Weekly Musical Spotlight ::: Late Night Television

Set those DVRs to catch a great week in music on tv! From late night talk shows don't miss your favorite or future favorite musical acts!
Conan ::: TBS ::: 11p
The Tonight Show w. Jimmy Fallon ::: NBC ::: 11:30p
Jimmy Kimmel Live ::: ABC ::: 11:30p
Late Show w. David Letterman ::: CBS ::: 11:30a
Late Night w. Seth Meyers ::: NBC ::: 12:30a
Last Call w. Carson Daly ::: NBC ::: 1:30a 

You Ought To Read More....

Weekly Musical Spotlight ::: Late Night Television

Set those DVRs to catch a great week in music on tv! From late night talk shows don't miss your favorite or future favorite musical acts!
Conan ::: TBS ::: 11p
The Tonight Show w. Jimmy Fallon ::: NBC ::: 11:30p
Jimmy Kimmel Live ::: ABC ::: 11:30p
Late Show w. David Letterman ::: CBS ::: 11:30a
Late Night w. Seth Meyers ::: NBC ::: 12:30a
Last Call w. Carson Daly ::: NBC ::: 1:30a 

You Ought To Read More....

OUTKAST ATLast ::: What You Ought To KNOW

It's been 4,920 days since Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton have played a live performance in the city limits of their home, Atlanta, as Outkast. The day has finally arrived! There are things you need to know about the Outkast ATLast shows before you head down to Centennial Olympic Park.

Set Times

I would imagine that the set times for Saturday would follow with Raury (5pm), Kid Cudi (6:20), Childish Gambino (7:30), and the headlining Outkast at 9pm with a curfew of 11pm. 

Getting to Centennial

Unless you have previously purchased parking online we'd recommend that you take Marta (about $5 round trip), but above ALL DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! There are other methods to get to the show, Uber, Taxi, Hailo, walking, and carpooling.

UBER: Use the code UberOUTKAST to get ATLast tickets delivered to your door. Between noon and 1:30pm on Sept. 26, 27, or 28, you can request a ride using the UberOUTKAST view for the chance to win an Outkast fan package and tickets to that night’s show delivered to your door. For each person who signs up and rides during #ATLast weekend, $5 go to one of two charities: Centers of Hope or Big Kidz Foundation. PLEASE be aware if this is your planned method of transportation that fees will be increased because of influx of traffic and demand, they call surge pricing. For example after the third quarter of last Thursday's Atlanta Falcons' game the rate was 3X the normal fare and I heard it got higher than that for Music Midtown. A 4ish mile ride was $21 that Thursday, reasonable all things considered, but be cognoscente of that.

When You Arrive
Please also know there are certain things you CAN AND CANNOT bring into the venue. The biggest is the observance of the NFL's bag policy where bags are not allowed unless they are clear. 

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN PARK:

·         Outside Food or Beverage (other than single bottle of water)

·         Umbrellas; Chairs; Coolers or picnic baskets

·         Professional camera or video equipment of any kind

·         Weapons (All persons subject to body search)

·         Pets, fireworks, drugs, remote controlled vehicles or aircraft

·         Backpacks, bookbags or non-transparent bags over hand size (NFL Rules)

·         Bag policy - Outkast #ATLast will use the NFL’s bag protocol, which encourages fans to not bring any type of bag. This protocol provides a safer environment and expedites fan entry. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", as well as One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) are permitted.

There will be a merchandise stand, though we can't confirm what all will be sold, Big Boi gave a preview of some of the shirts view instagram. 

Food and Drinks
There will be alcohol available for sale for those of age. 
Cocktails $12.00
Beer (Heineken Brands) $9.00
Wine: $7.00
Coke: $4.00
Water: $3.00

8" Papa Johns Pizza: $8.00
Nathan's Hot Dog: $7.00
Chips: $3.00

Centennial Olympic Park
COP has hosted many shows over recent years, Mumford and Sons and the annual Party in the Park day festival. 

Outkast ATLast Map

Overhead View 

View from the Back of Golden Circle

 Stage View

We leave you with this.....This may be the last chance to see the greatest duo EVER! DON'T MESS IT UP FOR ANYONE ELSE, AND PLEASE DON'T LET OTHERS RUIN IT FOR YOU! This is something to treasure, enjoy, and be a part of a 20,000 person strong family. No matter the differences we all know the one truth, that truth is OUTKAST!  

Our Dream Outkast Setlist

Festival Spotlight ::: Music Midtown 2014

If there is one thing that seems to be recession proof, it's the music festival. It feels like more and more new ones pop up every year. There is so much money to be made and spotlight to be had that the city of Atlanta decided a few years back to revive one of it's longstanding traditions: Music Midtown. The festival had a very good run from 1994-2005. There were a few locations before the festival settled in a 42 acre plot close to the Atlanta Civic Center and the now closed SciTrek (Readers from Georgia will remember those elementary school field trips fondly). In its old format, each stage was represented by an Atlanta radio station and would stick to a certain genre (the 99X stage would have Rock/Alternative music and the V103 stage would have rap). In 2006, the promoters announced that the festival would not return due to increased costs. Fast forward to 2011 and the festival was brought back, albeit in a new location: Piedmont Park. Piedmont Park is a great location for a festival because of the sprawling green space and scenic views of Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. The festival's first year back in 2011 was only one day and featured headlining acts The Black Keys and Coldplay. The event proved successful and they decided to expand in 2012, adding another day. The headliners that year were the Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam, and they had a very solid undercard including: Ludacris, The Avett Brothers, Florence + the Machine, Girl Talk, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and T.I. This was even more successful and they decided to expand again in 2013, adding a third stage. The 2013 edition saw another very impressive lineup headlined by Journey and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with an undercard including: Phoenix, Imagine Dragons, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Jane's Addiction, 2 Chainz, Cake, Capital Cities, Queens of the Stone Age, Kendrick Lamar, and Arctic Monkeys. This leads us to the 2014 edition of the festival where, for some reason, they tried to mess with a good thing.

When the lineup was announced for Music Midtown 2014, it was very polarizing. According to interviews done by the festival's organizers, they paid twice the amount on talents in 2014 than the previous year. One theory behind that is because they got two very popular names (John Mayer and Eminem) that were not currently on tour. It probably costs a little bit more money to get someone "off the couch" so to speak. It's also hard to give credit to the organizers Live Nation when each night, you had two headlining acts going right up against each other. In the past, they staggered the lineup so the main headliners did not have any opposition. The supposed idea behind this is to be able to sell more tickets and be able to, at the height of the night, have two very large crowds. Other festivals attempt this such as Lollapolooza. This year, Friday night saw Jack White and John Mayer at the same time (which probably caused some fighting between a few couples...) and Saturday saw Eminem and Zac Brown Band at the same time. You can't boast about having such a great lineup and then make it where fans had to choose between the big time acts, unless you are a festival the size of Lollapalooza, which Music Midtown is not though the total attendance is creeping that way. Another reason for the mixed reaction to the lineup was because they went with a lot more pop music (radio friendly) than in years past. This isn't the worst thing, but with Atlanta's history and gravitation towards the indie scene, it's a little disappointing. They also added a country act in the Zac Brown Band, which is something they had not done previously. The lineup was just all over the place. On Friday night, you had Iggy Azalea before Jack White on the same stage. It's hard to picture those two fan bases having a lot in common. All that being said, there wasn't a time either day where there wasn't an act on that didn't at least intrigue us to go see them, and a lot of the acts were very, very good.

(Hit the jump for our take on Music Midtown 2014)

Outkast ATLast ::: Your Guide to an ATLien Days 1 & 2

It's finally upon us, the long awaited return of Atlanta's native first sons, Outkast. The three day weekend announced in June has been a much longer time coming.

You Ought to Hear More....

Alt-J ::: This Is All Yours

 

 

Where has Alt-J taken me? A wooded, mossy, misty area is where the heart of this album lays. The path you take to get there is met with soothing escapades across a rugged, yet comforting terrain. 

New Music Spotlight :: Singles - Future Islands

When I first heard the debut release “Seasons (Waiting On You)”, I certainly felt that Future Islands deserved a solid round of applause. However, after reading up on these guys and subsequently devouring their latest album, “Singles”, Future Islands undoubtedly deserves this.

Bonnaroo 2014: Day 1 & 2

      What is there to say about Bonnaroo that hasn't already been said? This annual gathering on "The Farm" has acquired the most loyal fanbase of any festival in North America. Bonnaroo fans return to Manchester, Tennessee every June for their "family reunion" regardless of who is playing the festival. That's not to say that Bonnaroo 2014 did not have a great lineup, but the announcement of Kanye West as a headliner was certainly polarizing amongst Bonnaroovians. At the end of the day however, one headliner does not a Bonnaroo make. That being said, here is what we saw on Thursday and Friday of Bonnaroo 2014.

      (You Ought to Read More)            

New Music Spotlight :: Sylvan Esso

Well well well. What have we here? An accidental band perhaps. An electric little song bird brought to life by a mad scientist. Something captivating, to say the very least.

Weekly Musical Spotlight ::: Late Night Television

Set those DVRs to catch a great week in music on tv! From late night talk shows don't miss your favorite or future favorite musical acts!
Conan ::: TBS ::: 11p
The Tonight Show w. Jimmy Fallon ::: NBC ::: 11:30p
Jimmy Kimmel Live ::: ABC ::: 11:30p
Late Show w. David Letterman ::: CBS ::: 11:30a
Late Night w. Seth Meyers ::: NBC ::: 12:30a
Last Call w. Carson Daly ::: NBC ::: 1:30a 

Monday 05/19/2014 
Conan ::: The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
Fallon ::: Conor Oberst
Kimmel :::  Charles Bradley
Letterman ::: Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Meyers ::: Counting Crows
Daly ::: Band of Skulls

Tuesday 05/20/2014 
Conan ::: Mike Recine (Comedian)
Fallon ::: The Roots
Kimmel :::  Timeflies
Letterman ::: We Are Scientists
Meyers ::: Kumail Nanjiani (Comedian)
Daly ::: Warm Soda

Wednesday 05/21/2014 
Conan ::: Veruca Salt
Fallon ::: Barry Gibb
Kimmel :::  Lykke Li
Letterman ::: Dierks Bentley
Meyers ::: Little Daylight
Daly ::: The Growlers

Thursday 05/22/2014 
Conan ::: Jennifer Nettles
Fallon ::: Will Farrell/Chad Smith Drumoff
Kimmel :::  Little Dragon
Letterman ::: Kelis
Meyers ::: Ali Wong (Comedian)
Daly ::: Tinariwen

Friday 05/23/2014 
Fallon ::: Rascal Flatts
Letterman ::: Real Estate
Daly ::: Jake Bugg

New Music Spotlight::: Darlings - Kevin Drew

“The most innovative thing you can do these days is be honest.” –Kevin Drew

Kevin Drew’s sophomore solo album, “Darlings”, is bursting with honesty and oozing with sensuality. Alongside its constant inertia, the energy is inescapable. Not that you would want to escape “Darlings”. Just like meeting someone that you’re attracted to, you will be hooked within the first 5 seconds. Then the seduction begins.

(Read more after the jump)

New Music Spotlight ::: Review of Turn Blue - The Black Keys

       Evolution is key to the success of any band. Today's music fan expects their favorite bands to grow musically from album to album, and there might not be a better example of constant growth in today's music landscape than The Black Keys. The Akron based duo consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney started to gain a cult following with their debut album, 2002's The Big Come Up (which includes an awesome cover of The Beatles' "She Said She Said", a risky undertaking for any band, particularly on a debut album), and that following only grew with their subsequent releases, particularly 2008's Attack and Release. Cult quickly became mainstream with 2010's Brothers, which included the Grammy-winning "Tighten Up". Fresh off the success of Brothers, the band released El Camino at the end of 2011 and that launched them into the stratosphere. The album won the Grammy for Best Rock Album, with frontman Auerbach also picking up the coveted Producer of the Year Grammy, and The Black Keys became the kings of millennial rock. With the release of each album, the band's sound became more refined, and they went from being a two piece outfit to adding a bass player and a keyboardist (unofficially). With their latest album Turn Blue, the band proves one thing: evolution in music does not necessarily mean moving into the future, it can also mean looking to the past.

(Hit the jump for our thoughts on Turn Blue)

Weekly Musical Spotlight ::: Late Night Television

Set those DVRs to catch a great week in music on tv! From late night talk shows don't miss your favorite or future favorite musical acts!
Conan ::: TBS ::: 11p
The Tonight Show w. Jimmy Fallon ::: NBC ::: 11:30p
Jimmy Kimmel Live ::: ABC ::: 11:30p
Late Show w. David Letterman ::: CBS ::: 11:30a
Late Night w. Seth Meyers ::: NBC ::: 12:30a
Last Call w. Carson Daly ::: NBC ::: 1:30a 

Monday 05/05/2014 
Conan ::: Ryan Hamilton (Comedian)
Fallon ::: Jack White [Bonnaroo 2014 Artist], Neil Young
Kimmel :::  Franz Ferdinand
Letterman ::: The Black Keys
Meyers ::: MIA
Daly ::: Franz Ferdinand, Royal Canoe

Tuesday 05/06/2014 
Conan ::: Wild Cub
Fallon ::: Dolly Parton
Kimmel ::: Future Islands
Letterman ::: HozierDaly ::: Night Terrors of 1927

Wednesday 05/07/2014 
Conan ::: John Butler Trio
Fallon ::: Lilly Allen
Kimmel :::  Birds of Satan
Letterman ::: Randy Houser
Meyers ::: The Wild Feathers
Daly ::: The Preatures

Thursday 05/08/2014 
Conan ::: Fortune Feinster (Comedian)
Fallon ::: Craig Robinson (Comedian) [Bonnaroo 2014 Artist]
Kimmel :::  Iggy Azelea
Letterman ::: Thomas Haden Church
Meyers ::: Eddie Izard
Daly ::: Together Pangea

Friday 05/09/2014 
Fallon ::: Elbow
Kimmel :::  Royal Blood
Letterman ::: Chromeo
Meyers ::: Jonah Keri
Daly ::: The Crystal Method

Festival Spotlight ::: Shaky Knees Festival Sunday

The last day of a festival is always bittersweet. Having a quality lineup to close out the weekend helps to swallow the pill. So far it's been a great time at Atlantic Station! We've met people from all over enjoying this wonderfully put together Shaky Knees Festival. Minnesota, Houston, Seattle, Montreal, it's safe to say this lineup drew from all over.

Ponce de Leon Stage
12:45p-1:30p
Paperbird  

Another hidden gem at the beginning of the day, Paperbird puts on a great show with their harmonizing and have a topnotch rapport with the crowd. We were lucky enough to catch them open for He's My Brother, She's My Sister last spring. Since the band's formation in 2007, Paper Bird has been playing its joyful blend of indie folk, blue-eyed soul, and rock to delighted audiences nationwide. The current lineup includes Mark Anderson (drums), Sarah Anderson (vocals, trumpet), Paul DeHaven (guitar), Esme Patterson (vocals), Genevieve Patterson (vocals), and Caleb Summeril (banjo, guitar, bass). Everyone writes for the group, and there is no leader. Paper Bird’s live performances showcase the group’s diversity and good-time vibe. Their rare and beautiful approach to music has led them to be featured on NPR's All Things Considered, in a New York Times story about up and coming Denver bands, and most recently listed in Paste Magazine's Top 10 Colorado Bands to Watch. 


Peachtree Stage
1:30p-2:15
San Fermin

 San Fermin is the work of Brooklyn composer and songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone. After finishing his musical studies at Yale, Ludwig-Leone wrote the album in six weeks while holed up in a studio on the mountainous border between Alberta and British Columbia. He focused on lifeʼs top-shelf issues – youth, nostalgia, anxiety, unrequited love – and tied these vast themes to different characters through vocal contributions from longtime friend Allen Tate, as well as Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius.

San Fermin is not an album of singles but rather a sweeping, full-bodied listen with multiple distinct peaks and ambitious thematic connections. Ludwig-Leone composed all of the album’s arrangements and lyrics in full prior to collaborating and recording, noting that “writing for a large group of unknown musicians infused the writing process with a kind of operatic scope.” This eight piece baroque pop group hails is composed of Charlene Kaye (vocals), Rebekah Durham vocals/violin), John Brandon (trumpet), Stephen Chen (saxophone), Ellis Ludwig-Leone (keyboard), Tyler McDiarmid (guitar), Mike Hanf (drums)

Piedmont Stage
2:15p-3:00p
Langhorne Slim & the Law

Langhorne Slim is an American singer-songwriter, (born Sean Scolnick on August 20, 1980 in Langhorne, Pennsylvania). Scolnick attended high school at Solebury School in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, part of the SUNY system. Langhorne Slim and The Law is Langhorne Slim on vocals and guitar, Malachi DeLorenzo on drums, David Moore on banjo and keyboard, and Jeff Ratner on bass.

Peachtree Stage
3:00p-3:45p
Deer Tick

Deer Tick is an American alternative rock band from Providence, Rhode Island composed of singer-songwriter John McCauley, guitarist Ian O'Neil, bassist Chris Ryan, drummer Dennis Ryan and keyboard player Rob Crowell.

The band's music has been described as rock with folk, blues, and country influences, although the band actively rebel against the country tag, stating "We’re proud not to sing with a twang". The band regularly perform cover versions in their live sets, including songs by the likes of The Replacements, Nirvana, John Prine, Hank Williams, Warren Zevon and Sonny West. They have also performed entire sets as Deervana, a Nirvana tribute band including a show in September 2013 to mark the 20th anniversary of the band's third album In Utero.

McCauley explained that inspiration for the name Deer Tick came whilst hiking in the Morgan–Monroe State Forest near Bloomington, Indiana in Summer 2005, where he found a deer tick on his scalp one evening having never come into contact with one before, despite having frequently gone camping and fishing as a child. He claimed he was unaware of the bands Deerhoof and Deerhunter until after he had named his band.

Ponce de Leon Stage
3:45p-4:45p
Blitzen Trapper

The weekend schedule has been tough to navigate, but any quality lineup is. The 3:45p time slot is a tricky one, Blitzen Trapper vs. Jason Isbell. Some how Blitzen Trapper has eluded me since first hearing them nearly 5 years ago. On the other hand Jason Isbell gets glowing reviews from those who aren't even into his style of music. It may be a game time decision or a coin flip before we truly decide. One key picking may be that Jason Isbell frequents Atlanta more often.
Blitzen Trapper is a Portland, Oregon-based experimental country/folk band associated with Sub Pop Records, Vagrant Records and Lojinx. Formed in 2000, the band currently operates as a quintet, with Eric Earley (guitar/harmonica/vocals/keyboard), Erik Menteer (guitar/keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums/vocals/harmonica), Michael Van Pelt (bass), and Marty Marquis (guitar/keyboards/vocals/melodica). Blitzen Trapper self-released its first three albums. "Wild Mountain Nation" was No. 98 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.


Peachtree Stage
4:45p-5:45p
Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine is an artist I'm very interested to see again. The last time I caught them it was for an episode of Austin City Limits that was filmed at the Buckhead Theatre, before playing his regular show the next night. The setlist was quite out there and he seemed absent. 

Samuel Beam (born July 26, 1974), better known by his stage and recording name Iron & Wine, is an American singer-songwriter. He has released five studio albums, several EPs and singles, as well as a few download-only releases, which include a live album (a recording of his 2005 Bonnaroo performance). He occasionally tours with a full band.

Beam was raised in South Carolina before moving to Virginia and then Florida to attend school. He now resides in Dripping Springs, Texas, near Austin. The name Iron & Wine is taken from a dietary supplement named "Beef Iron & Wine" that he found in a general store while shooting a film.

Piedmont Stage
5:45p-6:45p
Trampled by Turtles

Trampled By Turtles is an American band from Duluth, Minnesota. The band members have referenced inspirations such as Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana and Ralph Stanley.

“There is something generous about the way they play. They make room for each other, they serve the song, yet at times seem to ride the chaotic edge of stringed oblivion. It is the sound of joy; the kind of joy that the truth gives you, even when it's a hard thing to hear.” - Alan Sparhawk, Producer
The Pixie covering five-piece band consists of Dave Simonett (guitar/lead vocals), Tim Saxhaug (bass/harmony vocals), Dave Carroll (banjo, harmony vocals), Erik Berry (mandolin), and Ryan Young (fiddle/harmony vocals).

Peachtree Stage
6:45p-7:45p
Local Natives

THE live band from 2013, we see no reason a change in calendar year should change anything. Local Natives is an indie rock band based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California. After the three founding members originally met in high school, a bassist and a drummer were found, and they all moved to a house in Silver Lake in 2008 to record their album. Their debut album as Local Natives, “Gorilla Manor”, was released in the UK on Nov 2nd, 2009, and saw a US release date of Feb. 16th, 2010.The band’s sound has been described as “afropop-influenced guitars with hyperactive drumming and hooky three-part harmonies”. They started to attract the attention of the music press after playing nine shows at the 2009 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Initial reviews of Local Natives have drawn favourable comparisons to Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend. 

Utilizing lots of vocal harmonies and drifting, dreamlike melodies, Local Natives have an intricate sound based around the delicate interconnectedness of all of their parts. This gives the band a sound that is able to be orchestral while still feeling understated, evoking the carefully assembled pop of Grizzly Bear. Their debut, Gorilla Manor, arrived in 2009 through U.K. label Infectious Records (with a domestic release coming by way of Frenchkiss in 2010). In 2011, Andy Hamm left Local Natives, leaving them to continue on as a quartet. In 2013, the band returned with its sophomore album, Hummingbird, featuring the single “Breakers.”

Piedmont Stage
7:45p-9:00p
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Head to the Piedmont Stage by 7:45p to catch a Grammy Award winning composer. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros should win a grammy for their amazing live performances that leave audiences with mouths agape. 
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros formed in 2007 after singer Alex Ebert met fellow singer Jade Castrinos outside of Little Pedro’s in downtown Los Angeles. In 2009 the 10-member troupe released their debut album, Up From Below, which featured the hit “Home” as well as fan favorites “40 Day Dream” and “Janglin”. The band has spent the past few years touring the world while winning over audiences at festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Leeds, Austin City Limits and more. Their follow up album, Here, was released in May 2012 and featured the tracks “Man On Fire” and “That’s What’s Up.”  The album debuted at #1 on the Independent Music Chart and #5 on Billboard Top 200 Chart the week after its release. Relix Magazine hailed it as “an album full of undeniable folk-rock hooks, gospel overtones, infectious lyrics, orchestral swells and a whole lot of love.” Entertainment Weekly declared, “…they’ve got so much heart, they can crush hipster irony with one squeeze of the accordion.” The album was listed at number seven on Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of 2012″ List.

If you sought comparisons for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros forthcoming self-titled album, you would hear the soulfulness of The Supremes’ ‘Where Did Our Love Go’, the raw exuberant pop of The Beatles ‘Yellow Submarine’ and the psychedelic echoes of Jefferson Airplane’s ‘Surrealistic Pillow’. But at its roots, the album shows a band evolved and hopeful for the future.
 Peachtree Stage

9:10p-10:30p
Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes had as meteoric of a rise as any band in recent memory in 2012. Once 'Hold On' ripped through airwaves they had America's attention.

The story of the Alabama Shakes begins in a high school psychology class in Athens, Alabama. Brittany Howard, who had started playing guitar a few years earlier, approached Zac Cockrell and asked if he wanted to try making music together. "I just knew that he played bass and that he wore shirts with cool bands on them that nobody had heard of," says Howard.
They started to meet up after school and write songs sitting on Howard's floor. "It had that rootsy feel, but there was some out-there stuff," says Cockrell. "David Bowie-style things, prog-rock, lots of different stuff. We started to come across our own sound a little bit, though it's evolved a lot since then."
Steve Johnson worked at the only music store in town, and Howard knew he played the drums. She invited him to a party where, she says, "he met everybody from our side of the tracks." The three young musicians began working together, further expanding their style and approach. "Steve is kind of a punk-metal drummer," says Howard, "so we embraced that edge he brings to everything he does."
he trio soon went into a studio in Decatur to record some of the songs they were working up, and this proto-demo found its way into the hands of Heath Fogg, with whom Howard had been familiar because he had been the lead guitarist in what she describes as "the best band in our high school." Fogg, who by now had graduated from college, asked them to open a show for his band, which they agreed to do—on the condition that he play with them. The response was immediate: "That first show was really explosive," says Howard.”

Festival Spotlight ::: Shaky Knees Festival Saturday

After an incredible first day, albeit a very wet one, Shaky Knees day two looks to be dryer and insanely packed with talent. When I schedule starts off with two of the bands I want to see the most at a festival you know things are looking up.

Piedmont Stage
12:45p-1:30p
Wake Owl

Wake Owl is an folk/psych rock band based in Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon. An interesting combo for any band. The band's core members are singer and songwriter Colyn Cameron and multi-instrumentalist Aiden Briscall.

Following several years of international travel during which Cameron wrote songs primarily as a hobby, the band released its debut EP as a free internet download in 2012, and was rereleased January 29, 2013 on Vagrant Records.The band toured both Canada and the United States to support the EP.

The band garnered a Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2014.

The band's debut full-length album The Private World of Paradise was released March 4, 2014 on Rezolute Music. The album is described as more experimental and pop-oriented than Wild Country, with an increased emphasis on rhythm and synth-pop textures.

Our love for this band goes back very far. Back to our third ever posting!

 Peachtree Stage
1:30p-2:15p
Apache Relay

Come on! What do you want to know about the Apache Relay that you can't learn from our interview with
this earlier this week! You Ought to Hear This band!







Ponce de Leon Stage
2:15p-3:00p
Gregory Alan Isakov

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and calling Colorado home, Gregory Alan Isakov has been traveling all his life. Songs that hone a masterful quality beyond his years tell a story of miles and landscapes, and the search for a sense of place.

Music has been a stabilizing and constant force. “I’ve always had this sense about music and writing that I sort of have to do it. Like I’ll implode without it. I probably wouldn’t do it if I felt any other way.”

His song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces, with hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen. He has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius,” but the source of his writing often remains a mystery to him. “My songs have nothing to do with me; they have a life of their own. A lot of times I won’t know what a song is about when I’m writing it. It just has a certain feeling about it.”

 Piedmont Stage

4:00p-5:00p
Lord Huron
Lord Huron is an American indie folk band based in Los Angeles. The group's debut album, Lonesome Dreams, was released in 2012 on Iamsound in the U.S. and Play It Again Sam in UK & IE in January 2013. Following the release of the album the group appeared on The Tonight Show.
Founding member Ben Schneider began writing music in his hometown of Okemos, Michigan. In 2005, Schneider moved to Los Angeles. In 2010, Schneider formed Lord Huron as a solo project, recording his first few EP's entirely on his own and steadily adding members to help play in live shows, most of whom he had known since childhood.
Nothing but high praise from the group's live performances.

Peachtree Stage
5:00p-6:00p
Dawes

A band that we are incredibly excited to see for the first time. Dawes has somewhat become a unicorn band for us. We've been at festivals, dating back to 2011 Bonnaroo, and had tickets to multiple shows of theirs and something always comes up. Pray not today. Dawes is composed of brothers Taylor (guitars and vocals) and Griffin Goldsmith (drums), along with Wylie Gelber (bass) and Tay Strathairn (keyboards).


Piedmont Stage
6:00p-7:00p
Portugal. the Man

Another unicorn band for some of us. Something keeps us apart. Pray not today, as we are ready to dance

and sing along to this amazing group, who released one of our top 5 albums of 2013, Evil Friends. From their facebook. It was last spring 2012, and John Gourley—frontman of Portugal. The Man—found himself in New York City about to ring the bell at Danger Mouse’s apartment--a long way from his current home in Portland, and farther still from his real home in Alaska. Six full-length albums in six years, nonstop touring, a stint with The Black Keys and festival stops at Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza—up until this moment, Portugal. The Man embodied all dimensions of DIY rock range. 

When it came time to begin work on the seventh album, Gourley thought long and hard about the next move and kept coming back to one concept: The most satisfying work is collaborative work. From building houses with his father in Alaska to building a devoted fanbase, he had sought partnerships. So he took a bold step — bold for a proven band, bolder still for its uncertainty of sound — a step up to the apartment of a possible collaborator, Danger Mouse.
“I walked into his place,” Gourley remembers now. “And it wasn’t going to happen. He was like, ‘Hey, man, just so you know, I don’t really want to record a rock band.’ And I was a little relieved. We’d done this by ourselves before, and we knew we could do it by ourselves again.”
But then they got to listening, and to talking about how much Danger Mouse had loved In the Mountain in the Cloud — the 2011 followup to Portugal. The Man’s break out record The Satanic Satanist. “From that very first meeting,” says Danger Mouse, “we were very ambitious about what we could do…otherwise there was no point. So we decided: Let’s try and make something really special.”

Boulevard Stage

7:00p-8:00p

Houndmouth

Indie/Americana rock band Houndmouth formed in 2011 in New Albany, Indiana, a town across the river from Louisville, Kentucky. Founding members included guitarist/vocalist Matt Myers, keyboardist/vocalist Katie Toupin, bassist/vocalist Zak Appleby, and drummer/vocalist Shane Cody. The driven group of musicians quickly built a loyal following based on its fervent live shows, and was soon sharing stages with like-minded bands such as Drive-By Truckers and the Lumineers. In 2013, Rough Trade Records released the band's debut, From the Hills Below the City, a hearty collection of ragged country-informed rock & roll. Thanks to All Music


Piedmont Stage
8:00p-9:15p
The Replacements

The Replacements is an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979, and are considered pioneers of alternative rock. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson and drummer Chris Mars for most of its career. Following several critically acclaimed albums, including Let It Be and Tim, Bob Stinson left the band in 1986 and the band experienced several line-up changes; Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist and Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over the creative output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members ultimately pursuing various projects. However, a reunion was announced on October 3, 2012. The Replacements never experienced any significant commercial success but did influence a variety of alternative rock acts.

Peachtree Stage
9:30p-11:00p
Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse was formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington and over the last decade has become the indie rock standard and one of the few bands capable of treading the narrow path where massive popularity is possible without sacrificing their longtime fans.
The band released their first full-length album, This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About, on the Up label in 1996. With therelease of their second album, The Lonesome Crowded West in 1997, the band’s status reached new heights with a legion of fans and critical acclaim. In 2000, Modest Mouse was signed to Epic Records and released their third album, The Moon & Antarctica. In 2004 came the release of their breakthrough album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, which included the hit “Float On,” has sold over 1.5 million copies and earned the band two Grammy nominations
The most recent Modest Mouse album, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, was released on March 20, 2007 and immediately entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #1.
On August 4th, 2009 Modest Mouse released a special EP, No One’s First, And You’re Next. This new EP contains eight songs, six of which were released as limited edition 7” vinyl singles. Also included on the EP is ‘King Rat’ which was a limited promo-only 7” single free with the purchase of We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank in 2007 and ‘I’ve Got It All (Most)’ which was the b-side to the ‘Float On’ single in 2004 and is currently out of print. No One’s First, And You’re Next debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 and was the #2 Digital Album.
Simultaneous to the EP release, Modest Mouse released the highly anticipated Heath Ledger directed video for ‘King Rat,” a track also included on the No One’s First, And You’re Next EP.

Festival Spotlight ::: Shaky Knees Festival Friday

The second installation of Shaky Knees Music Festival jumps out of the gates with a great first day. Headlined by The National the day is full of quality acts and is not without scheduling dilemmas. 

Here is the schedule plan we're going into the day with...

Piedmont Stage

12:45p - 1:30p

Mutual Benefit

Mutual Benefit is a music project created by singer-songwriter Jordan Lee. The band consists of various musicians gathered by Jordan Lee, and has no concrete band line-up. The band's most recent LP Love's Crushing Diamond has gained critical praise; being named Stereogum's Band to Watch, and Pitchfork's best new music. Contributions to Mutual Benefit have been made by musicians Marc Merza, Jake Falby, Cory Siegler, Dillon Zahner, Mike Clifford, Virginia de las Pozas, Julie Byrne, Cameron Potter, and George Folickman. The grassy lo-fi group blends sounds from various decades and styles. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, later movie to Texas, and being on a Brooklyn label you can see where they blend together.

Peachtree Stage

1:30p-2:15

Blood Red Shoes

Blood Red Shoes are an alternative rock duo from Brighton, England. They have released four full-length albums, Box of Secrets(2008), Fire Like This (2010), In Time to Voices (2012), and Blood Red Shoes (2014) as well as numerous early singles on limited 7" vinyl pressings. Their hard rocking and longing vocals are akin to Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a 90s punk influence. 

Piedmont Stage

2:15p-3:00p

Wild Belle

Wild Belle are an American indie rock band, composed of siblings Elliot and Natalie Bergman, who grew up in and around Chicago. Their debut album, Isles, was released by Columbia Records on March 12, 2013. They have released three songs from the album: "Keep You" in February, "Backslider", and "It's Too Late". Their song "Shine" was featured on the soundtrack of the 2013 movie The Way, Way Back. Their laid back afro-pop is unique and refreshing as is Natalie's voice.

Peachtree Stage

3:00p-4:00p

White Denim

White Denim is a four-piece indie rock band from Austin, Texas. Their music draws influence from dub, psychedelic rock, blues,punk rock, progressive rock, soul, jazz, experimental rock with home-based recording, jamming approach, intense looping work and unusual song structures. The group is made up of James Petralli (vocals, guitar), Joshua Block (drums), Steven Terebecki (vocals, bass), Austin Jenkins (guitar) and blend old school, southern, and psych rock.

Ponce de Leon Stage
4:00p-5:00p
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
Charles Bradley is an American funk/soul/R&B singer, signed to the Daptone Records label under the Dunham Records division. His performances and recording style are consistent with Daptone's revivalist approach, celebrating the feel of funk and soul music from the 1960s and 1970s. One review stated that Bradley "echoes the evocative delivery of Otis Redding". He got his start as a James Brown impersonator amongst many other jobs. He was so good, he inked a deal and with his Extraordinaires they have traveled the world playing venues and festivals, always blowing the crowd away. Don't be surprised to see him get into the crowd.

Boulevard Stage
5:00p-6:00p
Man Man
Man Man is an experimental band from Philadelphia. Their multi-instrumental style is centered on the piano

playing of lead singer and lyricist Honus Honus.On recordings, Honus usually plays piano but during the live shows he uses a Rhodes Piano or a Nord Electro 3. He is accompanied by an energetic group of musicians and vocalists. Instruments played by the band include a clavinet,Moog Little Phatty, sousaphone, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, flute, bass clarinet, drum set, euphonium, Fender Jazz Bass, Danelectro baritone guitar, xylophone, marimba, melodica and various percussive instruments including pots and pans, toy noisemakers, Chinese funeral horns, spoons, smashing plates, fireworks, and—on occasion—audience members' heads.

Piedmont Stage
6:00p-7:00p
FOALS

Foals are an English indie rock band from Oxford, England. They are currently signed to Warner Bros. Records. They released their debut album, Antidotes, on 24 March 2008 in the United Kingdom and on 8 April 2008 in the United States. Having caught their show before, it's a cannot miss group. Expect lead man Yannis to scale anything and everything on the Piedmont Stage.











Peachtree Stage
7:00p-8:00p
Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant is an American rock band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, that formed in 2006. The group currently consists of Matt Shultz, Brad Shultz, Daniel Tichenor, and Jared Champion. A group known for their live shows, I would make plans to be here. The group's audience expanded exponentially throughout 2011. Although they were formed in the late 2000s, the band earned the top spot in Rolling Stone's "Reader's Poll: The Best New Artist of 2011". 2013's Mespotamia completely changed our view of this four-piece alt-rock group. 


Piedmont Stage
8:00p-9:15p
Spoon

Spoon is an American rock band formed in Austin, Texas. The band is composed of Britt Daniel; Jim Eno; Rob Pope and Eric Harvey. If the fact that this is only Spoon's second show after taking years off isn't enough to get you to the Piedmont Stage, maybe hearing new songs off their newest album, seventh in their collection will get you there. The band has played venues of all sizes and by early accounts have lost not touch at all in commanding an audience.







Peachtree Stage
9:30p-11:00p
The National

The National is an American indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, in 1999, and currently based in Brooklyn. This is not a headliner you will want to miss to get to an aftershow early, much less to get so sleep for day 2. Blowing audiences away throughout 2013-14 at festivals all over the globe, frontman Matt Berninger leaves everything he has on the stage, microphone, and in most cases the actual audience.