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

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

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

We made it to Wednesday!! I know that life shouldn’t be a race to the weekend, but man oh man does’t it feel good to know that we are getting closer to Friday! Starting to get the itch to get out? Here are your choices for tonight.

-I just love the ATL Collective, they are so smart! Tonight at Eddie’s Attic, they present, Tom Waits’ Rain Dog, with performances with a  line-up that includes:
Danny Brewer, aka Besides Daniel, gives audiences the best of folk and pop.
Rock-blues artist, Daniel Dewitt, is the former bass player and singer of Winston Audio.
R&B artist, Chantae Can, was the background vocalist for India.Arie and Leon Timbo. 
Trae Vedder (of Death On Two Wheels) has performed at SXSW, Bamboozle, & Forecastle.
Packaway Handle Band was Flagpole Music’s winner for Athen’s Best Bluegrass-Folk Band.
Featured Act: Kodac Harrison

-Beck’s pal and Sonic Youth guitarist, Thurston Moore, is going to blow your mind. He is playing at The Goat Farm tonight, and there is a st rich 4 ticket limit. For a truly awesome and unique experience, definitely check this show out.

-Meet Bleached, two sisters from LA creating rough-hewed, high-collared, melodic Rock & Roll. Gaining comparisons to a bubble-gum Ramones, it is always nice to see girls rocking. See them at The Earl.

-If it’s arena rock you are looking for, the high and mighty Tool will be at the Gwinnett Arena tonight. I’m sure it’s close to selling out if not completely sold out, so get your tickets!

-Tonight at the ever so awesome Masquerade, check out A Lot Like Birds, Decoder, Just LIke Vinyl Tir Asleen, and A Moment’s Ornament.

Just Announced/ New On-Sales

4/6          INCOGNITO feat. Maysa w/ special guest Khari Cabral - Center Stage

Fri           8:00pm | All Ages | $42.50 – 49.50 Reserved Seating  | On Sale Now

Rival Ent. & The Masquerade Present…

5/12        MASTODON & OPETH w/ Ghost – Masquerade Music Park

Sat          7:00pm | All Ages | $29.50 Adv  | On Sale Now

*** Andy Grammer (2/25) has moved from Vinyl to THE LOFT

*** Kye Kye, Jude Moses will support John Mark McMillan (4/17, The Loft)

THIS WEEK 

2/7          AUGUSTANA w/ Graffiti 6 – Vinyl

Tues       8:00pm | All Ages | $18 Adv - $20

2/9          JORDAN KNIGHT – The Loft

Thurs      8:30pm | All Ages | $35 Adv - $40

2/9          COLOUR REVOLT w/ Right Away, Great Captain! – Vinyl

Thurs      8:00pm | All Ages | $10 Adv - $12

2/10        THE POLYPHONIC SPREE w/ New Fumes – Center Stage

Fri           9:00pm | All Ages | $20

2/10        FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE w/ The District Attorneys – The Loft

Fri           9:00pm | All Ages | $20

2/10        THE EXPLORERS CLUB w/ Sealions, Pls, Androcles the Lion – Vinyl

Fri           9:00pm | 18+ | $7 Adv - $10

2/11        Joyce Littel’s PASSION & POETRY – Center Stage

Sat          8:00pm | All Ages | $35

2/11        GRAHAM KNOX (EP Release of “Echo”) w/ The Whatley, J-Kap – Vinyl

Sat          9:00pm | 18+ | $8 Adv - $10

COMING SOON…

2/14        COMEDIAN K-DUBB  – Center Stage

Tues       9:00 | 18+ | $20

2/15       EMILIE AUTUMN – The Loft

Wed       9:00pm | 18+ | $15 Adv - $18

2/16        IDLE WARSHIP: Talib Kweli & Res – The Loft

Thurs      9:00pm | 18+ | $20 Adv - $25 day of show

2/17        PLAIN JANE AUTOMOBILE w/ I Am Dynamite, Language Room – Vinyl

Fri           9:00pm | All Ages | $8 Adv - $10

2/17        WE ARE CRUX  – The Loft

Fri           9:00pm | 18+ | Donations accepted at door

2/18        THE QUAILDOGS (EP Release) w/ special guest, Georgia – Vinyl

Sat          9:00pm | 18+ | $7 Adv - $10

2/20        ESTELLE – Center Stage

Mon       8:00pm | All Ages | $24 Adv - $28

2/22        TESLA w/ Built By Stereo – Center Stage

Wed        8:00pm | All Ages | $27.50 – $31 Reserved Seating

2/23        CODY SIMPSON – Center Stage

Thurs      7:00pm | All Ages | $19 | On Sale Now

2/24        SIR MICHAEL ROCKS + DEE-1  – The Loft

Fri           8:00pm | 18+ | $20 Adv - $25

2/24        BRONZE RADIO RETURN w/ Johnny Rockbridge, Gin House  – Vinyl

Fri           9:00pm | 18+ | $8 Adv - $10

2/25        DWELE – Center Stage

Sat          9:00pm | All Ages | $25 Adv - $30

2/25        ANDY GRAMMER w/ Ryan Star, Action Item – The Loft (moved from Vinyl)

Sat          8:00pm | All Ages | $13 Adv - $15

3/1          DAVID ALLAN COE  – Center Stage

Thurs      8:00pm | All Ages | $25 Adv - $30

3/2          BIG DREAMS FRIDAY – Vinyl

Fri           9:00pm | 18+ | $5 Adv - $10

3/3          BOYCE AVENUE w/ Secondhand Serenade – Center Stage

Sat          8:00pm | All Ages | $20 Adv - $22

3/3          COMPANY OF THIEVES w/ Baby Baby, The Best Brothers – Vinyl

Sat          8:00pm | 18+ | $10 Adv - $12

3/8          CHINUA HAWK w/ The Shadowboxers  – Vinyl

Thurs      8:30pm | 18+ | $10 adv, $15 day of show

3/9          FUN – Center Stage

Fri           9:00pm | All Ages | $17 Adv - $19

3/9          GOOD OLD WAR w/ The Belle Brigade, Family of the Year – Vinyl

Fri           8:00pm | All Ages | $10 Adv - $12

3/10        FANFARLO w/ Young Man  – Vinyl

Sat          9:00pm | All Ages | $13

3/15        YOUNG THE GIANT w/ Grouplove – Center Stage

Thurs      8:00pm | All Ages | SOLD OUT

3/15        AFTON SHOWCASE w/ Timmdarden, Myron Todd – Vinyl

Thurs      6:30pm | All Ages | $13 at door

3/16        SHEER TERROR w/ Section 5, Magoo’s Hereos – The Loft

Fri           8:00pm | All Ages | $18 Adv - $22

3/17        KASABIAN – Center Stage

Sat          9:00pm | All Ages | $18 Adv - $20

3/20        THOMAS DOLBY w/ Aaron Jonah Lewis, Ben Belcher – The Loft

Tues       9:00pm | All Ages | $20 Adv - $25

3/22        THE REVELS w/ The Black Cadillacs, The Floorwalkers  – Vinyl

Thurs      8:30pm | 18+ | $6 adv, $10 day of show

3/27        FEED ME With Teeth – Center Stage

Tues       9:00pm | All Ages | $26.50 Adv - $29

3/31        NNEKA – Vinyl

Sat          9:00pm | 18+ | $10 Adv - $12

4/6          INCOGNITO feat. Maysa w/ special guest Khari Cabral - Center Stage

Fri           8:00pm | All Ages | $42.50 – 49.50 Reserved Seating  | On Sale Now

4/14        GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE w/ Graham Colton - Vinyl

Sat          8:00pm | All Ages | $12Adv – $15

4/16        THE BOXER REBELLION – Vinyl

Mon       8:00pm | All Ages | $13 Adv - $15

4/17        JOHN MARK McMILLAN w/ Kye Kye, Jude Moses – The Loft

Tues       8:00pm | All Ages | $12 Adv - $15

4/25        THE MELVINS w/ Unsane – The Loft

Wed        9:00pm | All Ages | $15 Adv - $17

4/27        DAVE BARNES w/ Andrew Ripp – Center Stage

Fri           8:00pm | All Ages | $17 Adv - $19 day of show  | On Sale Now

5/5          HOT CHELLE RAE w/ Electric Touch – Center Stage

Sat          7:00pm | All Ages | $16 Adv - $18

Rival Ent. & The Masquerade Present…

5/12        MASTODON & OPETH w/ Ghost – Masquerade Music Park

Sat          7:00pm | All Ages | $29.50 Adv  | On Sale Now

6/8          MOGWAI – Center Stage

Fri           9:00pm | All Ages | $22.50 Adv - $25

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

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Happy Monday to you all! I was asked this morning whether Atlanta was booking any good shows, and I was very proud to say that yes, Atlanta in fact is still bringing some phenomenal music to our pretty state. So let’s just go ahead and decide that this week is going to be a week where you at least get out at least once and see something you might not have seen before.

-The Drunken Unicorn does not get enough credit. Known for being a place where the coolest new bands are playing, take time to go and check out The Body who will be playing with Braveyoung.

-You know why Atlanta is so rad? Because of the amazing songwriters that live here! Go cheer them on at Eddie’s Attic for the Songwriter’s Open Mic Night.

-Atlanta’s Friendliest Comedy Death Match is returning to The Earl tonight! Come get your giggles on.

-Catch Wayne Static and Part of the Problem tonight at The Masquerade.

Over the next three months, student teams from the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State, working with Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media, a social media start-up that helps artists build fan bases, will be promoting and marketing artists of various music genres. The experience will give the KSU students a chance to learn first-hand the inner workings of the music industry, earning class credit along the way.

“This is a wonderful learning lab for our students,” said Keith Perissi, associate director of the program. “This project will give students hands-on experience in the music and entertainment industry, working with heavyweights such as Sony. They will be doing the job that agents, managers and promoters do. This is about as real as it gets.”

Week after week, the students will be producing video clips, booking the acts at local venues, pitching local and national media, and using social media to launch campaigns. Throughout, they will meet with the artists and post weekly blogs chronicling their progress. On April 11, the 10 artists will perform at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta at an industry mixer, with the top act earning a chance to play for top executives at Sony Music Nashville.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody involved,” said Brad Todd, an entertainment industry executive who founded PlayPro Media. “The artists are getting a consulting team with professionals who have years of experience in the industry.”

Todd explained that this project is the antithesis of the TV singing competition model, as each artist that is selected will not be asked to make any commitment or sign a contract. Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media are offering three months of consulting in the areas of production, marketing, booking and management at no cost to the artists.

“We want to see if the synergy is there between the artists and PlayPro before any long-term commitments are discussed,” Todd said. “While we want to work with artists at all stages of their career, we won’t use the fast-track method for the artists that are not ready.”

It all starts with a great song, Todd said, but local artists typically do not have the resources to launch their music careers and get noticed by the big labels. The consulting provided by Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media will give them this opportunity. Todd and Duane Hobson, an A&R rep with Sony Music Nashville, are working closely with the students to promote the artists.

“We are doing old school A&R (Artist & Repertoire) with new resources,” Hobson said. “It’s not about trying to reinvent the wheel. We are trying to find local artists using new ways to discover music. We want to get their music heard.”

PlayPro Media has partnered with Education Realty Trust, a national developer and operator of collegiate housing, to help market the artists to local college students living in these facilities. The goal is to get students to sign on as members on PlayPro Media so they can familiarize themselves with the artists and vote for their favorite.

Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media selected the 10 artists the students are working with last fall through the A&R Southern Talent Expo, which attracted 62 artists.

The 10 artists that the KSU students are promoting are: Lauren St. Jane & The Dead Westerns; Kurt Thomas; The Whiskey Gentry; Andy Griffen; Mr. Lee; The Armory; A-N-T; Leslie Mack; Amy Gerhartz; and Elgin Nation.

To follow the students’ work with the artists, please go to http://www.facebook.com/KSUMEBUS

By Amanda Miles

Kurt Thomas knows how to kick off a show. Grabbing the audience’s attention with a strong riff and never letting up is his signature honky tonk style. The cold December wind was no match for the heat emanating from the Kurt Thomas Band at Dixie Tavern on December 9. The venue may have been small but their sound was immense, filling the space with the hum of country music.

For the last five years, Kurt Thomas has been developing a strong fan base across the southeast. Kurt won national talent contests including Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star and CMT’s Music City Madness. Winning the contests gave Kurt a platform to open for some of the biggest names in country music including Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band. Raised in the small town of Dahlonega, GA, Kurt was able to realize one of his musical dreams when he was mentored by country music legend, Randy Travis. The opportunity to work with the musical icon drove Kurt to unwaveringly pursue his dream of music stardom.  Presently, Kurt is enjoying the independent success of his third album, “Six Strings and a Prayer.”

Kurt Thomas brought his charismatic best to the boisterous crowd at Dixie Tavern. The set began with a rousing version of “Up On Cripple Creek.” The band covered crowd favorites “Dixieland Delight,” “Family Tradition,” and “Southern Cross.” The covers were tight but the highlights from the set were original songs, the rollicking “Kick Back,” and the small town feel of “Front Porch Swing.”  Kurt’s voice was strong as  he commanded the attention of everyone in the vicinity. The band’s energy was electric, easily transitioning from a Motown jam to pure country gold. The small town band with big city dreams proved to the revelers at Dixie Tavern they are a dynamic country music force to be reckoned with.

Catch Kurt Thomas at the Buckhead Theatre on February 4, 2012. Proceeds from the show will benefit Johnathan Taylor, a former UGA Outfielder who was paralyzed after an on field collision. Visit www.dawgsforjt.com for further information.

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Thursdays are very interesting to me. They can either be awesome, knowing that the weekend is right around the corner, or they can be horrible, seeing everyone’s tenseness from the week coming to a head. Let’s hope yours is the first, and regardless, you will need to destress tonight and I have some ideas on how to do that.

-Nothing says I want run over your toes with my mac truck than an Anthrax concert. Get your fair share of whiplash and moshing out tonight at The Tabernacle where they play with Testament.

-The pop scene in Atlanta has been looking a little bit more interesting now that Adron is in it. Blending classical harmony with the playfulness of ‘60s Brazilian Tropicàlia, the earnestness and sentiment of 70′s songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Harry Nilsson, and the cerebral sincerity of the hymn song, catch Adron and friends tonight at The Earl.

-Arkansas trio, Eden’s Edge, know the value of taking their time. They are putting in their 10,000 hours, touring the country, and playing with some of the biggest names in country music, the now Nashville-based trio have made their mark with their songs about faith, family, and farming, of course! They are harmonizing at Eddie’s Attic. 

-Jimi Cravity- Sounds like Bruce Springsteen meets The Fray. Looks like Buddy Holly meets Jamie Foxx. Sings like Phil Collins meets Bono. Plays like an icon. Writes like the world is waiting. See him tonight at Vinyl.

-Prepare to at least dance tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar where Scotty w/ Cornbread & Kush Kloud Klan will be rocking it out.

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

So that was January? I don’t mean to sound like a complainer, but where was all the snow?? The beginning of Feb. though is feeling just fine, it’s like having a sense of renewal. So start this month out right and check out one of these bad ass shows.

-You might remember her as the rebel rocking chick in Dead Weather and he is the new Mr. Kate Moss, but together they form The Kills, which if you have never seen will blow your mind. My other new favorite band, JEFF the Brotherhood are opening, and you definitely should not miss them tonight at The Masquerade.

-Bernadette Seacrest and her Provocateurs – with guitarist/songwriter par excellence, Charles Williams and bad-ass bassist Kris Dale will be rocking it out at The Earl tonight.

-A songwriter’s in the roundish style party is going down tonight at Eddie’s Attic, where Erick Baker & Mieka Pauley, with special guest, Meghan Arias will be entertaining the masses.

-Genre blending Colorado newcomer, Ronlit will be bringing in his sense of style tonight at The Five Spot with AV8R.

- And although this may not be a concert, the winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play, Red,  will be at The Balzer Theater at Herren’s Pontifical, obsessive, vain, arrogant and brilliant, modernist painter Mark Rothko turned the art world on its head with his revolutionary abstract expressionist studies in color, shape and texture. John Logan’s Redarrives in Atlanta to paint a raw and provocative portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability in this electrifying play.