Music News & Gossip
Feb 26, 2003
Threats & Promises
Music News and Gossip
Yo Gang, 'sup? Sometimes I write the news and sometimes the news writes itself. This week is a little of both so look below for contents.
The Red-Headed Legend is a Stranger No Longer: Athens crud-kickin' country/rock band Stewart and Winfield will be opening a show for the one and only Willie Nelson (and Family) on Saturday, March 8 in Statesboro. The outdoor show takes place behind a joint called (appropriately enough) Legends and is suitable for the whole family to attend. Man, times have changed, eh? For ticket and venue information go to www.willietickets.musictoday.com and throw Stewart and Winfield a line at their website www.stewartandwinfield.com to say congrats.
[Sarah Lee]
In Other S&W News: The country band is also headlining the Bluegrass BreastFest Saturday, March 1 at the Georgia Theatre. Other acts scheduled to perform include Packway Handle Band, Last Minute Miracle Band, Dappled Grays and String Theory. Show starts at 7 p.m. $6 advanced tickets at School Kids and Junkman's; $8 at the door. [SL]
Where Are They Now? Local jam band gods Widespread Panic already has big plans for 2003. The DVD Live At The Backyard was released February 4 and includes concert footage, interviews and insight into how the long-haired ones spend their days on the road. Tour dates for spring have already been posted at www.widespreadpanic.com and mail order information for Raleigh and Red Rocks shows is up as well as pre-sales for most shows through Widespread On-line Ticketing. So go ahead and get them now kids 'cause there's no way they are gonna last. [SL]
Another Name Change, So Pay Attention: The local punk band formerly known as Thread has changed its name to Motorcade. Apparently there's a metal band in South Carolina named Thread and they didn't want to be confused with them. Um, OK! Also, the band has added a new bass player. Brian Smith (formerly of the Quiet Men, the Curl and Ordinary Germans Like Yourselves) will be plunking the four-stringed monster for these guys. They're recording at the end of the month so you'll probably be able to get your Motorcade on really soon.
More Bogus News From These Guys: Athens merry-pranksters, the Dictatortots, have issued a "press release" declaring that someone in their band is having a hard time because of the restraining order requiring him to keep away from another member of the band. Guys, you know, throwing a real prank somewhere might be funny, but random bullshit isn't.
It's So Cold In Alaska: the Eskimos have busted a hump all over the College Music Journal lately. The re-release of their album, Something Must Be Transmitted Somehow, by Brilliante Records, hit number 50 in the CMJ top 200 and number 25 in the top 75 (core) stations. Good show, guys. Now get out there and sell some records.
History Lesson, Part One: If you've never ventured over to 40watt.com, point your browser there now. While the graphics are solidly mid-1990s, the "history and photo" section is priceless. If you are even marginally interested in Athens music history, this site is invaluable as a first lesson. Cool photos, fliers and tons of info to surprise and amaze you. I wish someone would organize an entire website of this stuff. Why? Because I'm a history geek, that's why.
East Coast Gangsters, West Coast Bangers: Team Clermont, radio promotion powerhouse, has opened a new West Coast office to be headed up by new team member Graham Macrae. Macrae has come to the team after stints as a promoter for promotion company SPECTRE and as a partner with Sea Level Records. Pretty soon, Clear Channel will not be able to exist without these guys so pay your tribute now.
Not Just For The Insane Anymore: Apparently Milledgeville radio station WMGZ, Z-97FM, has been generating some noise with their show "Almost Famous." The show features independent music from the Southeast every Sunday night from 8-11 p.m. Athens bands have been getting some good exposure via these guys and in their annual Golden Monkey Awards a few of our homies took home honors. The honorees were S.M.O. (best vocals), Randall Bramblett (best horns on an album), Bluestring (best song and song of the year) and Winslow Willard (album of the year). Anyone who wants to jump in on the action going on down there can contact (478) 453-9406 or z97mail@yahoo.com.
*Studios, Pay Attention: This call goes out to all engineers, studios and knob-twisters in Athens: if you want to be mentioned here, let me know what you're up to. Or at LEAST update your website, or start a website or something. That being said, Chris Bishop of Radium Recording continues to be at the top of his game as one of the most sought after guys in Athens. In the past month he's been recording tracks for the Brown Frown, Todd Ferry, I.E., Slackdaddy, the Wee Turtles and This Scares Me. He's been knocking out remixes for Bugs Eat Books, the Capricorns, Rock And Roll Summer and hey, revolution. I assume he's been sleeping and eating also, but I have no idea when he would find the time.
Asheville Gives It Up For Athens: the Asheville Citizen-Times ran an article celebrating the Athens music scene recently. Asheville, incidentally the place of my birth, has been building a solid scene of its own, though for several years and many have referred to it as a "smaller Athens." At any rate, the article praises the Athens scene pretty profusely and uses Flagpole as its primary source. If you wanna see what they said head over to http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/27891.
*I, Myself, Am A Taurus: Local act the Capricorns have been up to some really incredible stuff lately. Most recently they went out to Los Angeles to have a track produced by electronic maestro Tricky for an upcoming compilation of collaborations he's doing with female musicians. (As if this needed qualification, sex-bomb-superstar Peaches is also on this record!) The band also just finished up recording its second album, Go The Distance!, over at Radium Recording. This will be the follow-up album to the debut In The Zone. The new album will be released by Banazan Records (banazan.com). Cool stuff folks, get yr ear to the ground and check them out.
*All Shiny And New: Athens Singer/songwriter Matt Megrue has re-launched his website, mattmegrue.com, and it looks almost too pro to be a local act. But there's a bunch of stuff like MP3s, diary entries and photos to keep you occupied for a while. So get over there.
Calvin, Don't Touch Me!: Well, we were finally able to figure out that Calvin, Don't Jump honcho J. Kirk Pleasant and his family are moving to Vancouver, British Columbia. Oh, hell it's just plain Canada to me. At any rate, Pleasant has been accepted as a student at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine up there so he'll probably be saving all that money his neighbors will be spending on Robitussin. Good luck, Kirk. We wish you the best.
He's Friends with The Big Nasty: Comedian/magician C. Fowells will bring his funny to two venues in the next week. On Saturday, March 1, Fowells will stun the audience with his bag of tricks at Flicker Theatre & Bar, showtime will be 8:30 p.m. Then, only six days later, he will take part in a variety show at the 40 Watt on Friday, March 7, with showtime around 11 p.m., and featuring music from the Wau-Wau Sisters and a dance party hosted by his "dear friends" DJ Cutt-a-Rug and the Big Nasty. Sounds like a night to get your hilarious rock and roll freak on! [SL]
The Crows Are Accounted For: If you haven't seen what former Counting Crows drummer Ben Mize has been up to lately, drop byFlicker on Thursday, Feb. 27 and watch Ben and his band shake the paint off the walls. Bandmembers include Hayride's Kevin Sweeney, Five-Eight's Dan Horowitz and Kevin Leahy, and Daniel Pruitt, former singer for Roosevelt, back in action ten years later. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. [SL]
*Flagpole would like to offer its condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the fire while attending the Great White concert in Rhode Island. Our thoughts are with you.
And that's all for this week folks. Make some noise, let me know and then you'll get your spot in the tiny-town fame-factory that is this column. Get your freak on via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.
Gordon Lamb
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The Red-Headed Legend is a Stranger No Longer: Athens crud-kickin' country/rock band Stewart and Winfield will be opening a show for the one and only Willie Nelson (and Family) on Saturday, March 8 in Statesboro. The outdoor show takes place behind a joint called (appropriately enough) Legends and is suitable for the whole family to attend. Man, times have changed, eh? For ticket and venue information go to www.willietickets.musictoday.com and throw Stewart and Winfield a line at their website www.stewartandwinfield.com to say congrats.
[Sarah Lee]
In Other S&W News: The country band is also headlining the Bluegrass BreastFest Saturday, March 1 at the Georgia Theatre. Other acts scheduled to perform include Packway Handle Band, Last Minute Miracle Band, Dappled Grays and String Theory. Show starts at 7 p.m. $6 advanced tickets at School Kids and Junkman's; $8 at the door. [SL]
Where Are They Now? Local jam band gods Widespread Panic already has big plans for 2003. The DVD Live At The Backyard was released February 4 and includes concert footage, interviews and insight into how the long-haired ones spend their days on the road. Tour dates for spring have already been posted at www.widespreadpanic.com and mail order information for Raleigh and Red Rocks shows is up as well as pre-sales for most shows through Widespread On-line Ticketing. So go ahead and get them now kids 'cause there's no way they are gonna last. [SL]
Another Name Change, So Pay Attention: The local punk band formerly known as Thread has changed its name to Motorcade. Apparently there's a metal band in South Carolina named Thread and they didn't want to be confused with them. Um, OK! Also, the band has added a new bass player. Brian Smith (formerly of the Quiet Men, the Curl and Ordinary Germans Like Yourselves) will be plunking the four-stringed monster for these guys. They're recording at the end of the month so you'll probably be able to get your Motorcade on really soon.
More Bogus News From These Guys: Athens merry-pranksters, the Dictatortots, have issued a "press release" declaring that someone in their band is having a hard time because of the restraining order requiring him to keep away from another member of the band. Guys, you know, throwing a real prank somewhere might be funny, but random bullshit isn't.
It's So Cold In Alaska: the Eskimos have busted a hump all over the College Music Journal lately. The re-release of their album, Something Must Be Transmitted Somehow, by Brilliante Records, hit number 50 in the CMJ top 200 and number 25 in the top 75 (core) stations. Good show, guys. Now get out there and sell some records.
History Lesson, Part One: If you've never ventured over to 40watt.com, point your browser there now. While the graphics are solidly mid-1990s, the "history and photo" section is priceless. If you are even marginally interested in Athens music history, this site is invaluable as a first lesson. Cool photos, fliers and tons of info to surprise and amaze you. I wish someone would organize an entire website of this stuff. Why? Because I'm a history geek, that's why.
East Coast Gangsters, West Coast Bangers: Team Clermont, radio promotion powerhouse, has opened a new West Coast office to be headed up by new team member Graham Macrae. Macrae has come to the team after stints as a promoter for promotion company SPECTRE and as a partner with Sea Level Records. Pretty soon, Clear Channel will not be able to exist without these guys so pay your tribute now.
Not Just For The Insane Anymore: Apparently Milledgeville radio station WMGZ, Z-97FM, has been generating some noise with their show "Almost Famous." The show features independent music from the Southeast every Sunday night from 8-11 p.m. Athens bands have been getting some good exposure via these guys and in their annual Golden Monkey Awards a few of our homies took home honors. The honorees were S.M.O. (best vocals), Randall Bramblett (best horns on an album), Bluestring (best song and song of the year) and Winslow Willard (album of the year). Anyone who wants to jump in on the action going on down there can contact (478) 453-9406 or z97mail@yahoo.com.
| |
*Studios, Pay Attention: This call goes out to all engineers, studios and knob-twisters in Athens: if you want to be mentioned here, let me know what you're up to. Or at LEAST update your website, or start a website or something. That being said, Chris Bishop of Radium Recording continues to be at the top of his game as one of the most sought after guys in Athens. In the past month he's been recording tracks for the Brown Frown, Todd Ferry, I.E., Slackdaddy, the Wee Turtles and This Scares Me. He's been knocking out remixes for Bugs Eat Books, the Capricorns, Rock And Roll Summer and hey, revolution. I assume he's been sleeping and eating also, but I have no idea when he would find the time.
Asheville Gives It Up For Athens: the Asheville Citizen-Times ran an article celebrating the Athens music scene recently. Asheville, incidentally the place of my birth, has been building a solid scene of its own, though for several years and many have referred to it as a "smaller Athens." At any rate, the article praises the Athens scene pretty profusely and uses Flagpole as its primary source. If you wanna see what they said head over to http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/27891.
*I, Myself, Am A Taurus: Local act the Capricorns have been up to some really incredible stuff lately. Most recently they went out to Los Angeles to have a track produced by electronic maestro Tricky for an upcoming compilation of collaborations he's doing with female musicians. (As if this needed qualification, sex-bomb-superstar Peaches is also on this record!) The band also just finished up recording its second album, Go The Distance!, over at Radium Recording. This will be the follow-up album to the debut In The Zone. The new album will be released by Banazan Records (banazan.com). Cool stuff folks, get yr ear to the ground and check them out.
*All Shiny And New: Athens Singer/songwriter Matt Megrue has re-launched his website, mattmegrue.com, and it looks almost too pro to be a local act. But there's a bunch of stuff like MP3s, diary entries and photos to keep you occupied for a while. So get over there.
Calvin, Don't Touch Me!: Well, we were finally able to figure out that Calvin, Don't Jump honcho J. Kirk Pleasant and his family are moving to Vancouver, British Columbia. Oh, hell it's just plain Canada to me. At any rate, Pleasant has been accepted as a student at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine up there so he'll probably be saving all that money his neighbors will be spending on Robitussin. Good luck, Kirk. We wish you the best.
| |
He's Friends with The Big Nasty: Comedian/magician C. Fowells will bring his funny to two venues in the next week. On Saturday, March 1, Fowells will stun the audience with his bag of tricks at Flicker Theatre & Bar, showtime will be 8:30 p.m. Then, only six days later, he will take part in a variety show at the 40 Watt on Friday, March 7, with showtime around 11 p.m., and featuring music from the Wau-Wau Sisters and a dance party hosted by his "dear friends" DJ Cutt-a-Rug and the Big Nasty. Sounds like a night to get your hilarious rock and roll freak on! [SL]
The Crows Are Accounted For: If you haven't seen what former Counting Crows drummer Ben Mize has been up to lately, drop byFlicker on Thursday, Feb. 27 and watch Ben and his band shake the paint off the walls. Bandmembers include Hayride's Kevin Sweeney, Five-Eight's Dan Horowitz and Kevin Leahy, and Daniel Pruitt, former singer for Roosevelt, back in action ten years later. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. [SL]
*Flagpole would like to offer its condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the fire while attending the Great White concert in Rhode Island. Our thoughts are with you.
And that's all for this week folks. Make some noise, let me know and then you'll get your spot in the tiny-town fame-factory that is this column. Get your freak on via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.
Gordon Lamb
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