Q&A With Elbow; Playing Center Stage Tonight, September 20

By Eileen Tilson and Leila Regan-Porter

Meeting one of your favorite bands on the planet can be a bit intimidating. They could be shy, irritable, or just plain assholes, but not Elbow. Before another epic show at Center Stage tonight, Elbow sat down and chatted with Atlanta Music Guide, and the conversation was literally sitting around having a couple of beers with some friends. It is no wonder that Elbow fans are so devout, these lads are truly one of a kind. Here is the three part series. Sorry for any overlapping, technology can be a bit tricky!

Elbow Part 1

Elbow Part 2

Elbow Part 3

What’s Up Thursday?

As many children who grow up to be music-heads, there was some concert or event, that totally made you who you are. For me, that was The Who. My dad worshiped that band, and thus The Who was my first concert. I was blown away. Fortunately, we live in a city where all of these amazing moments can be experienced anytime of the week. Here are some of my picks for some cool things to do tonight.

-It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater when legendary, Roger Daultry of The Who, performs Tommy, in its entirety.

-Country hit songwriter, Kevin Welch, is having his CD release right here in one of the best venues in town, Smith’s Olde Bar. With long time respect for his gothic country songs, this is a show not to be missed.

-It’s a hip-hop heaven at the Tabernacle, when two of the most legendary foot soldiers of the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah reunite to perform Raekwon’s epic 1995 debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, in full. 

-Actung! German digital hardcore group, Atari Teenage Riot, will be shredding on the guitars in Heaven at The Masquerade,; joining them will be Otto Von Schirach and Social Espionage.

-The sweetest event of the night will be happening at The Earl, where The Lexi Street Band and Waller will be rocking to raise money for East Atlanta’s newest little bundle of joy, Porter Thomas Hood, who decided to grace the world with his presence three months early.

5GB With Jay Clifford (Jump Little Children); Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, Sept. 17

By Eileen Tilson

Growing up in the height of 99X, pretty much everyone I knew was a fan of Jump Little Children. Some of my fondest memories involve being at Big Day Out, watching JLC jam out with Ben Folds Five. Jay Clifford, the man with the golden voice, is back from his hiatus, with an album that was completely funded by his die-hard fans. Jay is starting off his tour to promote the new album, Silver Tomb for the Kingfisher (due out Sept. 13), and he is kicking it off in Atlanta at Smith’s Olde Bar on Sept. 17th. He chatted with me as part of our 5GB series, and is easily one of the most articulate and considerate musicians I’ve ever interviewed.

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

I think it was James Taylor…Or actually it might have been Pink Floyd. This is actually a funny story. I was about 15, the show was on a school night, and  I promised my Spanish teacher that I would be in class the next morning. Well we got stuck in traffic on the way to the show, so I jumped out of the car and ran to the show! Well this was well before the times of cell phones, and I totally got separated from my friends. At the end of the show, the parking lot was empty, and I wandered into a Holiday Inn, and fell asleep under a table. Finally the manager woke me up and brought me to my brother’s frat house. I walked in and fell asleep on the first chair I saw, which just so happened to be in front of his room! He took me home the next day, but I never made it to Spanish class!

Best gig you have ever played/performed at?

It was one of our last Jump Little Children shows and we played in Charleston at the Gaillard Auditorium with the Charleston Symphony. I have a background in writing music, and it took about 5 months to write all the parts for all of the different instruments, but it was incredibly artistically satisfying hearing an orchestra play your music.

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

Definitely Paul Simon, right after Rhythm of the Saints came out. I was at an incredibly impressionable age of 19, and seeing the depth of his songwriting live was amazing.

What is the gig you would most like to play?

Well festival shows are always a lot of fun to play, but after touring non-stop for more than a decade, I find myself preferring to play smaller venues like the Sin-é in NYC.

If you could put your dream lineup on a gig, who would it be?

Hmm, I would say Nick Drake, Bon Iver, and John Lennon doing a solo on his piano. But I heard that later in his career John would come off the stage and throw up from stage fright. So it would have to be John Lennon, playing “Imagine” on his white piano, and then pukes on stage right afterwards.

Jay Clifford plays Smith’s Olde Bar This Saturday, 9/17/11

5 GB With Sleeper Agent

By Eileen Tilson

Rolling Stone calls them the next “Band to Watch,” a bit of a surprise for a band that is barely legal to drink. Kentucky rockers, Sleeper Agent, are used to hanging with the big kids, though. After being referred to Mom & Pop Records, via their pals Cage the Elephant, Sleeper Agent have been touring the country promoting their latest album, Celabrasion. The band kicked off their Fall Tour in Atlanta last Saturday as part of the Budlight Downtown Touchdown Concert, and after lead singer Alex Kandel entranced the audience with her Grace Slick meets Karen O voice, she sat down with me for a little 5 GB action.

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

Fiona Apple, in Myrtle Beach, I think I was like 12. She came out on stage and she was thrashing around and crying…I actually recently found a diary entry about that night, and I just kept talking about how my mind was blown.

Best gig you have ever played/performed at?

Just recently we played a show in Portland with our friends, Cage the Elephant, that was pretty amazing. We had never even been to Portland before and I looked out into the crowd, and the audience knew all the lyrics to our songs!

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

I saw the Black Keys in 2004 at the Mercy Lounge. I was 18, and I remember getting burnt by cigarettes and having drinks spilled on me, and thinking , “now this is a true rock show.”

What is the gig you would most like to play?

We would love to play at the Ryman Auditorium, that venue is simply amazing.

If you could put your dream lineup on a gig, who would it be?

Hmm, this is hard! I think it would be us, Jay Reatard, Andrew W. K., Jeff the Brotherhood, and Foxy Shazam…I have been listening to all of those bands a lot lately.

Sleeper Agent’s latest album Celebrasion is now in stores: http://sleeperagentmusic.com/

5 GB With Reluctant Saints; Playing AdvoCare 500, September 4

By Eileen Tilson

If you’re a country fan in Atlanta, then you might have heard that latest little twangness from Atlanta band Reluctant Saints‘ latest album Long Drive, on The Bull. Produced by Jonathan Beckner, the album features guest performances by Hammond B-3 legends Ike Stubblefield (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder) and Rev. Oliver Wells (Earth, Wind and Fire). The band recently had their CD release show at Peachtree Tavern, and is part of the  Atlanta Motor Speedway’s AdvoCare 500 pre-race event on Sunday, September 4 as part of the “Fast Cars & Guitars” Labor Day weekend extravaganza, featuring headliner, Lynyrd Skynyrd. We chatted with RS’ Brian Cameron as part of our 5GB series before the big race.

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

Don’t remember. Was so long ago. First one I booked was a New Year’s Eve party in a church in ’95. I booked the gig, then handed my brother a bass and said, “You’ve got a gig in three days, can you do it?” Haha!  He did and he has ever since.

Best gig you have ever played/performed at?

Not sure what you mean by best, but my “best gig ever” was my moms 50th birthday party. I played unplugged with just my brother and my sister (she sings). It was a great gig. Better than any other gig.

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

I’ve seen a lot of good shows. There are a few that stand out. Collective Soul at Music Midtown in ’99, I think. When they played Crazy Train. Sara Brightman on the La Luna tour, and Black Label Society at the Masquerade in Atlanta.  All very different, but all very good. I think the best show I’ve been to though was Jimmy Buffett in an amphitheater. Big sound, great songs, and interacting with the crowd. Everybody is just there having a good time – band, crowd, everybody. It’s just one big happy family, and I dig that.

What is the gig you would most like to play?

I’d really like to play The Fox in Atlanta and do it acoustic with Reluctant Saints. It’s an at home venue, and the thought of a very personal kind of performance in that room really excites me.  We like the “sitting in the living room” vibe we get doin’ acoustic shows. I like that they are informal even when they are formal.

If you could put your dream lineup on a gig, who would it be?

It would be really cool to do something with Keith Urban. He’s a great songwriter, singer, and guitar player, and for the Saints to back him up could be a lot of fun. John Mayer would be another cool guest to have. But not just guitar players. To maybe have Dave Grohl do double drums with Gary or have Benmont Tench sit in on keys.  I bet we could make a list with 100 people on it for all different reasons. Collaborations just make music better, in my opinion.

For More Information: www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

What’s Up Thursday?

In honor of the Dragon-conners taking over our precious city this weekend, here are a couple of other fun events that don’t require dressing up as a half-eaten alien.

-The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre will be filled with soccer moms in low cut tops tonight, doing their best shimmy while staring googly-eyed at Train, Maroon 5 and Matt Nathanson.

-What is it about Nashville that all the cool kids want to live there? Tonight in the hub of Atlanta cool, The EARL, Nashville-based The Ettes will be rocking it out with their Bangle-esque tunes. You might have seen this band when they opened for the Kings of Leon or the Dead Weather, both living in Nashville.

-Betcha you will find some cool local Atlanta musicians at Smith’s Olde Bar tonight for Paul Warner’s CD release party. He will be joined by James Matthews Hughes, Nobody’s Darlings, and the First Stone.

-Another awesome Nashville band will be rocking it out at Vinyl tonight. Shirock is a five-piece rock band, who have worked with Cold War Kids producer Jay Ruston.

5 GB With Guster & Jack’s Mannequin; Playing Chastain Amphitheater TONIGHT

By Eileen Tilson

Boston alternative band, Guster, has maintained their staying power since their 1995 release of Parachute, due to their relentless loyalty to their fans. More than a decade late, the band is continuing to entertain their fans by doing things like sneak previewing songs from their On the Ocean EP on turntable.fm. Following their footsteps, Jack’s Mannequin is active in giving back with their foundation, the Dear Jack Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and support organizations and charities that research treatments and improve quality of life for young adults. We spoke with both David from Guster and Andrew from Jack’s Mannequin before their show tonight at Chastain Amphitheater.

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

G:  I saw Air Supply on a revolving stage in Connecticut when I was 10 years old.  I was screaming “All Out of Love” the whole time, and was paranoid that they weren’t going to play it.  They played it as the last song of their encore.  I still feel the sweet sweet relief of that moment every time I hear the song  (or sing it with Will Forte).

JM: Billy Joel! It was in Cleveland, I think I was like in the 5th grade. It was a Christmas present from my parents, and we were in the 20th row! … Continue Reading

What’s Up Tuesday?

-Get out  your glow sticks and cargo pants! IDentity Fest is taking over Aaron’s Amphiteater with acts like DJ Shadow, Kaskade, Rusko, The Disco Biscuits, Booka Shade, Hercules and Love Affair, Le Castle Vania, Afrobeta, and Steve Aoki.

-Alt-country singer-songwriter, Richard Buckner and former founder of The Clean, David Kilgour will be holding court at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-If you are in the mood for some old school ragtime blues, head over to Eddie’s Attic for Asheville’s Woody Pines who will be playing with Shotgun Party.

-For something a little bit more artistic, head over to the Museum of Design Atlanta for composer Jason Freeman, as he combines Q&A with performance demos of his “Urban Remix” and “Piano Etudes.”

School Starts Back For The New Music Industry Generation In Georgia

By Eileen Tilson

For years some of Atlanta’s finest young future music exec’s have been lost to schools like Belmont in Nashville, simply because these Georgian audiophiles had no place to grow; that time has come to an end. Kennesaw State University is ready to start the year off right with their Joel E. Katz Music & Entertainment Program, run by industry veterans Bruce Burch and Keith Perissi.

The program is a joint venture between the Coles College of Business and the College of the Arts. The purpose of the Program is to help students gain knowledge, real world hands on experiences, and to prepare them for jobs in the music and entertainment industry.

The program has been a dream of Dr. Bobbie Bailey’s, whose support of the music and entertainment industry in the state of Georgia has been immense, and has wanted a music & entertainment business program at Kennesaw State for many years. … Continue Reading

What’s Up Monday?

Happy Monday to you all, here are things to make your Monday a little bit more manageable.

-The “most intriguing reggae artist in the world,” Matisyahu  (read our interview with him here) will be holding his own holy beat-boxing at Center Stage.

-Downstairs at Vinyl, former Fall Out Boy frontman, Patrick Stump will be pop-rocking it  out with songstress Wynter Gordon (read our interview with her here).

-Over at 529, Atlanta faves Jungol will be shoegazing it out with The Zou and Novakord.

-It’s Open Turntables over at the Apache Cafe, so bring your needles and headphones and spin what you like.

-AND!!! Win tickets to see Guster and Jack’s Manequin for their Wednesday show at Chastain Amphitheater here:

Interview With Matisyahu; Playing Center Stage, August 22

By Eileen Tilson

When Matisyahu entered the scene back in 2005 with single “King Without a Crown,” the idea of a Hasidic reggae beat-boxer seemed liked the opening line of a joke. However, the  New York native quickly made a reputation for himself, taking on titles such as Esquire Magazine‘s “most intriguing reggae artist in the world.” However, “Matis” does not make music for the fame; he believes that with each album he creates, he is sharing a story, and with each story, it’s own theme. We chatted with the holy man before his show at Center Stage this Monday.

How has the tour been so far?

This has been the best tour of my life. I believe that with my music, I continue to grow every single day, so with each day of the tour, it just continues to get better.

You grew up as a self-declared “Phish-head,” how did you go from that into a hip-hop, reggae, beat-boxer?

Well I actually grew up listening to a whole lot of music. I was very into Phish, Trey Anastasio was my hero, but all of my friends were into hip-hop. We used to go to parties and just start messing around with beats, and I remember thinking, ” Yeah, I can do this.” One of my first concerts was The Roots; I just loved the way they combined different sounds. I believe the truth of music  can be found through many different meanings. … Continue Reading

5GB With Wynter Gordon; Playing Vinyl, August 22

By Eileen Tilson

You might not be familiar with Wynter Gordon, but she has surely made herself a household name. With songwriting credit for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, and Danity Kane, Wynter is no stranger to success.  She released her debut album, With the Music I Die, in June 2011 in Australia. The first single from the album, “Dirty Talk” topped the U.S. (Billboard) Hot Dance Club Songs chart and the Australian Singles Chart, and was certified three times Platinum.  She has been opening for Patrick Stump for the past couple of months. Wynter chatted with us for our first “5GB” series.

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

I was actually sort of older! Mary J. Blige at Radio City Music Hall when I was 19.

Best gig you have ever played/performed at?

The gigs that I am playing right now are actually the best of my life right now. For one thing, the audiences are actually sober!! At these shows, people are actually buying my CDs instead of someone else.

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

Lady Gaga puts on a pretty amazing show.

What is the gig you would most like to play?

I actually prefer more intimate shows. I like to be able to see people’s faces and touch their hands. We just played World Cafe in Philadelphia, that was pretty great.

If you could put your dream lineup on a gig, who would it be?

Hmmm, Gucci Mane, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Kings of Leon and Jesse & the Toyboys.

Wynter Gordon is playing with former Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump at Vinyl on August 22.

15 Questions With The Black Dahlia Murder; Playing Masquerade Tonight

By Eileen Tilson

According to Wikipedia, “The Black Dahlia” was a nickname given to Elizabeth Short  (July 29, 1924 – ca. January 15, 1947), an American woman and the victim of a gruesome and much-publicized murder.  Short was found mutilated, her body sliced in half at the waist, on January 15, 1947, in Los Angeles… so obviously the most appropriate name for Michigan death metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder, who are playing the Masquerade tonight! And the best part of this ending? Lead simger Trevor Strnad is one of the nicest death metalists I have met.

What is the most outrageous gift you have ever received from a fan?

Tattoos! I am so amazed that people actually get tattoos about us! I met one fan who had all of our faces tattooed on his chest… We all looked like we should be in King of the Hill.

How do you like your coffee?

I actually don’t drink coffee. If I did I would need to have a diaper on, or drink over a toilet.

If you could collaborate with any musician who would it be?

Dave Mustaine from Megadeath… I’m not sure that it is totally impossible, but highly unlikely that it will ever happen! … Continue Reading

What’s Up Tuesday?

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen! Happy Tuesday! Here are some cool things to do tonight if you feel like getting out on the town:

-Get your best Americana shirt out, because tonight at Eddie’s Attic Jim Lauderdale will be entertaining the crowd. For those of you who might not know, Lauredale sang back up vocals for Dwight Yoakam before scoring it big in Nashville after writing hits for George Strait, the Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless and more.

-Make sure and check back with us today for our interview with The Black Dahlia Murder (the nicest death metal met I’ve ever met!) as they rock The Masquerade with White Chapel, and the Darkest Hour.

-The coolest of the cool with be at The Drunken Unicorn, where The Dear Hunter will be playing with O’Brother.

-And of course there is always Dirty South Trivia‘s Rock n Roll Trivia all over the city!

What’s Up Monday?

Well, I know it’s Monday and everyone is a bit fuzzy-headed from the weekend, but if you’re up for more fun, here’s a couple of cool things happening in the city today:

-The Stevie Nicks concert at Chastain Amphitheater has been postponed until Wednesday; so for those of you getting your picnics ready better get the Ziplocks out.

-Over at 529, The Contraverse, Individuator, and DJ Grizzly will be spinning it out with the best of them.

-Get your own pipes ready for Songwriter Open Mic Night at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur.

-In Little Five Points at The Five Spot, The Indie Revenge presents Church Basement Band.

-And of course, you could always get your pleather out, and join the long-haired fans at Metalsome Monday at the Ten High in the Dark Horse.