Mixtape Atlanta

Killer Combination at Star Bar

After playing official SXSW showcases, partying with models, and making it onto Page Six, Young Orchids are returning to Atlanta to play before what is sure to be a packed house at Star Bar. 4th Ward Heroes is presenting a FREE show on Thursday, March 22 with Young Orchids, Quiet Hooves, Moonlight Bride, and special guests Party Party Partners.

Young Orchids are also celebrating the release of their new EP, Knives. Show is 21+ and doors open at 9PM.

Lovett at 10 High, You'll Love It

Before they become one of the most buzzed about bands at SXSW, check out Lovett at 10 High on Sunday, March 13 with Young Orchids. The band is a furious circus of talent and musicianship crossing genres and even featuring some familiar Atlanta musicians. Doors are at 8:30PM and cover is only $5, so head to 10 High for night of amazing music. Trust us.

Check out Lovett's music video for the latest single "Heartattack," here.

 

X-Mix Vacation 2010

Saturday, December 18, Mixtape Atlanta returned to Star Bar for their annual holiday charity showcase, X-Mix. All proceeds from the event benefited Songs for Kids Foundation, raising more money than last year. Several barrels of toys were also collected for Toys for Tots. Partiers sipped on Whynatte drink specials (such as Gingerbread Man and Why-nog-tte), nibbled on Sugarbuzz Cupcakes, and cooled off throughout the night with King of Pops popsicles.

2010’s theme was based on the popular holiday film Christmas Vacation and “X-Mix Vacation” kicked off in grand fashion. Yacht Rock Revue made a special appearance to lead the crowd in Christmas carols and light the X-Mix stage, with drum roll and all. Young Orchids then took the stage and really got the crowd fired up. Playing just as a trio, Young Orchids kept their edgy rock hits flowing and the dueling guitars roaring. In between sets Yacht Rock returned for a special performance of the Saturday Night Live classic, “D*ck in a Box,” made popular by Justin Timberlake and Andy Sandberg.

While the upstairs revelry and rock continued, downstairs partiers crowed in to buy King of Pops popsicles and take their photo in the Mixtape Atlanta photo booth. Get your photo and check out the photo booth fun, here.

Trances Arc headlined X-Mix’s talented showcase and it was one of their most energetic performances to date. The packed house, filled with devoted fans as well as first time Trances Arc listeners, never stopped dancing or singing along. After their set, the band was greeted by impressed concert goers and new fans gobbled up Trances merchandise.

Local music legend James Hall closed out the live performances as only he could. Being the only musicians who have performed back-to-back years, James Hall and Corinne Lee performed several songs, before James returned to the stage with The Futura Bold. The Futura Bold, who have been on a hot streak of popular shows, strengthened the crowd’s energy even more. Even after the live music wrapped the party kept hopping, thanks to DJ Jack Frost and his mix of surefire dance hits.

Check out all the fun and madness of the upstairs performances and crowd, here.

It's That Time, X-Mix is Here!

Last year, Mixtape Atlanta launched our annual holiday extravaganza, X-Mix! The response was amazing. The holiday themed music showcase raised over $1,000 for Songs for Kids Foundation as well as several barrels of new toys for Toys for Tots. This year we want to raise even more for these worthy causes.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 18 for X-Mix Vacation at Star Bar. This year we are celebrating the festive frivolity of holidays with The Griswolds. Trances Arc, Young Orchids, The Futura Bold, Yacht Rock Revue, and more will be performing their catchy original tunes as well as some holiday favorites. Need a last minute gift? Any of these bands' CDs or merchandise would make even Mr. Shirley smile. DJ Jack Frost will keep the dance floor toasty with his signature party tunes.

99x is partnering with Mixtape again to help spread the word and cheer about this amazing night of music for great charities. Whynatte will help everyone stay enegerized and fesitval with some special seasonal cocktails, and Sugarbuzz Cupcakes and King of Pops will be onsite for some tasty treats. Mixtape Atlanta's photo booth will be buzzing too to make sure everyone remembers the fun.

Admission is $10 or $5 with a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. All proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation. Door open at 9PM.

 

Party Among the Young

November 12, Atlanta's Young Orchids and Nashville's Young Hines take over Star Bar's stage for a night of riotous, rock talent. Doors open at 9PM, music starts soon after, and cover is only $7. Be there!

 

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.

The Blue Indian's Showcase 2010

Skip work early and head down to Macon for an impressive showcase of regional Georgia and North Carolina bands at The Blue Indian's Showcase 2010. Modern Skirts headline the event at The 567 located at 533 Cherry Street in downtown Macon. Doors open at 2PM and Young Orchids perform first making sure to start the show right. Also on the bill: Oh Dorian [full band], Cult of Riggonia, Xavii, Junior Astronomers, Alec Stanley Seven, and Harvard. Admission is $12.

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

On The Road Again

TONIGHT 4th Ward Heroes is marking their one-year anniversary doing what they do best: organizing awesome events and promoting talented upcoming bands. Come to Star Bar tonight for a FREE show featuring Mermaids, Young Orchids, and Moonlight Bride. Raffle tickets are available at the door for some great prizes with all proceeds benefiting the performing bands and helping to fund their upcoming tours. Mixtape Atlanta will also be there providing an under-the-sea themed photo booth. Doors open at 9PM.

Young Orchids performing "You Really Got Me"

Young Orchids performing The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" on Night 9 of 500 Songs for Kids 2010 at Smith's Olde Bar.

Night 9- Rock Around The Clock

Friday, May 7 the countdown of 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time finally entered double-digits as numbers 100- 50 were performed. The Hot Rods rocked the stage with Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" and Kevin Spencer got everyone dancing with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." The Coathangers added their own punk flair to The Who's "My Generation." Rick Brantley and Sonia Leigh mostly known for their signature acoustic stylings covered two rock classics Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" and AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long." Annual 500 Songs for Kids performers Galleon! covered Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House." Levi Lowrey and Vanessa Olivarez, a frequent 500 Songs for Kids artist, calmed the full house with their peaceful yet moving version of "Amazing Grace." Young Orchids raised everyone's spirits with The Kinks' "You Really Got Me."

Check out all of Night 9's photos!

On a Roll

Have you bought your tickets for 500 Songs for Kids 2010? What are you waiting for?! Avoid having to carry cash for cover and buy your nightly tickets in advance! Purchase tickets here. Every day at noon, Mixtape Atlanta is bringing you 500 Songs for Kids updates and band announcements. Below are today's addition to the lineup as well as previously confirmed bands. You will not want to miss a night of 500 Songs for Kids' music marathon as each night musicians perform one song off of the list of 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time.

Paul Warner (April 29, Night 1)
Michael Magno (May 2, Night 4)
Please PleaseRock Me (May 3, Night 5)
The Lost Boys (May 5, Night 7)
Romeo Spike (May 6, Night 8)Previously confirmed performers:
Rantings of Eva (April 29, Night 1)
The Serenaders (April 29, Night 1)
Stellate (April 29, Night 1)
County Line Strangers (April 30, Night 2)
Dead Confederate (April 30, Night 2)
StoneRider (April 30, Night 2)
The Orkids (April 30, Night 2)
Oh Dorian (May 1, Night 3)
The Julia Dream (May 1, Night 3)
The Falcon Lords (May 2, Night 4)
The Greater Vavoom (May 3, Night 5)
Dukes of Daville (May 3, Night 5)
Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun (May 3, Night 5)
Sun Domingo (May 3, Night 5)
The Yacht Rock Revue (May 3, Night 5)
Rebecca Loebe (May 4, Night 6)
Weapons of Audio (May 5, Night 7)
Dirty Pollyanna (May 5, Night 7)
Sam Thacker (May 5, Night 7)
The 54 (May 6, Night 8)
The Swear (May 6, Night 8)
Gareth Asher (May 6, Night 8)
Hightide Blues (May 6, Night 8)
Jimi Cravity (May 6, Night 8)
Golden (May 6, Night 8)
Five Eight (May 6, Night 8)
Pico Vs. Island Trees (May 7, Night 9)
The Coathangers (May 7, Night 9)
Sonia Leigh (May 7, Night 9)
Young Orchids (May 7, Night 9)
Wild Sweet Orange (May 7, Night 9)

Keep It Coming

Yesterday, we confirmed that Dirty Pollyanna, Sun Domingo, Dead Confederate, Five Eight, and Wild Sweet Orange will all be performing on various days at 500 Songs for Kids. Check out whom else will be tackling one of the songs off of the 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time.

Stellate (April 29, Night 1)
The Orkids (April 30, Night 2)
Golden (May 6, Night 8)
The Yacht Rock Revue (May 3, Night 5)
Sonia Leigh (May 7, Night 9)
Young Orchids (May 7, Night 9)

Go Team Luis!

This Friday, January 29 Star Bar will be transformed into a party cantina for Team Luis One Year Anniversary fiesta. Mixtape Atlanta is excited to be a sponsor honoring one of Atlanta's most popular and favorite promoters and managers. Expect a night full of fun, mayhem, and dynamic musical acts. Young Orchids, Futureshock, and The Lord is My Shotgun are scheduled to perform, DJ C.Lark will be spinning, and some special surprise guests are sure to join in on the night's fun. Also be sure to stumble downstairs to Mixtape Atlanta's special Team Luis Anniversary themed photo booth for some fun photos!

Budding Artists

You may not be familiar with the band name Young Orchids, but you have more than likely seen these talented musicians before. Since they started playing live together last spring, Young Orchids has created an unique buzz about them based on their seasoned members, ties to the popular band Ski Club, and the bills they have shared with such artists as James Hall, Gringo Star, The Judies, and others. Wednesday, January 20 Young Orchids headline their first show with Sequoyah Prep School and Parachute Musical at Drunken Unicorn. Mixtape Atlanta recently spoke with Young Orchids’ Michael Kai about the band, what’s ahead for 2010, and where their distinctive songs get their spunk.

Where did the concept for Young Orchids come from?

Kyle [Gordon] and I started writing songs together after I was invited to join Ski Club. After Ski Club broke up, we decided to start a new band using all the songs we had been writing.

How does this band differ (or does it) from other bands you've been involved with, especially Ski Club?

I think they are similar in that both bands are just trying to write good songs in hopes that people connect with them. I think where they differ is in execution. Different songwriters, different influences, different musicians.

When writing music and lyrics for Young Orchids are you drawing from a particular inspiration? Are you trying to develop a different sound than before?

I usually think of this band as being in the same vein as T. Rex, The Stooges, stuff like that. Then again, we've covered songs by The Dead Weather and have songs that sound like Yeah Yeah Yeahs to me, so there are definitely some modern elements mixed in as well.

Where did the band name come from?

Actually, a friend of ours came up with it. We asked if we could use it, and he said yes.

How has the response been so far from the shows you've played so far?

It's been amazing. Our first show was in May of [2009], and I think with every show we get a little better, a little more comfortable with ourselves. New Year's Eve at Star Bar was a great way to end the year for us.

What do you think 2010 holds for Young Orchids?

We are putting the finishes touches on our debut album, which will be out in the next few months. We've been working on it for so long, and I'm really, really excited for people to hear it. After that, tour, tour, tour. I absolutely cannot wait to be on the road again. We also have plans to go back in the studio later this year and record another batch of songs.

What are some of your favorite venues to play?

Star Bar has been really great for us. I also enjoy 529 quite a bit.

Anything else, you'd like to tell people about your music?

So far I've only mentioned Kyle, but the other guys in the band, Jon [Gleaton], Matt [Debusschere], and Tak [Takemura], are a huge part of the sound of Young Orchids. I feel really fortunate to be playing music with some of my favorite people and musicians.

What song would you have to include on your ultimate mixtape of favorite songs?

By another artist, the first thing I thought of was the Everly Brothers version of "All I Have to Do Is Dream," so I'll go with that. As far as Young Orchids, I'm really proud of "Daysleeper," which is the first song Kyle and I ever wrote together.