Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > July
July 2008
Sugarland rides high with new album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sugarland: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. Photos: Kate Powers.
Already on a roll, Sugarland just got even more good news to celebrate. The Atlanta duo scored the year’s biggest first-week sales for a country act.
The deluxe, expanded fan edition of “Love on the Inside” debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, just behind tween phenom Miley Cyrus and her new album, “Breakout.” Nielsen SoundScan reports Cyrus’ sales at 371,000 for the week, with Sugarland right behind at nearly 314,000.
Sugarland’s number was more than enough to put the pair at the top of the country album chart, making it the duo’s first No. 1 there.
Billboard reports that Sugarland’s feat is also “the best sales week for any country act since the Eagles’ “Long Road Out of Eden” shifted 359,000 in its second week of release last fall.” Billboard also points out that this is “easily the Mercury Nashville act’s best sales week and highest charting album ever.”
In a press release from the band’s label, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush (right) had this to say: “This is amazing! I love this album and am heartened that there are hundreds of thousands who feel the same way. I also couldn’t be more proud of our management and label. They are picking the towel back up that most of the music business threw in already. Today is a good day.”
For more from Avondale Estates resident Bush, check out the Q&A I did with him just before the album’s release. It’s here.
The regular edition of “Love on the Inside” was released Tuesday, July 29, and the totals for that will be added to sales of the fan edition for the rankings on next week’s chart.
Were you among the 314,000 picking up the new album? If so, tell us what you think of “Love on the Inside.” Is it Sugarland’s best yet?
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Jill Scott At Chastain
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/robbsphotos.com
As Jill Scott looked out into the capacity audience Wednesday night, she might have thought Chastain Park Amphitheatre was about to take flight, there were so many fans, fanning.
It was that hot. And the three-time Grammy Award winner didn’t make things any easier.
In her near two-hour performance, Scott simulated some pretty suggestive sexual moves with microphone; made things even steamier when she let the three background singers in her 10-piece band show off their pipes on the Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets,” Teena Marie’s “Portugese Love” and Prince’s “Do Me Baby”; and sent the kettle to boil when the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra rejoined her for the, first, operatic, then dance remix take on her early hit “He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)”.
“Every time I’ve come to Atlanta it”s looked like this, and it’s felt like this,” Scott told the panting, but still-enthusiastic audience that included fellow R&B singer Anthony David, rapper Bone Crusher, V-103 radio personality Ryan Cameron and renowned minister, author, professor and cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson. “And I love it!”
Were you there last night — and if so, what did you think? (See more photos from the gallery HERE ) To the real Jill Scott fans, how would you compare it to her show earlier this year at the Fox, or the more intimate Bailey’s event at the Freight Depot? And did you read the earlier Atlanta Music Scene post about her considering becoming Atlantan (among many other things)?
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Ludacris Offends Obama, Hillary and More - Says Obama Spokesman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh what another mixtape has wrought.
A song — really a two-minute verse — that Atlanta’s DJ Drama just started playing this past weekend on his syndicated Gangsta Grillz radio show, by Wednesday afternoon had drawn the attention of the presumed Democratic nominee for president, Barack Obama.
Why? Well the song is titled “Politics (Obama Is Here)”.
But the really inflammatory thing is that the rapper who did it — Atlanta’s Grammy-winning Ludacris — attacks Sen. Hilary Clinton, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain and Pres. George Bush. (Not to mention, Ludacris and Obama have been publicly supportive of each other).
“As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism, and degrading images that he doesn’t want his daughters or any children exposed to,” said Obama spokesman Bill Burton on Ben Smith’s blog. “This song is not only outrageously offensive to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain, and President Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our children with the values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented individual he should be ashamed of these lyrics.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, Ludacris could not be reached; nor had he issued a statement, according to his record label publicist.
And Drama says he hadn’t heard the news until we told him.
“Are you serious?!” was the first response from the local tastemaker, who sometimes refers to himself as Barack O’Drama. (And as you may recall, was busted on still-unresolved charges of selling mixtapes that did not display the copyright holder’s name and address).
“Well, this involves two people I highly respect. And from a position of just believing in freedom of speech, I feel [Ludacris] expressed himself in a manner he felt necessary. I also know all eyes are on Barack Obama because of the position he’s in. So before someone like Fox News attaches him to it, [Obama] had to do he what he had to. I understand. I think Luda would understand. And it doesn’t change my opinion on who I’m going to vote for.”
The single can be heard on Ludacris’s web site wemix.com; and it is one of the tracks on Drama’s “Gangsta Grillz: The Preview”; a lead-up to Ludacris’s new album “Theater of the Mind.”
(Watch them talking about the collaboration — before the uproar — in this MTV interview )
Hear the reason behind all of the uproar on the YouTube video BELOW:
And of course, your thoughts?
Young Jeezy Sets CD/Atlanta Date
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Starting last night at 9:02 p.m. — and every Tuesday at the same time until the release of his upcoming CD “The Recession” — Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy will release exclusive music from that album to select radio stations.
(Last night it was DJ Infamous/Greg Street on Atlanta’s top-rated V-103, and Funkmaster Flex on New York’s Hot-97.1).
And why 9:02 you say? Well, that’s when his third CD is now scheduled to be in stores — Sept. 2. And the following night he will be at the Tabernacle, tickets going on sale this Saturday. (The general admission tickets are $31 in advance, $35 day of show).
Watch the just-released EPK for “The Recession” HERE. Hear the “I Put On” remix with Jay-Z that he debuted last night HERE.
And after that, tell us, does this make you even more excited about “The Recession”? Think it could do Lil Wayne, “Tha Carter III” numbers its first week? And what about his concert — planning to go?
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“The Single: Monica” - A Preview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tonight Atlanta R&B singer Monica will be celebrating the debut of her Peachtree TV reality show, “The Single: Monica,” at a private party with fellow local Grammy winners Bryan-Michael Cox and Q. Parker of 112 (after his headlining performance at Wednesday WindDown at Centennial OIympic Park ).
But right now, right HERE you can watch a preview of her bow, Aug. 5 at 10 p.m. . And there’s some behind-the-scenes YouTube videos BELOW. Let us know what you think.
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Jill Scott In Atlanta, On Possibly Becoming An Atlantan…(And Many Other Things)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/robbsphotos.com
It’s an especially good day in the life of Jill Scott, she says when she rings the Atlanta Music Scene.
“I’m laying in the bed in the middle of the afternoon, and ‘Galaxy Quest’ is about to come on,” she coos. “Oooh it’s a perfect day. I’m feeling great.”
And talkative too — so hours before her appearance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra tonight at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, we got the three-time Grammy Award winner (above, during her surprise appearance at the Roots/Erykah Badu show at the Fox Theatre) to catch us up on her recent performances overseas, her return to Africa and her Atlanta-based fiance and how likely it is that she may become an Atlantan. (Read the interview here.)
Planning to go to the show tonight? Think her latest CD, “The Real Thing,” got its due? And what did you think of her tribute to Al Green? (For a reminder, watch HERE )
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Got Trisha? Yearwood in new milk campaign
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monticello native and country star Trisha Yearwood is the latest in a long line of celebs sporting a mustache. No, not the bristly variety, the milk-white kind.
The three-time Grammy winner adds her name to a list that includes previous milk pitchers Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba and fellow musicians such as Elton John, Rihanna and Beyonce.
Yearwood’s ad (above) debuts in various magazines on Aug. 5. The photos on the right are from her shoot. There’s even a behind the scenes video of Yearwood’s photo session for the ad here.
Yearwood’s latest album is 2007’s “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love.” She’s also branching out, releasing her first cookbook, “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen (Recipes From My Family to Yours),” earlier this year. The Oklahoma kitchen referred to in the title is in the home she shares with husband and Oklahoma native Garth Brooks.
What do you think of Yearwood’s take on the famous image? What is your favorite celebrity milk ad?
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Second Nas Show Added — Same Night
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Part-time Atlanta rapper Nas — and his No. 1 CD in the country, “Untitled” — are getting quite the hometown reception as a second show has just been added July 31 at Center Stage, the same night as the first one. Doors are scheduled to open at 10:30 p.m. for the new show, which also includes [Talib Kweli](http://www.talibkweli.com/), Jay Electronica — the reported new beau of Erykah Badu — and DJ Green Lantern. Tickets are $37 in advance, $39 day of show at Ticketmaster. Already have yours, or planning to get some now? What about Nas’ latest album - if you have it, what’s your take? Followed this whole back and forth he’s been having with Fox News? (See the video for his first single “Hero,” featuring Atlanta’s Keri Hilson, HERE )
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Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Adam George Athens’ beloved jam-rockers Widespread Panic (above), Grammy-winning rapper-actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, deejay Hamp Swain, renowned guitar makers Fred & Dinah Gretsch, R&B’s begging singer/syndicated radio personality Keith Sweat and the late Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo will all be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this year, it was announced this afternoon. The 30th annual awards show will be held Sept. 20 at the Georgia World Congress Center. WSB-TV news anchor Monica Pearson and onetime, longtime Atlanta radio personality Leslie Fram will return as co-hosts. Tickets for the reception, dinner and awards ceremony range from $75 to $100 for an individual ticket, to $750 or $1,000 for tables of ten. They are available by calling the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. at 770-491-9494 ext 15. And it will be broadcast live at 8:30 p.m. on GPB-TV Channel 8. Have you caught the show in the past, when, say Usher or Lynyrd Skynyrd or R.E.M. were inducted? Ever been down to the actual hall in Macon - and if so, what did you think? Surprised that an artist that goes by the name Ludacris is getting such an honor?
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Share Your (Musical) NBAF Experience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You pull up to the venue within minutes of the start time — a rather early 7 p.m. — have trouble finding a parking space, and immediately you know: This isn’t your typical night out at an event in Atlanta.
It was a National Black Arts Festival event — specifically the traveling Jack Daniel’s Art Beats + Lyrics.
Inside the Foundry at Puritan Mills there was a sprawling urban art exhibition including work from local talents Maurice Evans, Shannon McCollum and John Crooms; another area where a mass of people were dancing along to DJ Rasta Root, accompanied by a live drummer; and you might not have even noticed that, say, Ray Murray, of legendary production team Organized Noize, was checking out the many artistic tributes to the hip-hop duo he helped elevate — OutKast.
Musically, it may have been one of this city’s most dynamic multimedia events of the year. Were you there? Stumble upon anything else of note during this year’s just-closed NBAF? Millie Jackson at the Rialto, perhaps?
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It’s Third Day’s Week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Third Day’s numbers only continue to impress.
“Call My Name”, the first single from the Atlanta Christian rockers’ new CD, “Revelation” has spent six consecutive weeks atop the R&R Christian AC Monitored, R&R Christian CHR and Christian Radio Weekly AC charts.
(Not to mention its Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson and David Carr’s 25th No. 1 single).
The three-time Grammy winners (and 23-time Dove Award winners) release “Revelation” tomorrow — the same day they’re scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Planning to be in stores Tuesday to pick up “Revelation”? Been a fan of Third Day since it started, some 15 years ago? To what do you attribute the success of “Call My Name”?
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Rate The New Whitney, With Akon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Yes your girl is coming back.”
Or at least that’s what one-time Atlantan Whitney Houston coos on “Like I Never Left,” the new song just leaked to the Internet, and penned — and featuring — Atlanta’s own singer-songwriter-label exec Akon.
This morning local radio stations were debuting it, and V-103’s entertainment reporter Miss Sophia and Wanda Smith told their audience they enjoyed it. Smith’s “Frank and Wanda Morning Show” co-host Frank Ski, however, said it was “aged”.
Hot-107.9’s “A-Team Morning Show” seemed to give it a thumbs-up, as Rashan Ali said it sounded like “the clean Whitney”, while Emperor Searcy said, simply, “I like it”.
Listen to it HERE and give us your grade.
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The Beggars’ Guild - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If it’s Friday on the Atlanta Music Scene blog, that must mean [pause here], ANOTHER Dispatch From The Road!
This one comes from T.J. Edmond, lead singer/guitarist of The Beggars’ Guild (above); who are performing and taping a DVD tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar, with fellow local Americana acts Sun Sets East and Ryan Horne.
Planning to be there tonight? Are you a longtime Beggars’ Guild follower?
If so, this should be of particular interest:
Four years ago I came to Atlanta with a handful of songs and not much else, hoping to make a life in music. My brother, Jeremiah Edmond, was a recording engineer in town (He’s now the drummer for Manchester Orchestra and A&R rep for their label, Favorite Gentlemen), and let me sleep on his couch and hang out in the studio. I played coffee shops, pushed boxes in a warehouse, and picked up work as a club sound engineer, writing and recording demos and keeping an eye out for the right guys to fill out the band.
It took a little while, but we found each other (Jon Chalden, Drums; Will McNeill, guitar; Gregg Shapiro, bass) and had the opportunity to record an EP with Dove Award winning producer, Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, Aaron Shust). In two-and-a-half years the band has been together, we’ve been fortunate to play lots of great venues in the southeast (including opening slots at The Georgia Theater and Variety Playhouse), have our songs played on 99x and 92.9 Dave FM in atlanta and WXRY in Columbia, SC, be featured by Southeast Performer magazine and on BMI.com. We’ve played Unplugged in the Park, played live for a radio show in Pensacola, and played a number of festival stages, including the amazing experience of playing to a packed tent at Bonnaroo 2007… and getting a standing ovation!
For the last year, we’ve been writing and toiling away on a second, full length, release with producer Chris Unck. We’re very excited about the new record, and are eager to get it released in the coming months with the help of our manager, Glen Pridgen. Former 99x Program director, Leslie Fram, took a liking to our first CD and the advanced cuts from our forthcoming release, and chose us to play her “Fram Jam” showcase at The Atlantis Music Festival and Conference in September.
We’re grateful for the opportunities and accomplishments we’ve had as a band, and are celebrating with a show [tonight] at Smith’s Olde Bar, which will be recorded for an upcoming DVD. We couldn’t have done any of this without our friends and peers in the Atlanta music community, and we hope you’ll join us at the show!
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Frankie Beverly Surprises Dwele Crowd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Raymond Hagans The many recording artists (Joi, Truth Hurts, Algebra), retailers (J Warren of Rockit, Darryl “D-Nice” Harris of Moods Music), radio folks (Jerry “Smokin” B) and really important industry types (CJ Jimerson, Freddy Luster, Richard Dunn, J Carter) at Sugar Hill are probably still remarking on the rare music happening that occurred last night. R&B legend — and part-time Atlanta resident — Frankie Beverly (above, left) joined relative upstart Dwele (above, right) Thursday during his near-capacity stop in town to promote his latest CD, “Sketches of a Man”. Turns out, Dwele was on a bill in Texas with Beverly days earlier, and they just happened to meet up again in Atlanta hotel. Dwele’s folks invited Beverly’s folks over to the Underground Atlanta nightspot. And next thing you know, there Beverly was on stage singing classic soul single “Joy and Pain”. “That was a lot of fun,” Beverly said afterwards, backstage. “And really, that kind of thing is not unusual for me.” Were you at Sugar Hill last night — and if so, what did you think of Beverly? (And do you have video you want to share? See a slide show of more of Raymond Hagans’ shots from the show HERE ) What about the main attraction, Dwele. How would you rate his show? Have you picked up “Sketches of a Man?” 
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New albums coming from Atlanta’s Young Antiques and Connor Christian
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Young Antiques: Kevin Charney, Blake Rainey and Blake Parris.
One of our finest local bands is getting ready to release a new CD and you can get a sneak preview this weekend. The Young Antiques — Blake Rainey, Blake Parris and Kevin Charney — will release “Soundtrack to Tear Us Apart” on Sept. 27, but the trio will be playing some of the new tunes on Friday at the Star Bar.
The Young Antiques have been an on-again, off-again proposition. The Blakes are childhood friends who grew up near the Alabama border in Cedartown and started the band around 1999-2000. The trio took a breather for a few years around the middle of this decade, but they’re back with renewed power.
If you want to check it out before the show, the band has a couple of tracks up on their MySpace page, including the ripping rocker “Nothing at All.”
Former GruvnHi frontman Connor Christian (at right, photo by Jason Reed) will perform as well. His latest album is “A Southern Gothic,” released back in 2006, but he has a new album in the works, too. Christian and his band the Morning Star Revival’s “90 Proof Lullabies” will make its debut in early October. Look for another Star Bar date to celebrate that release. Meanwhile, have a listen to some of the band’s earlier work here.
Also on the bill is the Shanghai Gesture (at right), fronted by long-serving Atlanta musician Ray Dafrico, makes a shivery swirl of power pop, glam rock and New York punk, then garnishes it with a sliver of garage-y darkness. Former Nightporters and Kathleen Turner Overdrive member Dafrico is joined by drummer Mike Davis and former Catfight bassist Katy Graves. Sample tracks from the band’s album “Mojo Pagoda” at their MySpace page .
The music starts at about 10 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Star Bar (437 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-681-9018).
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Gnarls Barkley Coming Home In August
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We just got word that Atlanta’s own Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse — also known as the Grammy-winning dance-pop-soul duo that goes by Gnarls Barkley (above) — are playing their first hometown show since the release of their current CD, “The Odd Couple,” Aug. 11 at the Variety Playhouse.
The added bonus is that opening for the electric twosome is burgeoning Atlanta talent — and current Urb magazine cover model — Janelle Monae (above).
As close Atlanta Music Scene followers may know, Monae is an Antwan “Big Boi” Patton (of OutKast) discovery; and Boi and Cee-Lo are longtime members of our esteemed Dungeon Family (which among others includes Organized Noize, the other members of Cee-Lo’s Goodie Mob, Witchdoctor, Big Rube).
So this show has all of the making of a big Dungeon Family moment.
What do you think of Gnarls Barkley’s latest album? When is the last time you’ve seen members of OutKast, Goodie Mob and others all on one stage? Who in the Dungeon Family (some of whom are above, in 2001) do you think is underappreciated?
(Oh — and in case you don’t remember some of DF’s more notable members, reminisce with the Dungeon Family video for “Trans DF Express” BELOW:
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Rate Young Jeezy’s “Put On” Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rarely has a “Recession” been this anticipated.
But with Atlanta rapper-entrepreneur Young Jeezy currently on his first Vibe cover, and another appearance on XXL heading to stands as this is typed, interest is only building in his September release, “The Recession.”
And now that its first single, “Put On,” featuring Kanye West, has rocketed to the Top 10 of Billboard’s rap and R&B/hip-hop charts, Young Jeezy has finally released a video this week.
Watch it BELOW, and give us your take.
And while we’re thinking Jeezy, see excerpts from his appearance at Hot-107.9’s most recent Birthday Bash, with Usher and West HERE.
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50 million Alan Jackson fans can’t be wrong
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alan Jackson is now a 50 million-album man.
The Newnan native’s label, Arista Nashville, just released a statement trumpeting Jackson’s newest milestone. He’s now sold a cumulative total of 50 million albums over his nearly 20-year recording career.
This news comes hot on the heels of Jackson’s 33rd No. 1 single “Good Time,” the title track from his latest album. That March-released album was another first for the singer and songwriter. It was the first of his 17 albums entirely written by Jackson.
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New Of Montreal album announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Of Montreal (from left): The late BP Helium, James Husband, Kevin Barnes, Ahmed Gallab, Dotty Alexander, Davey Pierce.
Athens’ Of Montreal released its debut album more than 10 years ago, but with last year’s “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?” the band reached new heights, both commercially and artistically.
The band’s driving force (and, at one time, sole member) Kevin Barnes just gets better with each new release. His psychedelically adventurous indie-pop is catchier and more cohesive with every passing year.
Barnes and Co. have just announced the follow-up to “Hissing Fauna.” “Skeletal Lamping” will be released on Oct. 7 by Polyvinyl Records, as the band begins a tour that will take them from Durham, N.C. (on Oct. 7) to Stockholm (Oct. 20) and back to Georgia. The Atlanta date is Nov. 8 at the Tabernacle (tickets are $19 and are available through Ticketmaster and Live Nation
Here’s an Of Montreal tune that might sound familiar if you’ve ever seen (and heard) those Outback Steakhouse commercials. It’s called “Wraith Pinned to the Mist (and Other Games),” from Of Montreal’s 2005 album “The Sunlandic Twins.” Outback bought the rights and changed the words.
There’s more audio and video at the band’s MySpace page.
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Hear Sugarland Before You Can Buy It
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Come and get your sugar fix,” beckons the invite to tonight’s listening party for our country music duo Sugarland’s latest disc, “Love On The Inside”.
It’s from 7 to 9 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, and you have to go to the venue’s site for admission details. (Fair warning, it’s going to be PACKED).
In addition to being able to hear the deluxe edition for the fans, there’ll be prizes, a message from the band (as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are not expected to be there, as they are still touring) and a chance to win a guitar autographed by Sugarland.
Planning to be there tonight? Will you be in stores tomorrow to pick up the special edition, or wait for the regular version next week? And what about their single “All I Want To Do” — No. 5 this week on Billboard’s country chart; make you eager for the album?
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What You Need To Know About The Music Business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well if you’ve read this far it must mean you’re curious.
Next step? Perhaps attending the Connective Panel Series’ first regional panel this Sunday at 4 p.m. Eddie’s Attic
“What You Need To Know To Succeed In The Music Business” panelists will include such industry powers as Butch Lowery of Lowery Music Publishing; Tremayne Anchrum, director of creative affairs for Rhythm & Soul/ ASCAP; Bruce Burch, a songwriter for Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Aaron Tippin and others as well as head of the UGA Music Business program and Jennie Walker, founder of Connective Panel Series, president emeritus of the Georgia Music Industry Association and the moderator of this event.
This 90-minute panel is to benefit the GMIA, as well as (of course) educate artists about the music industry. It’s $20 -$15 for ASCAP members and GMIA, UGA and GSU music business students. Registration is from 3 to 4 p.m. . (And afterwards, there’s a tribute to John Jarrard featuring Clay Cook, Jan Smith (above), Larry Jon Wilson and Pat Terry).
Interested in attending? Are you an emerging artist in the Atlanta Music Scene - and if so, what sources have you found to be helpful?
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Rate T.I.’s First (Official) Single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No you didn’t misread the headline.
Yes, Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. did release a single back in April titled “No Matter What”. But that was what the label called a “street” single, to generate buzz for his upcoming CD “Paper Trail.”
“Whatever You Like” is what Grand Hustle/Atlantic is touting as the first OFFICIAL single from the Sept. 9 release.
Hear the original version HERE and/or the “clean” version HERE, then tell us, is it what you want to hear from T.I.? On par with other other lead-off singles from his albums, such as “Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)” and the Grammy winner “What You Know”? Better than “No Matter What?”
(The video for which is BELOW)
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Athens’ Harvey Milk and We Versus the Shark: Pitchfork approved
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We Versus the Shark (from left): Luke Fields, Samantha Paulsen, Jeff Tobias, Scott Smith. Photo: Mike White.
It’s a big day for Athens bands over at Pitchfork, the online arbiter of indie music cool.
The latest albums from Harvey Milk and We Versus the Shark receive very favorable reviews. Harvey Milk’s “Life…the Best Game in Town” gets an 8.6 score (out of a possible 10) and We Versus the Shark’s “Dirty Versions” gets a 7.7.
Of We Versus the Shark, Pitchfork writes: “Their songs aren’t so much played as they are choked within an inch of their life, twitching with unpredictable time signatures and knotty structures, filled with copious and complicated guitar work that exhausts both band and listener, and with vocals that are varying degrees of desperate.” The full review is here.
The review of Harvey Milk’s “Life” recounts the band’s complicated history before launching into glowing praise. Here’s a sample: “Most everything the band’s ever done right — from its ultra-dynamic, frighteningly agile early work to the Dixieland Motörhead maul of its later work — falls into place here, the elements freshly recombined.” Check out the complete review here.
Both albums were also noticed by the Onion’s AV Club, We Versus the Shark getting a grade of B+ here. And like Pitchfork, the AV Club saves its biggest raves for Harvey Milk, giving “Life” an A.
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Slim of 112 is officially solo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This rather youthful Motown of the South has managed to be around long enough to see a second generation of contemporary R&B acts come around.
More specifically, a solo generation.
Marvin “Slim” Scandrick of multimillion-selling quartet 112 - yes, named after the now-closed Atlanta club it auditioned in front of for Sean “Diddy” Combs— is the latest to join this group.
(See his video “Hello” to the Atlanta Music Scene BELOW)
The most prominent vocalist on such 112 hits as “Only You,” “Cupid” and “Peaches & Cream” has a new, building single titled “So Fly,” and a video with its featured Atlanta rappers — Yung Joc and Shawty Lo — fresh in the can.
“I’m kind of, sort of, reintroducing myself to people — even though I’ve been doing this for 12 years,” the Grammy winner said. “Being in a group — a real strong group such as 112 — we wanted to push the brand. We wanted the brand to be a household name — to the point where we really didn’t care whether you knew our names or not. We wanted to be when you said ‘112’, still say ‘112’, you say ‘Oh they’re hot!’
“So with this album coming out, ‘Loves Crazy’ [due in stores Sept. 9], it’s like, ‘Hello, my name is Slim; and this is my take on love.’ ”
Scandrick was quick to add that everything was fine with fellow 112 members Q, Mike and Daron (all above). “As a matter of fact, in about three hours we’re going to rehearse for a show in Providence…We’ve worked too hard, the brand is too big and we’re too much like brothers to stop 112. Everybody’s just trying to individually express themselves right now.’”
And not just in 112 - in which Q and Daron are also working on solo projects. At last count, the twins from fellow Atlanta R&B quartet Jagged Edge were recording their own album. The Scott sisters in local multimillion-selling group Xscape (above, when they were making their debut) have ventured out individually, as has Kandi — a songwriter, as well, who recently was in the studio with Grammy winner Ciara.
Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC has also had her sights on a solo bow for some time, and after a stint with Akon, is reportedly near a deal with Koch.
Interested in what any of these acts will do individually? Think they may have the kind of success Cee-Lo has enjoyed since Goodie Mob? And what did you think of TLC’s surprise appearance with Alicia Keys during the recent BET Awards? (See the YouTube video BELOW)
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Magnetic Fields to play Symphony Hall; 3 Doors Down tix on sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields. Photo credit: Marcelo Krasilcic
The Magnetic Fields spent much of the summer playing in Europe, but they’ll be back in the U.S. come fall. As part of the fall tour, the Stephin Merritt-led chamber pop outfit will play at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Oct. 17.
Over the course of an 18-year career, the group has played increasingly larger venues here in Atlanta. The New-York-based band got a big boost in recognition from the acclaimed 1999 triple-disc set “69 Love Songs,” a modern indie-pop classic.
“Distortion,” the band’s 2008 album, adds a hefty dose of noise and guitar to the Magnetic Fields mix, creating a kind of homage to pop-meets-pandemonium predecessors Jesus and Mary Chain.
Tickets for the band’s Symphony Hall gig go on sale Friday, July 18, at the Variety Playhouse box office (noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and nights of shows), at www.variety-playhouse.com and all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400. There are a limited number of pre-sale tickets available now through the band’s official site here.
This announcement is also a good excuse to revisit Merritt’s uncomfortable appearance on local television show “Good Day Atlanta” back in 2006. Enjoy the strangeness here, and try to avoid the unnecessary (and often unintelligible) R-rated commentary posted below the video.
Other shows going on sale this week: Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down come to Lakewood Amphitheater on Sept. 26 with special guests Hinder, Finger Eleven and American Bang. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, through Live Nation and Ticketmaster charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Tickets are $25-$75.
Comedian, actor and writer Louis C.K. will perform at the Tabernacle on Sept. 19. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, through Live Nation, all Ticketmaster locations and charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and $35.00 day of show. All tickets are for reserved seating.
Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann returns to the Variety Playhouse on Sept. 5. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 18, at the Variety Playhouse box office (noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and nights of shows), at www.variety-playhouse.com and all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
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See Keri Hilson Video BEFORE She Debuts It Tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is election week to some, “Energy” week for Keri Hilson.
Polow Da Don shot us an e-mail alerting fans of the Atlanta singer-songwriter on the rise (above, far left, with 95.5 The Beat’s CJ, Da Don, and publishing whiz Ethiopia Habtemariam) that Hilson will be co-hosting “106 & Park” with Terrence at 6 p.m. today — known as “Takeover of Nas” Day at BET.
(Part-time Atlantan Nas’s latest CD hits stores tomorrow, and Hilson is featured on the rapper’s first single, “Hero”, produced by Da Don. See it HERE ).
Hilson will also debut the video for her first single, “Energy” — from her upcoming CD “In A Perfect World…”.
But you can see it now, HERE.
(See the Behind the Scenes video Hilson herself posted, BELOW).
Two days later, Timbaland — who shares production and record label credits with Da Don on Hilson’s debut — will join her at MTV for “TRL”, where she will also unveil “Energy”.
So today is the launch (of sorts) for one of the most anticipated new acts out of Atlanta this year. Have you heard “Energy” — and if so, what do you think? Believe she may be able to give Ciara, Beyonce and others a run for their dancing/singing/songwriting money? Remember her in Usher’s “Love In This Club” video? Or even way before that, on the Timbaland single she was featured on, “The Way I Are”? (See the YouTube video BELOW).