5 GB With Rachel Platten; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar Feb. 18th

Rachel Platten is more than just a pretty face. The pop singer, perhaps best  known for her single “1,000 Ships,” has been compared to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Tori Amos and Regina Spektor. She is a girl who is poised to continue to make a splash in the pop world and we are lucky to have chatted with her before she gets too famous!  Catch her Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar playing with Bess Rogers.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

The first concert I remember going to was a Dave Matthews concert at what used to be called Great Woods (now called the Tweeter center – ugh) in Massachussetts. I am sure I went to shows with my parents before that, but this was the first one I remember going to alone with friends. It wasn’t cool to get actual seats, but rather, to buy lawn seats in the back of the ampitheatre where god knows what was going on… it definitely was not appropriate for a 15 year old to go to alone, but we somehow convinced all of our parents to just drop us off. I don’t remember any of the concert except for hearing the two songs i recognized and freaking out and screaming along at the top of my lungs. It was pure magic.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

I have a terrible memory for these things, and tend to only be able to draw back into the very recent past, but I  honestly think playing Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Varsity Theatre last week was one of my favorite shows ever. I’m opening for Matt Nathanson on tour the next couple months and this was our third show supporting him. We recently added a third piece to the band (my friend and incredibly talented musician Bess Rogers) now plays bass synth, ukelele, backup vocals, and guitar and it finally gelled that night and just felt incredible. The sound was terrific, the crowd was so supportive and into it, and it just felt right stage.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Brandi Carlile at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in 2005 (i think??) & Arcade Fire at New Orleans Jazz Fest last April were my two favorite live shows. Brandi’s voice is so powerful, I think I might have sobbed through her entire set. Arcade Fire is ridiculous live, I had a 102 temperature and had to leave the show early and missed Cyndi Lauper coming out for an encore with them of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (I regret it to this day ((, but even the half of the show I caught, fever and all, was crazy good.

Gig you would most like to play?

Glastonbury all the way. I recently discovered the ovation channel and when I’m off tour I watch it kind of all the time. They constantly stream old Glastonbury’s and I’m obsessed with it. When they show the bands view of the stage, I love pretending it’s my view and that I’m up there. Those crowds at night are crazy!!!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Red Rocks (one of my other favorite ever venues), with Snoop Dogg, (who I’d get to do a duet with), Arcade Fire, and Patti Griffin. It would be a completely random bill that probably would confuse the hell out of ticket goers, but whatever you guys.

Catch Rachel Platten tomorrow at Smith’s Olde Bar

5GB With Drew & Ellie Holcomb; Playing Eddie’s Attic TONIGHT!

By Eileen Tilson

I don’t know why Valentine’s Day gets such a bad wrap. I mean, I get that being without a love might suck, but think of all the good music that comes from that lovely four lettered word. For example, check out the picture to the left. That is a couple in love, and a couple who happen to make some pretty amazing music. having opened for the likes of The Avett Brothers, Ryan Adams, and Susan Tedeschi, it is no wonder why Nashville duo Drew & Ellie Holcomb  sold out our famous Eddie’s Attic. Check out their answers to 5GB before you check out their show tonight.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Last Fall we played Live on the Green in our hometown of Nashville, a free outdoor gig in front of City Hall, and over 5000 people were there, crammed onto the lawn, all standing and singing along to our songs. We have been touring full time for over 8 years, so it was really validating to have our hometown receive us so well and know our music and join the show with us.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Either Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park in Atlanta or Tom Waits at the Ryman in 2006. When McCartney started singing “Blackbird” acoustic, the bottom dropped out of the sky and it began pouring rain, but no one cared.

Gig you would most like to play?

Bonaroo. Being a native Tennessean, it is THE musical event, and we really hope to get to play it one day.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Right now I’d like to do a multi act outdoor bill with some of the bands we are really into, Wilco, Avett Brothers, Dawes and us. That would be a night we would never forget. I have seen Tweedy and company 3 or 4 times in the last decade and to share the stage with them would be a great honor.

Drew & Ellie Holcomb will be at Eddie’s Attic tonight, 2/14, THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT!

5GB With Emilie Autumn; Playing The Loft; 2/15

By Eileen Tilson

Remember what your 3rd grade teacher taught you? “Never judge a book by its cover.” Emilie Autumn might look like a character out of the latest Tim Burton movie, but don’t let looks deceive.  Ms. Autumn is a world-class violinist who has played all over the world before landing herself in an insane asylum (for real). There’s a fuzzy line between what is genius and what is insanity, right? She joined us for our 5GB series before her show this Wednesday.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

The first live performance I ever saw was “Evita,” by Andrew Lloyd  Weber, when I was four. My first real rock show wasn’t until much  later, and it was for Morrissey.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

That’s impossible to say. Every single show on this new “Fight  Like A Girl” tour is the best show I’ve ever played.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Morrissey.

Gig you would most like to play?

I’d like to sing my new metal track, “It’s Time For Tea,” at the  World Tea Expo.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Myself and Freddie Mercury performing together at Shakespeare’s  Globe Theatre in England.

Catch Emilie Autumn Wednesday at The Loft

5GB With American Aquarium; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar Tomorrow, Feb. 10

By Eileen Tilson

You know I have to say this one is kind of special to me. Not only am I a HUGE fan of American Aquarium, but I am also pretty proud to say I have met these Raleigh boys and they are some of the nicest bunch of boys you would want to meet. Having just finished their latest album produced by the ridiculously talented Jason Isbell, I can say with confidence that American Aquarium are going to be making some pretty big waves in the upcoming year. Tomorrow they will be opening for Oklahoma’s Samantha Crain at Smith’s Olde Bar. These guys might be a little scruffy around the edges, but my goodness will they show you a good time. We were joined by Ryan Johnson of American Aquarium before their show tomorrow night.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Circa 1987.  I was turning 5 years old and my parents took me to what would have been any other kids’ greatest birthday party ever.  All my friends and family were coming…it was going to be great.  It was at Showbiz Pizza.  Awesome, right!?  I was especially excited to see this cool “animal band” I’d been hearing so much about.  I guess we had been there for like an hour or so…I don’t know…I was 5.  Honestly, all I remember is being horrified by the animatronic devil-bear and his minions.  There was gold tinsel, a giant rainbow backdrop, the devil-bear… I cried and then pissed my pants.  Seriously.  There are pictures online…of the devil-bear…not my pee pants.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Any Raleigh show. It’s our home. I love playing Raleigh. We just recorded and are about to release a live album called “Live in Raleigh”.  If you get a chance to come to one of our shows pick it up and you can get an idea of what it is like!.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

We have spent the last 3 years playing at least 250 shows per year so it’s very rare that we get to go to shows that we are not already playing.  That being said, last year we got the chance to see the Jason Isbell and Hayes Carl tour with Shovels and Rope opening.  All three of these bands are ridiculously talented.  If you haven’t seen them live or God forbid you haven’t heard them…make it happen.

Gig you would most like to play?

Letterman.  Then our parents would love us.  Mom/Dad, if you are reading this…that was a joke.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Here are the easy ones: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen, Dylan, Death Cab, Dr. Dog, the Stones, David Bazan, Dawes…even though some these bands wouldn’t be the best pairing for American Aquarium sharing the bill with any of these people would be a lot of fun.  But really I just want to hang out with Danny McBride.  I’ve heard he’s a big music fan…maybe he plays…maybe he has a band.  I wanna play with that band.  At Slim’s in Raleigh, NC or at the White Water Tavern in Little Rock, AR.

Catch American Aquarium tomorrow at Smith’s Olde Bar

5GB With The Polyphonic Spree; Playing Center Stage Feb 10

By Eileen Tilson

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules.”  Although Steve Jobs was using these powerful words to describe the rebelliousness of the Apple company, they could just as easily be used to describe the folks in The Polyphonic Spree, who for decades have been going against the status quo with their choral symphonic pop rock. Using virtually every instrument under the sun to comprise their unique sound. We chatted via email with the ever so eccentric band leader, Tim DeLaughter, before their show at the Revolution Music Room in Little Rock on Feb. 8th.

First gig you ever went to?

Willie Nelson with Jerry Jeff Walker, In Dallas at the Sportitorium. I found $5.00 at the snack bar on the floor… I was 8 yrs old. That was a lot of money back then. I’m a HUGE Willie fan to this day….the money had nothing to do with it. Please come to our show and I’ll throw $20.00 on the floor in front of the bar for some lucky kid to find. Then, you’ll have a story to tell like me..38yrs later.

Best gig you played/performed at?

The “best gig ever played” is way too broad of question for someone who’s been playing shows since 1989.. My god, I’ve played all over the world, with some of the greatest artists ever. From David Bowie to Def Leppard….  We performed Sgt Peppers for the induction of the Beatles in the UK Hall of Fame in London. I wore Paul McCartney’s satin blue suit, the one in the gatefold of said album.

We played the Nobel Peace Prize Award show in Norway. After we played our song, we came back out for the finale, where we sang “Imagine” by John Lennon. We held hands while we did this, I had Tom Cruz holding my right hand and Oprah Winfrey holding my left. We’ve played Glastonbury, in front of 80,000 people as well as every other huge festival in the UK and Europe. Along with Coachella in the states and any other big festival you can think of here in America. We’ve played on TV shows like Scrubs and Las Vegas, I even had a speaking role that was written in the show, just because we were there. I told James Caan (las Vegas) “Freebie and the Bean” was the first shoot’em up movie I ever saw at the theater. He said “really”?! Then walked away….

I have been on 9 major labels and dropped by everyone of them. I’ve been nominated for an Emmy, for the theme song i wrote  for “The United States of Tara”, I lost to John Williams…I’ve scored 3 films and have had my songs used in countless films and commercials. One of my songs was used in a TV campaign in the UK. The song went on to win an award for the longest running  campaign in UK Television history. Beating “I’d like to teach the world to sing”. The first time you ever saw a bands name on an iPod, during the commercial while the song was playing was us..I could go on and on, but I won’t …
I think I’ve answered in a round about way your questions and then some..
Please don’t take my life’s words as gloating, I just felt like sharing some insight to who your asking these questions to.
I will tell you this….The Polyphonic Spree is definitely one of the best live experiences I have ever had… And, I’m at my best when I’m performing with them, for whatever that’s worth. Let’s hope it’s worth the ticket price…..Don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself.. My money’s on the Spree!!

Catch The Polyphonic Spree on Friday at Center Stage, 2/10/12

5 GB With Graffiti 6; Playing Vinyl Tomorrow, Feb. 7

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

I am not a passive music consumer. Generally when I find something I like, I tend to fixate upon it for some time. I actively seek new music on a daily basis, so when I do stumble upon something that really gets me, I just can’t help to want to tell every person that I know. The first time I heard Graffiti6, on Sirius XM, I was hooked. Now I am already a huge fan of the sweet doo-whoppy sound that has so quaintly found its way back into our speakers, and Graffiti6 follows suit right behind those Brilliant British, who have been churning out acts like Amy Winehouse, Adele, PlanB, etc. Writer/producer/DJ, Tommy (Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kylie Minogue, KT Tunstall) and artist/frontman/songwriter Jamie Scott (of Jamie Scott & The Town who toured with Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson previously)The band has had songs in MTV’s Teen Wolf, VH1′s Basketball Wives, VH1′s Football Wives, One Tree Hill, Grey’s Anatomy, Covert Affairs, Suits, Free Agents, The Secret Circle, FIFA 2012 and CSI: NY. They were nominated the week of November 1, 2010, for mtvU’s The Freshman title.They have been made MTV’s Push Artists and Ones to Watch in 2011 by MTV and The New York Post. Jamie joined us as part of our 5GB series before they join Augustana tomorrow at Vinyl.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I grew up listening to old music, and the first show I ever remember seeing was the Everly Brothers in London when I was about eight years old.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

So far, all these gigs we have been doing in America have been amazing. The crowd is just different over here, more lively. It’s been great.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

I think there are probably two that stand out in my head the most. First was probably when I saw Livingston “Liv” Taylor at the Jazz Cafe in London. The second would have to be seeing the Arctic Monkeys in Holland. They just put on such an amazing live show.

Gig you would most like to play?

Well I think growing up as a kid in England, America was always the stage you wanted t0 get on, and I don’t’ think you can get any more accomplished until you have played Madison Square Garden.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Yeah, ok I got this. It would be at The Troubadour, and we would be opening for Crosby, Stills, & Nash. Then out would walk out Joni Mitchell, and Marvin Gaye. There would be an after party to this show as well where Elton John would come out and entertain all of us.

Catch Graffiti6 with Augustana tomorrow at Vinyl

5GB With David Berkeley; Playing Eddie’s Attic Tomorrow, Jan. 12

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

I remember seeing David Berkeley when he played at Unplugged in the Park a few years ago, and being mesmerized…Now normally I am not the biggest fan of whimsical singer/songwriters, but there was just something different about David. This Bay-area musician is multi-talented. With a new book “140 Goats and a Guitar: The Stories Behind Some Kind of Cure,” and a new album, Berkeley has been touring the country with a slew of tastemakers supporting him along the way. Berkeley returns to Eddie’s Attic tomorrow for an intimate performance and book reading. He joined us as part of our 5GB series before the show.
What was the first gig you ever went to?

David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour in Denver was an early one. But I think the first was when my uncle took me to a Grateful Dead concert in Madison Square Garden. I was about 12. All sorts of things were passed around, and I’m not talking popcorn.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

The day after my wedding, I got a last minute call to open 2 shows for Dido at the Beacon Theater. My wife and I raced back from Vermont to NY and made it to the theater about 10 minutes before I had to be onstage. I didn’t have my guitar or anything to wear. A crew member loaned me a guitar, and someone went out and bought me a pair of jeans. I walked out and for some reason decided to say to the crowd, “Good Evening New York City. Thank you for being here. My name is Dido.”

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Other than the Grateful Dead when I was 12? I was pretty pleased with Bon Iver at the Greek Theater a few months ago.

Gig you would most like to play?

I saw a clip of Susan Vega playing in a venue in Europe that is basically an underground cave. I can’t recall the name, but that might be the most amazing spot I’ve seen. Other than that, I’ve had this dream of doing a concert at Berkeley Castle in England.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I’d love to play a show with Neil Young somewhere. How about Red Rocks? Or better yet, how about somewhere small like the Ark in Ann Arbor. How about like 30 shows with Neil Young at the Ark.

Catch David Berkeley tomorrow night at Eddie’s Attic

Win Tickets! 5GB With The Kicks; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, Playing Jan. 7

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

The first time I saw The Kicks was two years ago at the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta opening up for Ben Deignan. I remember going to the show, prepared to see a baby band, and being surprised by the authenticity and potential talent the band possessed. Well, my hunch was right because in those two years Nashville natives, The Kicks have gone on to play at prestigious festivals such as Austin City Limits & South By Southwest, as well as having their single “Hawk Eyes”  and “Shake it Loose” featured on hit TV shows such as, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, and The Real World. Looking to get back into the studio this year with Grammy winners Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay) and Vance Powell (The Raconteurs, Kings of Leon, The White Stripes) we chatted with Jordan and Adam before their show this Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar, which they are playing with Atlanta’s sons, Red Letter Agent. BE SURE TO ENTER BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO THE SHOW!

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Jordan: Mine was The Doobie Brothers! I was around ten years old in Hilton Head with my parents. It was a Hawaiian shirt & Dockers heaven! It was like being in a crowd of about 30,000 of my parents!

Adam: Mine was Michael Bolton when I was seven. My parents took me. It is amazing how hard you can fall with a bad perm!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Adam: I would have to say probably ACL ( Austin City Limits). It was just so cool to be around all these other monsters of bands. We were walking around with acts like Muse and The Black Keys.  For me personally, I learned how to play guitar watching Stevie Ray Vaughn play on the ACL TV show. There is just something about the energy that gets captured in a room; it makes us remember that we go out on stage to create an experience.

Jordan: I think our most memorable gig was probably in the infant days of The Kicks. We played in St. Louis with a 13 piece rap group called 13 Spade, and we pretty much thought we were gonna die. They kept passing the mic around, not looking very gangsta, but they totally were.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Adam- For me it is a toss up between seeing Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park or seeing U2 at Vanderbilt Stadium.

Jordan: I was with Adam at McCartney which was obviously incredible, but for me, seeing My Morning Jacket in Nashville was life changing. I saw them before we even started The Kicks, and they inspired me to want to start a rock band. After seeing them, I knew they were a modern day beast live. What we do live with The Kicks is very inspired from seeing them; they are simply a wall of sound.

Gig you would most like to play?

Adam: I would love to play Wimbley Stadium having 80-100,000 people all there to see one show. That’s pretty awesome.

Jordan: um, Royal Albert Hall! But being from Nashville, it would be pretty meaningful for me to sell out the Ryman. I know it’s not the biggest venue, but I believe it is a place that all Nashville artists aspire to play.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Well I think we would have to be direct support for the Beatles, and we would let them headline, since you can’t really get any bigger than that. Throw a little Zeppelin in there and oh how about some Queen. Would be cool to have the Stones in there, and we could have Crosby Stills & Nash open. We would play in Rio in front of a million folks like the Stones did.

Catch The Kicks Jan. 7th w/ Red Letter Agent and Indianapolis Jones at Smith’s Olde Bar

5GB With Andrew Combs; Playing The Earl 12/14

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Now I know what you’re saying, “Why am I showing any love to a singer/songwriter from Nashville?” I know that even saying “he is making country sexy again,” sounds cliche, but just hear me out. Andrew Combs has a lot more connection to our sweet state then he might lead on. Having toured with our own country darlings, Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band) and Levi Lowery, Combs even has a song on his album co-written by Lowery. But don’t let any of that fool you, Combs can definitely hold his own. His old school croon and dusty lyrics will remind you of Combs heroes: Hank, Willie, and Townes. In a town that seems to be churning out wannabe’s, Nashville’s Andrew Combs is simply honest. Make sure you check him out tomorrow night at The Earl or Thursday night (12/15) at The Music Room.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

This is tough. I’m sure there were occasional concerts my parents dragged me to when I was too young to appreciate them, but excluding those, the first show I attended at my own will was some sort of local punk show in Dallas, Texas (where I’m from). If I remember correctly, it was at a venue called Trees. I do not remember who played. I do remember I wore a white belt and white chuck taylors. Pretty cool… or pretty gross?

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

I don’t have a favorite gig. I prefer the following… a) a solo show with a quiet attentive audience, or b) a rowdy show with my rocking band (people dancing, shouting, pouring beer on their face, making out in the corner, etc…)

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

For a party, I’d say any Tom Petty show I’ve seen. Every song is a hit! For a listening experience, I’d say any Guy Clark show I’ve attended. He’s my favorite songwriter. EVER.

Gig you would most like to play?

I’d love to play Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble up in Woodstock. I’ve heard so many great stories about people’s experiences there. But honestly I’ll play any show that pays and/or gives me free booze. Sign me up!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I would love to open a show for Guy Clark. That would be a treat. Also I’d love to play the Ryman Auditorium. I think everyone based in Nashville is required to say that is their “dream gig”, but it truly would be amazing. Maybe one day all my friends and I could play the Ryman together…

Catch Andrew Combs tomorrow night at The Earl

5GB With Thomas Dybdahl; Playing W/ Tori Amos At Cobb Energy Centre Tonight

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

I remember hearing about Thomas Dybdahl when Leslie Fram received his CD at WRXP in NYC. She gave me the CD, and said “Listen to this, you will love it.” Well, she was right. Within the first few songs of listening to the Norwegian singer/songwriter I was hooked. Like Scandinavia’s version of Jeff Buckley, Dybdahl captivates his listeners. We chatted with him as part of our 5 GB series before his show tonight with Tori Amos.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

A local band from Stavanger, Norway called The September When. They were spectacular and pretty big in Norway at the time. They did the job: I wanted to be an artist from then!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

I think maybe the concert hall called Salle Pleyel in Paris would be one of the hightlights up till now. Played there this spring with a string orchestra, unbelievable room.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

I think Radiohead at Roskilde Festival in 97 (Ok Computer tour) was one of the top ones. Amazing band, 60,000 people just disappeared. It was just me and them!

Gig you would most like to play?

A solo show at Carnegie Hall is veeery high on the list!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

It would be Carnegie Hall, with “Friends”

Catch Thomas Dybdahl tonight, Nov.29 at Cobb Energy Centre

5GB With Lykke Li; Playing The Buckhead Theater Tonight, Nov. 20

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Swedish songstress Lykke Li is definitely not known for being conventional. With her electro-pop, and unique sound have crowned Lykke Li as the Indie Queen, mesmerizing her fans with her sad eyes, dreamy lyrics, and sultry sound. We chatted with her as part of our 5GB series before her show tonight at The Buckhead Theater, and although she may not be one for words in an interview, her show tonight will leave her audience speechless.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

My dad was a musician, so my first show was probably when I was a little baby. My first show that I remember was also my dad’s show when I was about 6 in Portugal.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

It was when I played the Masonic Temple in Hollywood. I really could feel that the spirits were on my side.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

I don’t know actually. I think I am still waiting to see my favorite performance.

Gig you would most like to play?

I would like to play at Coachella, and perhaps Central Park, but that’s it. There is no gig that I am yearning for.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I don’t believe in those things. If they are meant to be then they will be. I do like the band that is currently on tour with me now, First Aid Kit.

Catch Lykke Li tonight, Nov.20 at Buckhead Theater

5GB With Kevn Kinney; Drivin n’ Cryin Play 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, Tonight Nov. 18

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Still some of the coolest and friendliest musicians in the biz, Atlanta boys Drivin n’ Cryin have been kicking it for over two decades with their southern rock, playing with the likes of Neil Young, REM, and Soul Aslyum, and garnering the respect of heavy hitters like Blues Traveler’s John Popper, Edwin McCain, Gov’t Mule and the Allman Brothers Band. With a new 26 year old guitarist in tow (that Kinney swears is the reason that all the young girls are rushing the stage again), Drivin n’ Cryin are playing the 3rd & Lindley tonight. We chatted with the legendary Kevn Kinney before how show tonight at the 3rd & Lindley, about his five favorite gigs, and his desire for someone at Bonnaroo to ask them to play!

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I think it was when I saw Little Richard open for Johnny Winter back in 1974 at the Milwaukee Auditorium. There were all these beautiful hippy chicks, and everyone was on acid. And then you had all the switchboard people floating around taking care off the folks tripping on Angel Dust! I remember Little Richard kept shaking his head and throwing his sweat around, and called it his holy water!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Ha! I think last Saturday in Macon! I always think the last gig I play is always the best gig we have played. You never know when your next show may be! But, opening up for REM and Neil Young was pretty awesome. Oh yeah! Also, on my 50th birthday, we were at the 40 Watt, and Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and  John Keane came up and played! It was like being a part of REM! That was probably my favorite show of this year.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

My favorite show was in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Cafe. We were opening for the Violent Femmes (we group up together), and I heard that Bob Dylan was playing that night as well. This was back when Bob was not doing so hot, and was wearing hoodies and mumbling a lot. I bought the last pair of ticket for the show, expecting the show to not be one of his finest, but man was I wrong. Bob took the stage wearing a gold lamé suit and started playing some Elvis music. He was playing an acoustic, and doing some Elvis dance moves..it was very inspiring!

Gig you would most like to play?

You know out of the 26 years we have been a band we have NEVER been asked to play Bonnaroo!!!  We have never been invited, so I would really like to play! I don’t even have to headline, I’m just looking for a little 30 minutes worth of stage time!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Hmm, how cool would it be to play with Jack Kerouac, and have him come out and play some Drivin n’ Cryin songs! Actually, I think my dream gig would be to be Jimi Hendrix’ guitar tech. And he would be like (in heavily stoned voice) “heeeyyyy, kkkkeeeevvvvnnnn, is my guitar ready? ” And I would be like “Totally Jimi, I got your back!”

Catch Drivin n’ Cryin tonight, Nov.18 at 3rd & Lindley

5GB With Nathan Angelo; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, Tonight Nov. 10

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

An Atlanta transplant and minister’s son, Nathan discovered music at an early age where he spent much of his youth as his church’s Director of Music, developing his vocals and finding a home on the keys. oupled with an incessant touring schedule and attention paid to the ever-changing landscape of social media, Nathan has managed to sell over 15,000 albums independently. He’s also toured with national acts such as the Fray, Zac Brown Band, Marc Broussard and Matt Wertz. In 2009, Nathan caught the attention of a major publishing company, Warner/Chappell. Compelled by his ability to mix modern-pop with classic songwriting, Warner/Chappell signed Nathan to a publishing deal, a rare occasion for an independent artist, and has since been called upon to write for the likes of Kelly Clarkson & Justin Bieber. He joined us for our 5GB before his show at Smith’s Olde Bar tonight.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I was raised in the church, so I saw a Carman show when I was about 6. It was a big show in the Miami Arena down in Florida. He had dancers & cool lights.

What is the best gig you’ve ever been to?

I saw Bruce Hornsby a few years back at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga. It was an intimate show. As a young touring artist, I really needed that show to inspire me to take my piano playing and song-writing more seriously – to the next level. He was all over the piano and he did it in such a melodic way. I’ve seen some great shows since (ie. Coldplay), but that show still stands out in my mind.

What is the best gig you’ve ever played/performed at?

I opened for the Fray early on in my career. That still remains when of my most memorable gigs. They were really nice guys, and their fans responded very positively to my music. It was the first time in my career that I felt like a rockstar. ha

What gig would you most like to play? (festival or event or a location or a venue)

I’d like to play a packed out show in Central Park or Madison Square Garden. I just feel like these 2 spots hold NYC up as one of the music meccas of the world with all of it’s history. They would be game changers.

What would the line-up be at your dream gig? Who would you play with?

I’d love to open for Paul McCartney on his world tour. ha I play a solid 45 min set, and then he & his band take the stage. About half way through his set, he calls me back on stage to join him for a few tunes. That would be amazing! (If Sir Paul isn’t available, I’d be more than happy to share the stage with Stevie Wonder or Elton John.)

Nathan Angelo is playing Smith’s Olde Bar, Tonight  Nov. 10

5GB With Kopecky Family Band; Playing Vinyl, Nov. 9

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Like all families, Kopecky Family Band beats with the same heart and writes in the same blood. ‘The Family’ began creating music together in Nashville, Tennessee in the Fall of 2007. What began as late night talks about life and dreams gradually flowed into eccentric and beautiful music that has led to numerous tours, including adventures to CMJ, SXSW and Bonnaroo, three EP releases and friendships across the country. We were joined by Gabe and Steven before their show tomorrow night at Vinyl.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Gabe’s was DC Talk, during the Jesus Freak tour. The glory days. He was ten years old, and went with a church group. Steven saw Carmen at the Bi-Lo Center in South Carolina, before he was old enough to know who Carmen was, or to have a choice in attending. Strangely enough, Gabe was at the same show. And that’s how it all began…figuratively.

What is the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Steven and David got to see LCD Soundsystem and The Arcade Fire in Louisville during their freshman year. It was an absolutely mind-blowing show at an equally amazing venue (the waterfront park just outside downtown Louisville.) Seeing Menomena at SXSW ’11 was another pretty monumental exprience for the band… Especially for Gabe, with them being one of his all-time favorites.

What is the best gig you’ve ever played/performed at?

Besides the surreal time we had playing at Bonnaroo this past summer, and sharing tours with bands like Gomez and DeVotchKa, two specific shows come to mind. First, we got to play at The Gorge in Washington, as a part of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan. Talk about checking an item off of the ol’ bucket list! The other was when we got to play at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA, with Gomez and DeVotchKa. It was literally one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited, much less performed at.

What gig would you most like to play? (festival or event or a location or a venue)

Lately, we’ve really been pining to make our way across to pond to Europe. Not sure of an exact timeframe on that one yet, but we’ll keep you posted! We’d also love to make it out to Lollapalooza and Coachella eventually.

What would the line-up be at your dream gig? Who would you play with?

Each one of us could probably produce an endless list to answer this question, but here’s a few that come to mind: Paul McCartney, Pedro the Lion, Fleetwood Mac, Death Cab For Cutie, Jim Croce, Menomena, Janis Joplin, Muse, Johnny Cash… It would undoubtedly be a very eccentric show.

Kopecky Family Band play Vinyl tomorrow Nov. 9

5GB With Matthew & The Atlas; Playing The Communion Tour At Smith’s Olde Bar, Nov 5

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

The Communion Tour (started by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett) will be taking over Smith’s Olde Bar on Nov. 5th, with performances from Matthew & the Atlas, The David Mayfield Parade, and Lauren Shera. The music industry is abuzz with the first ever U.S. tour of Communion, the U.K.’s most revered live music promotions team. Born out of a London basement bar in 2006, Communion very quickly became home to some of there U.K.’s most accomplished and praised young musicians as well as the go-to team for promoting and encouraging fresh, emerging talent in London. Communion offered a live platform to artists including Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale, Marcus Foster and Anna Calvi. We chatted with Matthew & The Atlas as part of our 5GB before their show tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar. 

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I saw Michael Jackson at Wembley when I was 11 years old. I remember thinking it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen, because he flew off stage with a jetpack!

What is the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Wow this is a hard one! Maybe Six Gun Steve at the Royal Hall in London. He puts on an amazing show. The experience was just different, because he has the music tied in with visuals.

What is the best gig you’ve ever played/performed at?

Probably when we played with Mumford & Sons. There was this huge storm that came through, but the crowd stayed. They were just amazing.

What gig would you most like to play? (festival or event or a location or a venue)

We played this amazing little place in North Scotland, that was nice. It felt like it only held 15 people, but we got to really connect with the people in a very simple and honest way. But of course, Glastonbury would be amazing.

What would the line-up be at your dream gig? Who would you play with?

Hmm, gotta get the band’s input! Ok, here goes, Sissy Ann Stephens, My Brightest Diamond, the National, Cat Power, and Iron Maiden as the headlining act.

Matthew & The Atlas play Smith’s Olde Bar tomorrow Nov. 5