These Texans have come a long way from playing for beer money to playing for house parties to signing a label to releasing their latest album with Sub Pop records.

Baptist Generals, an indie band out Denton, Texas have take ten years to create their most recent album “Jackleg Devotional to the Heart.” Folk riddled with ambient feedback and characterized by a spinning cast of local folk musicians, Baptist Generals have left nothing to chance and have created an album of love–but not the mushy kind of love you might expect.

Although singer songwriter Chris Flemmons has dubbed “Jackleg Devotional to the Heart” his “love album,” and quite a few of the songs are inspired by past relationships it’s also because he went into the album having to have a good relationship with all of the songs. His 2005s scrapped album shows just that, and after years of testing songs at shows and finding the right mix of musicians, Baptist Generals were in the right place with the album and all the songs and released it on May 21st.

Rather than making a generic indie album, Flemmons created an intimate album that he worked on for a decade. It creates an emotional dialogue with listeners.

With a blend of electronic and folk roots, the album is almost experimental. The emotional differences between this albums and most others is significant, and Baptist Generals have re-thought how to express feelings through his clear vocals and inspired instrumentals.

Baptist Generals are scheduled to play at Star Bar on Friday June, 21st. 

Kane Stewart doesn’t own a car, and since moving to Nashville from California, skateboards around town, coffee in hand while making music with cousin Brad Shultz of Cage the Elephant.

Having family in an already established rock band can make things easier for newcomer Kane, but he said that Plastic Visions, a semi-offshoot of Cage the Elephant is different than his cousins’ group.

“It’s kind of a weird thing for me because my cousin Matt is the singer of (Cage the Elephant) as well, so talking comparisons with them is hard I think,” Kane said. But with family help, Kane has managed to churn out a self-titled EP via Brad’s own label Death Panda. Just a few weeks off the release of the EP on May 21st, Kane is looking to make a niche for himself among the surf rock community.

“It’s definitely very different from Cage the Elephant stuff…we make stuff not for any reason. It’s just coming from what I was feeling at the time and my emotions,” he said. “We kind of make weird music so you don’t really know what to expect. It’s not really conventional at all.”

Surf rock isn’t too far out of this California native’s comfort zone though.

After leaving the Golden State for some southern comfort and hospitality (“the atmosphere, of the people in general, the friendliness of stopping and saying ‘hi’ to a random person was shocking to me coming from California,” he said), he also left behind a family business making surf boards. The work in his family’s business didn’t bode well for Kane, who said he would much rather be surfing than making surf boards, but his life in California has transferred into his music and into his EP for Plastic Visions.

Having already dabbled in other creative endeavors, music was just another outlet to try. ”Music’s definitely been a satisfying creative outlet for me,” Kane said.

The five track EP is short, gritty, and completely to the point with all the songs clocking in at under the three-minute mark, perfect for shorter attention spans, Kane said.

“Unless you have some music that is worthy of a six-minute song, it’s got to be something that’s really next level musically and that’s not really what we are about. We are more about attitude and just actually having a message…the music is really important to us,” he said.

Brad might have lent a helping hand in producing the album and loaning his guitar skills for the recording, but will not be part of the touring band. On the road it will just be Kane and his love for coffee fueling him through tour stop after tour stop.

As a new band, it will be Plastic Visions’ first time playing in Atlanta.

Plastic Visions is scheduled to play at 529 on Thursday, June 20th. 

Fronted by Australian Dion Nania, New York based Free Time has started to carve out a niche for itself in the music industry. Atlanta Music Guide got a chance to catch up with Jonah Maurer and talk about their friendly competition with Gotye, what they like to travel with, and what’s most played on their own stereo. Check out the exclusive AMG interview with Free Time:

Free Time front man Dion is originally from Melbourne, relocated to New York. Do you see yourself as an Australian band, or an American band or a blend of both?

We see ourselves as a blend of both. It’s Dion’s project, so in the states it feels like a New York band by way of Melbourne. We try not to make fun of Dion too much even though he talks funny.

Where did the band name Free Time come from?

Dion used to front a great Australian band named Panel of Judges before he moved to New York and started writing new songs with a new project in mind. Mike, Jonah and Adrienne have also had other music projects. Dion chose the band name Free Time because these songs and project as a whole seemed to develop naturally, without heavy planning or organization.

What’s a behind the scene glimpse at song writing for you guys? What is the process like?

Dion writes the songs and brings them to the rest of the band. Sometimes the songs arrive complete, sometimes in fragments for us to discuss. The music for incomplete parts we write together or flush out through improvising. Dion writes the lyrics, mostly about his girlfriend (sorry ladies!)

Do you feel more competition from other Australian groups rather than American groups?

We do feel a strong competitive energy with Gotye. Our label/management has asked us to knock him out of the game or record a collaboration album by the end of the year. We are supremely confident this won’t be a problem. However, we are close friends with many of our other Australian contemporaries, and wish them the highest possible success.

What’s most played on your iPod right now?

Andrew Cedermark, Dick Diver, Yo La Tengo, Outkast, Chris Cohen, Pusha T, Julian Lynch, Woods

You are still a relatively young band. What has it been like forming about just a year ago and already having put out an album?

It’s been amazing. Some of us were friends before forming the band, but we’ve become extremely close over the last year. Not only have we all found this new family, but people seem to like the tunes! It has felt great to have the support of a label and we can’t wait to hit the road to play for new cities!

Turning around an album so quickly, did you ever feel rushed?

We did record the album very quickly, and mostly before we had even played a show, but there was nobody rushing us but ourselves. We wanted to record before Dion flew back to Melbourne last year, so more than half the record was recorded on the day before his flight. It did feel a little rushed, and we play these songs better now than we did back then. Besides that recording day the record has come along at a normal snails pace (it was finished in January).

When you formed the band, what were your original goals with your music? A year in now, do you think you have met those goals?

Our original goals were to record an album and have fun, there is no denying we have met those goals.

On tour, what is the one thing you can’t travel without?

Its probably different for each one of us. In no specific order: working car stereo, coffee, tobacco.

Free Time is scheduled to play at The EARL on Sunday, June 16. 

Jerry Castle isn’t concerned with churning out pop hit after pop hit, or even country hits for that matter. He’s working for something a little bit more for himself.

Nashville based Castle said that the way artists try and create popular songs today just isn’t conducive to an artist mentality.

So he began to make music for himself.

“I decided then that I was going to write whatever came out and I was going to record it however I wanted to record it,” Castle said.

After his sister left his jam band, Toast, which the sibling duo led, he found it necessary to strike out on his own, and began to create music different from his jam band roots. “Once my sister left the band…she was missed…so I was left trying to fill that void,” he said.

Castle didn’t start playing music until he was 20-years-old, but despite his late start, his childhood was surrounded by music. His father’s side of the family were all musicians, and Castle experienced that influence from a young age. “All of them had a volatile love-hate relationship,” Castle said. When they did get together they were happiest singing songs, he said.

“I remember from a very young age, that feeling magical to me,” he said.

After receiving a guitar for Christmas when he was 20-years-old, he was out touring a year later. This year’s release, Desperate Parade is a continuation of his skills as a singer-songwriter. The musician’s country-rock style of songwriting is filled with emotion, something he avidly attempts to push into his own music. His newest album shows his depth, and even allowed him to play around more with his own songwriting skills.

Look for Jerry Castle at Smith’s Olde Bar in the Atlanta Room on Friday June 14th. He might have a protein bar in hand (which he can’t travel without).

Both Double Dagger and Future Island were staples of the Baltimore music scene, yet Peals, the band that members Bruce Willen and William Cashion formed, is a vast departure from the punk roots of their previous bands. Peals has a sense of serenity to it, the kind of instrumental music you would play on a rainy afternoon while clutching a cup of tea.

“I think we both have fairly broad musical tastes,” Bruce Willen said. “We don’t just listen to rock music or new wave.”

With this newest project, about a year old now, the Baltimore duo have created a semi-ambient tone with instrumentals even Pitchfork has noticed.

“I think we were both wanting to explore something that was more quiet and melodic and more atmospheric in nature,” Bruce said. Chimes waver through the tracks and a guitar plucks out an almost melancholy tune. It’s different, it’s light, and Bruce describes it as even meditative.

“I think the music is a lot more introspective,” he said. “I think that personally being instrumental music it really forces the listener…you are not necessarily focused on the words or the message, so it allows the listener to get more inside their head, and allow them to interact with the music in new ways.”

It’s as far as it gets from punk music.

The band’s debut album, Walking Fields was released on May 14, and the duo kicks off the tour this Friday. What the album lacks in loudness, it makes up for in subtlety. None of the tracks are overwhelming yet it sounds like something that should be playing as the score to your life–it just fits, with everything.

At the start, the two band mates didn’t really know what they were getting in to, just that they wanted to make something new and something different. “I don’t think we had any specific ideas of what we were doing originally. I think it all came about organically,” Bruce said. Things did come together for the pair though, and in shockingly seamless ways. The synths soar in all the right places and the ambient guitar and feedback weaves between each other to balance out the tracks.

With about a year under their belt, Bruce and William’s band is still young, and still getting feelers out for the reception of the album and what works.

“There is always a learning curve,” Bruce said. “Things are starting to feel really natural.”

Peals is scheduled to play at 529 on Saturday, June 8. 

This weekend officially begins June, and that means hotter days, brighter sun, and even better music. Atlanta Music Guide has been kicking off the summer with festivals, huge concerts, and other musical treats, and this weekend is packed as well. Looking for local rockers? Head to The EARL for O’Brother. Even if you are feeling more alternative, Brother Grey will be rocking Vinyl all night, so no need to sacrifice musical preference this weekend, because Atlanta has it ALL! Here is Atlanta Music Guide’s Weekend picks:

Friday, May 31st-O’Brother with Big Jesus at The EARL

This is heavy heavy stuff to begin your weekend at The EARL, and in a good way too! The Atlanta rockers are an experimental rock group that is all ragged edges fit for listeners ready for a loud night. Semi-atmospheric and semi-ambiant these locals are one to see.

Check out our exclusive interview with O’Brother!

Friday, May 31st-Copious Jones at Smiths Olde Bar

Copious Jones is no stranger to the Smiths stage. The group has played at the bar before, meaning the show will have them at ease for the best listening experience. Soulful rock jams are what they are known for, so get ready for this group!

Friday, May 31st-James McCartney with Rebecca Haviland & Whiskey Hear, and Corey White at Eddie’s Attic

This has been a big year for James McCartney. On the heels of the release of two digital only EPs and his first physical copy EP, McCartney is already back in the studio looking to create his first full length release. His solo, acoustic style shows are perfect for the intimate Eddie’s Attic stage.

Friday, May 31st-Too Slim & The Taildraggers at Vinyl

Sixteen album made is nothing to sneeze at, and Too Slim has done just that. His bluesy tunes will be the perfect mix up to your weekend at Vinyl.

Saturday, June 1st- Mint Condition @ Wolf Creek Amphitheater

The rise of electronic music gradually undermined self-contained bands but in the 90s a dynamic young new band emerged—Mint Condition, now the greatest self-contained R&B band of our time. Anointed early on by superstar producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (formerly of the band The Time), Mint Condition does it all—delivering hard-bitten funk with a hip hop edge, rocking out with screaming lead guitar, and crooning lush, “baby-making” soul ballads. The much sought after band, who mark their 20th Anniversary this year, has amassed a string of hits and performs hundreds of live shows each year.

Saturday, June 1st- Virginia-Highland Summerfest

Check out our blog for the artist lineup, schedule and full details!

Saturday, June 1st-Benefit for John Kelso with Smithsonian at The EARL

This is a charity event worth looking into! A benefit for John Kelso, known to most as the manager of Bell Street Burritos at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market as well as an acclaimed photographer. After a costly surgery though, he can’t quite foot the expensive medical bill, so join Smithsonian in helping raise funds for this local!

Saturday, June 1st-Bloodkin / Jerry Joseph with Jeff Crosby & The Refugees at Smiths Olde Bar

Celebrate the life of Wayne Sawyer and raising awareness and funds for Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes while also listening to some great tunes! I can’t think of a better pairing.

Check out our interview with Shannon Kiss, host of the event!

Saturday, June 1st-Bother Grey with Sunset Riot and Blind by Sight at Vinyl

Brother Grey, Atlanta alternative rockers, will be coming to Vinyl with new music in tow. This will be a night of great new music discovery!

Saturday, June 1st-Reynolds & Williams Band with Man Made at Peachtree Tavern

Growing up with influences like The Allman Brother, The Black Crowes, and others, these guys will be a treat for those at Peachtree Tavern. They grew up in the south and on good ole’ southern music and their music is reflective of just that and are bringing back the old school style of guitar plucking.

Saturday, June 1st-The Thermals at The Drunken Unicorn

The Portland based indie band will be making a stop in the south, so come out to The Drunken Unicorn and make them feel welcome. With 10 years under their belt of rock and lo-fi music The Thermals are not without experience.

Sunday, June 2nd-Molly Parden, Erin Raw, and Jonathan Rich at Eddie’s Attic

Molly Parden is a singer. That is what she is and what she does, but more importantly she really captures the essence of being a person and all the emotions that go along with that through her songwriting.

Find that last bit of energy saved from the week, because this weekend is going to be filled with musical talent. We’ve got the Music Tapes Traveling Show coming to Erikson Clock TONIGHT! Plus, how could we forget the HUGE Old School Saturday Anniversary party?! It doesn’t stop there! Sunday night, May 26, the Late Night Jazz Concert featuring Dionne Farris and the Russell Gunn Quartet is happening at the Loews Atlanta Hotel! WOW! This is going to be an AWESOME Memorial Day weekend! Check out the rest of the schedule below!

Friday, May 24th-The Music Tapes presents The Traveling Imaginary at Erikson Clark

Can’t see Neutral Milk Hotel because of sold out tickets. No need to worry! Band member Julian Foster’s The Music Tapes are coming to Atlanta, so make sure to check them out.

Friday, May 24th-Waller w/ Vandaveer at The EARL

This band is pure Americana. The music speaks for itself and comes through the speakers with such roots clarity that everyone in the room will feel a bit of Americana nostalgia.

Friday, May 24th-Jen Foster at Eddie’s Attic

The award winning singer songer writer will be taking over the iconic stage at Eddie’s Attic. The venue, perfectly matched for her will get a taste of her sense of humor as well as her song writing skills. From covers to songs written about the state of American and the country today, Jen Foster holds nothing back.

Friday, May 24th-Haley and Alexis at Smiths Olde Bar

This young duo has louder and bigger than ever. The two young girls who make up the band are not only true Georgia natives, but also identical twins. That kind of connection is unique in the music industry, and they have made that aspect their advantage. Even with all their similarities, the girls still bring two different perspectives to any stage they take.

Saturday, May 25th-Old School Saturday 10th Anniversary at Westin Peachtree Plaza

Get out your high heels and your best dress because its Old School Saturday and even more, it’s the tenth anniversary! Make sure you are dressed to the nines for this posh event downtown!

Saturday, May 25th-Alchemy at Vinyl

This band may be just a little over a year old, but time hasn’t been necessary for these Atlanta natives. The alternative rock band formed last January, and they have been running every since to keep up in the fast paced rock world. Go out and support your locals at this concert.

Saturday, May 25th-Radar at Smiths Olde Bar

In the 60s, Radar was known for their classic southern rock style, and today the guys are back together on the same stage ones more. The familiar sound of crisp guitars and heavy vocals will still be there for all the old fans looking to see them again.

Saturday, May 25th-Lucas Mire at Eddie’s Attic

His rich, deep voice is perfectly matched with the folk tunes he sings, and few can boast his set of vocals. The Atlanta native has been making waves here in the city, and Saturday is going to be even more special because it celebrates Mire’s CD release.

Saturday, May 25th-Mount Carmel w/ special guests at The EARL
With smokey vocals, booming guitars and drums, Mount Carmel will fill The EARl with pure rock and roll. These guys don’t mess around. No bells and whistles here, just rock music at its best. Check them out at The EARL.

Sunday, May 26th-Late Night Jazz Concert: Dionne Farris and Russell Gunn Quartet at Loews Atlanta Hotel

Enjoy a lovely night of smooth jazz in the luxurious Loews Hotel!

Sunday, May 26th-SoMo with Nick Leubke at Smiths Olde Bar

This independent R&B artist has been viewed over 3 million times on YouTube, and this January he released a new video for his song “Ride.” Part of The Show Off Tour, SoMo will be doing just that. Show Off Was released on May, 5 meaning his performance at Smiths will be full of new music to be heard!

Sunday, May 26th-The Steeldrivers at Eddie’s Attic

The Steeldrivers have an intense version of bluegrass music that can only have been fro Nashville. It’s powerful and poetic lyrics are so human that nearly any listener can really begin to understand what The Steeldrivers are all about.

By: Shelby Lum

It’s my favorite time of year! It’s a weekend for festivals! Rain or shine: Party in the Park, Springfest, and Rome River Jam will be going on.

Feeling more Rock and Indie-pop? Head down to Centennial Olympic Park to catch Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, and GROUPLOVE at Party in the Park. This lineup is insane with all the great artists on the bill and the constant music going on all afternoon and into the night.

Feeling more of the local scene? Springfest at Twain’s Billards & Tap in Decatur is headlining some of the best up and coming Atlanta musicians as well as giving ALL proceeds to Atlanta Community Food Bank. Those are causes anyone would love!

If you have an appetite for Country music head out to Rome River Jam to see some of the best Country stars, just outside Atlanta this weekend.

Here are Atlanta Music Guide’s Weekend Picks:

Friday, May 17th-Offbeat Hooligan with AndLove at Peachtree Tavern

Just two months ago, Offbeat Holligan released their album Be Civilized, showing off their natural flare for all things reggae, blues, and funk. Joining them at Peachtree Tavern is AndLove, a reggae hip-hop blend.

Friday, May 17th-Randall Bramblett CD release at Eddie’s Attic

Bramblett’s name is one of the most spoken in the singer songwriter community, and with good reason. He’s been releasing albums since the 70s, and that kind of commitment to making music doesn’t just happen. Even better, his performance at Eddie’s Attic will also be an album release, so don’t miss a night of new music from this music veteran.

Friday, May 17th-Ryan Horne at Eddie’s Attic

Ten years, and six albums later, Ryan Horne is still raising the creative bar on his music. The independent singer songwriter has created an emotional masterpiece with his latest release The Whistler and the Majestic. After listening to the newest record it is clear how much Horne pushes his own musical boundaries.

Friday, May 17th-St. Paul & the Broken Bones with catl at The EARL

A man out of the south, Paul has assembled a team of musicians to help him out since his beginnings singing in his church choir. This band is full of soul and full of talent. Don’t miss them at The EARL.

Friday, May 17th-Wizard Smoke with The Liverhearts at 529

529 is showcasing some fantastic Atlanta rock bands this weekend! First is Wizard Smoke, a group of Atlanta natives who will have the stage shaking with their metal, psychedelic tunes. Then joining them is another local group, Liverhearts, ready to kill their live show with their intense rock music. Don’t miss these local gems!

Saturday, May 18th-Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
More than three decades have passed since Los Lobos released their debut album, Just Another Band from East L.A. Since then they’ve repeatedly disproven that title; Los Lobos isn’t “just another” anything, but rather a band that has consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots.
After proving themselves one of the most stunning and wonderful musical success stories of the last decade, Los Lonely Boys are now carving out their legend with their fourth studio album. Even though the band has already shown they can “up the ante with greater musicianship and confidence” (People) every time out, on Rockpango (latest album) they heighten the trajectory, open up their sound, and show what flourishing maturity feels like from these veteran yet still young and burgeoning musical talents.

Saturday, May 18th-Captured! by Robots at The EARL

This is a performance unlike any other. Part music, part comedy, and part theatrical show, Captured! by Robots features one human performer who is a “slave” to the three robots around him, as well as two stuffed apes, and characters. The story goes that the human was trying to make a band, and made robot band members, which quickly took over the show, and wouldn’t follow him any more. Now he is forced to tour with the robots and do as they want. Sound interesting? Check him out at The EARL!

Saturday, May 18th-Cole Swindell with DJ Rock & Rob Pennington at Peachtree Tavern

Looking for a more soothing night of country music? Head to Peachtree Tavern to see Cole Swindell. He is no stranger to the Peachtree Tavern stage either, and will feel right at home performing his Georgia inspired music. Having gone to Georgia Southern, he is friends with country star Luke Bryan, so you know Swindell will not disappoint fans.

Saturday, May 18th-Springfest at Twains Billiards and Tap

For the 5th year, Springfest is coming back! This year’s bill includes Gringo Star, Rolling Nowhere, Shathouse Rats, Villain Family, Uncle Daddy and The Kissin Cousins, Swingset, Factory, Muleskinner McQueen, Donna Hopkins and Cute Boots. What really makes this fest stand out though is that it is helping out Atlanta Community Food Bank, so not only does buying a ticket help out Atlanta musicians to get noticed, but an Atlanta charity as well. 100% of the proceeds go back to charity! Go out and support the community with this unique and giving event.

Saturday, May 18th-Rome River Jam at Ridge Ferry Park

Angie Johnson,Ashley Monroe, Blackberry Smoke, and Craig Morgan will be taking the stage for Rome River Jam this weekend! This one day country music festival will bring you everything you want out of country music. Want to tailgate? Feel free! Just make sure to get your tailgating pass before you go to the festival. Rain or shine these artists will blow your mind!

Saturday, May 18th-Party in the Park at Centennial Olympic Park

Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Grouplove, Yeasayer, and The Electric Suns. As if those names don’t individually speak for themselves, Party in the Park is bringing them all together! Get your blankets and chairs ready to sit out in the park for an unbelievable lineup. In addition to the already fantastic music (as if that wasn’t enough reason to go) there will be food venders selling all the classic festival foods as well as local artists selling handmade goods and crafts as part of the artist market.

Saturday, May 18th-Ryan Bingham at Center Stage
Tomorrowland, the title of Ryan Bingham’s new album, sounds futuristic, but the Oscarwinning singer/songwriter hints, “Maybe it’s not so much about looking ahead as it is about leaving things behind.”

Saturday, May 18th-Pure X with Reverends at The Drunken Unicorn

In the past few years, Pure X has really refined and cultivated their music. For them, nothing is haphazardly thrown together. With rock music that will blow out speakers and heavy guitar riffs coupled with the edginess of a rebel Pure X will be taking over The Drunken Unicorn.

Sunday, May 19th-The Hush Sound with Hockey at The Loft

Coming off of a recent hiatus, The Hush Sound is back! Since 2005, The Hush Sound has melded indie pop with Greta’s classical piano training to create a beautiful fusion of genres. The band started out humbly, balancing their music with their homework, but time has seen the band grow into a mature group.

Some may see touring with four women, and four strong personalities as more than just a challenge, but The Trishas see it as more than just a bus full of estrogen and a whole lot of shoes.

For the all-woman, roots band, the four people who make up the group define the sound–each distinct instrument and each unique voice goes into creating a balanced record. Even with their newest album “High, Wide & Handsome,” the women have meshed each of their styles into one.

“There’s a little bit for everyone,” said Kelley Mickwee. She said that each member influenced the wide variety of music that went into the album.

“A band full of four woman I think would scare any of us off,” Kelley said. “We kind of fought that for a little while.” Despite the band’s best efforts though, The Trishas did form, and have been making roots Americana music since–even if its origins were on accident.

Still, that many minds at work creates problems within the artistic workflow, even within a well oiled music making machine. “The song writing process is forever changing and moving. It is different for every person and every situation,” she said. For The Trishas, they have found that writing as a whole doesn’t work as well as writing in pairs. “When you’ve got four different opinions it gets really tough,” Kelley said.

As a band, the women have all worked with each other in some formation or another, she said, but writing in the smaller groups tends to give better results.

While they didn’t all grow up studying music, most of the members of The Trishas still grew up around music in some way.

“We all came about it in different ways,” Kelley said. “I think all of our parents are lovers of music…so all of us were raised around music.” So after singing show tunes throughout her childhood, Kelley came to more formal music making while in college.

Even though they didn’t grow up together, The Trishas sound like they did. Their comfortable sound and their down to earth tone makes it seem like the women all have been singing together since childhood.

The Trishas are schedule to play at Eddie’s Attic on Wednesday, May 15th. 

Most likely because of the infamous Bob Marley, most (including myself) associate reggae with Jamaica, yet island culture doesn’t just stop in Jamaica, and Collie Buddz is changing the image.

“Growing up in Bermuda, reggae was all I listened to,” Collie Buddz said. After he began attending Full Sail University in Florida, he began making his own music.

He first began making headway in the music industry when other DJs got ahold of his song “Come Around” and remixes began popping up all over the internet. Collie Buddz said that kind of collaboration is key for artists.

“It’s great. It’s great for everybody,” he said.

He has been working on a new album, due to be released before summer is in full swing. Collie Buddz said he is always in the process of making new music though, and has already laid down tracks for the impending release. A few singles have been released including “Won’t Be Long” earlier this year, but the tracks are different than his earlier work.

The musician credits that to his ever changing and growing repertoire as an artist.

“I just kind of try and do my own thing,” he said. “I always like to do something different…I never want any two songs to sound the same.”

Collie Buddz said he just lets the music take him wherever it needs to go.

His stop in Atlanta will be the first in several years, and he said he is excited to get back to the city.

Collie Buddz is schedule to perform in Hell at The Masquerade with Cris Cab and New Kingston.