What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson

Hello my little sweet ones! I can’t help but to turn into my 9 year old self right now cause, JORDAN KNIGHT IS IN ATLANTA!! AHHHHH!! He was totally my favorite New Kid! Luckily for you who might not be having fantasies from their childhood, there are a ton of great shows in Atlanta tonight so do yourself a favor and go see at least one!

-The cute one out of the ever so awesome 80′s boy band, New Kids on the Block, Jordan Knight, is pretending to prove that he is all grown up tonight at The Loft, but we all know that crowd will be predominately female.

-Atlanta’s version of hot young boy singer, Ben Deignan, will also be swaying the younger ladies at Smith’s Olde Bar. Ben never disappoints, and I am sure that room will be packed.

It’s a busy day in the Center Stage Complex! Downstairs in Vinyl Colour Revolt will be rocking out, with special guest appearance from Manchester Orchestra’s frontman, Andy Hull.

L.A.’s indie rockers, The Jealous Sound, who have toured with the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate, will be making their stop tonight at The Earl.

-Nashville’s budding duo, Sweet Alizabeth, is the newest collaboration between Bethany Dick-Olds and Liz Langford. If you’re a fan of the Alison Krauss/Joni MItchell sound, then you will probably love these two. Check them out tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

-Calling all you PHISH HEADS! Trey Anastasio is in town and he will be keeping the high going at the Atlanta Symphony Hall.

-A darling in the electro world, Steve Aoki, will be doing his annual spinning tonight at The Tabernacle. Joining him is dubstep favorite Datsik and  newcomer Alvin Risk.

5 GB With Colour Revolt; Playing Vinyl, Thursday Feb. 9th

Mississippi indie rockers Colour Revolt are darlings in the cool kids world. Having toured with the likes of toured with Dinosaur Jr., Black Lips, Okkervil River, Menomena, Paper Rival, Explosions in the Sky, Malajube, Anathallo, and Manchester Orchestra, they are no strangers to the scene. On February 7th, 2012, the debut Colour Revolt EP will be released on VINYL for the very first time. This special Limited Edition of 1,000 will come on 180-Gram CLEAR 12″ vinyl and will include a download card with the Colour Revolt EP + 2005′s out of print “Makeshift EP”. To celebrate the release, Colour Revolt will play a select number of shows in which they will perform the EP from start to finish (plus other favorites). Joining them on stage tomorrow will be Andy Hull (from Manchester Orchestra) and his side project, Great Captain. Jesse from Colour Revolt joined us as part of our 5GB series before their show Thursday.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

It was a city festival called Jubilee Jam in downtown Jackson, MS. I was 10 or 11 and went with a neighbor of mine. I subsequently crowd surfed for the first time to a band, Collective Soul. It was a bad night for both of us. The lead singer was hit with a water bottle in the face and in what i remember as a British accent for some reason, cursedly promised to never return to Jackson. I was thrown onto some large fellow’s girlfriend a number of times throughout my “surfing” at which point he began to take both of my shoes and throw them in opposite directions. At the end of the night I was walking around sock footed. I found both of my shoes with another friend of mine who claimed he had been struck by both at separate times in the head.

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

Historically for some reason when we play our best, there’s no one there. Literally like the other band(s) and people who work there. That’s it. Either way though, that’s a tough question to nail down because for me, it’s not really about a place or tons of people being there for it to be “the best.” If everyone is connected with the songs and feeling them, I feel great. If for some reason I can’t connect, I’ll feel like it was a horrible show. But bad shows have to be left there too. I’ve seen them turn into bad weeks because we couldn’t get over the first show. Bad shows are just that and have to be learned from. If we can perform the songs now without something going wrong, a lot of shows are the best for us now.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

I have a Top 5….Sigur Ros – Valentines Day at the Ryman in Nashville 2006. Chad Vangaalen at Proud Larry’s in Oxford, MS 2006. Arcade Fire at House of Blues New Orleans 2005. Tom Waits in Birmingham, AL 2008. Mark Kozelek at some church in Austin 2008. Also Wilco in Meridian, MS in 2007 and Dave Bazan at Murray State in Kentucky in ’02 was pretty great.

Gig you would most like to play?

I’d really like to do a Breeders curated ATP fest. Really though I’d just like to play overseas. We’ve never been so that’s a goal I’d like to accomplish this year for sure.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Well the new coachella line up is pretty dreamy. Honestly, for a long time I said At The Drive In and Refused would be on my dream bill but now that seems cliche. Probably Tom waits, The Breeders and Mark Kozelek at the Tabernacle is pretty close to perfect in my mind. What I think would really be the greatest show (as well as a funny mix of people) would be if Tom Waits, Fiona Apple, Deerhoof and probably Chad Vangaalen all start a band that play at the Tabernacle. That’s my dream.

Catch Colour Revolt tomorrow at Vinyl

Picture Book: The Stuffing at Center Stage Complex, November 23

By Hieu Nguyen

Full gallery with Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant and The Dear Hunter after the jump. Did you go to the gig? Find your pic in our photo gallery HERE.

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Whatta Ya Thankful Fer? Manchester Orchestra; Playing The Stuffing TONIGHT

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

My family is going to be in town from Ohio; Us and some of the guys from tour are going over to Andy’s parents house. Great people and good eats, so I’m excited.

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

I’m not a huge turkey fan, so I’d go with ham, corn casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and baked green beans wrapped in bacon. Yknow, the healthy stuff.

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

I missed a “mini-thanksgiving” party at my house one year. I was spending time with family, so I couldn’t really complain. But I felt like a 16 year old kid who just wanted to be at the mall with his friends.

What are you the most thankful for?

That show on MTV “Friend Zone”. Makes me thankful for my girlfriend and thankful that my friends aren’t idiots.

What’s Up Wednesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!!!!! Hopefully many of you are with family right now or working a half day and getting ready to stuff your face! But considering today is a traditional day for going out and waving your own tail feathers here are some fun events to get you ready for the festivities tomorrow. Just remember, TAKE A CAB!

-The only place to be tonight is definitely at the Center Stage Complex for The Stuffing! Featuring Manchester Orchestra & their Favorite Gentlemen friends. This concert is SOLD OUT, so hopefully you got your tickets early!

-I know that Nashville is the land of the songwriters, but Ryan Horne is one of those musicians that simply cannot be contained by one city. He is at Eddie’s Attic tonight, celebrating the release of his new record.

-Dubbing themselves the protectors of southern punk rock, Atlanta’s own, The Bastard Suns will be rocking out in Hell at The Masquerade tonight with Groovestain and S.S. Vendetta.

-My newly Nashvillian neighbor, Jessica Cayne Urick, is playing an early show tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar. Joining her is the Brandon Perry Band, Back City Woods, and Kaitlin Jones.

Whatta Yer Thankful Fer? O Brother & Harrison Hudson; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

OB: I will be spending the first half of the day at my fiance’s grandparents house and then the second half will be at the O’bro house where we have a tradition of cooking and eating Thanksgiving dinner in our PJs.

HH:  I am having Thanksgiving with my mom before we play the stuffing. So I’m gonna have a mild dusting of a coma before our set. The next day will be football and thanksgiving at my dad. My buddy Ping and the band will be tagging along for mom’s then they head back after the show to spend Thanksgiving in Nashville.

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

OB: 2 turkeys, one cooked in the oven and the other deep fried (I’ve never had a deep fried turkey before), a honey baked ham, sweet potato casserole packed full of candied pecans and marshmellow, green bean casserole (I guess we need at least one green thing in there), an ungodly amount of super chunky smashed potatoes, home made biscuits, and all of that doused in sriracha.

HH: Well my brother John smokes a turkey for my mom’s, and my dad fries one. so I get the best of both worlds. My mom’s is a lot more intimate and chill. My dad’s usually has some rando guests which always makes it interesting.  I’m really bummed this year because we won’t be having my uncle jeff’s famous giblet gravy. Only true southerners know the wonder and amazement of giblet gravy. mmmmm. So basically THANKSGIVING IS RUINED!!!!!

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

OB: I never remember any of them because I usually black out due to food coma before dessert time.

HH:  One year my family spent thanksgiving in Destin on the beach and my uncle jeff took me fishing. We didn’t catch anything, but he passed along some wisdom and it felt like one of those moments. I like those moments. It was fun.

What are you the most thankful for?

OB:  I am thankful for all the loved ones that I have in my life and I am thankful for being able to do what I love most… eating.

HH:  Tim Tebow. (Just kidding i hate Gator football) I’m most thankful for a healthy family. Some of my friends have lost relatives that were too young this year. Death seems unnatural at any age, but I’m selfishly thankful that my family will be with me this year.

Whatya Ya Thankful Fer? The Dear Hunter, Kevin Devine, & Big Jesus; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

DH: Spending it with the band and Andy Hull and his family.

KD: Well, first I’m coming to Atlanta and playing at The Stuffing.  Then, I fly home the following morning to have Thanksgiving dinner at my brother’s house in Jersey.  We’ll end up in Boston on Friday at my girlfriend’s mom’s for a kind of 2nd dinner.  Busy bees.

BJ: Playing a big ass show and then getting on a big ass plane that will take me north.

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

DH: I don’t like turkey… So usually mashed potatoes with some peas, salad, and some cornbread and cranberry sauce.

KD: Well, I’m vegetarian so, though I love the taste and have an abiding respect for tradition, it’d most be meat-free and heavy on the sides. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, yams, creamed peas, biscuits, mad pies, etc.  Thanksgiving food is “too dope” (TM).

BJ: A big ass ham, turkey, mashed taters, loads of gravy. Fugg the green stuff.

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

DH: When my vegetarian mother thought tofurkey would be a good idea. My father was not pleased.

KD:  Maybe 2003, after my dad had passed.  It was the first big holiday after his death, my just-born nephew was sick, my brother said a really beautiful and intense grace before the meal.  That is the first one that leaps to mind.

BJ:  The one from last year, nothing happened, I just don’t really remember any past that.

What are you the most thankful for?

DH:  My family, my wife, my band, and mike Marquis

KD:  The people in my life.  Feel very lucky for them.

BJ: To not have to have a real job right now and of course the big ass jesus.

Whatta Ya Thankful Fer? Death On Two Wheels; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Is it the food, family, and the ever so pleasant effects of tryptophan after filling your belly with turkey? Well for us it is The Stuffing, and i don’t mean the squishy bready stuff. Next wednesday, November 23, our favorite boys Manchester Orchestra & Favorite Gentlemen Recordings are excited to announce their 2nd annual thanksgiving celebration – THE STUFFING! Hosted at the Center Stage Complex, tickets are only $25 and that gets you access to all three venues (Vinyl, The Loft, Center Stage). This year’s lineup is pretty stellar and includes: Manchester Orchestra, Cage The Elephant, The Dear Hunter, Kevin Devine,  O’Brother, All Get Out, Death On Two Wheels, Harrison Hudson, Right Away, Great Captain!, Gobotron, A: The Color, Big Jesus,  and Junior Astronomers. Leading up to the show Atlanta Music Guide will be asking all the bands just what they are thankful this year. First up, our dear friend Trae Vedder from Death On Two Wheels.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

First, we slay The Stuffing with all of our FG brethrens. Soon thereafter, I board a plane to NYC first thing in the morn to spend Thanksgiving with my ladyfriend. She, a veggie-lover, myself, a southern bread traditional sort, but we’re all good, our combined menu serves us both well. It’s our first time cooking an entire holiday meal all on our own, should be interesting, wish us luck!

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Fried turkey by my Pops, chicken pie by my Ma, dressing from my Grandma, chocolate cake by my Granny … deviled eggs by somebody, and a bucket of KFC extra crispy from the laziest aunt/uncle/cousin in the room … throw in some kind of casserole, some macaroni, black eyed peas, mash pototoes, and turnip greens … and maybe some homemade ice cream and/or carrot cake. Seconds? Yes, please!

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

We were on tour and homeless on the west coast for Thanksgiving a few years back. We actually slept in the van and on the beach (armed with pocket knives) in Santa Monica on Thanksgiving Eve. We were recording with our pals Ned and Taylor from Rooney at the time. They headed out of town for the holiday weekend, but before doing so, offered us full and free reign over their home. A genuine gesture that will never be forgotten, and a classic case of friends becoming family, forever thankful Browers! Alas, we wanted some vegetables for Thanksgiving, but had no budget for a real deal meal, but Papa John’s was open and the rest won’t do it…PIZZA FOR THANKSGIVING, BOOM!

What are you the most thankful for?

I’m thankful for an extremely loving and supportive family. That sounds like a generic answer, but it’s simply the truth. They are always there for me, and stand by me, through each and every one of the ups, downs, and in-betweens. I can’t imagine having a better family to call my own, and I love them from the bottom of my heart. I’m also incredibly thankful for each of my fellow band members, thank you for being you Paul, Greg, J., and Dan!

On Sale Today: Manchester Orchestra’s 2nd Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration “The Stuffing”

By Eileen Tilson

Local boys, Manchester Orchestra are spreading the holiday cheer again with their annual,”The Stuffing” showing returns to the Center Stage Atlanta music complex on November 23, featuring Manchester Orchestra, Cage The Elephant, White Denim, The Dear Hunter, All Get Out, Death on Two Wheels, Gobotron, Right Away Great Captain!, Harrison Hudson, A: The Color, Big Jesus, Jr. Astronomers & more!

Tickets on sale, today, Tuesday, Oct 4 – $25 General admission

Center Stage Schedule:
White Denim
Cage The Elephant
Manchester Orchestra

The Loft Schedule:

Death On Two Wheels
All Get Out
The Dear Hunter

Vinyl Schedule:
Jr Astronomers
Big Jesus
A: The Color
Harrison Hudson
Gobotron / Right Away Great Captain!

Picture Book: Music Midtown at Piedmont Park, September 24

By Eileen Tilson; photos by Ken Lackner

Well, for its first year back, Music Midtown 2011 ended with a bang, literally, as Coldplay shot off fireworks into the Piedmont Park sky. After our week of interviews with the bands, Atlanta was set for a great time. The day was littered by musicians as Atlanta’s The Constellations kicked things off, and played some of their new songs due out on their follow-up to Southern Gothic, due out in the beginning of next year. By two o’clock on that beautiful sunny Saturday, the crowd was already rocking and swaying (with or without help from intoxicators). Some of the most surprisingly awesome acts from the day were definitely the energetic Joy Formidable and Young the Giant. Cage the Elephant did not disappoint with their rowdy, thrashing sound, and Georgia boys, Manchester Orchestra, brought it hard with songs from their latest album, Simple Math.

Personal favorite from the day was Ohio natives, The Black Keys, who I think shocked a few folks with their heavy handed duo-ness. Coldplay came out to a full 40,000 people filled with balloons, singing classics from past albums, tunes from their upcoming release, and even giving REM a shout out by doing an acoustic version of “Everybody Hurts.” 

Congratulations to Live Nation, Peter Conlon, and 360 Media for a job well done. The city thanks you and is looking forward to next year.

Full gallery after the jump. Check out the pics we took of the crowd HERE – find you and your friends, and buy the photo!

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5GB w/ Manchester Orchestra; Playing Music Midtown, 9/24

By Eileen Tilson

Oh how we love Andy Hull! The disgruntled, ADD-ladden lead singer of Manchester Orchestra, known for his ironic ways will be gracing Music Midtown this year, and he agreed to be a part of our 5GB Music Midtown series happening all week!

What is the the first gig you ever went to?

It was DC Talk and Michael W. Smith at The SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario.

Best gig you have ever played/performed at?

We just played The Tabernacle with Cage the Elephant and sold it out. It was pretty spectacular.

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

Mars Volta at The Tabernacle in 2005.

What is the gig you would most like to play?

I’ve luckily played them all.

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

Opening up for David Bazan and Kanye West.

For more information about Music Midtown: http://musicmidtown.com/tickets/

It’s Official: Music Midtown Returns September 24

By Eileen Tilson

If you have kept your ear close to the music scene these days, you would hear some news of an old favorite pastime of Atlanta. Live Nation Atlanta President and Music Midtown founder Peter Conlon and Mayor Kasim Reed announced that Music Midtown will return to Atlanta Saturday, September 24 after a five-year hiatus. Being held at Piedmont Park, the concert will include two stages, artist markets, food, etc.

Coldplay and the Black Keys will be headlining a  lineup that includes performances by Band of Skulls, Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Joy Formidable, Mona, the Constellations and the Postelles.

There is talk of a second day possibly being added at some point, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Tickets are $55 and go on sale July 16, and the festival will run from noon to 11 p.m. More information is available from Music Midtown.

What do you think about the line-up? The ticket price? The venue?

Manchester Orchestra To DJ On Turntable.FM Tonight!

By Eileen Tilson

As a special treat for their fans, Manchester Orchestra are DJ-ing tonight on Turntable.fm at 8 p.m. sharp! Their room name will be announced on the twitter feed (twitter.com/ManchesterOrch) at 7:59 p.m. Turntable.fm is currently only available for those who are subscribed, however if you are not subscribed yet, no need to worry! If you have a friend (like me!) who is subscribed, you can just scoot yourself right in!

Have you seen the video for “Simple Math” yet? Enjoy!

Picture Book: Manchester Orchestra at The Tabernacle, May 25

By Catrina Maxwell (www.catmaxphotography.com).

Full gallery after the jump. … Continue Reading

15 Questions With Andy Hull From Manchester Orchestra; Playing The Tabernacle, May 25

Atlanta’s own Manchester Orchestra has done it again. The band’s sophomore album, Mean Everything to Nothing, was hailed as a masterpiece, meaning that there were a lot of expectations built up around the band’s next effort. They surpassed those expectations with their new album Simple Math. Released on May 10, Simple Math shows a more mature Manchester Orchestra; intricate songs, complicated lyrics, and a depth of emotion that is beyond their young age. I sat down with lead singer Andy Hull as part of our “15 Questions With,” and here is what he had to say:

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

I received a hand-drawn picture of myself that was made up of every single lyric I have ever released. So awesome.

How do you like your coffee?

Half and half, 1 splenda.

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

Kanye West. … Continue Reading