Tag: cicada rhythm
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Savannah Stopover 2018 Spotlight: Cicada Rhythm
Approaching Savannah Stopover Music Festival, I sat down with local Athens, Georgia band, Cicada Rhythm. The couple’s unique sound captures the essence of modern folk music, and they bring a chemistry with them that is evident both on and off stage. I met Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis at Normaltown Hall in Athens while they were working on an upcoming music video to talk Georgia roots, being in a band with someone you love, and beekeeping. Check out the interview below.
VM: You are both from Georgia, born and raised. How has the South, and Georgia specifically, influenced your sound?
Dave: I really started getting into music when I was living in North Georgia, and at that time it was a lot of traditional music- just banjo picking. And I always found it interesting, but I never was drawn to playing like that. Later I moved to Atlanta and that’s where I really started kind of getting myself into the music scene there. There was an Atlanta blues scene at Northside Tavern and some guys named Nate Nelson, and I guess The Wood Brothers were in Atlanta. Those guys, we would just pretty much try to go see them whenever we could. That’s what got me into music. Then we came to Athens and kind of fell in love with everybody here.
Andrea: And everybody’s a musician here.
Dave: Yeah!
Andrea: It’s great.
Dave: It’s really cool; Athens is, you know. I always say here it’s more of a mission than a competition. Everyone’s just here to help each other out and push each other forward, it’s just – it’s an inspiring place, definitely.
Andrea: I would say I kind of got into music through my dad. He’s a very avid music lover and we listened to The Beatles growing up and stuff. But, we had a great orchestra, the ASO in Atlanta, so when I started playing bass, I started taking [lessons] from the principle bassist in the ASO, and it was a great orchestra and he was great. It’s just a really like, Atlanta has a really strong group of players and it might not be as conducive and connected as Athens is for like smaller groups and more creative, younger people and stuff, but Atlanta does have a lot of great players. And so that’s kind of how I was introduced to the music scene. And then when I moved here…I really realized that music could be anything that you want it to be, and that helped me to write music, and create, and hookup with this guy. So yeah, I think in Georgia, it’s always been full of music. We’re really lucky to be from here, definitely.
VM: So what’s the songwriting process like for y’all? Do you both contribute to the process?
Andrea: Yeah, well we usually start out with an idea and maybe we’ve completed the song…there’s probably been maybe two or three songs that we’ve truly collaborated 50/50, but the rest of them, you know, it’s kind of your thing. And maybe I’ll need help with the chorus, or an outro, or a bridge or something, and he’ll help me with that and vice versa. But, we’re pretty much sole songwriters.
Dave: We help each other finish them sometimes.
VM: So is that kind of the same way y’all decide who’s going to sing which song?
Andrea: Yeah basically whoever writes whatever song sings it.
Dave: For the most part yeah.
Andrea: I’ve kind of always wanted to write a song for him to sing.
Dave: Likewise!
Andrea: But it hasn’t happened yet so we’ll see. Maybe one of the oldies of your songs I’ll take over that you don’t want to play anymore.
Dave: Sure!
VM: Cicada Rhythm has a very unique sound, kind of a modern take on folk music, and it’s very distinct. Are there any certain artists that have influenced your music directly?
Andrea: Definitely. Like Dave was saying before, The Wood Brothers are a super big influence. I really love the string work in Nickel Creek and The Beatles. String work in rock music is one of my favorite things and obviously I’m a string player so, but to put that on top of the song already, is, I don’t know, I just love that so much…I’d also have to say Gillian Welch, like she’s the ultimate songwriter for me…the way that she makes you feel is how I would want to make somebody feel.
Dave: Yeah you know for me…so much different stuff…so I just try to be a sponge, you know? And just soak it all in. But my dad was really into jazz…my mom was an Irish immigrant- she was really into Johnny Cash and Ray Charles and Willie Nelson so she was kind of giving me a foundation of really American music. But, really everything, but most particularly the people I mentioned are just the local artists in Atlanta.
VM: So how did y’all initially form and come up with the name Cicada Rhythm?
Andrea: Well, I moved to Athens in 2010, and I kind of was trying to get away from music. Dave and I were friends, but he lived in Atlanta at the time and he called me and said, “Why aren’t you in a band? Athens is full of bands; you need to be in a band. You know you can’t just not play music.” And I tried playing in a couple bands and they just did not fit right. And Dave was like, “Well why don’t you just play with me?” So we started learning each other’s songs and we really felt like it was working well, so we booked a show and we weren’t prepared, but they liked it. I guess before the show we were like, crap we need to have a name before the show! So we kept texting each other words or suggestions. It took us about a week to come up with it. I came up with Cicada Village and he was like “Oh I like that! What about Rhythm Wild?” and I was like, oh that’s pretty cool. So we kind of just compromised and mashed them together. We pretty much were on a deadline, but we wanted to pick something that sounded like southern.
VM: So I know when you both met, Andrea you were at Julliard, and Dave, you were hopping trains?
Dave: I was hopping trains for a while. I was really into it. I was reading about the Great Depression and it was my senior year of high school and my friend and I were broke.
Andrea: Wait I thought you were in college?
Dave: Well I started thinking about it in high school, then I graduated and was a poor college student and couldn’t really go anywhere for vacation. So we thought that would be a nice way to check out America. We would ride around the South. A lot of times we would ride down to Athens, coincidentally, and then ride back to Atlanta. And I hopped off one day when I was riding back from Athens to Atlanta, and I called my friend who she was with at the time, and they came and picked us up. And, it wasn’t love at first sight-
Andrea: He was very dirty!
Dave: Yeah, you get extremely dirty in boxcars cause they’re just, you know…but, that’s how we first met! We stayed friends for a long time, and then eventually it became more.
VM: So Andrea, you were at Julliard at the time?
Andrea: When we met, yeah. I think it must have been my junior year, or my sophomore year maybe. I was always calling their house because my boyfriend at the time wouldn’t answer his phone, and Dave would always pick up. Yeah it was a landline, and Dave would pick up, and we would chat. I would always be like “Where’s David?” and he’d be like, “I don’t know, but we can talk!”
Dave: [laughs] Yeah, then I stole her! A couple of years later, but yeah.
VM: Yeah it sounds like you had these motives for awhile?
Dave: I always admired Andrea…
Andrea: I wasn’t his type!
Dave: I didn’t consider it. And then I guess we were both single and playing music together and for a while I was trying to keep it professional.
Andrea: Yeah e wanted to keep it professional.
Dave: Yeah, but that lasted like two weeks. But here we are! We’re getting married in October!
VM: How long have y’all been engaged?
Dave: We got engaged in May.
VM: So how does that work being in a relationship and then also being in a band together? Is it hard to separate the two?
Dave: We actually separate it pretty well. Like, people will email us and expect us to talk to each other about it, but we don’t, and that’s actually sometimes an issue. If people don’t text both of us we won’t even talk about it. Cause we do so much Cicada on the road and behind the scenes here, so when we’re with each other we just try to be with each other. But, it’s been easy. But there have been battles too,
Andrea: Yeah, I mean it’s definitely…at this point it’s easy, it’s like second nature, but there was a time when we were writing songs and we just weren’t in agreement of how the song should go, or if we should play this song, and we’d have fights about ‘I like this song I think it’s good we should play it!’ and ‘I don’t think it’s good we shouldn’t play it!’ And it would hurt our feelings, cause songs are a part of you, you know, like they’re little parts of you, and if somebody you love rejects them, it hurts. But we’ve, I mean we’ve gotten past that now. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, we move on.
Dave: Our tastes have kind of molded together in a way, with most things.
Andrea: Yeah.
VM: When you both aren’t playing music, what do you do in your spare time?
Dave: I mean we love nature and we love our dogs. I do a lot of working on the house. We have a little farmhouse just outside of Athens, and I’m always working on it, or trying to improve the yard, things like that.
Andrea: We also try to spend time with our families. We’ve got family in Atlanta, so it makes it easy to go over there.
Dave: I’m hoping to get into beekeeping this year! We’ll see. I’ve got a bunch of beehives…
Andrea: [laughs] He keeps saying that for like three years.
Dave: I know, but each year I get closer and closer!
Andrea: That would be really cool. It would be nice to have the honey! I don’t know about all the bees. Apparently they have facial recognition.
Dave: Yeah, they can recognize your face! I’ve been reading a lot about them and they’re just absolutely incredible.
VM: So, how are y’all gearing up for Savannah Stopover and SXSW? Are y’all getting excited!
Andrea: Yeah!
Dave: We’ve mainly just been working really hard on our two upcoming music videos, so I haven’t really had a chance to think about it. But I am excited cause we really like Savannah Stopover it’s really great.
Andrea: Yeah I love Savannah Stopover- it’s a great town. Everything’s really walkable, the food is really good…they also treat artists very well.
Dave: Austin’s gonna be really awesome too [for SXSW]. We love just going out towards the West- it’s a different world out there. I’m excited for both Savannah Stopover and South by Southwest.
Cicada Rhythm is played Savannah Stopover Friday, March 9th as part of the New West Records 20th Anniversary Showcase. The two have a busy few months ahead of them between touring, shooting music videos, and prepping for the release of their forthcoming album, Everywhere I Go, out April 27 on New West Records.
SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch
With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.
1. The Accidentals
Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.
When to see them:
3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)
2. Barns Courtney
With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.
Where to see him:
3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)
3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)
3. Beach Slang
In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.
Where to see them:
3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)
3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)
3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)
4. Cicada Rhythm
What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.
Where to see them:
3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)
5. Dilly Dally
Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.
Where to see them:
3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)
6. DMA’s
On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)
3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)
7. Japanese Breakfast
A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)
8. The Kickback
The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.
Where to see them:
3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)
9. Marlon Williams
New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.
Where to see him:
3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)
3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)
3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)
10. Mothers
Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.
Where to see them:
3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)
3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)
11. Moving Panoramas
Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)
3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)
12. Roomsounds
Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.
Where to see them:
3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)
13. Sunflower Bean
What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)
3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)
3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)
14. Sweet Spirit
The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.
Where to see them:
3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)
15. Saint Pé
After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.
Where to see him:
3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)
16. Spookyland
The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.
Where to see them:
3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)
3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)
17. T. Hardy Morris
For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.
Where to see him:
3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)
18. Tedo Stone
Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.
Where to see him:
3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)
15 Must-See Shows at Slingshot 2015
Ahh, spring. That magical time when the freezing rain subsides, the hillsides grow wild with kudzu, and Slingshot slingshots itself back into town. This year’s lineup is as eclectic as it’s ever been, but with significantly bigger names set to fill the marquees of Athens.
Arcade Fire’s Win Butler will be doing a DJ set as DJ Windows 98, as will James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. Reptar will be playing a Georgia Theatre album release show, and cameos will be made by Jamie XX of the xx and Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra.
As always, your best bet is to buy a three-day pass. Here are the 15 shows we’re looking forward to the most.
15. Every Art Installation (seriously) (Thurs-Sat @ Creature Comforts)
One of the most unique things Slingshot brings to Athens is the wide variety of thought-provoking electronic art installations. Last year saw hand stitched QR codes, weather balloon projectors, and a ton of reinvented psychedelic imagery. Though the installations are spread across downtown, they’ll be somewhat centered around Creature Comforts. Check out the electronic artists page to see what you’re in for.
14. Ruby The Rabbitfoot and Viking Progress (Friday @ Hendershots)
Athens’ favorite chill pixie dreamgirl Ruby The Rabbitfoot will be playing Hendershots on Friday, in support of her recent release New As Dew as well as even newer material like “Hooky Queen.” She’ll be joined by The Viking Progress, whose appropriately boat-themed songs use the same sad, droning horn sections of Neutral Milk Hotel‘s past.
13. Cottonmouth and SEX BBQ (Thursday @ Go Bar)
Though the billing may sound like a picnic gone horribly wrong, don’t sleep on either of these bands. Cottonmouth‘s alien sounds would fit in well with the electronic art crowd – though “avant hip-hop” is thrown in occasionally, this is a group of whacked out sonic explorers. Atlanta-based SEX BBQ are a little more Ath-traditional, with surf guitars bumping up against coy vocals and playful rhythms.
12. Shehehe, Little Gold, and Pinecones (Thursday @ Little Kings)
Shehehe are a good time any way you slice it. Whether it’s the straight-ahead punk of “Rollin'” or the Corin Tucker-aping “Hail Vagina”, they are in the lucky position of keeping several punk traditions alive. Little Gold, on the other hand, bring trashy Detroit-inspired rock and roll to the table. But what would an Athenian fest be without some indie psych? To be sure they are (generally) a psychedelic band, and their sound is concise but sometimes hard to pin down. Their recent single “Sleep Is Forget” plays like the Byrds fed through Ian MacKaye’s tube amp.
11. Salad Days Screening
Speaking of Ian MacKaye, every punk and hardcore band Athens has ever hosted owes much of their sound to the D.C. hardcore scene of the 80s and 90s. Obviously artists like Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Government Issue ring out, but Salad Days digs deeper into the Dischord vault. Check out the trailer here.
10. Normaltown Records Showcase feat. Dave Marr, Cicada Rhythm, and Daniel Romano (Saturday @ Caledonia)
Here at Vinyl Mag, we love ourselves some Normaltown, so their showcase on Saturday is a must for those getting overwhelmed by the explorative nature of psychedelic rock. Rootsing things down will be Cicada Rhythm with their particular brand of almost jangle noirgrass, plus the back-to-basics country crooning of (somehow Canadian) Daniel Romano. Athens legend and Man About Town Dave Marr will also be there, so, you know, ’nuff said.
9. Comedy Night feat. Kurt Braunohler, Ron Funches, and Kyle Kinane (Saturday @ Morton)
Slingshot also brings the laughs every year, and in 2015 we’re lucky enough to host these big names in alt comedy. That podcast you listen to? Kurt Braunohler has most likely guested on it. And don’t forget his IFC gig hosting the absurd gameshow Bunk!. Ron Funches has rolled through various late night standup corners to muse about Black tuba players and the inherent freakiness of identical twins. Kyle Kinane has guest starred in a ton of shows and movies, and his specials Whiskey Icarus and I Liked His Old Stuff Better show his wide comedic range.
8. Ryley Walker, Roadkill Ghost Choir, and Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra (Thursday @ GATH)
Like the Normaltown showcase, Thursday’s GATH shows will be stripped down and based in purer southern traditions. Roadkill Ghost Choir play a shimmering, steroid-popping type of noirgrass that occasionally slips into War on Drugs territory. Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra drops the yowling southern shoegaze affectations when he goes solo – most of his songs are him and an acoustic, featuring more personal and plaintive songs about growing up as a pastor’s kid. And Ryley Walker’s Voice Of The Seven Thunders-esque guitar work is a can’t-miss; he’s also something of a vocal dead ringer for Jim Morrison.
7. Kenosha Kid Album Release w/ Etiene de Rocher (Saturday @ Hendershots)
Athens being the Classic City, the old is bound to intermingle with the new. This juxtaposition will be in full swing on Saturday with the jazz stylings of our own Kenosha Kid, and Etiene de Rocher, an Athens transplant from the Bay Area. Kenosha Kid are known for modern reinterpretations of stalwart jazz ideas, and they play Hendershots all the time so they’re very comfortable in that space. Etiene de Rocher’s music is a grab bag of 60s and 70s influence, and songs like “Juniper Rose” sound like a newly-discovered section in “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”.
6. Reptar Album Release w/ Skylar Spence, Fascinator (Friday @ GATH)
A hometown Reptar show is a special thing to behold, but throw in an album release and you’ve got grounds for another broken floor (hopefully the Theatre is built better than that.) The Joyful Noise recruits will be joined by Skylar Spence, who are similarly funk-sample laden. And make sure to get there early for Fascinator, whose of Montreal-emulating visuals pair nicely with their paranoid, ravine-jumping, Beastie Boys-emulating sound.
5. Single Mothers and Monsoon (Friday @ Live Wire)
The beach-punk-spazz stylings of Monsoon is probably the best live show in Athens right now, so see them any chance you get. Playing alongside them on Friday at the Live Wire (formerly New Earth) is the Canadian hardcore four piece Single Mothers, who sound uncannily like a pissed off Hold Steady.
4. Japan Nite (Thursday @ Live Wire)
Japan Nite 2014 was a festival highlight, so don’t expect anything to change this time around. Peelander-Z are making a colorful return to Live Wire, along with fellow Japanese punkers Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re, Quorum, Bo-Peep, and Zarigani$. The fin. will be there to slow things down a bit, with their melodic M83-influenced plinks. God Bless America and all that, but expect these whippersnappers to remind us what punk started as in the first place. There will be leather jackets, and there will be ‘tude.
3. Night of Too Many DJs feat. Michael Lacowski of Pylon, DJ Windows 98 aka Will Butler of Arcade Fire, and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem (Saturday @ GATH)
Okay, when these names are all sharing the same stage, “too many” doesn’t really apply. Deejaying may not be the same as seeing these folks’ full ensembles, but consider the wealth of musical knowledge that will inhabit the Theatre on this night. This will be the dance party to end all dance parties.
2. Vinyl Mag Showcase feat. Prince Rama, Nightmare Air, and Dream Boat (Friday @ Caledonia)
Our showcase will be kind of trippy, man, so prepare yourself. Dream Boat do indeed sound like a boat to your dreams – they create experimental, faraway sounding beats that vaguely resemble church bells. Prince Rama are more concerned with melodies, but are similarly characterized by distance – their heady songs have Warpaint grooves and creepiness, with plenty of chanting, obviously. Nightmare Air are what you might imagine an all-werewolf band to sound like – dark, loud, and dangerous, but still pretty compelling.
1. Vinyl Mag Presents Nana Grizol and Mind Brains (Saturday @ Live Wire)
Mind Brains are one of the latest iterations of Athens’ storied psych scene, featuring former of Montreal and Olivia Tremor Control players. Like its predecessors, Mind Brains have invented a world for themselves; they classify themselves with monikers like “experimental” and “muffins”, and their press kit states thusly: “Mind Brains’ new album drops on Hamuary 666th, 1945, and hearing it is not unlike happening upon a horde of corrupted Gregorians using garbage-picked toys and circuit-bent home-aids to worship at the high pagan monoliths of Silver Apples, Tubeway Army and Chrome.” Nana Grizol use crunchy indie rock to backdrop singer Theo’s sad, emotive lyrics, and while they may not be as quirky as Mind Brains, they’re a little more danceable. Horns and handclaps will be plentiful.
Athfest 2014 Compilation Album
June is upon us, which means, Athens readers, that AthFest is right around the corner. AthFest Music and Arts Festival is like Christmas in June for the plethora of music lovers in the Classic City, a weekend of more music than you thought possible, with 14 venues and two outdoor stages hosting bands spanning every genre, most of them calling Athens home.
Every year for the festival, AthFest releases a compilation album produced by Ghostmeat Records (David Dondero, Drive-By Truckers), the proceeds of which go to benefit AthFest Educates, supporting art and music education in the Athens area. This year, however, the album will be released exclusively on vinyl—a first for the AthFest compilation.
I had a chance to grab a first listen, and saying I enjoyed it would be a vast understatement. Every year, AthFest reminds me how lucky I am to live in a city filled with such amazing art and music, and this compilation album is a testament to that.
The album kicks off with “Forest Gum” off New Madrid’s newest album, Sunswimmer. New Madrid is band that has been making more than waves, not only in the Athens music scene, but nationally as well, mixing southern rock roots with the psychedelic and indie influences of the modern Athens music scene. “Forest Gum” is awesome.
Ruby the Rabbitfoot takes over next, with “Ways.” Unsurprisingly, this song is instantly catchy, as Ruby croons over the acoustic guitar, universally appealing, but maintaining the down-to-earth indie vibe that has made her an Athens favorite.
“Rust and Bone” by Family and Friends starts slow by way of acoustic guitars, a violin and some heavy drums, and then builds with incredibly intensity, exploding with such pensive lyrics as “wondering if there’s a better way to live or at least a better way to die.” The song picks you up, whirls you around and sets you back on your feet, reeling from the trip.
Faster Circuits is groovy and psychedelic and evokes a good amount head bobbing with their psych-pop jam, “Relative Obscurity.” Indie rockers Elf Power do the same with their tune “Life the Shell,” singing, “and no one’s ever home when you ring the bell, and nothing’s ever there when you lift the shell.”
Of course, the Drive-By Truckers make an appearance on the album, with their raw and mellow “Rock Solid” tune from their Record Store Day EP release, Dragon Pants. The boys do what they do best.
Somewhere between Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday lie the enchanting and unique vocals of Andrea DeMarco, complemented by the clear voice of David Krislis on the folksy “Meredith” by Cicada Rhythm that redefines the folk sound.
Nicholas Mallis and his deep, booming voice ask, “why do you light the candles when the storm hasn’t happened yet?” on his moody track, “Why Do You Light the Candles?” while Shade remains as capricious as ever on “Know Your Sine” with a mix of rock, punk, noise-pop, and indie music that is uniquely their own.
Ghost Owl closes out the album with “Eleven.” Ghost Owl is three quarters of the disbanded Athens legend and AthFest veteran band, Perpetual Groove, and although I have heard the name many times, I hadn’t had the chance to sit down and listen to them. They are a complete departure from the organic jams of P Groove and sway towards the indie rock genre, heavier, with a greater tendency towards electronic sounds and effects and a much more epic sound that builds throughout the song.
The AthFest 2014 compilation album makes me proud, as always, to be an Athens resident, a member of a community so rich with new and unique sounds, constantly pushing the boundaries to create music that the rest of the world can only imitate. And as someone who has seen about half of these bands live, I can assure you the festival itself will be just as exhilarating as the album. One thing is for certain, you DO NOT want to miss out on buying this record, and especially attending the festival.
Pre-order the album here!