Echoreyn of Athens turns 3 and gives you a chance to win CDs!

Wow, I can't believe it's been three years since I began experiencing and writing about our amazing music scene as Echoreyn of Athens!  It seems like it's been both much longer and much shorter than that.  On one hand, I can hardly remember what my life was like before I had this scene and these musicians and this music.  I've seen bands emerge victorious, bands bid their final farewells, and bands reborn again.  I've weathered the losses of favorite venues and favorite rockers.  But, in the scheme of things, I've also found that I have so much yet to experience.  I've only had a taste of touring, a hint of the struggles musicians face, and a small glimpse of what large-scale success looks like.

I must say, though, this year has been a wild one for Echoreyn of Athens.  I attended my first Music Midtown, traveled with one of my favorite bands to New York City, and had the night of a lifetime as a Reptar house party exploded into an event that will be talked about in the scene for years to come.  And so much more joy awaits us in the scene!  Athfest 2012 is fast approaching, and you can count on Echoreyn of Athens to feature extensive coverage of the festival as always.  There's also sure to be even more exciting events we have yet to even dream of as we enjoy our next year on the scene.

And hey, why don't you join in our birthday celebrations!  How about we turn the tables this time, and give you a gift instead as a thank you for being such loyal readers of this blog.  A few of our favorite Athens music CDs are up for grabs to the first person (in the continental US) who sends a message to echoreyn@gmail.com with the answers to the following questions below:

1. What is the current and former name of the band that opened for Reptar at their memorable house show in mid-February?

2. What are the names of at least two of the bands besides Coldplay that played at Music Midtown this past year in Atlanta?

You can find answers to both of these trivia questions here on the blog.  Good luck on your search, and thanks for three incredible years in the scene!

~ Kristen

Kristen's Concert Picks: April brings the rock!

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

Don't let work and classes and all this crazy weather get you down.  When it comes to rockin' tunes, April's not fooling around!

Tue, Apr 3: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop
Get your dance on with Tumbleweed Stampede at the beginning of the month as part of the Georgia Theatre's new Get Up Get Down concert series!

Fri, Apr 6: Ruby Kendrick @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

If sweet melodies tickle your fancy, you'll definitely want to catch Ruby Kendrick's set at the Caledonia!

Fri, Apr 13: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

Hope for Agoldensummer was one of the very first acts I saw in Athens, and their sweet, folksy sound still gets me every time.  Beautiful!

Sat, Apr 21: Futurebirds @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre 

That's right! Southern rockers Futurebirds will be taking the Georgia Theatre just after the middle of the month to give everyone the sound they've been craving.

Sat, Apr 21: Manray and Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Is dark, melodic rock your tune style of choice?  Well, then, have yourself a nice delicious dose of Manray and Lazer/Wulf. Excellent!

Tue, Apr 24: Gringo Star @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop 

If you're dying for a spectacle and yearning for a band that sounds like no other, don't miss Gringo Star's rooftop set!

Wed, Apr 25: The Skipperdees @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Want a bit of soulful folk and southern style?  Look no further than the Skipperdees.  What talent these girls have!

Fri, Apr 27: Dreams So Real @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Remember back in 2009 when Dreams So Real reunited to headline Athfest?  Well, it looks like luck has shined down on us once again!  Another rockin' show?  It's a dream come true!

Sat, Apr 28: Powerkompany @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

The strong, otherworldly sound of Powerkompany is just what you'll need to end the month.  Enjoy!

No doubt, April will be an incredible month of tunes!  As always, if you've heard of another awesome Athens show you think everyone should know about, give us all the details in the comments below.  Happy listening, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: March will be a month to remember!

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

On the tail of a stormy raincloud, March dances in, bringing us warmer temperatures and fresh, new tunes!

Thu, Mar 1: Tealvox @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre

There's no better way to kick off the month of March than with Tealvox's strong, quality rock. Catch them as the opening act on the Georgia Theatre stage!

Fri, Mar 2: Lera Lynn @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Lera Lynn's powerful vocals will captivate you from the start.  Best of all, she'll be releasing her new 7" vinyl and EP at this show, so you'll have a chance to get your hands on her latest tunes!

Fri, Mar 2: T. Hardy Morris & the Outfit @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

The first time I saw T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit, their soft indie folk songs blew me away. Don't miss this one!

Fri, Mar 2: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You're sure to love White Violet's soft rock tunes, tinged with darkness!  Check 'em out at the Caledonia.

Sat, Mar 3: the Athens band and Showtime @ 8 PM @ Nuçi's Space

Our town can't get enough of the Athens band!  These young rockers will be sharing the stage at Nuçi's with rap act Showtime.  Nice!

Sat, Mar 3: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Craving a bit of dark, noise rock?  Manray will satisfy your needs over at the Caledonia!

Mon, Mar 5: Little Tybee and Viking Progress @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Little Tybee joins the Viking Progress at the Caledonia for a night of soft indie tunes and sweet melodies.  Quite a combination!

Wed, Mar 7: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Dance it up with Tumbleweed Stampede at the Georgia Theatre.  Looks like this show's going to be tons of fun!

Sat, Mar 10: Grogus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Want to add a dash of spice to your life? Athen's own Latin band Grogus will have you grooving to a delicious beat in no time!

Sat, Mar 17: The Donner Party @ 7 PM @ Melting Point

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the Donner Party is back to give us some festive tunes for the occasion.  Get your green on and enjoy!

Thu, Mar 22: Powerkompany @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

It's time for another helping of Powerkompany's strong yet ethereal sound.  Tune into WUOG 90.5 or hear them live at UGA's Tate Student Center!

Tue, Mar 27: Reptar @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop

Did you miss last month's unbelievable Reptar event, a night that will go down in Athens music history?  Don't miss out again!  These guys are on fire!

Fri, Mar 30: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

Beatles fans, rejoice!  Abbey Road Live is back again to quench your thirst for those old school tunes.  Plus they're doing an all-request show, so be sure to submit your favorite tunes to info@abbeyroadlive.com to be included in the setlist!  

Sat, Mar 31: Dangerous Ponies @ 9 PM @ Farm 255

Dying for something totally different?  How about a bit of old school-flavored indie dance pop?  That's just the sort of exciting madness you'll get from Philadelphia band Dangerous Ponies!  These guys are always worth seeing.  

Sat, Mar 31: Oryx & Crake and Viking Progress @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Don't miss the Viking Progress's album release at the end of the month.  You'll never forget this musician's unique style, and as an added bonus, you'll get a taste of Oryx and Crake's gorgeous pop rock sound as well!

Wow, what a month of album releases and incredible bands!  And don't forget, if you know of another awesome show rocking Athens this March, tell us about it below in the comments. Have fun, my pals!

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: February

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

The month of strength and heart is upon us, dear Athenians.  February is filled with tunes you're sure to love!

Thu-Sat, Feb 2-4: Athens Business Rocks @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

In Athens, nearly everybody's a musician.  Most likely, that server at the restaurant rocks the guitar like nobody's business in his free time, and that store owner plays a mean bass on the weekends. Athens Business Rocks is a 3-day show that celebrates these hidden musical talents and raises money for Nuçi's Space at the same time. You can't beat that!

Fri, Feb 3: the Athens band @ 8:30 PM @ Melting Point

Over at the Melting Point, the young super rockers of the Athens band will be taking the stage with heavy metal band Anvil. You won't want to miss this show, that's for sure!

Mon, Feb 6: DJ Mahogany @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Dying to catch another show at the Georgia Theatre, but running low on cash?  Well, then, I've got good news for you.  DJ Mahogany will be spinning the beats at the FREE Betsy Kingston and the Crowns album release party. Awesome!

Thu, Feb 9: Doctor Squid @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

What's this? Doctor Squid is back to bring their joy-filled rock to the Caledonia once more?  Amazing news!

Fri, Feb 10: Abbey Road Live @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Beatles fans of Athens, Abbey Road Live is back to rock the Georgia Theatre!  

Tue, Feb 14: Kishi Bashi @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

As seen at past Of Montreal shows, this guy's got mad skills on the violin!  Check him out live on UGA's student run radio on Valentine's day. Perfect!

Thu, Feb 16: Modern Skirts @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

Craving some Modern Skirts?  Great news!  You can hear their latest tunes live on WUOG 90.5 in the middle of the month.  Can't wait!

Fri, Feb 17: Of Montreal @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The magical insanity you'll find at Of Montreal shows is unequalled.  Get yourself to the Georgia Theatre, and have a ridiculous time!

Fri, Feb 17: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Need more dark noise rock in your life?  Lazer/Wulf is here to fulfill that need!

Sat, Feb 18: Athens Business Rocks Finale @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for the Athens Business Rocks Finale. Excellent!

Sat, Feb 18: T. Hardy Morris & the Outfit @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

I've been yearning to hear more of T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit since their show at last year's Athfest.  Add in the Modern Skirts, and this show is a definite can't-miss!

Sat, Feb 18: Efren, Sam Sniper @ 11 PM @ Farm 255

Gritty, folk rock and southern jungle madness of the folk variety under one roof?  That's right!  Get yourself some Efren and Sam Sniper at Farm 255 on the 18th.

Tue, Feb 21: Grinnin Bear @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

Folk tunes with a sense of fun, Grinnin Bear will be taking over the airwaves over at WUOG. Don't forget, you can catch 'em play live at the station in UGA's Tate Student Center!

Tue, Feb 21: Half Dozen Brass Band @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The Half Dozen Brass Band knows how to have a good time.  Don't miss them!

Fri, Feb 24: Powerkompany @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

If strong but ethereal tunes are your style, Powerkompany's the band for you!

Wed, Feb 29: Androcles and the Lion @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Celebrate the leap day with a spectacular lineup of rockers featuring Androcles and the Lion, the Winter Sounds, and Sleepy Eye Giant.  Wow, what show this will be!

This is going to be quite a month!  As always, if you've heard of another incredible show happening in Athens this February, let us know all about it in the comments.  Have a wild time, my friends!

Bidding farewell to 2011... Here comes 2012!

2012 is upon us, my friends!

But before we welcome in the start of a new year, let's look back on our 2011.  Between all of the breakups, awesome shows, departing bands, and festival opportunities, this has been quite an eventful year in the scene!  Indeed, I'd say it's the perfect time to break it all down in another year end review...

Echoreyn of Athens: 2011

January 2011: We first experienced the awesome sound of Sam Sniper at a backyard party on one of the coldest days of the year.

April 2011: Rocking out with six bands in one night... Hey, it's just another night on the scene!

May 2011: People putting their lives on the line to party like animals?  At a Reptar show, you'd expect nothing less. These guys are hitting the big time!

May 2011: Echoreyn of Athens featured its first music video week!

June 2011: We caught tons of bands including Marcy Playground of Sex and Candy fame at Summer Side Show in Columbus, Ga!

June 2011: Yet again, Echoreyn of Athens goes wild at Athfest, capturing every insane moment and every unbelievable event!

September 2011: Of Montreal gives us a feast for our senses!

September 2011: Echoreyn of Athens miraculously nabs tickets to the rebirth of Music Midtown in Atlanta.  This year's festival featured the Constellations, the Joy Formidable, the Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, and Coldplay!

October 2011: We teamed up with Athens Music Junkie to seize the airwaves for a few hours at UGA's student-run radio station WUOG!

October 2011: Hitching a ride with the ever-awesome Misfortune500, Echoreyn of Athens gets a taste of the CMJ festival in New York!

December 2011: Hey, we can't forget the fourth annual Squidmas!

Also, don't miss our end of the year video wrap up above featuring live footage from tons of bands including never before seen shots of Coldplay at Music Midtown!

Wow, what a year 2011 has been! We bid our final adieu to one of Athens' most iconic bands, R.E.M., and waved goodbye to many others like blog favorite Bambara as they journeyed to their new homes outside of our town.  Indeed, I'd say that 2012 is ripe for the taking.  I hope you're listening, new bands and budding musicians!  Need some inspiration?  Well, this year saw Reptar blowing up the scene as well.  Maybe, if you're lucky, some of their magic will rub off on you too!

So what can we look forward to for Echoreyn of Athens in 2012?  Well, we're actually planning to bring the blog back to its intensely excited roots. This means we'll be dropping our structured publishing format in favor of returning to a more laid back form where we'll blog when we feel exceptionally passionate about something we've seen or heard.  If it's an unforgettable experience, you can bet you'll be reading about it here.  What about the monthly show picks?  Well, of course we'll keep that up!  We've got the details on all of the shows you won't want to miss this year.  And will we cover Athfest again?  Hey, you know there's no way we'd pass that up!  When June 2012 rolls around, we'll be your one-stop guide to Athfest before and after the massive festival just like last year.  We're simply keeping things fresh here and attempting to complete a few novels too in our off hours.  So don't hesitate to continue coming to visit us every once in a while.  We'll be here with all the most exciting details of the scene you know and love!

Enough looking back and thinking ahead...  Let's celebrate the here and now!  It's almost New Year's Eve, and that means it's time to party!  Not sure where to go?  We've got you covered!

Dying to jump right into the madness?  Then you can catch Reptar going wild on the Georgia Theatre stage! Is harder rock more your speed?  40 Watt will play host to the Whigs for the night as well!  But maybe you want to see the next generation of rockers before they hit it big.  Well, then Hendershots is the place to be when the Athens band and Tealvox ring in the new year! Aching for a bit of Of-Montreal-flavored excitement?  While the whole band isn't playing this year, you can party with the members of the band as Kevin Barnes DJs a dance set and Yip Deceiver and the Gold Party rock it out for the 21+ crowd at Go Bar! Or perhaps dancing through a cascade of money sounds like the perfect way to start 2012.  If that's the case, DJRX's set at Bad Manor will be your show of choice!

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you all have an incredible New Year's Eve.  Catch you in 2012, my friends!  

Kristen's Concert Picks: January's tunes will knock your socks off!

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

The cold winds of January are blowing deliciously fresh tunes our way.  Get ready to brave the cold for these incredible bands!

Fri, Jan 6: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Kick off 2012 with some soulful dance tunes from Tumbleweed Stampede.  This show is definitely going to be tons of fun!

Wed, Jan 11: Yo-Yo Ma @ 8 PM @ UGA Performing Arts Center

Known the world over, famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be sharing his musical gifts with us to start off the spring semester!  If you haven't gotten tickets yet, though, don't get too excited.  Unfortunately, this once-in-a-lifetime show sold out very quickly so you might find it rather difficult to get your hands on one.

Thurs, Jan 12: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

You won't want to miss southern rockers Futurebirds as they take the stage with the Drive By Truckers during the first day of their three-day 40 Watt takeover.  This is the only DBT show that hasn't sold out yet, so grab your tickets while you can!

Wed, Jan 18: Lullwater @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Craving a bit of hard rock with a folk edge?  Sounds like Lullwater's your band!  Check them out over at the Caledonia.

Fri, Jan 20: Bambara @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Bambara is back!  Our favorite noise rockers are finally making their triumphant return to Athens near the end of the month.  Be there to catch them in action once again!

Sat, Jan 21: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Easter Island is bringing us another taste of their soft, melodic rock on the 21st.  Excellent!

Thurs, Jan 26: Yo Soybean @ 8 PM @ WUOG

Yo Soybean's southern rock adds a hint of badass to every occasion.  Sample their sound on WUOG 90.5's Live in the Lobby radio show or even venture out to UGA's Tate Center to see them rock it out!

Sat, Jan 28: Packway Handle Band @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

From what all of my friends tell me, Packway Handle Band is bluegrass with a side of amazing.  This is certainly a worthy band to finish out the first month of 2012!

What a January this promises to be!  If you've heard a hint of any other unbelievable Athens shows coming up, be sure to let everyone know about them in the comments below.  Hope you all have a spectacular month to start off an incredible new year!