Kristen's Concert Picks: Get your fill of November's tunes!

Don't let the cool weather get you down!  Warm up with the delicious sounds of November.

Thu, November 1: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Start the month the right way with some quality southern rock from the always great Futurebirds!

Fri, November 2: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Craving something different?  You'll just love the lilting folk vocals of Cicada Rhythm!

Fri, November 2: Sam Sniper @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255

One of my favorites in the Athens scene, the unique southern rock of Sam Sniper will have you dancing in no time!

Wed, November 7: The Peaks @ 8 PM @ Go Bar

One of my newest favorite bands on the scene, the Peaks' dark and soulful tunes will no doubt entrance you!  

Wed, November 7: Blue Man Group @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre

It's the Blue Man Group! Yeah, you've heard of them...  The lights. The insanity.  This time they're on your doorstep!

Thu, November 8: Brothers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Classic rock meets indie pop when Brothers plays.  You can catch 'em on the 29th of the month as well!

Thu, November 8: Life Coach @ 10 PM @ Little Kings

Life Coach will blast you away with their sound.  Be there!

Fri, November 9: Reptar @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

It's REPTAR!  Get your tickets early because this outrageous band's show will surely sell out fast.  Prepare for the insanity!

Sat, November 10: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Brace yourself for Manray's explosive noise rock sound!

Sun, November 11: The Skipperdees @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

A spectacular mix of talent, heart, and southern folk makes every Skipperdees show just incredible!

Fri, November 16: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Melodic rock infused with instrumental metal tunes, you'll love Lazer/Wulf's strength of sound! Plus, you can catch our town's latest noise rock addition, The Powder Room!

Sat, November 17: Ruby the Rabitfoot @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You know her as Ruby Kendrick, but now she's Ruby the Rabitfoot.  With her sweet pop style, she's taking the town once again!

Fri, November 23: Young Benjamin @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Ambient and ethereal, Young Benjamin's melodies with transport you to another world.  Can't catch him on the 23rd?  Well, you're in luck!  He'll also be filling Flicker with his unbelievable sound on the 28th.

Sat, November 24: Velvet Runway @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

One of my favorite college memories is throwing a spontaneous dance party outside a rockin' Velvet Runway show.  Check out this quality 80s cover band!

Thu, November 29: The Viking Progress and John French & the Bastilles @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Don't miss the innovative indie rock of Viking Progress and the dark, polished sound of John French and the Bastilles over at the Caledonia.  What a mix!

Thu, November 29: Qurious @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Wow, Qurious, Brothers, AND Thick Paint?  Catch the indescribable experience that is Qurious as they join indie pop rockers Brothers and Thick Paint, Graham of Reptar's DJ act at the 40 Watt.  This is going to be just wild!

Well, we've got an incredible month of tunes in store for us!  Totally pumped about an Athens show not listed here?  Post about it below so everyone can get the details.  Have an awesome November, you guys!

Athfest 2012: Pictures, bands, and a dancing banana

We caught all sorts of wild sights at Athfest 2012, and now we've got pictures of all of 'em up on the Echoreyn of Athens Facebook page!  You can see some of our favorites below:

Like Totally intros the Flagpole Awards

Stokeswood lights up the night

Emily Hearn sings so sweetly

Reptar puts on an insane show

Betsy Kingston belts it out during her set

Want to see more?  Check out the full album on our Facebook page!

  For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2012, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well! 

Athfest 2012: Dancing wildly with Reptar and the Orkids

Friday, June 22nd, 2012 

The Orkids and Reptar

It was 9 PM, and I had one monumental decision to make: Reptar or The Orkids?  Impossible!  I couldn't choose just one.  Maybe it was madness on my part, but I knew I was going to do everything in my power to see them both rock their stages.

My first order of business was to get myself to Go Bar where one of my longtime favorite pop rockers The Orkids would be taking the stage soon.  The last time they played in Athens was right around Athfest of last year, so this show was a bit of a reunion of sorts.  Walking in, the band gifted me and each of their other fans with glow stick bracelets which set the mood perfectly.  Then they launched into a set of hits, and wow, they sounded even better than I had remembered them!  I just had to dance along, though I have to admit the other girls in the front row gave me a run for my money as far as moves are concerned.  The band finished off the show with guitar player Adam shredding on the mic stand in rockstar fashion.  Oh man, seeing old friends and some of my favorite bands just reminds me why I can't get enough of this Athens town. What a memorable set!

Then, with not a minute to spare, I hightailed it to the Pulaski Street Stage to see the veritable kings of our music scene in action.  Luckily, flashing my press pass, I was able to make it into the media area just in time to catch the insane madness that was Reptar.  Billed by many as one of the wildest shows Athfest has ever seen, I was positively engulfed by the manic energy that surrounded me.  Although I later heard that I missed watching guitar player Jace jump off the stage and rock away with blood dripping down his face in what just might have been the most hardcore moment ever, you better believe I was there to see keyboardist Will dive into that tumbling ocean of people and then surf back to the stage.  These guys just have no fear!   I was in pure, ecstatic awe to hear their thousands of fans screaming in appreciation. Even the photographers couldn't stop themselves from dancing and getting sucked into the excitement. In fact, there were just as many of them gleefully taking pictures of the unbelievably massive crowd as there were nabbing shot after shot of the band!  I've honestly never seen anything like it. That show was just too incredible to be believed!  I can promise you that no one there will ever forget this night.

  For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2012, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, get ready for show footage and Athfest vlogs coming soon to the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well! 

Athfest 2012: the always wild Flagpole Awards!

Thursday, June 21st, 2012 

Flagpole Athens Music Awards show

Dancing bananas?  Waving octopus arms?  Clowns throwing glow sticks?  No, you're not having a bad trip... it's the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012!

We've come to expect all sorts of ridiculous shenanigans at the Flagpole Awards ceremony every year, and this year's show was certainly no exception.

Traveling by time machine to get to the Morton Theatre, the wildly costumed band Like Totally kicked off the night with a short set of quirky tunes and enough glow bracelets for everyone in the crowd.  And that was only the beginning. Truly, the night was rife with classic Athens madness!  Hope for Agoldensummer accepted a win for Best Folk Group via speakerphone, presenter Jeff Tobias had an unnamed assistant give his speech for him, and Reptar insisted on Texas two-stepping across the stage to collect their second award of the night for Best Live Band.  Pure, beautiful insanity!

And the night got even more ridiculous from there.  Between house band and multiyear Best Jazz Band winners Kenosha Kid's pitch perfect covers of hits from every award winner to the impromptu rap performance and Humpty Hump dance from presenter/WUOG DJ Akeeme Martin, the show had me smiling from beginning to end.  I just loved having a small second taste of the sounds from indie rockers Viking Progress and masters of fun the Grass Giraffes, and I certainly enjoyed Cicada Rhythm's soft lilting folk vocals as well.  And the Sprocket's music video and audience choice winning videos?  Hilarious and awesomely made!

Undoubtably, one of the coolest parts of the night, though, was musician Kishi Bashi's incredible and fascinating performance!  Like an art installation for the eardrums, he created unique and complex melodies with just his voice and a violin, melodies that left the audience enthralled and in utter awe.  What an experience!  It was really no surprise that some guy yelled out, "Holy shit!" just before the audience got up to give Kishi Bashi a well-deserved standing ovation.  Indeed, the whole crowd, led by the show's host, joined together for a collective "holy shit" after that set!

And then, once Flagpole editor Michelle Gilzenrat Davis had introduced her successor Gabe Vodicka with a series of amusing quips and the band the District Attorneys had swept the awards including Band of Year, the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012 came to an end.

But, of course our first night of Athfest wouldn't be complete without the 40 Watt Kickoff Party!  White Violet, a band I've loved since the first time I saw them and who seem to just get more and more incredible as time goes on, were finishing up their set as I stepped in the door.  Then Texas act Buxton jumped onstage to give us a bit of their awesome southern rock before it was time to go home and rest up for the first official day of Athfest 2012!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2012, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, get ready for show footage and Athfest vlogs coming soon to the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well! Also, for a complete list of winners of the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012, check out the AMJ blog!

Kristen's Concert Picks: May heats things up

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

Summertime is almost here.  Let's celebrate freedom, joy, and sunny days with some incredible tunes!

Tue, May 1: Reptar DJ set @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop

Want to get your dance on with the members of Reptar?  Kick off the month with DJs from one of Athens' favorite bands!

Thu, May 3: Dead Confederate @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Quality dark rock is Dead Confederate's way.  Don't miss this longtime favorite in action!

Fri, May 4: Reptar @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for Reptar's brand new album! Start your summer off the right way with this mad crazy dance party.  Trust me, this will be an unforgettable night!

Sat, May 5: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 7 PM @ Whole: Mind. Body. Art.

Soft folk band Hope for Agoldensummer is also releasing an album this weekend.  Catch the band as they perform with the ever-talented songstress Madeline!

Sat, May 5: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

For all your dark noise rock needs, Manray is your band.  Let them devour your ears!

Tue, May 8: Switchfoot @ 7 PM @ Georgia Theatre

If you've been craving some big name bands, the Georgia Theatre's got you covered.  Reminisce over the past few decades with Switchfoot, creators of such songs as "Dare You to Move" and "Meant to Live"!

Tue, May 8: Ruby Kendrick @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ruby Kendrick's sweet and soft melodies will bring a smile to your face, for sure!

Wed, May 9: Lullwater @ 8 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for some good solid rock?  Lullwater will deliver over at the Caledonia Lounge!

Fri, May 11: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You'll love the soft rock sound of Nate Nelson's band White Violet.  Head to the Caledonia to hear their quality tunes!

Wed, May 16: Turf War @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Mix it up mid-month with fun rock band Turf War.  These guys have a bit of a nineties style and tons of personality!

Tue, May 22: Dead Confederate @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Just in case exams got in the way earlier in the month, you can catch Dead Confederate again, this time over at the Georgia Theatre!  Excellent.

May is going to be wild!  As always, if you know of a rockin' show happening in Athens this month, let the world know about it in the comments below. Hope these tunes are just the the beginning of a spectacular summer!

Beyond Amazing: the night ruled by Reptar

Monday night.  These words do not usually evoke feelings of shock, amazement, or pure joy.  But then, there's truly never been a night like this past Monday night. Indeed, last night Reptar gave a performance the people of Athens will likely be talking about for years to come.

It all started at a house party off Prince Avenue, in the backyard of a rather cool guy named Scott.  My friend Andy and I arrived early, determined to stake out our place for the surprise Reptar show that had been mentioned on Twitter a mere two days earlier and had already gained a guest list of nearly 200 people on Facebook.  Figboots, the band formerly known as Bigfoot, kicked the night off just before 9 PM to quite a sizable crowd. As they played, more and more people gathered in Scott’s backyard to get their Monday night dance on.

Then finally the golden moment arrived. Reptar took the metaphorical stage, and, after hinting that the police would probably come to break up the show soon, threw themselves into their set. Just a few rockin’ songs in, the police did indeed make good on that threat, issuing not just one but three noise violation tickets and effectively halting the show. Disappointed, the fans loitered around the backyard as the band scrambled to figure out some way to satiate the crowd’s need for more Reptar. Ideas ranged from the unlikely to the impossibly insane, and Andy even suggested that they storm the Georgia Theatre now that Tom Green’s comedy show had ended. Just 20 minutes later, the band made their announcement. It was official. Reptar really was going to take over the Georgia Theatre! Texting their friends, people flocked out to their cars in droves, eager not to miss a second of this promised show.  Moments later, we found ourselves herded into a short line in front of the Theatre. By the time the doors opened for us, that line had quadrupled, and soon people were flooding into the venue. And that’s when the real madness began.


 Less than an hour after they had announced their impromptu free Georgia Theatre show, Reptar rocked the stage for a crowd of what had to be at least 300 people (apparently, there were actually more than 600 people going wild in the Theatre that night). The show was unbelievable, mind-blowing even, better than I've ever seen them before! They even dedicated one song to comedian Tom Green who was in the audience, watching the craziness unfold. Due to the sheer insanity of the whole situation, the Reptar fans were even more wild than usual. Andy dove onto the stage and then crowdsurfed, starting a chain of crowdsurfing as the lead singer Graham followed suit. Then several others joined the game, diving onto the stage only to find themselves dragged off by the now wary security guards. And wow, the band itself played through nearly all of their songs as the crowd just ate it up. After a dose of Houseboat Babies and several other tunes, some of them repeats from the house party earlier that night played for the benefit of the ever-growing and now massive Theatre crowd, the band finished their set only to find themselves encored back onstage by the eager fans, many yelling, “Play all night!” Obliging, the band struck up yet another tune as first the keyboardist Will, then the singer Graham dove into the crowd once more, even managing at one point to surf atop a crowdsurfing fan.  One song later, the history-worthy show ended, leaving everyone who experienced it in total awe. But the night was not quite over yet. Hearing a bit of a buzz about Tom Green, we turned to find him hanging out right near the stage. Pumped to finish the night on yet another high note, we went over and shook hands with the comedian before high-tailing it out of the venue.


Honestly, I’m still in shock from all that happened. Even the members of Reptar themselves could not believe it.  2012 has only just begun, and already I deem this the most amazing night of the year in Athens music.  I just can't imagine anything could top that show. You can bet this will be a Monday night the people of this town will never forget!

Kristen's Concert Picks: December's tunes light up the night

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

Whispers of snowfall swirl through the cold air as the final month of the year dawns on us.  December comes to Athens bearing gifts in the form of tons of incredible shows.  Enjoy!

Fri, Dec 2: Yo Soybean @ 10:30 PM @ Farm 255

If irreverent southern rock is your style, you'll definitely want to start off your month with Yo Soybean over at Farm 255!

Sat, Dec 3: Athens @ 8 PM @ Bad Manor

There's no doubt about it, the Athens band's pure rock style will leave you in awe.  Don't miss their sure-to-be awesome show at Bad Manor!

Mon, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

It's a Squidmas miracle, you guys!  An incredible lineup of three of our blog favorites - Doctor Squid, the Warm Fuzzies, and Groove Tangent - will be rocking the Melting Point stage this year in celebration of the fourth annual Squidmas.  Plus, Doctor Squid will be releasing their latest album Changes the Channel at the show!  Trust me, you'll want to be there!

Tues, Dec 6: Groove Tangent @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Craving even more Groove Tangent?  They'll be sharing their sweet 50s style with the crowd at Caledonia the day after Squidmas!

Tues, Dec 6: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

This one's for anybody who loves southern rock.  Headliners of this year's Athfest, the Futurebirds return to rock the 40 Watt early in the month!  Then they take the stage again at the Georgia Theatre on the 30th!

Fri, Dec 9: Modern Skirts & Lera Lynn @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

This show's got some of Athens' best!  Don't miss powerful singer Lera Lynn as she joins pop rockers Modern Skirts and Easter Island for a show that is guaranteed to be memorable!

Sat, Dec 10: Manray & Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Hard and darkly melodic noise rock will rule the night as Manray and Lazer/Wulf take the Caledonia!

Sat, Dec 10: Venice Is Sinking @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for another helping of soft and sweet tunes from Venice Is Sinking.  Can't wait!

Fri, Dec 16: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

Beatles fans rejoice!  Abbey Road Live is back to give you all your favorite covers in the middle of the month.

Sat, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

These local rockers have made quite a name for themselves, and now they're back to ring in the new year with style!

Sat, Dec 31: Reptar @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Want an absolutely insane New Year's Eve?  Well, then, you'll want to head on over to the Georgia Theatre bash featuring one of Athens' wildest bands, Reptar!  Be sure to buy your tickets early for this one!

Wow, that looks like quite a December!  As always, check back often for even more can't-miss shows as the month progresses, and be sure to let the world know about any other great upcoming concerts in the comments below.  Happy winter, you guys!

More than Music: Creative Merch and Promotions

There's no doubt that the tunes bring the fans to shows, but what keeps them coming back for more? How can bands ensure their fans will share their latest rockin' discovery with all of their friends? Sometimes it takes a little more than music. Here's where a bit of creativity and some great merch can make all the difference!

After choosing a name, recording a few songs, and playing a couple of shows, most bands take the next logical step and arm themselves with EPs and t-shirts to sell to the masses. Many even give out something small, like a button or a sticker, to potential fans for free to keep their name fresh in fans' minds. This is, indeed, one of the best ways to get your name out there! But some bands have forged their own path with regards to merch and advertising. Putting their creativity and ingenuity to good use, they've thrown a whole new spin on the idea.

My first true experience with merch tables and band promotions was at this year's Summer Side Show in Columbus, GA where I was lucky enough to be traveling with a band who were masters at the art. The very first thing Misfortune500 did when they arrived at the festival was set up a professional-looking merch tent complete with nicely arranged tables and well-displayed items for sale. After all, you've got to think big to make it big! Displays like these lend bands the illusion of great fame, and that really does wonders when you're playing for an unfamiliar crowd. They also took account of their audience for the festival. Hot weather? Well, then there's no better idea than selling water bottles with the band name on them! Other bands around the park also embraced the festival layout, guiding potential fans to their tents with signs and even writing messages on their friends' chests. Definitely eye-catching!

Here in Athens, I've seen some amazing promotional ideas as well. Several years ago, the Warm Fuzzies released their tunes on a bubblegum-scented CD. No fan is ever going to forget a band like that! I can vouch for the fact that, even weeks later, my friends and I could't get enough of telling our pals about them and letting them get a whiff of that sweet song-filled goodness.

Reptar, on the other hand, mixed it up in the early days with their t-shirts, making handmade pieces of one-of-a-kind art using just fabric paint and old clothes they'd found. Back when Allison Weiss lived here, she opted to go for printed t-shirts instead, but they certainly weren't any less memorable with sayings like "Allison Weiss is ok I guess." Ye Olde Sub Shoppe even went so far as to print headshots of one of their unwilling friends on their shirts. Having a sense of humor about their merch is an awesome way to keep the fans amused and excited!

Some bands step even further outside of the box when making their merch. Screamin Eagle, a soft indie pop band from Florida, sold small, hand-drawn books filled with the notions and themes they'd shared in their songs. It was such a unique move that you can bet I've never forgotten their show!

And hey, a band can even stand out in the way they sell their merch. Bambara and Misfortune500, among several other bands I've seen, have begun accepting credit cards at their shows as well. How is this possible? Well, all you need is an iPhone, a small addition to swipe cards, and an app to make your merch table into a legitimate portable business! You can't deny it. That is pretty cool!

Just remember, whether a band is selling sunglasses and beer koozies or earrings and bracelets, they should always make sure their fans leave with their minds full of unforgettable memories and their hands full of incredibly creative merch!

To read about all of the ingredients that make up a live show to top all others, click here!

Hey, bands! How can your fans find you?

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a well-maintained web presence. Whether you're a member of a band, a music promoter, or the social media manager for a venue, keeping the fans in mind should always be one of your top priorities. Let's get down to the basics. Established bands and budding musicians, this one's for you!

• Just starting out with your band? Well, all you need is a name to create your very own Facebook fan page! Listing all of your members' names and what they play as well as contact info and a brief, attention-grabbing description will make your page a one-stop shop for all of your listener's needs. Later on, you can add apps that will give you the chance to share your tunes with the masses, and you can create an event list and invite all your friends to attend your next rockin' show. These pages are incredibly valuable if you're hoping to get a bit of press about your band in the future too.

• Thinking about doing this music thing for a while? Looks like it's time for you to invest in a website! But why make a site when you're already running things from your Facebook fan page command center? To answer your question, try searching for Reptar, the Athens band that's been blowing up the scene for the past year, on Facebook. Hard to find unless you're already a fan, right? Bands that share names with other popular places, creatures, items, or ideas will often be lost in a sea of pages on everybody's favorite social networking site. A simple website featuring links to all of your pages, channels, and feeds plus a small tour schedule display will work wonders for the fan doing a Google search for your band. And there's no need to be worried about the cost either. Run your site through a blogging platform (like we do here on Blogger), and you'll just have to pay around $10 a year for your domain name. It's almost too easy!

• Once you've established yourself with a bit of a fanbase, you'll want to keep in touch with all those awesome fans you meet. Let them know what you're up to on the go with a Twitter page. The best thing about Twitter is that you can easily alert your followers of any time or venue changes quickly, no matter where you are. Your most eager fans can even sign up to get text messages of your latest tweets straight to their phone. Also, the Twitter community supporting the music scene is huge, so you'll have a chance to make some great contacts there as well.

• Ready to showcase your talents on the global stage? What your band needs next is its own YouTube channel. Grab a friend with a video camera and get to filming! Whether you're just uploading footage from your last show or you're showcasing a brand new music video masterpiece, it's always a good bet to nab a channel purely for the purposes of showing off what your band can do. Be sure to tag your videos well, so they'll be easy to find too!

Remember, every little thing you do could make a difference! You never know who might stumble across one of your band's pages and fall in love with your sound. Good luck, my friends!

Risking life and limb for the love of Reptar

Madness. Sheer insanity. I am still near speechless several days later. Reptar's Friday night EP release party of Oblangle Fizz Y'all definitely joins the ranks as one of the craziest nights I've ever had on the scene!

Gainesville, Florida's Oh Fortuna kicked off the dance party with their bouncy yet sweet sound, a style which melded perfectly with headliners Reptar. For just the beginning of a mysterious show hidden away in the basement of some secret location, I was amazed at how crowded the place had already become. An atmosphere of excitement and fun pervaded the audience as they listened, anticipation ever growing for the events of the night. By the time the second band began to play, the place was absolutely packed.

And then, about an hour after midnight, the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived. By some miracle, while the band was setting up, I managed to maneuver my way to the very front right beside the stage, thanks in part to all of those crowd-dodging skills I've learned from Athfests past. I hadn't forgotten just how raucous Reptar's fans get, what with all of the inflatables and falling people I've been crushed by at their other shows, but I was truly unprepared for what was to come.

Fog filled the air as one of Athens' most popular bands stepped onstage, ready to treat their fans to tunes guaranteed to leave them dancing up a storm. Their wild, indie pop tunes were in top form at this show, and the hundreds of people in attendance just couldn't get enough of them. Crowd surfers passed above the fans in a constant stream as overeager people surged forward, pushing those up front onto the stage and into amps, instruments, and even band members. Beer seemingly flowed in waterfalls from the less than sober, bursting forth from every angle to drench the listeners. The sheer excitement for Reptar manifested itself in what could only be called an evolved mosh pit, with people hanging onto poles for dear life, amps threatening to topple over, long hair getting pulled this way and that, speakers breaking into pieces, and flailing arms and legs injuring and bruising nearly everyone. Those of us closest to the stage became fast friends as we linked arms to protect each other from the onslaught of rabid fans. The band itself played through a purely awesome set which included at least one brand new song. The crowd's love for Reptar was overwhelming throughout the show, and they were eagerly encored for two more songs as their set ended. Fans screamed for the tune Houseboat Babies, and the band delivered, finishing off their portion of the show with their biggest hit. I've gotta say, this show was probably the most dangerous experience of my life and quite possibly the most fun I've ever had!

As we all recuperated, dried off, and regained the use of our limbs, West Palm, Florida's Sumsun finished out the evening with a set of calm, wordless electronic tunes played against an eye-catching light show. Such an unbelievably wild night!

Rockin' the scene

What's new on the scene this week?

Well, for all you Athfest enthusiasts out there who, like me, just can't wait to immerse themselves in the tunes and bands of the massive festival, we've got a bit of news for you! Those spectacular people who put on Athfest for us have updated their website to include a more complete schedule of bands for the outdoor stages. I'm sure we can look forward to seeing all those slots filling up soon!

Also, starting tomorrow, we're in for an exciting weekend here in the ATH-town. Thursday night at MAX (formerly the Max Canada) there will be a massive celebration featuring dark rock band Gift Horse, wild adventurers Co Co Ri Co, a brand new band with members from Eddie the Wheel, and Lame Name, a collaboration brought to us by several talented musicians around town including Hardy Morris of blog favorite Dead Confederate. It's gonna get crazy up in there!

And don't miss your chance to experience the insanity that is Reptar at their album release party in Athens this Friday. YES, THEY'RE PUTTING OUT A CD! Want to know more? Check out their Facebook event right here!

Have a crazy one, my pals!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Spring Break 2011 Edition

Ah, to be a student again! Battling tests and projects and papers until the sweet moment of freedom comes to whisk you off to another land, be it home or somewhere exotic or even just the land of sleep and dreams. Spring Break starts today! But what does this mean for the Athens scene?

Well, for those of us still in town tonight, Farm 255's got an awesome show featuring country-meets-hardcore-rock band Sam Sniper to kick off the break. Excellent!

Headed out to Texas later in the week? I can honestly say I'm too jealous for words! Tons of our local favorites are going to be rocking shows in Austin, Texas for the massive South by Southwest festival. Be sure not to miss the all-day shows (starting at noon) at the Side Bar on the 18th and 19th featuring such spectacular bands as Bambara, Venice is Sinking, Reptar, Futurebirds, Gift Horse, Twin Tigers, and so many more!

Or maybe the Midwest is your destination? Well, if that's the case, Atlanta's rock superstars the Constellations have got you covered with shows in Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Minnesota! For more info on those, check out their Facebook page here!

Or perhaps you're trekking to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Well, you're in luck! You have the chance to catch the Winter Sounds as they rock the stage with the one and only Allison Weiss, queen of the Athens music scene turned NYC darling. Mark it down: Club Cafe on the 19th! Too cool.

Know of any other Spring Break shows around town or even around the world featuring some of our local favorites? Don't let us miss them! Be sure to comment below and share the tune-filled love.

And party on, my friends! Party on.

Lullwater releases the rock

Here is some advice for you music lovers around town: Never start the night off with a Reptar set! Reptar's takeover of WUOG's Live in the Lobby show was filled with so much wild, insane fun that I was quite afraid that every other band of the night would pale in comparison. I mean, it was Reptar, Athens' own personal masters of the scene themselves. But luckily I chose not to forego the rest of the evening... after all, if I had, I would've missed my chance to catch Lullwater rock the Caledonia stage at the release party of their latest CD, and that, my friends, would have been most tragic.

After a bit of good, solid americana from the District Attorneys, Lullwater made their claim on the night with a set of folk-infused hard rock that had the whole crowd excited. No one in the audience could stop themselves from dancing along! The band's sound just had a rather awesome vibe to it that drew us all in and left us groovin'. In fact, I'd venture to suggest that some people, like the ridiculously drunk man who alternated between moving wildly and nearly crushing everyone else on the dance floor, even had a little too much fun. But really, it was quite a time! The band played through a set of newer tunes and hits, many off their brand new album Silhouette. Good stuff. And I've gotta say I just loved staring in awe at bassist Roy's ever-amazing metallic-looking bass guitar. I've seen that thing once before, and it stuck with me. I will never forget how spectacularly cool that thing is! All in all, 'twas quite a satisfying night!

Kristen's Concert Picks: February's tunes will drive you wild!

Happy February, everyone! Ready to fall in love with some tunes? Well, you're in luck. This month's bands have totally got you covered!

Tues, Feb 1: Pillage & Plunder @ 9 PM @ Max Canada

Long before the thought of writing a music blog had even entered into my mind, I caught a show with these guys in Atlanta. Playing their first ever set in Athens (their last date up here was snowed out), you definitely won't wanna miss this one!

Sat, Feb 5: Pholksinger Josh @ 10 PM @ Rye Bar

Pholksinger Josh's own personal brand of "gangsta folk" mixes spoken word with a southern twang to give listeners a taste of the truth. You must check it out for yourself!

Mon, Feb 7: Jimmy Eat World @ 7 PM @ 40 Watt

40 Watt's pulling out the big guns with Jimmy Eat World. Although, honestly, I don't recall much from them since "The Middle," I still just love that song! It reminds of childhood and carefree days!

Tues, Feb 8: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Highwire

Need to chill? As one of the best jazz bands in Athens, Kenosha Kid'll help you out.

Thu, Feb 10: Reptar @ 8 PM @ WUOG

REPTAR! For free? Yes, it's possible! WUOG's Live in the Lobby at the UGA Tate Center is where dreams come true!

Sat, Feb 12: Valentine 80's Prom @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt

Dance partyyyyyyyyyyy! Featuring a couple of Athens' favorite DJs and a band or two, this one looks like fun.

Thu, Feb 17: Groove Tangent @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Who doesn't love a mix of classic covers and original tunes? These guys rock with a sense of humor too! I can promise you'll have fun at their show.

Sat, Feb 19: Spring Tigers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Get ready for some awesome rock... Give your ears a treat with the Spring Tigers' sound!

Sat, Feb 19: Matt Joiner @ 9 PM @ The Melting Point

If you want to get your blues rock on, Matt Joiner's the one to see! He's on my list of bands to catch in action soon.

Fri, Feb 25: Packway Handle Band @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

Every single one of my friends who has seen this bluegrass band can't stop raving about them. I'd say this is another must see!

Sat, Feb 26: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Speaking of bands my friends just love, if you haven't experienced Lazer/Wulf's wall of sound yet, you've got to give them a listen now! What fun!

Wow, this month's shaping up to be an amazing one! Don't forget, if you know of any other sure-to-be-rockin' shows that you want to share with the world, post about them in the comments and let us all know. And as always, be sure to click the Monthly Concert Picks button often for updates and new shows. See you around town, my friends!

It's Party Time: WUOGfest 2010 with Oryx & Crake, Venice is Sinking, and Reptar!

Downtown Athens is the perfect place for a party, no doubt about it! Given my tendency to throw birthday parties two weeks after my actual birthday, I was on the lookout for a rockin' linuep of bands sometime around the 13th. I didn't have to search for long... WUOGfest featuring blog favorites Venice is Sinking and Reptar was prepared to take over the 40 Watt that very night!

So, on Saturday, my friends and I headed to the Watt dressed in our ridiculous best. Silly hats, feather boas, and condom dresses ruled the night! But enough about my party... what about the bands?

Well, I've been hearing buzz about Oryx and Crake for a while now, so I was quite overjoyed to learn that they would be playing just before Venice is Sinking on this night of nights. Truth be told, I'm always a bit skeptical of bands with an incomprehensible number

of members since, in the past, I've seen just as many multiple-personed bands give the audience a cacophony of noise as I've seen play cohesive music. Lucky for us, Oryx and Crake definitely belongs in the latter category. They managed to throw together a banjo, a violin, a cello, an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, drums, a bass guitar, computer-generated layers, and vocals to create a sound that's just plain amazing. I'd describe their music as beautiful pop rock with an undeniably awesome beat. This is one discovery I'm incredibly happy to have made. I'd love to see this supergroup rock the stage again sometime soon.

And then, it was Venice is Sinking's turn to fill the fans' ears with their tunes. Now, clearly, I can't get enough of this band. I honestly saw them perform twice this week. They're just that good... always. They're definitely one of the two bands I've written about most on this blog. So why do I love Venice is Sinking so much? Maybe it's their sound that transcends this world with its softness.

Maybe it's the fact that most of their songs have a lovely fun beat, perfect for groovin'. Or maybe it's because, at the end of every show, they gather together a massive crowd of band members from countless Athens bands to help them play and sing their wonderful song Bardstown Road. No matter what it is, their shows never cease to be amazing. Even better, at Saturday's show, they debuted a brand new song that I really enjoyed. Yup, it's true! I'll always come back for more.

No other band but Reptar could finish out a night like this. Reptar's particular brand of crazy is the sole reason why I knew no one would question my friends and I when we drew all over each other with body crayons. When you've got a band that plays their first song next to a bunch of people who seem to be building some sort of blanket fort onstage, nobody wonders about anybody's actions anymore. Now, if you've never seen them, Reptar is widely known as one of the most fun bands in Athens. Their Of Montreal-like antics are an attention-grabber every time, and their tunes never fail to drive the fans nuts and leave them dancing up a storm. Crowdsurfing was the act of the night on Saturday, and one of the members, Will Kennedy, even involved some of the fans in his music making as he had them hold up his giant drum so he could give us the beat standing on the edge of the stage. Accessories were a band favorite with umbrellas, giant fish, and road signs showing up onstage throughout their set. Even crazier, they peppered the crowd with large sheets of paper as they played so that, by the end, the floor of the 40 Watt looked like the site of some office building explosion. Madness truly has never been so much fun!

What a night that was! It definitely ranks as one of my top favorite birthday parties ever. Oh Athens, you give us all such joy!

More than Music: the Fans

There'a no doubt about it... the fans make the show! You could be the best band that ever lived, but if there's no one there to hear you, did you really make a sound? Some bands go above and beyond to make sure that their fans know just how much they're loved and to keep them always coming back for more. These bands' fans are much more than simple spectators. They become part of the show itself! And often, the fans respond in turn with some rather wild displays of affection of their own.

About a year ago, the Warm Fuzzies brought their tunes to some concert newbies at UGA Freshman night and totally made the show an all-encompassing experience! Their smile-inducing songs already had the crowd pumped, and to top it off, they brought some girls from

the audience onstage to hold up cue cards to let everyone know just when to yell the title words of the song, "HEY MILUNKA!" That sure is one way to get the fans involved and make some new fans in the process!

Bands like Excali Brah, Deaf Judges, the Athens band, and Reptar drive their fans wild by essentially throwing parties during their shows. At their Athfest 2009 concert, Excali Brah threw an outdoor rave party in mid-daylight complete with glowsticks for every fan. They also had us move up and down in unison to different parts of their songs. We were all in the show! Similarly, Deaf Judges, the Athens band, and Reptar have all been known to toss inflatables into the crowd to keep them on their toes. Exciting (and a little frightening) indeed!

And Reptar even takes it a step further. Their love for the fans truly knows no bounds. After this year's Athfest performance, they passed around handmade band shirts to all of the fans

they could reach. And when I say handmade, I'm not kidding. These were t-shirts of all kinds of styles and designs, handpainted and embellished for all of their beloved Reptards. And with these guys, the love isn't just one-sided either. Fans come to their shows decked out in all sorts of costumes and covered in war paint in support of their favorite crazy band!

Now you want to know about something truly original? Aman Amun's got a way to make the crowd a part of his act that's totally unique. Bordering on antics, his innovative method's got everyone yearning to touch him! Using the iPhone strapped to his chest that enables him to control his entire performance, he can manipulate the music and add interference with just his fingers. More recently, he's chosen to take it to the next level by jumping off the stage and letting the fans alter the music themselves. Sometimes it causes some hilariously awkward moments when the fans don't quite understand where they're supposed to put their fingers though. Ah, fun times!

And finally, a discussion of fan love just isn't complete without mentioning Doctor Squid. I still have never seen a fanbase more loyal than theirs. When the fans sing along to their every word, Doctor Squid will often let them take over the song. And their love for the fans doesn't just stop with the tunes. They bring fun to every aspect of their show. Last Halloween, they hosted a show where fans got in cheaper just for arriving in costume. And who can forget their Squidmas celebrations? They give their fans some amazing treats with their festive tunes that blend original songs with holiday favorites, and the fans respond joyously, dressing the part with absolute glee!

These are just some of the ways the bands of Athens spice up their shows and shower love upon their listeners. It's clear to see why fans just can't get enough of these bands! But fan love isn't the only thing that makes a show an unforgettable experience. Keep a look out for the next entry of More than Music!

To read about all of the ingredients that make up a live show to top all others, click here!

Kristen's Concert Picks: September rocks its way in

Hey guys, it's September, and you know what that means... That's right, it's time for even more rockin' shows! Downtown is waiting for you.

Thurs, Sept 2: Leaving Araby @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Start off the month with a few of Leaving Araby's soft pop tunes!

Thurs, Sept 2: Yo Soy Bean @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
I've heard good things. Check 'em out!

Fri, Sept 3: Bambara @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
I knew it. You've been waiting all summer to see the kings of noise rock the stage again. Well, here's great news... They're back to blow us away again!

Sat, Sept 4: Athens & Tealvox @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
And the youth will inherit the rock! This is certain to be one show you won't want to miss.

Thurs, Sept 9: The Beat Geeks @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Luke Galloway of the Novanauts finally brings his Atlanta-based dance pop project to Athens! Are you ready to move?

Sat, Sept 11: Of Montreal @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Guys dressed as pigs throwing spaghetti? Flying feathers and giant screens of color? It's Of Montreal... need I say more?

Mon, Sept 13: Nate Nelson @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
This guy is pure voice. Your ears need his songs, trust me.

Thurs, Sept 16: Half Dozen Brass Band - CD Release @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Sometimes lyrics are overrated. The Half Dozen Brass Band takes this notion and swings with it. Ooh, and they're releasing an album too. Nice!

Fri, Sept 17: Madeline @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Soak in the beauty of Madeline's tunes! Ah, how refreshing.

Sat, Sept 18: Reptar & Kuroma @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Gotta love Reptar! These crazy fools for pop will have you dancing all night. And Kuroma? This band's been on my list of rockers to check out for a while. Sounds like a party!

Thurs, Sept 23: The Orkids @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Yes, the Orkids are back again! These guys and gals are some of my newest favorites. Get ready for some electronic pop that will have you moving your feet in no time!

Without a doubt, September is going to be wild! Of course, if you want to let the world know about a show not listed here, feel free to tell us all about it in the comments. And be sure to check back often to find out about all of the latest shows coming to a venue near you! See you around town, my friends.

Have you seen Of Montreal's latest music video? WHAT!?!

Apparently, this is what happens when I leave Athens... UNBELIEVABLE THINGS! Seriously.

You may have already caught a glimpse of this on the web scene, but if not, this is definitely a MUST-SEE. Here, watch the cannibalistic bloodbath that is Of Montreal's latest music video, Coquet Coquette.

Now some of those people look kind of familiar, don't they? Indeed! Intermixed among Kevin Barnes and the other Of Montreal barbarians were some of our favorite zombified wild men and women from Athens' own music scene. The large majority of the recognizable faces, for me, were friends of friends, WUOG-ers, and people I've seen rocking out in the clubs of downtown Athens, but one face really jumped out at me. Whoa, there was William Kennedy of Reptar right there! Pure insanity. Since I appear to be most tragically out of the loop in this case, someone please let me know... How did this magical occurrence, this mixing of established Athens musicians and up-and-coming artists come to be? THIS IS JUST TOO MUCH AWESOMENESS TO HANDLE!

Athfest 2010: Of giant sea creatures, flying people, and Reptar!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Reptar

Suddenly, a thrill of excitement ran through the crowd. Who would treat us to their tunes next? Why, none other than REPTAR! Winners of Best Live Band and Upstart of the Year, the band quickly gathered an eager audience of hundreds of fans waiting to see what the group known for their crazy antics would do this time.

Seconds later, a beach ball flew through the air, followed by another... and another! But that's not all. After that, the inflatables got bigger. Much bigger. A massive shark sailed across the crowd moments later with a giant seal and a humongous sea turtle on its tail. And so began the most insane, the most wildly fun, and frankly the most dangerous Reptar show I've ever attended... Not a minute went by that the air was clear of flying objects! You were more than likely to be hit in the face by any number of them at any given time, and that was before they added several brightly colored pool noodles to the mix. A few people cleverly fended off these inflatable attackers with umbrellas, but most enjoyed playing a large scale version of Keep-It-Up. Ah, pure celebratory chaos! Unfortunately, a few people, caught up in a whirlwind of excitement, thought that they could fly on the inflatables themselves. Not a good idea! I nearly got crushed by one such dreamer who was, I'm sure in his mind, on his way to the moon.

Reptar itself was in great form during this show. They rocked their popular songs with a zesty sort of enthusiasm that got everyone to move their feet. Now, keyboard player Will Kennedy's awesome energy was certainly missed (he's currently gallivanting through countries halfway across the world), but, with the help of a stand-in keyboard player, the band delivered their crazy dance pop tunes to the rabid crowd without a hitch. Oh, wow. Without a doubt, Reptar's was one of the most unforgettable shows of Athfest 2010!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: An awards show like no other

Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show

I can't believe the past year has come and gone so quickly... It feels like Athfest 2009 just happened and now suddenly it's time for Athfest 2010! Wow, though, if last year's music extravaganza was awesome, this year's was purely unbelievable!

Kicking off this series of unforgettable days was the always amazing Flagpole Athens Music Awards show on Thursday evening. I'm overjoyed to say that this year's equivalent of the Athens Grammys blew me away. What a night!

It all started with a blast of color. As the lights dimmed in the Morton Theatre, bright spotlights hit the disco ball hanging from the ceiling, splashing dots of color all over the walls. At this point, the anticipation was tangible. What was going to happen? How would they open the show this time? We soon got our answer.

In true Athens style, a crowd of performers from Mr. Blank's Carnivale of Black Hearts streamed onto the stage. A man sporting a top hat introduced the show as a bevy of bellydancers balancing swords on their heads danced behind him. On one side of him, a juggler skillfully threw pins into the air and, on the other side, a man on stilts wearing just lace underwear, a vest, and a red top hat moved about wildly and sprinkled those below him with glitter. Another man, standing off to the side, then proceeded to pick up a hammer and pound a nail into his nose. I was nearly speechless with awe and excitement. Only in Athens!

After the insanity died down a bit, the Athens band took their place onstage and rocked it out like I've never seen before. Their short little set was incredible! I don't think there was a single person in the crowd who was unimpressed by their performance. In fact, after people finished shaking their heads incredulously at the sheer awesomeness of the rock, the band got a well-deserved standing ovation. But that wasn't all for this young group of guys. They pretty much owned the night, winning the award for viewers' choice music video too and getting back onstage to tell the crowd about the wonderful Camp Amped program. Wow. Just wow!

But that's not all! Other highlights of the night included Venice is Sinking triumphantly taking home the win for Best Pop Act after being nominated several years in a row, Reptar rockin' the stage after picking up two wins for Upstart of the Year and Best Live Band, and the extraordinary news that the Georgia Theatre will be reborn in 2011. Pure joy!

After all the awards show insanity was over, I headed over to the 40 Watt for the after party and caught a bit of the nice southern rock Roadside Graves was serving to the dancing crowd. Ah yes. The night was simply the best beginning to Athfest that I could have possibly hoped for!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!