PHOTOS By Michael Koenig

Full gallery after the jump.

By Justin Lyons

Prior to this week’s Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, AL, I was able to interview Chad Stokes from the recently reunited rock band, Dispatch. If you’re going to Hangout, be sure to catch Dispatch perform on Saturday at 5:15pm at the Hangout Main stage. Look for their first full length album Circles Around The Sun on August 21st. Follow Atlanta Music Guide on Twitter for Hangout Music Festival coverage all weekend.

Last year’s Dispatch EP was your first studio album in a decade, what was the motivation to get back in the studio?

Mostly because if we were really going to tour again, I don’t think we could stomach the idea of touring without playing new music. If we were playing the same show that we played when we toured in 2002, there is something a little depressing about that. We all write a lot so we had tons of stuff to share and bat around. We got together one night in NY and there was a big blizzard, so we drank a lot of Guinness and played music.

The whole EP is great but the one song that stood out to me was ”Broken American”. Its really driven by the banjo and it has a political theme as well. What was the inspiration and message behind the song?

I think with that song I had that first progression and the first few chords and it was one of those songs that’s been banging around in my head for quite some time. It almost came to fruition with different projects, but it was never quite there. I just had that first line “we speak in broken American” and I wasn’t entirely sure what the song was about, but as it developed I got more excited about playing it with the Dispatch guys. I knew Brad (Corrigan) would like it because it has a very rhythmic guitar part and he is so fun to play drums with. He feeds off the rhythm of the guitar so well because hes a guitarist himself. When he plays his parts they blend into the song in a really cool way. Its fun to play banjo because it comes from Africa, but its become such an American instrument. Its such an exciting and emotional instrument to convey the story where people come over to America. In a lot of ways, especially with the recession, the “American Dream” isn’t what it used to be, if it was ever there, but now its a tough row to hoe. The main idea is you’re over here, learn the language, then you get shipped off to war and you’re fighting this war you don’t believe in. Its an old story, but its this idea that language is “broken English” and “Broken American” has the double meaning of being an American, from whatever country your grandparents originated from, yet the American dream is no longer there.

The reunion tour was last summer and had stops in the US and also Europe, right?

We went to Europe for the first time as a band and that was exciting. Then we did a full album and that’s coming out soon and we shot a couple videos for that. We’re doing a lot of things that we never did as band and that’s exciting for us.

Circles Around The Sun is the new album and comes out later this Summer? What can fans expect on the album?

It’s not far off from the EP in sense and sound. Both the EP and album were produced by Peter Katis, who worked with Interpol and the National, in Bridgeport, CT. It has a few hallmarks in its sound, but it has one song thats hip-hop, some Americana and folk, but not much reggae or ska like we had done in the past. The timing just wasn’t there for those types of songs. The album has more banjo…it was fun to be in the studio. Like you said, the its been so long before the EP and this album so we’re kind of catching up on our studio time.

“Not Messin’” is the first single and is out for free download now. Are you excited to play it live?

We don’t know what to do with that song live. A bunch of these songs, we’ve never played live. That’s the first time as a band that we’ve ever done that. Usually you play songs live for years before you record them. Since we hadn’t been touring, the new songs were studio first and then live. Its a little backwards not knowing what the new songs will sound like live, but it will be a lot of if we can pull it off.

A lot of the older material has a reggae feel and influence and some of the new music has Americana and banjo. It all seems like a perfect fit for Hangout, had the band been approached by this festival’s organizers prior to this year?

No, thats another reason it is fun to be back together now because people know about us to a certain extent. Whereas when we toured before, the only people that knew about us were Dispatch fans. Now the band has been around awhile and because of some of the big outdoor shows we did, our “last show” and the show at MSG, people know about us enough to take a chance and book us for Hangout and Bonnaroo.

What can fans expect in Dispatch’s performance at Hangout? Any surprises?

Hopefully, we’ll have a some extra musicians filling out the tunes with banjos. We’re asking people to bring books as part of our Amplify Education initiative that we’ve been doing since we’ve been back touring. Just encouraging people to volunteer in their nearby schools and get involved in the education world because its an important place that needs a lot of help. We have 75 minutes to play so a couple new ones, but a lot of old ones.

Are you gonna be around Hangout for the entire weekend? Any other performers you want to see?

I think we’re gonna check out the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We’re just psyched to hang on the beach.

There aren’t many festivals like Hangout. Are there any festivals that you want to play or revisit?

Dispatch hasn’t done many festivals, so its all pretty new to us. State Radio, the other band I play in, played at Bonnaroo a couple years ago, so I’m pretty excited to go back there. We’ll be going out to California in August. We’re pretty new to the festival scene. We’re used to just playing in front of Dispatch crowds because we never really opened for anyone. Its new for us, but a fun challenge.

Do you feel like that alleviates some of the pressure, since Hangout isn’t not going to be a 100% Dispatch crowd with some people who’ve neer seen you before?

It brings pressure in some ways because you have this one chance in front of people who don’t know you. Dispatch fans will forgive you for whatever you do. Its fun because we’re just another band up there and part of the whole festival. Its not riding on us.

The song “Elias” is a classic fan favorite. Can you explain the Elias Fund for people that don’t know about it?

Its a fund we started years ago. It basically helps people in Zimbabwe, especially one town I lived in when I was 18, and it helps micro agricultural efforts, making water accessible and getting people involved in building houses and volunteering.

A lot of fans in Atlanta that can’t make it to Hangout are excited for Dispatch show this October at the Fox Theatre.

We had two favorite shows from our last tour, San Francisco and Atlanta at Chastain. Such a great crowd.

Everyone loves a LOVE story, and when it’s a rock n’ roll love story, well even better. Tonight You’re Mine is a rock ‘n’ roll love story set against the raucous magnificence and unforgettable sounds of Scotland’s leading music Festival. The film features Luke Treadaway (Brothers of the Head, Clash of the Titans) as strutting indie star Adam, one half of globally successful duo The Make. Arriving at T in the Park for his gig, during an impromptu backstage fight, Adam finds himself accidentally handcuffed to punky girl-band The Dirty Pink’s leader Morello (Natalia Tena – Mrs Henderson Presents, Harry Potter) and they have to spend the following 24 hours inseparably joined together. During the long night’s journey into day, frustration eventually gives way to grudging acceptance of the situation and this leads to them eventually falling for each other. . .

The screening will be on Wednesday, May 23rd at Landmark Midtown. Enter below to win tickets to the prescreening!

If you are even slightly into the Atlanta music scene, then you know that Trae Vedder from Death on Two Wheels is one of the hardest working musicians in our pretty little city. Trae and band are playing with indie darlings, Sleeper Agent tomorrow at The Basement at Graveyard Tavern, and he joined us for our 5GB series before the show tomorrow.

What’s the first gig you ever attended?

First concert: (big show)

Hank Williams, Jr. Bocephus himself. When I was 5 years old at the Macon Coliseum. Our baby blue Ford Escort station wagon broke down on the way. The tickets were so expensive ad we couldn’t miss the show. So rather than a wrecker, my Pops called a taxi and to the show we went. I remember that he played “Tear In My Beer” with a giant screen (or is it called a hologram today?) of Hank Williams, Sr. playing the song behind him in unison. It was pretty incredible.

First gig: (real show/gig)

Skatastrophe, Ten Toes Up, and Blue Druids at the Barnesville Train Depot. I was like 12 or so. My folks dropped me off. I wasn’t as cool as all the punk rockers then and I’m still not today. But I love punk rock shows. Concrete rooms filled with the sounds of Peavey. I wish every show was a punk rock show.

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

My first and only other band ever was called Goliath Johnson, or GoJo for short. We rented out the American Legion Hall in my hometown, Forsyth, GA, and played our first show ever. Our drummer had to quite before the show because his lawyer dad was afraid of the legal ramifications of throwing our own show and the possibility of underage drinking. My uncle filled in. A punk rock band that I met in Griffin played with us, Downtrodden. It was rad. No arrests. Just lots of f-bombs and cigarettes.

What is the best gig you have ever seen?

Foo Fighters in Birmingham with two stages in one arena. Against Me! opening up for them. Local H at Big Day Out at the horse park, first bloody nose I ever saw from moshing. Or Cowboy Mouth at the same show. He climbed the rafters and made the whole crowd sit down and jump up all together. Or Amazing Royal Crowns at the same show. I did the worm through the circle pit, then asked Leslie Fram to skank with me … she turned me down. :/

Gig you would most like to play?

Playing at The Tabernacle would be a dream. Opening for Foo Fighters has always been something I associated with success. It’d be rad to sing with Joe Cocker or Lee Dorsey on stage.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

immy Hendrix, Motörhead, & Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Catch Death on Two Wheels with Sleeper Agent at The Basement at Graveyard Tavern, Thursday May 17th 

Happy Hump Day Atlanta! We are half way through the week, waaahhhoooo! The first song I heard this morning was “Wild Horses” so it looks like it’s gonna be a great day!

Hey, so there are a ton of great bands playing tonight so do yourself a favor and check one out!

-Canadian hard rockers, The Trews, are back in Atlanta and are playing at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-It’s Georgia music day at The Earl tonight where Hare and the Hounds & Sydney Eloise will be playing.

-Toronto synth-pop trio Parallels are at the Drunken Unicorn tonight, playing with Fader Vixen.

-The Milk Carton Kids, a harmonizing, minimalist duo, use two guitars and two voices to create a new combination of back-porch Americana and classic folk. Catch them tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

Today,Governor Nathan Deal and the board of Georgia MusicPartners (GMP) recognized the signing of the amended Georgia Entertainment Tax Credit, which now clearly includes music production as an attributable expense for qualified productions. The credit is expected to increase music production in the state for those movies and TV series that are filmed here.

(Left to Right) GMP Co-President Simon Horrocks, GMP Executive Director Mala Sharma, GMP Co-President Tammy Hurt, Governor Nathan Deal, The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter Senior Executive Director Michele Rhea Caplinger, GMP Public Relations Consultant Scott Mills, and GMP Secretary Andrew Schutt.

http://georgiamusicpartners.org

One of the first bands to sign to Redbull Records, Awolnation . The band’s first single, “Sail”, peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Rock Songs, and has received placements in several TV shows. We were joined by frontman Aaron Bruno for our 5GB series before their show on Saturday at Centennial Olympic Park for “Party in the Park.”

What’s the first gig you ever attended?

Sting at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood. I was 13 years old.

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

Every show we play seems like a miracle. A few years ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play a show again.

What is the best gig you have ever seen?

The firt hardcore show I ever saw. It was Strife, Snapcase, Untertow and ignite. I had never seen energy like that before. It change my life forever.

Gig you would most like to play?

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

It’s hard to say. We just played Coachella with two of my favorite bands, Refused and Radiohead. It’s gonna be hard to beat that.

Catch Awolnation Saturday May 19th at Centennial Olympic Park 

Bon Matin Atlanta! So, for better or worse, I judge my day by  the first song that comes on my Sirius XM channel…if it is something like Blink 182, I know I’m in for one of those days. Today, fortunately it was the little ditty above; I hope that it starts your Tuesday out right as well….

-Eddie’s Attic is certainly making it’s rounds this week! Tonight, songstresses, Neulore and Audrey Assad will be enchanting their audience.

-After three albums under the name RTX, Jennifer Herrema and her bunch decided to flip the script, to kick open the doors of perception a little bit . Black Bananas are at 529 tonight.

-The Live X series has found a new home in Hooters (obviously a Mike Kee doing…) and they are presenting 90′s rockers, Eve 6, before their show tonight at the Masquerade.

Born in Johannesburg, and raised in Philadelphia, Gregory Alan Isakov‘s voice and guitar style leave a humble presence that has spawned a burgeoning fan base. He has shared the stage with numerous touring artists such as Ani Difranco, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Alexi Murdoch, Brandi Carlile and Fiona Apple. In 2011, Isakov’s songs were featured in film and television productions, including his track “If I Go, I’m Goin,’” which was heard in the fourth season of television show Californication on Showtime; and “Big Black Car”, which was featured in McDonald’s Christmas commercial in Canada. He is playing Smith’s Olde Bar tonight and joined us for our 5GB series.

What’s the first gig you ever attended?

I think my mom took me to see Kenny G. when I was nine. yup. It was…pretty special.

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

It’s hard to say what the best one is. The Fox Theater in Boulder Colorado is one of my favorite places to play in the world.

What is the best gig you have ever seen?

It could have been Bon Iver a few years ago. I’ve never seen a room more entranced. Gillian Welch was pretty breathtaking as well.

Gig you would most like to play?

One with good sound and good people. I’m a cheap date.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

It would be in my kitchen. With Leonard Cohen. it really sounds great in there. maybe Elizabeth Cotten could open.

Catch Gregory Alan Isakov Tonight May 14th at Smith’s Olde Bar 

L.A. indie rock band, Dawes, have been racing up the charts with their hit “Time Spent in Los Angeles.”  The band is part of the Laurel Canyon sound, which often cites influences such as Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Neil Young, among others.  At the invitation of producer Jonathan Wilson, the band joined a local informal jam session that included Conor Oberst, The Black Crowes’s Chris Robinson, and Benmont Tench. The band recorded their debut album, North Hills, in Laurel Canyon in a live setting to analog tape,resulting in a sound that Rolling Stone magazine called “authentically vintage”. Wilco multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone is also credited with appearing on the release.

Dawes released their second album, Nothing Is Wrong, on June 7, 2011 and toured the US co-headlining with Blitzen Trapper.  They are playing in Centennial Olympic Park with the Flaming Lips as part of the “Party in the Park.”

What’s the first gig you ever attended?

My first gig that I ever attended on my own was The Violent Femmes at Vassar College. I think I was eleven. Don’t really remember too much of it though. It was a long time ago.

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

The best gig that I ever played…..that’s a hard one. Three come to mind. One..playing a sold out Webster Hall last year. NY is always fun to play. Im from upstate so getting to play for your family and friends in that capacity is alway great. Playing with Jackson Browne and Jonathan Wilson in Spain. I think that gig speaks for itself. And the Ramble up in Woodstock last winter. I know we feel so lucky to have been able to hang with Levon before he passed. He was such a hero to all of us. We got to share the stage with Levon, Jackson Browne, Garth Hudson, Donald Fagan, Jimmy Vivino, and all the Midnight Ramblers. It was really a once in a lifetime gig.

What is the best gig you have ever seen?

The best show? I don’t know that’s a hard one. There have been so many. Just the other night I saw our good friend Blake Mills along with Matt Chamberlain, Mike Dillon, and Mike Elizando. It was an unbelievable improvised set that blew minds. I got to see Keith Jarret at Carnegie Hall. Its strange…I rarely go see music that’s not a friend. When you play a lot the idea of hanging out in a club or venue isn’t the most appealing thing if you don’t have to be there.

Gig you would most like to play?

The gig I’d most like to play….The Ramble was pretty much at the top of that list. But I look forward to pretty much every gig as long I get enough rest the night before. I think that Newport Folk Festival this summer is going to be pretty great.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Dream lineup..Man I don’t know. There are so many musicians that would compile that list. It would be the longest show ever. We’ve been so fortunate to get play with so many of heros. Just the other day we got to be on stage at a Woody Guthrie Tribute with Graham Nash, Kris Kristofferson, Jackson, Van Dyke Parks just to name a few …But that’s just a small amount of guys I’d like to play with. I’m just excited to play with the people I have played with and the ones that I know I’m going to get a chance to in the future that I can’t really put together an all time favorite list that would fit on the page.

Catch Dawes Saturday May 19th at Centennial Olympic Park