Athcast - Athens Music!

The Bridge is a unique rock band with elements of blues, folk, funk and bluegrass. From their gritty and grand live performances and their authentically crafted albums they have become one of the most popular young bands in the Mid-Atlantic. Featuring guitar, mandolin, saxophone, bass, drums and vocal percussion, The Bridge guarantees a lesson in musical history along with their own signature brand of genre-defying sounds. For Booking Inquiries: Forsyth Agency / Opus One Productions Scott Forsyth(scott@forsythagency.com) Ph 412.828.8478 Fx 412.828.7873

Bishop Don Bishop Don is an Atlanta based rock group that has taken their new sound from the south all over the country and gained a stated reputation as an unrelenting party band. Their startling energy and demanding stage presence wins over audiences by reminding them what music is all about, having fun. Whether they have only an hour to play or all night long, they always connect with the crowd and form a give and take of enthusiasm that makes the audience feel like part of the show. Perhaps that explains how they have sold close to 2,000 copies of their EP Strange Love Dance Club from after show sales alone, because a Bishop Don show will always leave you wanting more. The sound of the group often leaves critics scratching their heads for something to compare it to. The songs on Strange Love Dance Club have the rambunctiousness of punk, the searing guitar solos of classic rock, and the bass heavy grooves of alternative, played behind lyrics written with the spirit and story telling of folk troubadours like Dylan or Springsteen. Bishop Don was formed with the intention of pioneering a new sound that was different from anything they had done individually. Cliff Losee was previously the drummer for heavy metal act, Leptic, and Jesse Coles bass chops were honed in the prominent jam band scene of Athens Georgia. Lead singer and guitarist Blair Crimmins abandoned his aspirations as a jazz and classical guitar player to start writing songs that preach the kind of free spirited, and at times twisted, philosophy which fuels the band and the fans. The inability to confine Bishop Don to a genre or label is symbolic of their entire approach to music. Play hard, break out of your shell, and always keep them guessing.

Dictatortots From the bowels of Kurdistan came "the Dictatortots". Croaking a tongue unknown to civilized lands, they stirred fires deep within the loin of our decadent and despised republic. Twisting words and melody against all who came, they rendered art from depravity and spectacle. The cry was a warsong on tyranny, on meaning, on care. They gave not one shit, brooked not one insult. They drank as lords and whored likewise. They stood exemplar, serene as their schtickkreigge plowed forth, leaving butts, bodies and bartabs. Who are they? Perhaps even they know not. Perhaps charade has becomes life; masque, face; game, RL. Perhaps. Why are they? Rousted from sloth by gilt promises of fame and fortune; their drive has mired in a plateau of free drink. Yet... Fat on success, still they rage. What vile fountain vomits this? What evil dyne powers such stupidity, such offensive malevolence? What sickly pheremone draws the masses forth to flare out against this stuttering, yet blazing torch? Examination yields no understanding. It may, however, yield enlightenment.

Shitty Candy And The Circus Peanuts Pissin N Vinegar...Barbie Doll N Clowns...Bitch ass- dogs N slutty ballerinas, soiled-assed panties abound! You know you wanna, wanna, wanna taste dat tini! Shitty Candy is a cross between L7 and the Kids In The Hall; basically a bunch of 'nutty' bitches pissed off cause they candy tastes so shitty! What the Hell are CIRCUS PEANUTS anyway!...that shit ain't natural....

Lionz Lionz, which has been touring the east coast for more than six years, recently returned home after headlining a festival at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach for the second year in a row. Lionz—coming off the recent release of its debut album, Stranger Things Have Happened—is continually writing new originals and adding works from new musical influences to its repertoire. The band members—who each boast 15 years of experience playing at large venues, festivals, and bars—have been playing music with each other for more than ten years in different conglomerations. The right mix finally came together and became what is now known as Lionz. Leading the way on drums are Mike Strickland (Field Trip/Soup Kitchen) and Nate Hale (Cosmic Charlie/SVA). On bass guitar is Clint Swords (Betsy Frank/Soul Kitchen). The already legendary Daniel Marler (Field Trip/Marler Brothers) and Damian Kapcala (Fiasco/Field Trip/Thelonious) share the instrumental leads on guitar and keyboards. The band is fronted by singer/lyricist Jefferson Taffet (Brother Boldt and The Shamans). Lionz is anxious to get back into the studio to work once again with producer David Barbe (Drive by Truckers/Blueground Undergrass/Sugar). Lionz has been featured on several radio programs during 2006 and has won two Athens Flagpole Music Awards. Recently Lionz was nominated for two other awards—best lead guitarist and best rhythm section—by Georgia radio station Z97. Previous well-known guests have included Reverend Jeff Mosier (Blueground Undergrass), Dave Blackmon (frequent Widespread Panic guest), and the late blues legend Neil Pattman. LIONZ is.... Nate Hale: Drums/Percussion Damian Kapcala: Keyboards/Vocals Daniel Marler: Lead Guitar/Vocals Mike Strickland: Drums Clint Swords: Bass/Vocals Jefferson Taffet: Lead Vocals

Leavers The Leavers were formed in 2002 by three ragtag college kids. Not really knowing where to fit in or conform to musically, the Leavers had a rough start. The lack of talent and contacts might have had a hand in the slow beginning of their tenure, but talent is overrated and the guys would eventually find the courage and confidence to become a balls in your face musical experience. As time went on, things changed slowly but ever necessarily. Drummers came and went, but songs continued to write themselves into the minds and hearts of those who called themselves 'Leavers.' The meaning of this word "leaver" which is not spelled or pronounced like a similar word, "lever", continues to grow and develop into an ideal or belief with its basis being: THERE ARE BETTER WAYS TO LIVE. A controversial and revolutionary ideal requiring the action of balls in faces gave birth to this nonconformist posse of wierdos and their passion to affect change. The band adopted its name in 2002 from a book written by Daniel Quinn called "Ishmael".

High River Band "From the ashes of the Cameltones, Yard Dog and Powderhound, an Americana phoenix has risen, and it is called the High River Band. The members of this Cumming-based four-piece - Richard Barrett (guitar and mandolin), Matt Cahill(drums), Andy Morrison (guitar) and Patrick Haynes (bass) - are hoping their notoriety eclipses that of the relatively anonymous bands they all left." - David Eduardo, Flagpole Magazine 11/05

Will Hoge "Most performers are willing to follow whatever formulas or procedures they think worked for others. Will Hoge epitomizes the new model for rock musicians in the 21st century: free-spirited and individualistic, knowledgeable of the past but not obsessed with it, and imminently capable of bringing renewed creative energy and passion to an idiom that sometimes seems devoid of inventiveness and edge. Hoge incorporates the best of both the singer/songwriter genre and vintage, surging rock 'n roll. Through sharp lyricisms and strong melodies, his songs tell stories that are delivered with a passion and desperation that demand attention. His trademark blend of classic and contemporary elements was decisively defined in his debut album Carousel, which set the tone for subsequent albums, including his follow-up major label release on Atlantic Records, Blackbird On A Lonely Wire. Explosive live performances, non-stop touring and a commitment to songwriting have earned Hoge and his band a fanatical following as well as critical acclaim. His is a classic rock soul that includes the inspiration of early Springsteen, the swagger of The Stones and the heart of Otis Redding. With powerful songs about love, loss, longing and joy, thundering rhythms and howling guitars, audiences are instantly reminded as to why they fell in love with rock and roll in the first place." ~Jambase "Roots rock up-and-comer, Will Hoge started his career as a history teacher, with aspirations of someday coaching high school level basketball in his home state of Kentucky. But fate intervened in the form of a rock & roll pickup band he gathered together to play a few of the songs he'd been writing. When Will realized the responses he could get from a non-sports crowd, Hoge relocated his dreams and his mailbox to Nashville, Tennessee, where he put together a more professional band and released a self-produced live album he'd recorded at a local show. All Night Long became a local rock success story in this mecca of country music, and sold a surprising 4,000 CDs. Flush with this minor triumph, the band toured the coast and began to generate the sort of industry buzz that draws the record contract people. Atlantic finally picked up Hoge and he released Carousel in 2000. 2003's Bird on a Lonely Wire was even more successful both artistically and commercially. Though the ex-Georgia Satellite, Dan Baird has left the band, his replacement Brian Layson continues to fuel Hoge's distinctive blue-collar sound." ~Napster

Manchester Orchestra The Atlanta-based Manchester Orchestra is a constantly changing line-up of musicians who enjoy creating captivating music, and an unforgettable live show. In just a few month’s time, the tightly-knit musical force has emerged as one of the most mesmerizing and dynamic young bands in the region, embracing the sweeping, melodic, emotional territory mined by such seminal artists as Dismemberment Plan, Grandaddy and The Weakerthans. With a strong musical foundation provided by bass player Jonathan Corley and drummer Jeremiah Edmond, the band's first release entitled You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm, But Brilliance Needs A Good Editor previews the content and story-line of their unreleased full-length Nobody Sings Anymore. Creator and leader of the band Andy Hull's insightful songwriting reveals a depth and maturity normally reserved for contemporaries twice his age. His compelling narratives tell harrowing tales of abuse, friendship, adultery, love, suicide and hope, all wrapped in the atmospheric glow of his hypnotic hooks.

Ice Cream Socialists Seven men and women, joined under a clever name and a common goal: to rock and to rock others. What started as a pipe dream one hazy summer not too long ago became manifest with the fateful occurrance of a blackout and the lucrative nature of a state university. Thus, Ice Cream Socialists was born. If you want coherent lyrics, you've come to the wrong place. If you want standard instrumentation, you've come to the wrong place. Hell, if you want fancy haircuts and expensive shoes, you'd better go away... But if you are looking for pure, unadultered fun, if you crave harmonized pop hooks and driving crazy tempo changes, if you need your fix of funkafied bass lines, if you want the squeel of violin and the wheeze of the accordion, if you never thought a screwdriver could be used like that, if you are just dying to hear something fresh in the stale world of rip-off-rock, well, friend, you've found a home.

Cake on Cake CAKE ON CAKE is the band of 25 years old HELENA SUNDIN. She grew up in a village in the north of sweden and is currently living in umeå, sweden, were she goes to school studying the fine arts. She has been playing different instruments since childhood and was classically trained in singing, piano and cello. She started to record sounds that grew into pop-songs in june 2004, and Cake on Cake was formed. Cake on Cake is a solo-project but friends sometimes helps out on instruments that Helena can not play herself. Andreas Gabrielsson plays the double bass and electric bass. (other people appearing on recordings so far: Micke Svensson - keys, Alex Rayman - guitar, Björn Sundin - trombone, Håkan Persson - steel-pan). Helena plays, records and produces her music by herself in her studio/house. She uses and array of instrumens including: voices, piano, organ, rhodes, clavinet, metallophone, xylophone, keyboard, guitar, mandoline, flutes (recorder, cat & canary flute), harmonicas, melodica, different percussive instruments + some electronics. Cake on Cake signed to American label Desolation Records in 2005, and her debut album "I SEE NO STARS" was released 8 nov 2005. She followed up her debut release with a American tour nov -dec 2005. Cake on Cake will release her second album "I GUESS I WAS DAYDREAMING" in early 2007 and will tour the us again in november/december 2006

Fine Line Hear some of Athens finest musicians in the very first performance of this local bluegrass band.

RAQ Based in Burlington, Vermont, and self-described as high performance rock and roll, RAQ has seen its fair share of obstacles since it's inception. Instead of allowing those to hinder their determination to succeed in this business we call "music", they have used those obstacles as lyrical ammunition giving this band their unique sound featuring complex song structures coupled with quirky yet accessible lyrics and a healthy dose of full-band improvisation. Each live performance is a free form, unplanned adventure, using the composed songs as a launching pad to take the band and their fans into uncharted musical territory. Chris Michetti's intricate guitar playing yields a cascading stream of notes, while Todd Stoops provides uncompromising rhythm and texture on keys, Jay Burwick holds the low end down with his rock solid bass grooves, and Greg Stukey, the back bone of the rhythm section, plays with an almost scientific precision. RAQ's high level of technical skill, well-written songs, and a seemingly telepathic connection between each other, sensationalizes the indescribable magic that sets them apart from the rest. The band started back in 2001 as "Shadraq", but shortened their name to RAQ before cutting their debut album "Shed Tech". In 2002, Todd Stoops, who added a fresh new element to the music, replaced former keyboardist Marc Scortino. Their unique sound developed playing to ardent fans in local Burlington clubs. They started touring and soon expanded their scope to cover all of New England, eventually making their way to the West Coast in the summer of 2002 with a series of shows in California and Colorado. Over past four years RAQ has taken the stage at festivals such as Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Langerado, Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, Summer Camp, Gathering of the Vibes, Adirondack Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and aboard the floating festival, Jam Cruise. They've headlined venues such as the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO., the Georgia Theater in Athens, GA., San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, Boston's Paradise Rock Club and Burlington Vermont's Higher Ground Ballroom. In August of 2005, over 600 fans reveled in New Woodstock, NY, for the Lew-Au, RAQ's very own festival. They've also sold out the famed BB King's Blue's Club, and most recently, the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. The band's steady rise to success is attributed to their ability to captivate an audience with their high energy, creativity, and the passion to play quality music. RAQ's compositions are grounded in solid song structures, but the music is malleable enough to go in infinite directions in the live setting. This is what keeps the quartet's devout following and first time listeners yearning for more as the audience is taken along on the collective journey. RAQ gathers newly devoted fans with their infectious sound each time they play. Their extensive repertoire of original compositions and eclectic selection of covers give the band the freedom to create a unique set list for every show. Their music has matured with age and experience, and has evolved into a sound that is both retro and cutting-edge to a generation of grassroots music fans. They continue to tour relentlessly, infusing live performances, and leaving every ounce of energy they have on stage each night delighting the senses of the most discerning rock and roll aficionado.

RAQ Based in Burlington, Vermont, and self-described as high performance rock and roll, RAQ has seen its fair share of obstacles since it's inception. Instead of allowing those to hinder their determination to succeed in this business we call "music", they have used those obstacles as lyrical ammunition giving this band their unique sound featuring complex song structures coupled with quirky yet accessible lyrics and a healthy dose of full-band improvisation. Each live performance is a free form, unplanned adventure, using the composed songs as a launching pad to take the band and their fans into uncharted musical territory. Chris Michetti's intricate guitar playing yields a cascading stream of notes, while Todd Stoops provides uncompromising rhythm and texture on keys, Jay Burwick holds the low end down with his rock solid bass grooves, and Greg Stukey, the back bone of the rhythm section, plays with an almost scientific precision. RAQ's high level of technical skill, well-written songs, and a seemingly telepathic connection between each other, sensationalizes the indescribable magic that sets them apart from the rest. The band started back in 2001 as "Shadraq", but shortened their name to RAQ before cutting their debut album "Shed Tech". In 2002, Todd Stoops, who added a fresh new element to the music, replaced former keyboardist Marc Scortino. Their unique sound developed playing to ardent fans in local Burlington clubs. They started touring and soon expanded their scope to cover all of New England, eventually making their way to the West Coast in the summer of 2002 with a series of shows in California and Colorado. Over past four years RAQ has taken the stage at festivals such as Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Langerado, Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, Summer Camp, Gathering of the Vibes, Adirondack Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and aboard the floating festival, Jam Cruise. They've headlined venues such as the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO., the Georgia Theater in Athens, GA., San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, Boston's Paradise Rock Club and Burlington Vermont's Higher Ground Ballroom. In August of 2005, over 600 fans reveled in New Woodstock, NY, for the Lew-Au, RAQ's very own festival. They've also sold out the famed BB King's Blue's Club, and most recently, the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. The band's steady rise to success is attributed to their ability to captivate an audience with their high energy, creativity, and the passion to play quality music. RAQ's compositions are grounded in solid song structures, but the music is malleable enough to go in infinite directions in the live setting. This is what keeps the quartet's devout following and first time listeners yearning for more as the audience is taken along on the collective journey. RAQ gathers newly devoted fans with their infectious sound each time they play. Their extensive repertoire of original compositions and eclectic selection of covers give the band the freedom to create a unique set list for every show. Their music has matured with age and experience, and has evolved into a sound that is both retro and cutting-edge to a generation of grassroots music fans. They continue to tour relentlessly, infusing live performances, and leaving every ounce of energy they have on stage each night delighting the senses of the most discerning rock and roll aficionado.

The Motet It can't be easy being The Motet, the eight-year old Boulder, Colo., groove unit founded by drummer Dave Watts, where the M.O. appears to be not just making excellent, propulsive, rhythm-driven music that fans can't resist moving to, but also keeping up with musical trends and incorporating new styles and moods. Somehow, the ensemble succeeds. At least it does on its latest effort, "Instrumental Dissent," fresh off the presses and just now hitting stores. Yes, the new album is full of multi-layered jigsaw puzzles of beats and sounds, and yes, it infiltrates the mind to the point where you can't sit still, but it also ventures into realms heretofore unexplored by The Motet (at least in the studio) while putting forth a relaxed, confident, chilled vibe that speaks of maturity and evolution. The difference is noticeable from the first moments of the disc. "Afro Dance Beat" opens with a gradual crescendo, but instead of erupting into an all-out percussion frenzy, it maintains a steady pulse that does indeed bear a resemblance to the Afro pop that has been sweeping the world. The groove continues for more than three minutes, when a decidedly urbane sax solo by the very fine Dominic Lalli marks a shift in the mood and electronic club beats are layered over the original foundation. "Anew" is downright ambient, as clean and cool as a sci-fi utopia, with long-time Motet keyboardist Adam Revell pinging out a catchy little ditty over a breezey guitar-bass-drums figure, and the resonant voice of Nigerian literary Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka sampled to add the stamp of 21st-century sophistication and consciousness. "Blowback" is similarly sedate, though there's a roiling under- current that provides intensity, and "Old Orchard," the closer, is, as the title suggest, a burnished stroll in an idyllic landscape. This is not to say Watts and friends have lost their fire. Not at all. In fact, the rest of the 11 tracks are as hopped up as ever. They include a ska-infused polemic ("Music is the Weapon," intro- duced by a sampled quote from Harry Belafonte), a short Afro-percussion interlude ("Slice of Humanity") and a spicy salsa number ("La Lucha"), as well as the usual furiously funky numbers Motet fans have come to expect. * Copyright: The Motet Network