Mixtape Atlanta

The Law rolls into Smith's

Saturday, August 21 Smith's Olde Bar presented a showcase of pure rock and roll. Atlanta's The District Attorneys' kicked off the night with their radio ready songs combining catchy melodies and spot-on harmonies. AutoVaughn performed second turning up the volume, literally. The Nashville band has been an Atlanta favorite for years, and Saturday they proved why. An impressive combination of indie-pop, alternative-rock, and southern influence makes their songs sound effortless yet complex all at once. Adding a colorful light show to amp their performance, AutoVaughn ended their set with in true rock and roll fashion with shredding guitars and jumps off the drum set.

Knoxville's The Dirty Guv'nahs closed out the night with an intensely energetic show. In fact, so intense their snare drum broke mid performance. Frontman James Trimble attacked each song with pure abandon, while managing not to miss a note, beat, or frantic dance step. Guv'nahs is a band that needs to be witnessed live. Not only does the band get into their performance, but the entire audience let loose. This was not a crowd that lightly swayed their hips. From the stage to light board, men and women were swinging their arms and legs to each song, whether on-beat or not, people were there just to absorb and enjoy the music and it was a refreshing site to see.

See more photos from the night's performances here.

Mixtape Visits Macon

Friday, August 13 Mixtape Atlanta traveled south to cover The Blue Indian's Showcase 2010 featuring artists across Georgia as well as some bands from bordering North Carolina. The all day showcase kicked off with Atlanta natives Young Orchids. After their set and watching a rousing performance by Harvard, Young Orchids hit the streets of Macon to explore the city and Mixtape Atlanta joined in on the fun.

After the sun went down, bands continued to load in and out of The 567. Athens' Modern Skirts closed out the night with an energetic set full of songs mostly off their new EP, Happy EP.

Check out the day's photos here.

B.o.B. takes Center Stage

Saturday, July 31 HP presented a free MySpace Live concert with B.o.B. at Center Stage. With his songs dominating radio and music charts, B.o.B. is undoubtedly one of the hottest musical acts this summer. Many agree. Hundreds of fans lined up around 17th and West Peachtree Street hours before doors to Center Stage opened.

B.o.B. did not disappoint. His show was a well produced one. Like many hip hop shows, there was flair, lights, dancers, and guest stars like Playboy Tre. However, B.o.B. provided that although he can entertain and expertly rock the microphone, he is a solid musician. B.o.B. broke from the flashy norm, grabbed his guitar, and showed that he didn't need all the glitz and glamour to entertain. He performed many of hits including "Lovelier Than You," dedicated to his daughter in the audience, while the crowd continued to dance and sing along. With an audience of teenage girls to grown men all equally engaged with his music, it is indisputable that B.o.B. is more than a one-hit wonder. Let's just hope his future arena tours are free too. See more photos of B.o.B. at Center Stage, here.

Young & Restless

Since their formation in the spring of 2009, Young Orchids have quietly created a devoted following from their captivating live show performances. Even without an album in their catalogue, Young Orchids is sharing the bill with some of Atlanta’s most well-known and respected musicians as well as headlining gigs across town. At their recent show on July 29 at The Earl, the front row was singing along to just about every song.

Their underground rise has given Young Orchids an almost cult appeal and their unassuming demeanor makes their stage show and sound all the more alluring. When taking the stage they don’t announce their presence, they start playing a light crescendo of chords to bring the audience to them. What seems like a sound check warm up nicely transitions into a full dynamic set that doesn’t slow down. They are there to play for those you want to listen and appreciate their music. They won’t pester or plea with you, if you’d rather stand in the back and chat. But why would you? They want you as a fan but their recruitment process is easy; just listen to the music.

Young Orchid’s sound is a blend of British rock and classic pop strained through a skewed filter to produce a hypnotic batch of songs that you can’t turn away from or ignore. The sexy relaxed music and lyrics of “Daysleeper” call to mind the comforting tranquility of Santo & Johnny’s 1960s instrumental classic “Sleep Walk.” Meanwhile, “Hey Marshall” has ignited dance floor riots from the first rumbling drum beat.

This band does not just play their songs, but they illustrate the way in which they should be consumed from their vigorous onstage performances. They are fervent, rowdy, and utterly rock ‘n roll. While onstage, you’ll not be able to look away from lead singer Kyle Gordon’s spirited swagger, Michael Kai’s anchored control of guitar and background vocals, bassist Matt Debusschere’s musical and physical sparing with Gordon, and drummer Tak Takemura unswerving concentration.

Although their first album will not be released until this fall, see them live at The Star Bar on August 20 with Miniature Tigers and Lera Lynn. Check out photos from their Earl performance with Moonlight Bride, here.

Kim Burdges

Warped Tour 2010

July 26, Vans Warped Tour 2010 cruised into Lakewood Amphitheater for its yearly stop. Mixtape Atlanta covered all the action from in-front and behind the stage. Check out our concert photos! We also caught up with Warped artists to find out on a sweltering summer day, what song would they include on their ultimate summer mixtape?

Hey Monday
Alex Lipshaw- The Starting Line's "A Goodnight's Sleep"
Jersey Moriarty- Jason Derulo's "Ridin' Solo"
Duncan Johnson- Brandon Flowers's "Crossfire"

The Rocket Summer
Bryce Avary- "Hills and Valleys" by The Rocket Summer, because it's about enjoying where you're at and where you're going, and Archers of Loaf's "Web in Front."

The Drownout
Jason Jones- "Ruby Soho" by Rancid

Sum 41: Rolling Stones' "Happy," because we're really, really happy.

The Cab
Alex DeLeon- "Cooler Than Me" by Mike Posner
Alex Marshall- "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem

Breathe Carolina
David Schmitt- "Hold On" by Rusko

Mayday Parade
Derek Sanders- "Tell Me Where You Are" by Hit the Lights and "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" by Four Year Strong

Ionia: "Day Trader" by Ionia, "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys, and "Red Sky" by Thrice

Anarbor
Mike Kitlas- "My Life Be Like (Ooh Ahh)" by Grits, because it's a good song to chill to.

Tip the Van: Alkaline Trio's "Crimson," The Ataris' "Boys of Summer," Phoenix's "Lisztomania" and "Refuse the Tide" by Tip the Van

His Name was Iron:
Dutch- "Rump Shaker" by Wreckx-N-Effect
Ryan- "This is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan

Conditions
Alex Howard- "Number One Summer Jam" by Butch Walker
Brandon Roundtree- "Night of the Creeps" by Recover

AM Taxi
Adam Krier- "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vandellas

The Summer Set
Brian Dales- "Oceans" by The Format

After Midnight Project
Spencer Bastian- "Always Strapped" by Birdman
Christian Meadows- "Nuthin But a G Thang" by Dr. Dre
Ryan Folden- "Camaro" by Kings of Leon
Jason Evigan- "Hanging Tough" by New Kids on the Block

The Secret is Out

The Rock Yourself to Sleep Tour brought There For Tomorrow, The Secret Handshake, Sing It Loud, and Every Avenue back to the Masquerade on July 16, 2010.

For most of these bands this was the average tour, they played new songs mixed with the old, but for The Secret Handshake this tour was the start of something new. As the band took the stage fans began requesting the names of their favorite songs, but band leader Luis Dubuc informed us that night was going to be a little different. Every song that he and the handshakes played that night was an unreleased track from his new album Night and Day, which will be released on August 17. Last year while recording he decided to ditch his old style and to let himself be influenced by the style of artists like Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.

Although his main goal is simply to make music that made people feel good, Luis has encountered a lot of negative feedback from people at venues at other spots on the tour. So much so that he seemed surprised by way the Atlanta crowd accepted the new songs and danced along. It was hard not to, when even the entire band was swaying back and forth in unison. The songs were cheerful and will appeal to a wide variety of age demographics. As hard as it to believe that such cheerful music could elicit a negative response from anyone, it won’t stay that way for long. The old fans that cannot get over the new sound will soon be largely outnumbered by the new fans that will appreciate it.

Chloe Stoakes 

Steel Train Rolls into Drunken Unicorn

On July 13, 2010 Steel Train returned to Atlanta to play for a small, but enthusiastic, crowd at the Drunken Unicorn.

Just the day before the band had an experience that most bands can only dream of achieving. They had driven from Florida to New York to perform on Late Show with David Letterman and then immediately drove all the way back to the south. But exhaustion didn’t keep them from giving Atlanta all they had, and they played just as hard as the night before when they were trying to win the favor of four million people across the nation.

This was one of the last stops on their headlining tour promoting the recent release of the self titled full length album. Steel Train has been playing together for years, but with this new record comes a new sense of maturity. Jack Antonoff's voice has become more polished and the musicianship on stage has become more professional. The fun-loving group of friends that used to play were entertaining, but the devotion to the new songs was impressive.

Steel Train was self-recorded, self-released, and self-financed after the band dropped Drive-Thru Records last year. All the effort to get the music out seemed to create an attachment to the new songs that is both visible in the live performance and audible in the recordings. Each song is an adventure. They are the kind of songs that you want connected to your next major memory. “Fall Asleep” will mend many broken hearts and “You and I Undercover” will set many hearts aflutter with the excitement of new romance.

There are no scheduled return dates yet, but I highly recommend attending the next Steel Train concert if you can. Check out some photos from Steel Train's show at Variety Playhouse with Tegan and Sara earlier this year, here.

Chloe Stoakes

Endless Trance

Saturday, July 17 Highland Ballroom was the place to be for Trances Arc's Endless Summer CD Release party for their new album TA. The Ballroom was packed! The band had a much deserved amazing turnout of fans and fellow artists that crowded the venue. Members of Ponderosa, Y O U, and Dropsonic also joined the guys on stage for a couple energic, sweaty, passionate performaces. Mixtape Atlanta's summer themed photo booth was also a popular destination. Check out all the photo booth fun in the video below set to Trances Arc's "Boom City" off TA. Pick up your photos here (You can also purchase hi-res versions of your picture here.)! Buy your copy of TA here!

Trances Arc Endless Summer Party Photo Booth from Mixtape Atlanta on Vimeo.

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.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings Bring It

I should have known, I should have known.

Some genres get better live; some get worse.  I love hip hop but these days it's very, very hit-or-miss live (which is sad given its roots in live performance- just shows you how far it's come from its roots).  Jazz is almost always better; electronica is often worse.  But the one genre that is almost always superior live is classic rhythm and blues.  There's a muscularity and a passion to the live performances that nearly always outpaces the recorded material.

I really like Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings' albums.  But the band's live show absolutely blows the albums away, which they demonstrated last Thursday night at Center Stage.

For those unfamiliar with the vocal stylings of Ms. Jones, suffice to say that among other things she's the best Tina Turner since Tina.  Some of the band's music pushes a more updated sound, but it's clear that their heart (and their best performance) lies in a rebirth of the funk-soul sound embodied by James Brown, by Otis Redding, and most of all by Ike and Tina Turner.  Those moments really did feel like a window into what it must have been like to be at one of the shows in the sixties by one of those great artists.

I've seldom seen a band hold a crowd so solidly in the palm of its hand.  And even in a band of ten other members, even when she brought five women up from the crowd to dance behind her, and even when the one man she brought up to dance turned out to be more than she bargained for, there was no doubt who the main attraction was- Sharon Jones herself.  Her voice is unmatchable, but her stage presence might be even more powerful.  She's a throwback in more ways than one.

Sharon and the boys even turned Janet Jackson's lightweight 80's hit "What Have You Done for Me Lately" into a rollicking funk explosion.  I'm not quite sure how they settled on that one.  But I can tell you this, Sharon Jones has just joined my short list of bands I will never, ever miss live. 

Michael Dunaway

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.

Trances’ music is a blend of catchy rock that doesn’t quite pass over the line into pop. Songs like “Tell Me Where You’re Going” from 2008’s XOXOX and “Boom City” off TA could easily be played on any Top 40 radio station, but unlike most songs dominating the pop waves these songs are more complicated. TA is full of multi-layered rock jams, which like a good movie only get better with more plays. On “Camera Gun Shy,” the band focuses their blockbuster instrumentation into a powerful crescendo that is as impacting as the other tracks, but with even more emotion. Combining interesting chord progressions, subtle but powerful harmonies, driving percussion, and clear yet textured vocals, TA is an excellently produced album that showcases impressive musicianship and classic rock with an independent spirit.

Trances Arc plays 40 Watt with Part Bear and Spring Tigers this Friday, March 5. Stay tuned to Mixtape Atlanta for more Trances Arc announcements. Check out photos of the band onstage at The Earl, here.

Kim Burdges

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

A Whole Lotta Shaking

Ice covered the ground and temperatures never got above freezing, but plenty of Elvis fools rushed into Variety Playhouse January 8 and 9 for Kingsized's annual Elvis Show. Big Mike Geier's commanding stage presence and powerful voice honored the King of Rock 'n Roll's classic catalogue, while the Dames Aflame heated up the stage with their retro moves. For photos of Kingsized and Dames Aflame's Elvis performances, click here.

Weekend Blues Cure: Photos and Free Music

Atlanta’s 2010 concert calendar started off with a great lineup of artists performing at local venues this weekend. Alabama natives and Nashville residents Hightide Blues returned to Smith’s Olde Bar’s stage with their energetic well-seasoned hybrid of rock, country and classic jam band style grooves. While Blues is working on their much anticipated new album, download their last EP Love Come Easy off the band’s website. Also check out photos from their concert last Friday here.

Death on Two Wheels’ shows are known for being riotous in the best definition of rock ‘n roll and Saturday night was no exception. The Atlanta band was joined by former bandmate Mike Williamson for their show at 529. If you have yet to make it to one of their performances, what are you waiting for? To make sure you are fully ready for the next Death on Two Wheels show download their The Past & The Present EP here. See Death on Two Wheels’ latest concert photos here.

X-Mix 2009 Rewind

Saturday, December 19, Mixtape Atlanta invaded Star Bar for the first annual X-Mix 2009. The popular Little Five Points venue was packed with an energetic crowd ready to hear some great music and celebrate the holidays. DJ Patrick Scott provided danceable hits between bands and kept spinning into the early morning hours for the ain't-no-stoppin' partiers. Club Awesome kicked off the live music portion of the event followed by special holiday performances by Renegade Jane, Trae Vedder (Death on Two Wheels), Nick Niespodziani (Yacht Rock Revue, Y.O.U.), and a fantastic collaboration between Corinne Lee (Snowden) and James Hall. Headliners The Greater Vavoom got everyone on the dance floor with their electric set full of their signature funky, pop, rock hits. Dirty Pollyanna closed the onstage performances with a dynamic couple songs that were a present to everyone. While the music and fun never stopped upstairs, Santa kept it questionable with the Dames Aflame and other photo booth guests.

Check out all the upstairs insanity and concert photos here. For all the downstairs debauchery and photo booth photos, click here. Special thanks to everyone who came out and made the event such a great success for Mixtape Atlanta, Songs for Kids, and Toys for Tots.

Yacht Rock Docks at Variety

On Friday, December 18, The Yacht Rock Revue sailed past usual venues 10 High and East Andrews to perform before a sold-out crowd at Variety Playhouse. The local Sultans of Smooth brought their trademark style, moves, and soft rock standards to entertain an energetic crowd for nearly three hours. The core bands members, special guests, and a vibrant stage design transformed the Little Five Points landmark into a Las Vegas style show that never dulled. Generous audience members that donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank got a special yachty, holiday photo in Mixtape Atlanta's photo booth. Check out photo booth and show photos here.

Switchfoot Changes It Up at Center Stage

As Switchfoot takes the stage at Center Stage on November 24, Jon Foreman, the front man, is missing. The band starts playing the first tune off their newly released album, Hello Hurricane, and after a lengthy intro, the spotlight finally shines in the middle of the aisle. The crowd turns as Foreman sings the song from the back of the room, while fans huddle nearby. As the band blasts through the opener, Foreman makes his way down the aisle, straight through the fans crowding at the pit. It's a trick that's been done before, but its sole purpose is not to test the acoustical effects of singing from the back of the room, it's an attempt to relate to the audience. Switchfoot does this well, and uses this method not only at the beginning of the show, but ventures through the mass of people several times throughout the night. It doesn't come off as cheesy or phony; the band really wants to see the fans and is not satisfied with playing to a dimly lit, dark mass of people.

The whole show totaled just over two hours of music, with no opening bands. This can be a somewhat risky undertaking provided the band is not prone to acid-induced jamming. To go about the feat, Switchfoot played through Hurricane, from top to bottom, and then played through older material. Sonically, the band provided a near mirror image of the new record, having everyone operate as a multi-instrumentalist, with parts for accordion, mandolin, shaker tambourine, cannon toms, cowbell and Beach-Boy-tight vocals to boot.

The second set was kicked off with an audience choice, after the band asked the majority of the audience to sing their favorite before they started playing. The audience belted "Company Car," from 1999's New Way to Be Human and Switchfoot followed, guns slinging, looking excited to play an old tune. From there on, the set list read mostly like a greatest hits album, spanning singles and catchier tunes from 1999 and forward.

The band's energy was entertaining; the definition of rock n' roll nonetheless. If there was something to step, jump, or climb on, chances are at least two of them did. They gave the crowd plenty of chances to prove that they knew all the words to the tunes, even going as far as to say that Atlanta had been the best crowd all tour. Hearing them perform the new record side-by-side with the older hits proved to be a Switchfoot history lesson, illustrating that they've come a long way in their almost fifteen year career. Their present is looking better than their past, and their future as performers, not just songwriters, looks...well...entertaining.

Hot Mess at The Tabernacle

The OP Presents Tour brought Cobra Starship and Boys Like Girls back to Atlanta on Sunday, November 18 along with supporters Versa Emerge, A Rocket to the Moon, and The Maine.

As lead singer Gabe Saporta mentioned, Cobra’s drummer Nate Novarro is from Atlanta so the band has always been popular here, but the success of the band’s recent album, Hot Mess, brought a large number of new fans. The enthusiasm of the people packed into The Tabernacle was reflected in the band’s performance. Saporta has always promised to make you dance, but has admitted he’s not the strongest vocalist. Sunday night however, both were true. Saporta brought all of his talent along with his usual puzzling balance of humility and arrogance. Cobra’s set-list ranged from their very first song “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)” to the singles off of Mess, and all the favorites in between. It was the best Cobra Starship performance in Atlanta to date.

Next to take the stage were headliners Boys Like Girls. After taking time off to record and release a new album, the boys were back and full of energy. Lead singer Martin Johnson’s smooth moves appealed to the hyped up crowd and continued the momentum of an already great show. Opening with their new single “Love Drunk” it was evident that they have matured as musicians and have more top 40 radio hits on the way.

If you missed Cobra Starship, you can catch them at Star 94’s Jingle Jam on December 17 at the Gwinnett Arena. Get tickets! See more photographs from Cobra Starship and Boys Like Girls concert, here. 

Chloe Stoakes

Mute Math Causes "Chaos"

Fresh off of a much buzzed about performance at VooDoo Festival in New Orleans, Mute Math took to The Tabernacle stage on November 6 and did not disappoint. Playing hits mostly from their current album, Armistice, and their previous self-titled release, Mute Math impressed and downright dazzled the crowd for over two hours. Kicking off their set with “The Nerve,” “Backfire,” and “Chaos,” the band proved that they didn’t have to hold back their hits to keep an audience. With every song the audience grew more engaged and the musically diverse quartet more energetic and inventive.

For “No Response,” drummer Darren King played the songs ambient rhythm section on the back projection wall while following tracking lights. Not only do the four members of Mute Math fully commit to their primary instruments, but if you blink they are expertly playing another instrument or switching stations with a band mate. Originally from New Orleans, Mute Math played the Atlanta circuit many times including Smith’s Olde Bar. Lead singer Paul Meany paid tribute to their early Atlanta shows by dedicating “Stare at the Sun” to the famous Smith’s. Usually encores are just a continuation of a concert and very rarely top what has been done previously; however, Mute Math definitely saved the best for last. Although they started their encore with the calming melody of “Pins and Needles,” the stage was quickly transformed for their final song “Reset.” The band used every piece of equipment to make their symphony. These were clearly the kids that destroyed pots, pans, and anything else to make noise, although their “noise” is always in tempo and sounds completely amazing. While Meany did summersaults over his piano while playing it, King dissembled his drum set, and used Meany’s piano as his “new” drums. Not limited by the stage, band members jumped into the crowd and even received help from the audience playing their instruments. For the ultimate bow, King placed his bass drums in the trusty hands of his fans, climbed on top of it, and fell blindly backwards into their supporting arms. See Mixtape Atlanta’s exclusive photography from Mute Math’s concert including openers As Tall As Lions, here.

Kim Burdges

Paramore Creates a Riot at The Tabernacle

On October 27, tons of teens flocked to The Tabernacle for Paramore’s sold out concert. The audience, dominated by mostly young girls attempting to imitate lead singer Hayley Williams every style choice, took time to warm up. Michigan’s The Swellers kicked off the night with their punk-rock songs. Even though lead singer Nick Diener was visibly sick, the band pulled together to not only assist him with vocals but deliver a solid performance. The Paper Route followed with their unique indie- synch sounds. Although they put on a dynamic performance, their styled stage performance and sound did not seem to fit into the mostly teen punk lineup.

By the time Paramore took the stage, any hesitation their audience might have had about connecting with the earlier acts disappeared. At just 20 years old, Hayley Williams dominated the stage and engaged her audience until the final song. Singing their popular hits from past and current albums, Paramore proved that their energy and influence is here to stay. Check out our photos of the concert here.