|
|
|
|
|
|
| Bands |
 Modern Skirts
Behold Athens' -- or any college town's for that matter -- quintessential quartet: four buddies of varied backgrounds that found each other through fate to breed songs reminiscent of pop rock's most essential elements: catchy hooks, warm harmonies, and gliding acoustic and electric guitars. Sound like anyone familiar, R.E.M. fans? With respect to this generation of Athenians, Modern Skirts provide the soundtrack to changing seasons, longing, and love on their delightful 2005 debut, "A Catalogue of Generous Men." Thanks to lead singer Jay Gulley, guitarist Phillip Brantley, multi-instrumentalist Jojo Glidewell and drummer John Swint's genuine graces and loving loyal fanbase, they have secured their spot as the go-to show for students and townies alike. The future holds a forthcoming follow-up LP produced by alt-rock Renaissance man and Cracker lead singer David Lowery, as well a headlining slot at this year's annually anticipated Athfest in June. – Sami Promisloff
 Dead Confederate
The grunge genre may call Seattle home, but it's alive as ever in the South thanks to Dead Confederate -- the bold and brooding five-piece of John Watkins (keys), Jason Scarboro (drums), Brantley Senn (bass), Hardy Morris (guitar/vocals) and Walker Howle (guitar). The band has shared national stints with the likes of legends such as Dinosaur Jr., the upbeat Georgian-bred Black Lips, and even claimed the coveted opening slot for R.E.M. at this year’s South by Southwest festival. Dead Confederate sounds of smoky, hard-driving psychedelia that culls inspiration from newer waves of sonic-soaked alt-country, Southern rock tradition, and deeper cuts heard among today's indie rock standards. The group's self-titled EP is expected to give way to its full-length debut later this year, and much of Dead Confederate's inspiration comes from its local residence -- situated, appropriately enough, next to an antiquated Civil War cemetery. – Sami Promisloff
 Dark Meat
No need to creep across the border and nag our Canadian neighbors to the North for creative musical collectives any longer. Athens has its own answer to a band like Broken Social Scene -- except weirder, wilder and way louder. Recent Vice Records signees Dark Meat is made up of members from many, many local bands and boasts a contemporary brand of psychedelic chaos and wall-of-sound clutter care of a miniature rock orchestra -- guitars, horns, percussion, winds, keys, chants and cheers all included. With an 18-person-strong core composed of the town's top esoteric male and female talent, the collective is infamous for opening its stages to upwards of 30 people and for its Native American-meets-marching band frocks and frills. This year sees the re-release of the group's "Universal Indians" and its first cross-country trek before Dark Meat returns to town for a main-stage appearance at Athfest. – Sami Promisloff
 Cinemechanica
Athens has its own brand of experimental art rock that appeals to both fans of Explosions in the Sky's atmospherics and the intense volume of Japanese import Boris. Cinemechanica is comprised of Mike Albanese (drums), Matt Nelson (bass), Andy Pruett (guitar/vocals) and Bryant Williamson (guitar/vocals), and together the boys bust through the frequently soft tones of this renowned Southern scene with relentless guitar thrashing over disjointed rhythms and riffs. Also an Athens-exclusive must-see: At least once a semester the band moonlights as Contraband, Megaband, or Ninjagaidenband, playing the songs and sound effects to the original 8-bit video games live as a player beats the game onstage. – Sami Promisloff
 Packway Handle Band
With the 2008 release of Packway Handle Band's self-titled third studio album, this bluegrass quintet is hotter then ever. The band's poster description is simple, reading the epithet: "Bluegrass from Athens, Georgia." Herein lies the greatest strength of Packway: The group pretends to be no more than it is – simple, honest-to-goodness bluegrass. Crowded around two powerful condenser mics onstage, Packway relies on the proven technical abilities of its instrumentalists. Quirky lyrics and down-home melodies drenched in four-part harmonies make for a winner every time. – Alec Wooden
 The Ginger Envelope
Subtle, sweet and subdued, the Ginger Envelope attacks with a muted dynamic not unlike the dressed-up Americana-based sound of Wilco or Okkervil River. Lead vocalist Patrick Carey is safe and confident, and the background ornamentations are always spot-on but never overpowering. The Ginger Envelope's latest release, "Edible Orchids," unfolds like a time-released present that demands multiple spins, as each listen presents something new to be discovered. Don't turn away for a second -– these guys will sneak something by you, and you don't want to miss a thing. – Alec Wooden
 Squat
In a town saturated by indie rock to the Nth degree, the jazz stylings of Squat have quietly attracted a devoted following around Athens and far beyond. After meeting at the University of Georgia in a jazz improv class, the quartet has released a handful of successful albums relying on its virtuosic playing abilities and an unquenchable creative thirst spanning and pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. As a six-time winner of local Flagpole Magazine's "Best Jazz Artist" award, guitarist Trey Wright, bassist Carl Lindberg, saxophonist Tommy Somerville and drummer Darren Stanley are strong and getting stronger still. – Alec Wooden
 Tin Cup Prophette
At the moment, Amanda Kapousouz (a.k.a. Tin Cup Prophette) is the grand dame in the ladies-only realm of Athens' music scene. Tin Cup is consistently wowing crowds with her one-woman show that boasts instruments and loop pedals galore, overarched by her haunting, breathy soprano. The national press is quickly catching on, as well, as Tin Cup graced an intimate side stage at 2007's Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. – Alec Wooden
 Madeline Adams
Not far behind Tin Cup Prophette is local darling Madeline Adams -- who performs under her first name -- perhaps Athens' best and most underrated lyricist. Much like Tin Cup, Madeline's tone is breathtakingly mysterious – vulnerable yet harsh, subtle yet powerful. Just a few releases in at the young age of 23, the sky seems a very reachable limit for Adams. – Alec Wooden
 Nicole Matias
A relative newcomer to the Athens scene, Nicole Matias may have the most potential of any female artist the town has enjoyed in a while. Her debut EP, "The Split Leaf," presents a layered wall of sound with Matias' cutting voice at the center of it all. As her songwriting continues to grow, so will the buzz about this young lady. – Alec Wooden
|
|
 |
|
|
|
This section's contents are produced entirely by student journalists, brought to Billboard.com by UWIRE, the leading provider of student-generated content. UWIRE aims to identify and promote the brightest young content creators and deliver their work to a larger audience via professional media partners such as Billboard.com. Visit UWIRE.com to learn more. |
|
 |
|
- Amherst, Massachusetts
- Athens, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Bloomington, Indiana
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Los Angeles, California
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Nashville, Tennesse
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|
|
|
This town profile was produced entirely by student journalists from The Red & Black, the leading news source for the University of Georgia community. You can learn more about the individual student contributors by visiting their profiles on UWIRE.com:
Text: Sami Promisloff, Alec Wooden
Photos: Sami Promisloff
Video: Jason Miller of Eikon
|
|
|
Contact Us 
