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!

Echoreview: Mud Scholar's A Must for the Dick

Today, I watched ever so eagerly as one of my friends sampled a playlist of songs on my iPod. The album of choice? Mud Scholar's full-length debut creation, A Must for the Dick. Yeah, you read that right. Seriously, you should have been there. My friend's face was priceless! Vivid expressions danced across it as she listened: interest, surprise, amusement, shock, disbelief. Oh, Mud Scholar, I would expect nothing less from you!

Hilariously offensive douchebaggery runs freely through Mud Scholar's veins, just as creator Alex McKelvey intended. A solo project for McKelvey (you may know him as the frontman of alt rock band Crumbling Arches), he uses his knack for ridiculous voices and his brilliant ability to write lyrics that make 95% of the population squirm in their skins to bring Mud Scholar to life. If you're looking for pure, deeply meaningful music that touches the innermost recesses of your very soul, these tunes are definitely NOT for you. But if you've been craving a bit of brutal honesty guaranteed to tickle your nether regions, shock your sensibilities, and leave you laughing, Mud Scholar is, indeed, a must. So, what are the tunes like?

Stop What You're Doing And Look At Me starts the album off with an obvious plea for attention, beginning a trend of straightforward titles that continues throughout the record. Mud Scholar truly has nothing to hide! Influences? Well, the song itself tells the listener it borrows heavily from a nineties alternative style which pervades the rest of the album as well. My favorite part of the tune (at least, the only favorite I can readily admit on the internet) has to be the ending where Mud Scholar's screams of "ME" bring the insanity to a whole other level.

Waste of Air bounces in next with a danceable style reminiscent of experimental indie favorite of mine, Lemon Demon. I just love this song! It makes absolutely no apologies, and yet still manages to be an enjoyable listen. McKelvey features his voice talents in this one, creating a veritable crowd of naysayers ready to criticize his every move.

Then, proving that this album is really just a constant stream of conscious thought, Mud Scholar waxes philosophical on the beloved TV show Boy Meets World. Unexpected, yes, but fun. Long live Mr. Feeny! Later in the album, Mud Scholar makes another pop culture reference with My Favorite Band is Lifehouse, a tune I first heard in between songs during a Crumbling Arches show over a year ago. Curious, indeed, how things happen. I have to admit I've never much listened to the band Lifehouse, but when my brother's Pandora station started playing a bunch of their songs over the summer, I was amused to no end that Lifehouse's favored lyrics were so brilliantly incorporated into Mud Scholar's ridiculous homage to the band.

We'll call the next song Clusterf****d to fulfill my contractual obligation to keep this blog PG. Now, an underlying air of tragedy lies just below the humor on many of these tracks, but in this song, it makes a rather depressing move to the forefront. This is the only song on the album that leaves me feeling just sad. The sigh at the beginning of this tune is fitting, indeed.

Then Man-Slut Logic breezes in, bringing with it a slew of well-written lyrics and a sound that is musically pleasing as well. This is honesty, incarnate. Elitist's Curse, too, maintains this listenable style. I've gotta say, I'm a sucker for songs about elitism... Yeah, I really have no idea why that is, but this one gets a check plus from me.

Ever had an issue with the cops? Then I Owe Cops is your song! This one's got a whole clever little story going which I quite like. Tabitha (a love song) also holds a story within its words, albeit a very creepy one. The ultimate stalker anthem, it appears later on in the album, giving the listener no doubt that the cops will be pursuing our young Mud Scholar yet again sometime very soon.

If there was ever a song that will never be played on the radio, George Carlin is My Obi Wan is definitely it! Religious? This one's probably not for you. Curse words make you uncomfortable? You should probably avoid it. But if you do choose to give this song a listen, stereo headphones are a must. Hearing the character voices coming at you from all sides is just simply awesome.

The next song on the album, I'm in a Band, is certainly a cacophony of noise, but as someone who deals with bands on a regular basis, I find it rather hilarious. I'll give most bands the benefit of the doubt, but it wouldn't be a lie to say I've met quite a few people whose sole purpose for being in a band is truly just to give themselves a feeling of self-importance. Too true!

Baby Dinosaur finishes the album with a short, uniquely introspective look at the life of one who cannot really fit into any category. Although this song is markedly different from the rest of the album, lacking the riotous hilarity of its peers, I absolutely love it. Suffice it to say, I can relate to this idea of existing outside of any label and being a sort of living contradiction.

Want a taste of the hilarious aural assault that is A Must for the Dick for yourself? You can find it right here! And mark your calendars... Mud Scholar will be playing his first live show at Amici's Italian restaurant on October 15th. Don't miss seeing this wild douchebaggery in action!

Kristen's Concert Picks: October's tunes dance into our ears!

Photo by Page Walker

The leaves are changing again, ushering in the fall season with their golden brown color. The smell of pumpkin spice wafts through the air as the days grow cooler. Ghosts and ghouls reign supreme, hidden amongst the mortals of the world. And the tunes! Oh, the tunes that fill our ears on these dark nights... These are the true delights of the month of October!

Fri, Oct 1: Futurebirds & Gift Horse @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

Start off the month at the 40 Watt with this lineup of pure rock! The Futurebirds and GiftHorse... Awesome! I can promise you, you'll love it.

Fri, Oct 8: The Whigs & Bambara & Kuroma @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

And speaking of rock, WOW, what a show this will be! Returning to Athens after touring the country for quite some time, the famous Whigs are back to show us what rock is all about. Joined by Kuroma, a band I've been dying to see for a while, and Bambara, a longtime favorite, this will be a show you just can't miss! You can grab some advance tickets here.

Wed, Oct 13: Ludacris & the Beat Geeks @ 7 PM @ UGA's Legion Field
THE BEAT GEEKS ARE OPENING FOR LUDACRIS during his sold out homecoming show!?! Incredible!

Thurs, Oct 14: Nutria @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Here's another on my list of bands to see. Check' em out!

Thurs, Oct 14: Groove Tangent @ 10:30 PM @ Rye Bar
One of our favorite cover bands returns with some original tunes of their own. Let's treat our ears to their rockin' mix of songs!

Fri, Oct 15: Kenosha Kid @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
If you like jazz bands, Kenosha Kid's the one for you! Very nice.

Fri, Oct 15: Mud Scholar @ 11 PM @ Amici
Ready to laugh and have your sensibilities shocked out of you at the same time? Then Mud Scholar's very first show is the one for you!

Fri, Oct 15: Portugal. The Man @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
Famous bands abound in Athens this month! Experimental rockers Portugal. The Man are coming to give our ears a treat in mid-October. Get your advance tickets here, and enjoy!

Sat, Oct 16: Abandon the Earth Mission @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
I loved these guys at Athfest. Their ethereal, electronic sound is out of this world, no question about it!

Mon, Oct 18: We Are Scientists & Twin Tigers @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
And even more big names come to grace our stages! Rock out with We Are Scientists at the 'Watt, and while you're at it, take a spin with Twin Tigers too. Get your tickets right now at this link!

Thurs, Oct 21: The Beat Geeks @ Time TBA @ Bad Manor
The Beat Geeks own this month! They're dropping some hip hop dance tunes in honor of Power 100.1's birthday at Bad Manor just a week after they open for Ludacris. This should be wild! Get your tickets here before it's too late!

Tues, Oct 26: Madeline @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Soft, dark tunes are Madeline's forte. Always worth a listen!

Sat, Oct 30: Reptar @ 10 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Is it possible for a band to become an Athens legend in less than two years? Well, fun, dance-inducing band Reptar's certainly managed to do it! You just have to celebrate Halloween Eve with these guys!

How exciting! I can't wait to see all of these unbelievable bands! Oh, and if you know of a rockin' show that's not on this list, comment below and tell the world about it. Of course, as always, you can check back here often for updates on even more of the hottest October shows in Athens. Catch ya downtown!

With Lights and Screens: Misfortune500, Heypenny, and the Orkids

All photos courtesy of Page Walker

Wow, the luck just keeps on following me! I can't believe how many amazing lineups I've seen since I returned to Athens. This Thursday night was no exception. In fact, I'd say the Orkids/ Misfortune500/ Heypenny show has to be one of my top favorites!

Just after my friend Page and I stepped into the venue I affectionately refer to as my home (the Caledonia, of course!), Heypenny struck their first chord. Now, to be honest, I'd never heard of these guys before, but after this show, I know everyone

here will be buzzing about this Tenessee-based band! Surrounded by tons of TV screens that were cable-linked to their guitars to display digital art in time with their music, this band's show was a visual feast. These experimental indie rockers had a sound and style that could only be compared with kings of the Athens scene, Reptar. Complete with prominent keyboard tones and quite a range of falsetto, Heypenny had a clear sense of fun that permeated the whole room. And wow, their energy was unbelievable too! These guys used the whole stage as their playground, leaping up from their instruments to dance and move as they gave us tune after joyous tune. The next time they come to Athens, I know you'll want to check them out!

Moments later, it was time for Misfortune500 to wow us with their tunes. Now, naturally, I've been dying to see them live ever since I interviewed them about their Popfest show in August, so this was the fulfillment of dreams! And truly, it was. These guys blew my face off with their incredible alt rock sound! Without a doubt, they ruled the genre like no other band I've seen. The whole experience - the rockstar lights, the amazing tunes, the wonderfully dark style - was essentially perfection. Their music made me feel so alive! Honestly, I struggle to find words to describe the sheer awesomeness of it all, and that is something I definitely don't say too often. I was so sure that I would be able to keep from adding to my list of ten local favorites for a while at least, but it seems that I was very wrong. You can bet I'll be seeing Misfortune500 again soon!

Then the Orkids rocked out the night with those ever-exciting dance tunes of theirs and some brand new ones too! And, in a super crazy turn of events, they gave us some hilarious impromptu covers of Ace of Base's The Sign and R. Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly among others as well. The crowd was so into their music that when singer Sandra Gallardo pointed the microphone offstage, the words were clearly heard from every corner of the venue. What a spectacular ending to an unbelievable night!

Echoreview: Deaf Judges' High Honorable

All hail the Deaf Judges, one of Athens' best known rap/ hip hop groups! It's crazy to think that, as close as we are to Atlanta, groups of this genre are actually incredibly rare in this town. But even if they were surrounded by a huge crowd of rappers, Deaf Judges would certainly stand out. Their sound differs markedly from most of the hip hop and rap artists that pepper the pop music charts today. The Judges' intelligent and sometimes introspective lyrics put focus on the story and poetry of the words rather than just on one repeated line set to a dance beat. Their unique style always leaves fans begging for more at their shows.

In late June, they released the first of three albums this year that will showcase their talents. So how does the High Honorable stack up?

Kill Creek starts off the trend of smart aleck lyrics, intermixing these words with cool sound effects and borrowed lines from other mediums. Then Time Bandits flies in on the wings of a haunting ghostly chorus backed by sci-fi style melodies. Filled with amusing pop culture references, this one is definitely my favorite on the album.

Ghost Trap comes next with an old-time sound which hearkens back to days long past. How fitting for a song about the so-called death of hip hop! This tune transitions effortlessly into Women Got Weapons, a song which brings us straight back to the present day and to more common subjects. After all, what is a hip hop album without one track dedicated to all of the sexy women on the dance floor?

Now I'm not sure if The Big Heist is supposed to be a follow-up track to Weapons, but I have to say, as a short composition of violent and sexual human sounds mixed with piano and hints of an assortment of other instruments, it was really quite terrifying. That Ain't a Knife, on the other hand, returns to the storytelling style found earlier in the album, layered over a movement-inducing beat. I very much enjoyed this tune. Then Louie adds another old time track to the mix, influenced by several different genres and infused with sound bites from all kinds of songs.

The aptly-named tune The Getaway Beat finishes off the album with an uplifting track of ambient sounds set to an endless beat. Quite the compilation, I must say! I eagerly await the release of the other two albums. And if you'd like to check out High Honorable for yourself, don't hesitate to visit the Deaf Judges' website right here!

Which bands are your faves?

By now, I've seen and heard about a third of the bands in Athens, but I know there's just gotta be more amazing ones hidden amongst the rest. My ears are craving some new sounds! So what have YOU been listening to? Share with all of us the latest Athens and Atlanta bands whose tunes you've been digging. Has your band of choice got a new album or a new style? Are they just starting up and in need of some fans? Maybe they've been around for a while, but they're ready for some buzz. Or quite possibly, you're in a band, and you want everyone to know about it!

Either way, let us all know what kind of music they play, where we can check out their tunes online, and whether they're planning on playing nearby sometime soon. Seriously, what's fresh, my friends? Feel free to comment here, make a mention up on our facebook page, or even email me at echoreyn@gmail.com to let us know. I'm dying to find out what you suggest!

Echoreview: Emergent Heart's One EP

These good causes just get me every time! Emergent Heart is a collective of musicians from our own town of Athens, GA as well as performers from as far as Virginia, New York, and Washington D.C. Conceived by Luke Johnson of the Premonitions and his friend Samuel Kim, this project quickly became attached to an organization near and dear to those of us here: Nuçi's Space. In case you are unfamiliar, Nuçi's Space is both a venue and a facility in Athens founded on the desire to help musicians through difficult times. Beyond this, Nuçi's Space also funds programs to help youth find their inner musician. Recently, Emergent Heart released "One", the first of a series of albums whose proceeds will go to the organization. So what's it like?

This EP starts off with What Do You Mean, a track that serves up a unique mix of several genres within one song, much like a mixed media art piece composed purely of sound. Layering a prominent beat over a sweet melody, this tune leads easily into the next. Enchanter, too, includes soft singing under a veritable party of percussion. Following this, the Future Doesn't Need Us has a low fi style that, while more conventional than the first two tracks, is definitely one of my favorites on the album. Then All Around You sneaks up on the listener with its deliciously dark sound. It is a most fulfilling end to the band's first EP.

While there is no single cohesive sound or style on the album, "One" provides a mix of tunes with a bit of something for all listeners. You can check it out for yourself on the Emergent Heart's website, and if you like what you hear, they urge you to donate the amount you would pay for the CD to Nuçi's Space right here. Enjoy and make a difference at the same time!