival is Memphis's FreeSol. Blending a mix of hip-hop, rap, funk, and soul this band has already gained quite the following and admiration from music industry insiders. Their debut album No Rules is scheduled for release October 11 and features tracks produced by Justin Timberlake, Jim Jonsin, Mike Elizondo, and more. No Rules will be released on both Tennman (Timberlake's label) and Interscope Records. Timberlake also directed the band's most recent music video "Hoodies On, Hats Low" and makes a cameo. Wonder if Justin will swing by Peachtree Music Festival to check out his boys live?

Check out "Hoodies On, Hats Low" below and catch these guys live on October 1 at 8:00 PM on the BMI Stage at Peachtree Music Festival. Buy your festival tickets now and save $10 with promo code "Mixtape"; get tickets!

Peachtree Music Festival 2011

Many Atlantans look forward to fall every year for the cool temperatures and amazing concert lineups that tend to come through our city. This October will be no exception. Rocktober is kicking off in exciting fashion with the inaugural Peachtree Music Festival taking place on October 1 in Midtown at 8th Street NW and Spring Street. With popular hip-hop and indie-rockers dominating the lineup, there is something in this music festival for everyone. Tickets are now on sale and if you act fast, you can save $10 using the promo code “mixtape”. Stay tuned to Mixtape Atlanta for artists updates and more information regarding Peachtree Music Festival 2011!

Confirmed Artist Lineup

MAIN STAGE
12:15 p.m. Under the Flood
1:15 p.m. Tesla Rossa
2:15 p.m. Ocean is Theory
3:15 p.m. Levi Lowrey
4:15 p.m. Stokeswood
5:45 p.m. The Dirty Guv’nahs
7:15 p.m. Civil Twilight
8:45 p.m. Shiny Toy Guns
10:15 p.m. DGAF: Dallas Austin & Corey Enemy

BMI STAGE
12:45 p.m. Aunt Martha
1:45 p.m. The Young Rapscallions
2:45 p.m. Ben Deignan
3:45 p.m. The Kingston Springs
5:00 p.m. Modern Skirts
6:30 p.m. Open Air Stereo
8:00 p.m. Freesol
9:30 p.m. DJ Khaled

SXSW 2011: Friday, March 18

Atlanta artists invaded Austin throughout SXSW, but as the final weekend of the festival started even more ATL bands pulled into town for showcases. The ATL Yeah! showcase brought a small but lively crowd out to Red Fez to see sets by Trances Arc, Death on Two Wheels, Mood Rings, Mermaids, and others. Many bands also took to the streets to make their own stages on street corners and center lanes. Lovett continued to garner even more buzz as the full 12-piece group paraded down 6th Street.

Friday night, several of the week's most anticipated showcases took place including Lost Highway Records' 10 Year Anniversary party co-sponsored by BMI. Taking place at the new ACL Live at The Moody Theatre, Lost Highway showcased their impressive roster of talent from Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears to Lucinda Williams. The night's favorite performer seemed to be Ryan Bingham's surprise set with his band, The Dead Horses.

Check out some photos from Friday's trip around town here.

Related articles:
Mixtape THIS: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Lovett at CNN Grill SXSW

 

SXSW 2011: Tuesday, March 15

The official music portion of SXSW was supposed to start Wednesday; however, many talented artists jumped the gun as amazing live music performances filled venues all day in Austin. Tyler Lyle took to the stage at the CNN Grill as the first acoustic performer of the week. Lyle was quickly followed by a special acoustic act from Locksley, and a still buzzed about performance by duo The Civil Wars.

Several blocks away, Mister Heavenly- featuring actor Michael Cera on bass- performed at one of SXSW's most unique attractions, Carousolar. Powered by General Electric, the Carousolar was fueled by solar power and provided a unique space/ ride to power up dwindling cell phones.

BMI kicked off their week of music showcases with their annual Howdy Texas Happy Hour at Stubb's BBQ featuring Gary Clark, Jr. and Dale Watson.

As the sun went down, the amps heated up at the CNN Grill as J Roddy Walston and The Business and Ponderosa rocked the downstairs stage with pure Americana rock.

Check out photos from CNN Grill, Carousolar, BMI's Howdy Texas Party, and more, here.

Related articles:
Scott Pilgrim vs. Atlanta
J Roddy Means Business

BMI Rings in the Holidays

BMI hosted their annual Holiday Party on December 9 at Halo Lounge. The festive soiree brought out top music industry influentials such as Dallas Austin, Devyne Stephens, and Sean Garrett as well as local tastemakers. Mixtape Atlanta snapped photos all night at the red carpet/ holiday photo booth, see all photos here.

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.

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

 

AthFest 2010

AthFest 2010 kicked off Thursday, June 24 with The Flagpole Music Awards at the Morton Theatre. Flagpole has been the must-read magazine for Athens’ vibrant music scene for years, but the live show didn’t quite live up to the interesting content found on its pages. Opening act and award showhands, Mr. Blank’s Carnivale of Black Hearts set an eccentric vibe to the show but the longwinded performances and lack of in-house award recipients made the initial excitement quickly fade. Chris Patton and TJ Edmond did a fine job of hosting and were the perfect hometown emcees for the event. However, the multiple song performances especially by Elite Tha Showstoppa and Los Meesfits made the awards show feel unnecessarily long. With the influx of excitement and AthFest goers rapidly filling the streets looking to start the weekend, the Morton Theatre and the Flagpole Awards Show felt confining.

Several blocks from Morton, Team Clermont and New West Records had a must-see showcase that proved to be the much-needed AthFest fire starter. Futurebirds, Roadside Graves, and Atlanta’s own Ponderosa got the crowd rocking and drinks flowing at 40 Watt for a rowdy night of rock ‘n roll. Friday, the outdoor stages started live music sets at 5PM, but thunderstorms settled above as soon as several of the most anticipated acts (Reptar, Spring Tigers, Packaway Handle Band, and Modern Skirts) took the stage. The non-stop rain and intermediate strikes of lightening created a dramatic yet enthusiastic collective mood from the crowd and artists. Although some shows were delayed and shortened, the audience stayed steady throughout. Due to increasing rain, it seemed uncertain that Pulaski Stage headliners Modern Skirts would take the rain soaked stage but they did. Not only did they perform their full set, but the rain worked to their advantage adding theatrical intensity to all of their songs, especially the newer one off of their upcoming EP, Happy 81. When the quartet performed beat driven “Bridges and Overpasses” and the closing “DUI,” rain sprayed from the deconstructed drums adding more strength to their set. After the outdoor sets finished, BMI hosted an impressive indoor showcase at The Melting Point featuring Trances Arc, Part Bear and Hightide Blues. For photos from the first two days of AthFest, click here.

Kick-Ass Photos

April 1, BMI and 99x presented a showcase featuring some great local rock bands including Trances Arc, Falcon Lords, The Orkids, and Andy Lehman at Vinyl. While superhero rockers, Falcon Lords, are no strangers to donning masks and costumes, many new superheroes were minted at Mixtape Atlanta’s Kick-Ass photo booth. Produced by Brad Pitt and others, starring Aaron Johnson, Nicholas Cage, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kick-Ass will introduce us all to a new breed of self-made superheroes. If you stopped by our Kick-Ass photo booth, get your photos here! Don't miss Kick-Ass in movie theaters April 16.

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

 

Best in Showcase

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!

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!