Kristen's Concert Picks: Dance your way through December!

As the year comes to an end, our ears will ring joyfully with the final songs of 2013.  Come dance your way through December!

Tue, Dec 3: UGA Holiday Concert @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre
Kick off the month and get yourself into the holiday spirit with a Holiday Concert courtesy of the UGA Symphony Orchestra!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
Every year Kenosha Kid wins the honor of best jazz band in town. If you haven't grooved to them yet, it's about time.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in December!

Wed, Dec 4: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
You'll just love the unique folk stylings of Cicada Rhythm!

Thu, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
WOW!  Doctor Squid, The Warm Fuzzies, AND The Skipperdees? With a lineup like this, it'll be a very Merry Squidmas indeed. You definitely won't want to miss this show!

Thu, Dec 5: Efren @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
I've been following Efren's gritty sound since the beginning, and they're always worth a listen.  Check 'em out over at Nowhere Bar!

Thu, Dec 5: Yo Soybean, Madeline @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Yo Soybean will bring the rock and Madeline will add a touch of darkness to the night's southern-twinges tunes at the Flicker Theatre!

Fri, Dec 6: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Hey, all you Beatles fans out there…  You may have missed seeing the original band play a show, but Abbey Road Live keeps their sound going strong.  Catch these guys at the Melting Point on the 6th!

Sat, Dec 7: Holiday Yard Sale @ 11 AM - 5 PM @ 40 Watt
Ok, this may not be a show per say, but nothing says Athens like a yard sale at the 40 Watt while the bar is taking orders. Save money, schmooze, and booze at the Watt's Holiday Yard Sale this year!

Sat, Dec 7: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Easter Island mixes drum beats and sweet vocals to create and awesome soft rock sound!

Sat, Dec 14: Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Thayer Sarrano weaves words into music in an incredibly unique and beautiful way.  Be sure to check out her show at the World Famous!

Thu, Dec 19: Dangfly @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre
One of my top Athfest favorites from this year, Dangfly's quality rock will definitely leave you dancing.  Best of all, this show is part of a free after-wedding celebration at the Georgia Theatre, so everyone is sure to be in a festive mood!

Sat, Dec 28: Brothers @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Classic meets indie when Brothers takes the stage.  See 'em over at Flicker near the end of the month!

Tue, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
The Whigs have got New Year's Eve covered with their hardcore southern rock sound!

Tue, Dec 31: New Year's Eve with Ghost Owl @ 10 PM @ The Green Room
Ghost Owl's powerful tunes and commanding beats will usher in the New Year like no other.  This show is sure to to be an awesome way to ring in 2014!

What a month this will be!  I can't believe it's almost 2014 already.  Just like always, if you've heard of another local show not listed here that you can't wait to attend, don't hesitate to comment below and let the world know all the details.  Make the most of this month, and I'll catch ya around town, my friends!

Athfest 2013: Ceiling Fan and The Warm Fuzzies get things going

Friday, June 21st, 2013 

 Ceiling Fan
The Warm Fuzzies

Pumped and ready for all the bands and sounds that awaited me, I headed over to Pulaski Street just in time to catch the very start of Athfest 2013.  Nineties rockers Ceiling Fan made for an upbeat beginning to my fifth visit to the festival with a wonderfully fun set, proving once and for all that, yes, Athens music has always been that awesome!  They rocked out a wild roller coaster of tunes and even included one song that mixed in a bit of whimsical whistling.

Then it was time to walk on up to the Hull Street Stage to catch a longtime favorite we haven't seen in quite a while.  The Warm Fuzzies!  These guys were as smile-inducing as always, serving up a rad set of their bouncy electronic indie tunes with a touch of pop punk.  Man, even their song about death had a dance beat and a fun sort of spin to it.  There couldn't be two bands more perfect to kick off the festival!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, 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, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Rockin' December sights

We've got a bunch more pics from two awesome shows up on the Echoreyn of Athens facebook page today!  Missed the Athens band rockin' Bad Manor or the merry event that was Squidmas 2011?  Want to relive them all over again?  Check out these visuals!  A few of our very favorites are below:

Chase and Justin of the Athens band rock some tunes

Larry of Doctor Squid brings the Squidmas cheer

Holding up a lighter for Beau of the Athens band

See all of the pictures from these shows and tons more in our latest Facebook album.  Enjoy!

Good luck, my friends!

I know for many of you, it's that dreaded final exam time again!  Some of you may have already even started your test-taking journey while others will be finishing up this semester over the next week.  Either way, I heartily wish all of you good luck!

Need a study break full of Athens music goodies?  Just like always, you can get your fill of live footage over on our Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel here!

Want some new tunes to download for your very own instead to help you with your studies?  I'll list some of this year's best free and pay-what-you-want offerings below!

Dead Confederate
the Athens band
Rainbow Ghost
Hans Darkbolt
Sam Sniper
Doctor Squid
the Warm Fuzzies

I'm sending good vibes your way.  I'm sure you'll all do an awesome job on your finals!

A Squidmas full of festive cheer!

Wow!  I've been waiting for Squidmas for twelve whole months, and now it's finally happened.  Every year, these celebrations full of holiday cheer and massive amounts of festive wonder just get better and better, and this year's show, the fourth annual Squidmas event, blew it out of the water!  This time around, the bands took over the Melting Point stage and rocked their Christmas-flavored hits for a crowd of extremely eager, red-and-green-clad fans.  So much fun!

 Newcomers to the Squidmas scene, 50s inspired band Groove Tangent kicked off the night with their very own version of Jingle Bell Rock.  Then they eased us into the shocking news that it's really our moms putting the presents under the tree rather than Santa with a clever little tune.  I've got to say, for their very first Squidmas show, they sure did an awesome job changing up their songs to add a bit of holiday spice to them!  But the band didn't stop there.  They brought a slew of guest musicians onstage, recruiting some of their most talented friends to to help them rock the songs.  My favorite of these guests had to be Meghan, whose amazing voice gave their version of Santa Baby just the right measure of sultry sweetness.

 She also joined the band for a gorgeous harmony during their take on Feliz Navidad which featured two of their brilliant pals on trumpet and sax as well.

 Soon after, the Warm Fuzzies gave it a go with some rock-infused holiday covers of their own.  I truly enjoyed their amped up versions of some of the most well-loved, traditionally soft and slow Christmas songs.  And remember those free, new Fuzz of the Month tunes the band keeps releasing?  Sprinkled throughout the set, these melodies gave us bit of that quirky Fuzzies style that we know so well.

And then it was time for the creators of Squidmas to show everyone how it's done.  With a "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown," Doctor Squid launched into a set that had every person in the venue dancing and singing along.  Honestly, I don't even think it's possible to keep from joining in the fun at a Squidmas celebration!  And, most unbelievably, this one had the events of past years beat with even more brand new holiday mixes of some of their latest songs including those from their album Doctor Squid Changes the Channel, released at this very show.  I'm still amazed at just how easily all of their biggest hits seem to meld with some of the most beloved Christmas songs.  I will never understand what magic they employ to make that happen.  All I know is that I can't get enough of it!  The crowd clearly felt the same way, as cheers grew louder and louder after every song they played culminating in a chant of "Doctor Squid" and "encore" that brought on yet another tasty musical morsel.  They've done it again.  Doctor Squid has given us the best Squidmas yet!

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!

Fun, film, and family!

Can it really be the end of November? How has the year gone by so quickly?  Well, somehow it's already the week of Thanksgiving which means that many of you are away visiting your families and preparing yourselves to enjoy a bit of time off and a selection of tasty foods.  Well, how would like a serving of scrumptious tunes to go with your delicious meal?

First off, I'll start with something you may be familiar with: the Fuzz of the Month!  Every month, local joy-inducing band the Warm Fuzzies gives out a newly released free song on their website.  How awesome is that!  Go ahead and get yourself a taste of their latest tunes right here.

Lucky for us, the Warm Fuzzies aren't the only band sharing some free tunes right now!  Doctor Squid has gotten in on the action as well.  Every week for the next few weeks, they'll be debuting a fresh new song, and they're releasing the latest one today!  You can get your hands on these songs over on their website.  Best of all, you'll be able to catch both of these bands in action on December 5th at the fourth annual Squidmas event over at the Melting Point.  I just can't wait for this year's festive celebration of tunes and cheer!

And finally, if you're craving even more awesome songs, we've just uploaded a bunch of the videos that we've recorded over the past few months onto the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel.  Feast your eyes on tons of live show videos, like the Constellations one above, from this year's Music Midtown and more!

Hope you all have an amazing week!

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!

While you're on vacation...

The buzz around town is heating up! I've got a few cool little tidbits I've just got to share with you all.

First up, if you're not already a fan of the Warm Fuzzies, you've truly been missing out. Their name is really the best description I could ever give for that cozy feeling you get when you listen to their tunes. And, for the past few months, they've been sharing FREE, smile-inducing songs on their site too! Check out their Fuzz of the Month and let your eardrums frolic with joy!

In other news, The Spinoffs, Chris McKay's brand new side project, are one of the many awesome Athens bands featured on this year's Athfest Compilation CD. You'll get to check out their latest song Lucky Stars when the compilation goes on sale in June, but to tide you over till then, you can find a list of all of the bands and songs that will be on the CD right here.

And finally, speaking of Athfest, the latest news from the Georgia Theatre people suggests that they hope to finish rebuilding and reopen the theatre by June 19, 2011, just in time for this year's music festival! I've talked to some pals who have seen the construction inside firsthand, and they say it's looking pretty amazing. Can't wait to see it when it's a thriving landmark and masterpiece once again!

It's a holly jolly Squidmas!

It's that time of year again when reindeer antlers miraculously sprout from the heads of Athens music fans, elf hats are a common sight to behold, and Santa Claus himself makes his way to 40 Watt. What could possibly bring about so much festive joy? SQUIDMAS, of course! There's nobetter way to ring in the holiday season, that's for sure. As yearly Athens music events go, Squidmas is second only to the magic that is the 150+ band show Athfest in my mind. And joy upon joys, the third (official) annual Squidmas last Tuesday night definitely did not disappoint!

First on the bill was the brand new local band Flesh and Blood. Although they are certainly newcomers on the scene, most of the members are no strangers to Squidmas, having performed at last year's celebration under the name, Romanenko. Now, you know what's cool about Flesh and Blood? There are three women in this band and just one guy. As I've said in the past, this is such a tragic rarity in Athens. And, wow, do they know how to rock! It's no surprise that sales of this year's Squidmas album went towards helping women rockers enter the music scene. Power to them all! Flesh and Blood played through their set, one amazing song after another, each infused with hints of lovely darkness. How can there be so much brilliance in just their

second show? It seems the bands of Athens are certainly stepping up their game lately. I've no doubt that I WILL be seeing them again!

Craving that warm fuzzy feeling? Well, at Squidmas, we were all in luck because cheer-inspiring rockers the Warm Fuzzies were up next. Amidst their Christmas covers, they gave us a brand new original song about wishing for an alien for Christmas. Pure awesome! But, really, nothing could beat the holiday version of their hit song Hey Milunka. Calling the song Hey Santa, they had everyone in the crowd smiling with this take on the tune. Joy!

And then the moment had arrived... The band we were all waiting for stepped onstage... I mean, really, what is Squidmas without a nice, healthy dose of Doctor Squid? Now these guys topped

themselves this year with a set that would make Santa's own head explode with excitement. How can they possibly throw a better Squidmas every year than the year before? HOW DO THEY DO IT? Intermixing their hit songs with countless beloved Christmas tunes, they gave us a set only Doctor Squid could. Seriously, this band is the only band in Athens that could release a whole full-length album of original Christmas mixes that tons of people would buy without hesitation. And these guys never fail to throw a party at their shows! Their signature slow-to-speed style is just perfect for the madness that is Squidmas. By the end of the night, they had a massive crowd of fans leaping about, clapping wildly, and even crowdsurfing to their tunes! It was a thing of beauty.

Truly, I think we can sum it all up with a few words from Jessie of Flesh and Blood who, in the most epic way, declared that "never before and never again will there be holiday spectacular such as this that is Squidmas!" Squidmas is my favorite.

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!

Here by Still Here: The pure joy of Fuzzies, Squids, Araby, and the mysterious Moreland

The Warm Fuzzies, my pals, and I

Words cannot describe the euphoria of seeing the Warm Fuzzies and Doctor Squid play together again. Never in the history of music has there been a combination more glee-inducing than this pair, of this I am sure! You can bet I won't ever miss a show where these two are playing together. In fact, every band that fed our ears tasty musical morsels last night was amazing. What a rare but beautiful thing!

To the utter delight of my friends and I, the Warm Fuzzies kicked off the show right as we got to the 40 Watt with a wild mix of our familiar favorites and some new tunes that transported me instantly into the lazy days of summer. I swear to you, even the most depressed person in the world would crack a smile for this band! Though the crowd throughout the night remained rather small, their energy seemed to be that of an audience five times its size. Several people knew the words, and the Fuzzies' catchy sound was the best intro that I can imagine for the night's epic lineup. Eee, I love these guys! I fully intend to find the warmest, fuzziest sweater there is and wear it in their honor all of next winter so that I can bask in the joy of their shows every day!

The lovely Leaving Araby took the stage next with their purely great rock sound. Justin Reynolds' and Jon Dobberstein's soft harmonies combined with their smooth yet intense style to make their set quite the listen! And, lucky for us, they just released their brand new CD As Long As the Devil Is After You which you can check out for yourself here on Rhapsody! Haven't gotten a chance to see them yet? Well then, don't forget to tune in to WUGA today at 4 pm or go to the Two Story Coffeehouse tomorrow to rock out to their tunes live.

Then it was Doctor Squid's turn to blow us away. I seriously can't get enough of this band! Every Doctor Squid show is different, and every time they play, they just amaze me more and more. Joy all around! It will be no surprise to people who've had the supreme pleasure of attending a Squid show that nearly the whole audience collectively knew the words to every one of their original songs. Truly, once you hear them, you're a fan for life. Their unique, upbeat sound drew us in immediately and had us all dancing across the floor in a most exuberant manner. Now, for most local bands, playing a cover or two drives the fans wild since people tend to cling to the more familiar songs they already know. The crazy thing about Doctor Squid, though, is that even a completely rockin' cover of a Stokes' song doesn't get the crowd as excited as their original songs do. That's how unbelievable their own tunes are! I never wanted them to stop! Their sets always feel like an embrace from an extremely happy, many armed giant squid. Awww. Be sure to go out and support them for College Battle of the Bands at the Cotton Club in Atlanta on March 27. No band deserves to win more than these guys do!

Mystery surrounded the very last band on the bill. As far as I could tell from talking to each of the other bands, no one quite knew who they were. Rumor had it that they were from Atlanta, but nobody was really sure. One of my pals turned to me before the band began to set up and asked me, "Wait, this isn't Natalie Hinkle, is it?" (Those involved in the Athens music scene lately will know what I'm talking about here. :D ) I assured her that, no, this was yet another group surrounded by the airs of intrigue. As Moreland took the stage, they told us they hailed from Conyers, Georgia... well, this is curiouser and curiouser! Finally, they began to play, and I can tell you, they were certainly worth staying for. They gave us some solid pop rock tunes that had a sort of professional feel to them. Rather impressive! Their mellow sound truly rounded out last night's incredible show.

Honestly, it's nights like these that make me absolutely convinced that nothing can beat the pure awesomeness of the Athens music scene!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Spring into March's Tunes!

March won't let February take the medal for best tunes without a fight! Spring Break's on its way, but with these shows to look forward to, you can party it up all month long. This is going to be amazing!

Wed, Mar 3: Allison Weiss @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Athens' much buzzed about songstress is back to kick off our month with her truthful tunes. Enjoy!

Thurs, Mar 4: Groove Tangent & Doctor Squid @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
Want to be able to say you knew them at the very beginning? The brand new band Groove Tangent rocks the stage for the first time with old favorites Doctor Squid on Thursday at the Melting Point. While Groove Tangent plans to introduce themselves with some awesome covers, they hope to become a fixture in the Athens music scene with their own original songs in the future.

Thurs, Mar 4: Madeline @ 9 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club
Soft rock is the sound! With southern tunes and dark melodies flowing through her music, Madeline's show will certainly make your night.

Wed, Mar 17: The Winter Sounds @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
After taking quite a hiatus from the music scene, the Winter Sounds return to share their delicious tunes this month with shows on both the 2nd and the 17th at Caledonia. With Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun, the 17th's show should be quite a treat for the ears.

Thurs, Mar 18: Leaving Araby CD release with Doctor Squid & the Warm Fuzzies @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
WHAT A LINEUP! Several of our favorites will take over the 40 Watt to celebrate the release of Leaving Araby's latest CD. The sheer joy emanating from these bands will make this a most glee-filled night. You won't want to miss this show!

Fri, Mar 19: Betsy Franck @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Bands, bands everywhere! The powerfully voiced Betsy Franck brings us an awesome mix of blues and southern rock for the Athens Music Collective Showcase Concert. Eight other bands are scheduled to play as well. Nice!

Sat, Mar 20: Tealvox @ 8 PM @ Nuçi's Space
These guys may be young, but they sure know how to rock! Tealvox has been making a name for itself all over the place, and now you can check them out in their hometown for yourself.

Thurs, Mar 25: Aman Amun @ 8 PM @ UGA's Black Box Theatre
Aman Amun, our favorite electronic soul-searching adventurer, brings his tunes to our yearning ears once more. He's also spreading the musical love at Farm 255 at 10 PM the next day during a Haiti Benefit concert. What wonderful news!

Fri, Mar 26: Deaf Judges @ 11 PM @ The Classic Center
Wild rappers Deaf Judges are back to surprise us with their latest crazy show! What will they do this time? I can't wait to find out!

Sat, Mar 27: Venice is Sinking @ 8 PM @ Nuçi's Space
Oh, how I love them! Venice is Sinking will be here to soothe our troubled hearts with their lovely tunes near the end of March. What joy!

Wed, Mar 31: Romanenko @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Once again, indie band Romanenko ends our month with their wonderfully dark sound. What a perfect finish!

Wow! These nights are sure to be unbelievable! And don't forget... even more awesome shows will certainly find their way onto this list as I hear about them. Know of a show you want everyone to check out? Comment below, and tell us all about it! See you downtown, my friends!

Songs for Every Heart

Valentine's Day is looming... Are you ready for it? Whether you're deeply in love with the person of your dreams, completely disgusted with the mere idea of romance, or somewhere in between, our lovely local bands have some tunes you should check out! Courtesy of Lala.com and iLike.com, here are some of my favorites for your listening pleasure.

For those of you who are lucky enough to have someone special this Valentine's Day, might I suggest Native Tongue by Bambara. This particular delicious track has received the ultimate seal of sexiness from all of my friends. Hope this tune makes your night!

Want something a bit more graphic? Well, I'll let this song describe itself! Here's Atlanta band the Constellations' hit song Felicia. This song is scheduled for official re-release this Spring, but you can still get a taste of it here!

Things not working out too well? Maybe Aman Amun's Opportunity Cost is your song.

Or perhaps it's time to put an end to things, once and for all. Crumbling Arches gives us DJ Dormio's take on the state of things.

But wait, has someone's smile just got your heart doing backflips? Then Atlanta band Stellate's song Caught Up is just what you need!

Feeling a bit of unrequited love? Does he or she barely know you exist? Well, the Warm Fuzzies know how you feel! Check out their track Your Dairy King!

Or are all these songs just too upbeat for your mood? Well then, Dead Confederate's got you covered with Tortured-Artist Saint.

No matter what, I hope you have a rockin' day checking out some of these tunes! And hey, let us know which other songs out of Athens and Atlanta drive you wild!

Note: Why are all these songs just links instead of embedded MP3s? Well, I'll explain in more detail soon, but here are some blogs that might help you out if you're dying to know what's afoot in the music blogosphere.

More than Music: the Banter

It's just the tunes, right? That's the reason we all don our dancing shoes and leave our cozy rooms for the wild world downtown. Well, yes, the music's a big part of it. But let's be honest, amazing songs from super talented bands abound in Athens! It takes more than just a rockin' set of songs to stand out in this town.

So what do some bands do to keep us coming back for more? Well, most songs take a bit of setup time, but nobody wants to just stare off into space while they wait for the music to start again. After all, we are the get-it-now generation. These bands embrace the time between tunes to give us unforgettable experiences that we could never have lounging around listening to the stereo at home. How do they do it? Well, they simply open their mouths!

Banter. Talk. Spontaneous awkward conversations with the audience and with each other. It's so simple yet so wonderfully entertaining! Some of the things I've heard downtown would make even the most stoic people burst into hysterical laughter. Classic stuff.

Most of my favorite bands employ this technique to keep their fans excited. During one of the very first shows I saw in Athens, Venice is Sinking's drummer Lucas kept an awesomely hilarious commentary going as the rest of the band adjusted their instruments. The second time I saw them, he and singer Karolyn had a highly amusing mock argument during the show about the pronunciation of their album AZAR. Fun, interesting, relevant to the music... You've got to love these guys!

Atlanta band The Constellations give their whole set a sexually charged atmosphere as they flirt incessantly between songs. Lead singer Elijah especially loves to dish out lust-filled compliments to anyone and everyone in the audience and to the beautiful girls of the clap squad too. He's also not afraid to say whatever crazy thing comes to mind, and I absolutely love it! Some of the things he says would shock your mother and make your father cringe. It's all so in the moment! The crowd just can't wait to find out what he says next.

Birthed of pure joy, the Warm Fuzzies put a cute, personal spin to their songs by giving a bit of a background story. Why this subject, why this song? Often their stories are completely off the wall, but true or not, these tales make the songs that follow even more fun to hear! I just adore learning how a band came up with their lyrics, what they were doing when the tune came to them, or who their love song is really about. Ooh, juicy!

And, of course, I can't forget Crumbling Arches! These guys have banter down to an art form; they're the undisputed kings of the talk. Half the reason I love their shows so much is that I can't get enough of their between-song insanity. I've heard curiously ridiculous stories about their childhood, tattoo explanations, wonderfully awkward puns, band history tidbits, rap battles, and even an impromptu song so wild it made the audience squeal with glee. These always make for an incredibly memorable night!

All that bands need for this bit of banter is the creativity they already possess. Perfect! And hey, even for the bands that really hate using their voice instruments for the "lesser act" of speaking, merely introducing the band and sharing the name of the song to be played works too. I mean, how else are we supposed to pick out our favorites?

But talking's not the only thing bands do to gain a bit of a reputation around here, of course. Stay tuned for another chapter of More than Music!

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

Fighting the Good Fight to Help Others

It's especially refreshing to find local musicians dedicated to helping others and making the world around them a better place for everyone. Atlanta rock band the Goodfight is doing their part to make a difference with their latest project, Buy a Record, Save a Life. All of the money from the sale of their newest CD, Good & Evil, will go towards finding and creating clean water sources for people in need all over the world! When I learned about this awesome effort, I had the spread the word to all of you guys. Wow, I love it when people use their talents for the good of humanity!

Want to see what this is all about for yourself? Well, you're in luck! The Goodfight will be playing a free show on November 6th with Athens bands Leaving Araby and Pilot Coat and Atlanta band The Wellreds at the Seney Stovall Chapel. Athens' own Jason Harwell from one of our favorites, the Warm Fuzzies, will M.C. the show to celebrate the release of this special project. Help people and have fun doing it? Very cool. Music really does save lives!

Kristen's Concert Picks: October is party time!

Happy October! My favorite month comes bearing musical gifts of all sorts. From cultural groups to cover bands, from rock to pop, I've got you covered. Oh, and just for you, I've uploaded live footage from several of the shows I saw during the past month. Visit my YouTube channel for videos of Bambara, The Warm Fuzzies, Doctor Squid, The Constellations, and more! And now, prepare yourselves for some spectacular musical adventures!

Fri, Oct 2: Incatepec @ 6 PM @ Terrapin Beer Co.
If you want a fully cultural experience, Incatepec is the band for you! A mixture of jazz, rock, and South American flute music, you've never heard anything like them before.

Wed, Oct 7: Death on Two Wheels @ 10 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Heavy rock is the order of the day! Atlanta band Death on Two Wheels will have you banging your head and moving your feet to the beat.

Mon, Oct 12: Crumbling Arches @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Readers of this blog will know that this is one show you can't miss! My favorite rockers return to the stage to treat us to a night of amazing tunes and general madness. With the Winter Sounds, another awesome band, on the bill, this show should be nothing short of spectacular!

Thurs, Oct 15: Birds and Wire & Electa Villain @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Two bands I've been hoping to check out since Athfest playing together on one night? Awesome! With soft southern pop from Birds and Wire and classic rock from Electa Villain, this should be one crazy night.

Sat, Oct 17: Modern Skirts @ 9 PM @ The Melting Point
The Modern Skirts are gracing yet another Athens stage! You' know you've heard of them. The buzz about this soft pop band never stops.

Thurs, Oct 22: The Warm Fuzzies @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
More happiness, more hilarity, more joy! Take it from me, you can never have enough of the Warm Fuzzies. They're smile-inducing pop rock at its best!

Fri, Oct 23: Velvet Runway @ 8 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Love 80s tunes? Well, then Velvet Runway is the cover band for you! They'll transport you back in time so that your ears will believe you're hearing the jams as they were originally played. It's time to rock!

Sat, Oct 24: Dead Confederate @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt Club
Headlining with the Meat Puppets and with opener Madeline, this show is sure to be HUGE! Dead Confederate's dark rock will most certainly entrance you. Be sure to buy advance tickets on the 40 Watt website!

Wed, Oct 28: Bambara & The Agenda @ 8 PM @ Ciné
For your ghoulish delight, there will be a performance of Halloween: Live followed by a show from our favorite hard rocker trio Bambara and The Agenda, another group of rockers on my list of bands to see! Oh yes!

Wed, Oct 28: Doctor Squid & Leading Edge @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Want some pop, some rock, and some old school tunes? The Redcoat Band party is where it's at! With Beatles cover band Abbey Road live playing as well, this lineup is nothing short of super awesome.

Wed, Oct 28: Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Yay, the Critical Darlings are back! We've missed them quite a lot while they've been off picking songs for their latest CD. This will be one of the few chances we Athenians get to see this group of energetic power rockers this semester, so be sure to check them out!

Thurs, Oct 29: It's my birthday! Yay!
Yeah, ok, I couldn't help myself. I had to mention it too. :)

Sat Oct 31: Krush Girls @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt Club
No way... KRUSH GIRLS!?! This pair of (shockingly male) DJs were the reason I first set foot in downtown Athens. Newcomers may not have heard of them since they tend to reunite only for special occasions these days, but they are known all over Athens for their rockin' ability to keep the party going with their selection of pop dance tunes!

And those are my picks! Just like before, when a whisper reaches my ears of another awesome show, I'll be sure to add it to my list. Also, so this list doesn't get lost in the quagmire of blogs that I write, check out the side bar! I've just added a monthly concert picks button for easy access.

Ok, be sure to mark your calendars! This October is going to rock!

Of Squids, Crickets, and Fuzzies

The Warm Fuzzies fill us with glee

Thursday's UGA Freshman night at the Caledonia wasn't just for the Athens newcomers. After all, everyone can use a bit of happiness! I have to say, this was one of the best lineups I've seen. What a way to welcome people into the Athens music scene!

Gemini Cricket kicked off the night with their curious mix of garage pop tunes. They've got quite an interesting style, most clearly demonstrated in their I've Got My Boots On song in which both the female and male vocalists sang different lyrics in layers over each other. Also, they got the audience involved by having everyone whistle and meow along with their last song. Craziness.

Then the Warm Fuzzies leapt onstage. True to their name, pure joy emanates from this band! This was the second time I've had the pleasure of seeing them, and my friends and I agreed that their show was even better this time around (if that's possible). Nobody could help but smile, and the band members' hilarious comments between songs filled the audience with glee. Best of all, during their song Hey Milunka, they brought two concert-going newbies onstage to hold up lyric cue cards for the crowd. I'm sure that was an amazing experience for them! It was all just so much fun. As my pal Beth said excitedly after their set ended, "I feel so warm and fuzzy!"

After the Fuzzies, Doctor Squid finished off the night of happiness with a rather epic set filled with old favorites and a few rockin' brand new tunes. Everyone in the room was dancing like crazy and having an awesome time! As always, I was most incredibly impressed by their audience. These guys seriously have the most dedicated and enthusiastic fans ever! Nearly everyone in the crowd knew the lyrics to at least one of their songs, and pure excitement filled the air. Jason, Doctor Squid's new drummer, rocked his beats too, and this was only his second show with the band! Oh, and I can't forget to mention Mark's very entertaining interpretive dance and Larry's lovely bit of trumpet-playing. I love these guys! This whole show was just totally and completely spectacular!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Rock like it's September

Just a few days ago, the Athens music scene embraced me once again. My friend spontaneously suggested that we visit WUOG's headquarters, and during my visit, we caught the local band Blueswater Bridge playing a set for the Live in the Lobby segment. Afterwards, I headed over to the Myers Quad to enjoy a practice session of one of Athens' newest bands, Neptica. With echoes of all of these bands' tunes dancing in my ears, I decided that it was the perfect time to start compiling another list of shows sure to capture everyone's fancies. After all, it's nearly September already! And off we go...


Thurs, Sept 3: Bambara @ 9 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
-Formerly 23jinx, this band has spent the past year making a name for themselves under the new heading, Bambara. Hard, dark rock is still their forte, but they've created a new, more refined sound to match their new name as well. And they've just returned from a stint in Europe, so start off your musical month with these guys!

Sat, Sept 5: The Warm Fuzzies @ 9 PM @ the 40 Watt
-Feeling down? Want to hear some tunes that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face? Well, the Warm Fuzzies are here to please! With songs about everything from robots to cheese to love at a drive-thru, you won't want to miss them!

Tues, Sept 8: Fire Zuave @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
-A new addition to my concert picks, here's another band that passed the myspace test. Their wonderfully unique indie rock sound makes them a group certainly worth checking out!

Sat, Sept 12: Wilx @ 8 PM @ Farm 255
-These rockers aren't afraid to go a little crazy and have fun with their performance. Trust me, you'll definitely want to be an audience member at this show!

Sat, Sept 19: Aman Amun @ 9 PM @ Rye Bar
-What do you get when you mix soothing acoustic and amazing electronic music with a visual experience that is unequaled? Aman Amun's your answer! And this show's free. You can't get better than that!

Sat, Sept 19: Ruby Isle, Venice is Sinking, & the Young Sinclairs @ 9:30 PM @the 40 Watt
-A powerhouse party, indeed! Some of the best bands in Athens and beyond are joining together to rock the 40 Watt on this spectacular Saturday. With Maserati, Allison Weiss, and Still Flyin' on the bill too, this is sure to be an unforgettable show.

Wed, Sept 23: Romanenko @ 9:30 PM @ the 40 Watt
-Here's another local band that I've been yearning to see! Romanenko's beautiful vocals and soft indie rock sound somehow make everything feel right in the world. Also, they will be releasing their latest full-length record at this show, so don't miss it!

Thurs, Sept 24: Doctor Squid & The Warm Fuzzies @ 10:00 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Happiness abounds with this pair of bands! I've honestly never seen a more joy-filled lineup for a show. If you like upbeat songs and infectious lyrics, this show is for you!

Sat, Sept 26: The Constellations @ 8:00 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
I've been dying to see Atlanta band the Constellations again since I they rocked the stage this past summer at Summerfest, and now they're coming to pleasure our ears at Athens' own Tasty World. For some incredibly unique and awesome tunes from one of the most up-and-coming bands in the state, check out this show!

Wed, Sept 30: Bambara @ 9 PM @ the 40 Watt
-End this month just as you started it: with another taste of the lovely Bambara! Their rock will certainly ignite a fire of passion in your heart, so come party with them!

And that's all I've got... for now, of course! As always, this list will continue to grow throughout the month, so let me know if you're looking forward to any September shows that seem to be missing from the schedule. Also, August's not over yet, so click here if you're hoping to plan a few more musical adventures to usher in the end of the month. Enjoy!

<3

Athfest 2009: Feeling all Warm and Fuzzy

Saturday, June 27th 2009

The Warm Fuzzies

Just after Dancer vs. Politician set the trend for Sweet Music Saturday, the Warm Fuzzies took us for a spin in a completely different direction. After my friends and I left the main stage area, we happened upon this lovely little band while seeking a refreshing touch of cool mist from the sprayers near the Hull Street stage. Their music had us bouncing and dancing along to the beat even before we caught sight of the band. Then I heard their lyrics. Priceless!

If rock, electronica, synth, and pop music all held hands and told jokes to each other in the middle of a sunny field, it would sound like the Warm Fuzzies. They sure had an amazing sense of humor! The subject matter of their songs ranged from love in a fast food drive-through to letters for a pen pal to girls in giant sunglasses. One little ditty even focused entirely on cheese. My favorite, though, had to be the song about having robotic friends. Just turn them on when you need them! What a hilarious idea! After seeing them live, it's no surprise to me that they were up for the Flagpole Athens Music Award: Upstart of the Year. Seriously, if you haven't heard their stuff yet, you've got to check them out. They're like a jolt of happiness to your brain!

For more blogs about Athfest 2009, click here! I'll be updating daily, so be sure to check back often. Also, don't forget to check out concert videos from Dreams So Real, Venice is Sinking, Dead Confederate and many more at http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!