CD Review: Michelle Malone — Stronger Than You Think; Playing @ Eddie’s Attic 5/30

Michelle Malone Stronger Than You Think SBS Records By Al Kaufman “Mature” is a tricky world in the music business. It’s often code for “losing your edge,” or “quietly slipping off into adult contemporary oblivion.” Michelle Malone’s last two albums, 2012’s Day 2, and 2014’s Acoustic Winter could both be considered “mature” albums in the […]

Q&A with Cruz Contreras of Black Lillies; Playing Eddie’s Attic November 5th

  By Al Kaufman Listening to Black Lillies’ third CD, Runaway Freeway Blues, is akin to transporting oneself through large country roads in Middle America. That’s due in no small part to Cruz Contreras, founder, singer and songwriter of the band. When Contreras’ marriage to Robinella Bailey of funky bluegrass Robinella and the CCstringband dissolved […]

Interview with Andrew Burri and Dan Molad of Lucius; Playing Buckhead Theatre May 15th

By Al Kaufman We hear often about the woman behind the man, but occasionally it is worth it to hear about the men behind the women. With Wildewoman, indie-pop band Lucius quickly became known for the infectious harmonies of lead singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, the two friends and Berklee grads who often dress […]

Q&A With Kirk Waldrop of Nine Times Blue; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar 2/21

By Al Kaufman Atlanta’s Nine Times Blue have made quite a name for themselves. Besides their raucous live shows at Smith’s Olde Bar, they released Falling Slowly in 2012. The Grammy-winning Don McCallister-produced album garnered the hit single, “Falling Slowly.”  The guitar fueled, power-pop quartet follow that up with a six-song EP, Matter of Time. […]

CD Review: The Band of Heathens — Sunday Morning Record; Play Vinyl October 27th

The Band of Heathens Sunday Morning Record BOH Records By Al Kaufman The name Band of Heathens conjures up images of boys in overalls playing one string basses and banging on wash basins and other assorted metals while downing some blinding moonshine. The actual Band of Heathens have never lived up to their name in […]

CD Review: Radiation City- Animals in the Median; Play the Earl 6/6

Radiation City Animals in the Median Tender Loving Empire By Al Kaufman On their sophomore record, Animals in the Median, Radiation City has done the near impossible. They have made electronic music sound warm and soulful. The five-piece (three boys, two girls) indie band out of Portland, Oregon has created an album full of rhythmic […]

CD Review: David Mayfield Parade — Good Man Down; Playing @ Smith’s Olde Bar April 12th

The David Mayfield Parade Good Man Down Beautywood Records By Al Kaufman With crystalline vocals reminiscent of a young James Taylor, it would be easy for David Mayfield to write adult contemporary songs and have middle-aged women swoon over him for the rest of his life, but Mayfield isn’t that type of guy. He spent […]

CD Review: Everest — Ownerless

Everest Ownerless ATO Records By Al Kaufman Success in the rock world is a crap shoot. For every Coldplay and Linkin Park that make it big, there are thousands of bands that have more talent but never make it. Is Everest a great rock band? No, but they’re just as good as any of these […]

Q & A with Kelly Hogan; Playing With Neko Case @ Atlanta Botanical Garden, July 20th

By Al Kaufman Kelly Hogan is one of the queens of the Atlanta music scene.  Her band in the ‘90s, The Jody Grind, were on the verge of stardom before a drunk driver killed two members. She then sang for the Rock*A*Teens before putting out three fabulous solo records that showcased her amazing vocal prowess. […]