News

The Orange Constant Prepares For Big Night In Atlanta October 20, 2017 10:19

Athens-based The Orange Constant is gearing up for another big night at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday (10/21). This looks to be the band's final 2017 appearance in Atlanta, so rest assured that they have prepared accordingly. The band's last performance at Smith's was nearly a sellout, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Fans can also catch TOC at Savannah's Barrelhouse South and Tallahassee's 5th & Thomas next weekend.

The Orange Constant formed in 2012 in Statesboro, Ga. and quickly made a name for itself across the American southeast. Now residing in Athens, Ga., the group continues to grow a loyal fan-base that craves its vintage rock sound. TOC's debut album, Time to Go (June 2015), was recorded with Grammy nominated producer John Keane (REM, Widespread Panic) and garnered national praise from Relix Magazine which cited the work as a "confident and polished debut album...laden with connective riffs and melodious charm."

The band shares bills with nationally and internationally touring acts including Perpetual Groove, TAUK, The Mantras, and Atlas Road Crew and won the 2016 Flagpole Athens Music Award for best "Jam/ Funk" band. Its second LP, Point of Reference (March 2017), was produced by Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Kishi Bashi, Futurebirds) and has been described as “eclectic rock n' roll, everything from blissful southern rock and indie jams to urban funk.” 

The Orange Constant draws influence from many different styles, and fans are often drawn to their ability to meld progressive composition and improvisation with a pop-like sensibility. The band consists of Andrew Brantley (guitar/vocal), Nickalous Benson (guitar, vocals), Tyler Walker (bass, vocals), Chris Freiberg (keyboard), Sam Groveman (Drums). 

Watch The Orange Constant perform Perpetual Groove's "TSMM" here:


Disco Tendencies To Headline Smith's Olde Bar In Atlanta On Friday February 22, 2017 22:01

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Local Atlanta funk rock band Disco Tendencies is gearing up for a big night at Smith's Olde Bar this Friday night.  The band is fresh off the release of its 2016 release Birdhouse, and local fans can expect an evening full of energy and excitement.  Direct support will come from fellow Georgia-based acts The Orange Constant and LaGoons.  Music is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM EST and run until 2:00 AM EST.  For further information on this show and all of the latest updates, make sure to RSVP to the official Facebook page.  Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.
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Watch Disco Tendencies perform "Wild Voodoo" at Aisle 5 on 11.11.16 here:
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Fresh off of the release of their debut album Birdhouse, Disco Tendencies are a band to watch in the Atlanta music scene. Drawing from elements of rock, funk and jam, they form an accessible sound that’s just as captivating live as it is on their album. Disco Tendencies’ songs work within a loosely defined, yet immediately recognizable framework, where songs are subject to a complete tonal shift at the drop of a hat. Listeners have likened the band’s sound to a range of acts such as The Black Crowes, Kings of Leon and Sublime.
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Comparisons to these bands may be primarily born out of the vocal style of front man, Alex Rogers, whose bouncy and talented delivery helps the rock band stand out from others within its circle. Electric guitar duties are shared between Matt Payne’s spot-on funky, bluesy riffs and Jeff Axelrod’s precise, yet unpredictable shredding capabilities. The rhythm backbone consists of drummer, Scott Dickson, and bassist, Gil Templeton, who have over a decade of experience together—working in lockstep to lay down groovy textures and frantic crescendos alike.
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Disco Tendencies generally play in bars and music venues in the Atlanta area. They’re known to bring a crowd with them, drawing everyone from young partygoers to local music fans with tie-dyes and grey ponytails. While the band plays shows and works on material for their sophomore album, the easiest way to check them out is at their website discotendencies.com or through Spotify, iTunes or Apple.
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The Orange Constant: Bio
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The Orange Constant formed in August 2012 and quickly made a name for themselves in Statesboro, GA. Now, The Orange Constant resides in Athens, GA and performs in venues all over the Southeast and continues to grow their fan-base with their contemporary yet vintage rock/jam sound. TOC recently recorded their debut album, Time to Go with Grammy nominated producer John Keane (REM, Widespread Panic) which was released June 19th. Time to Go has garnered praise from many publications, including Relix Magazine, who included TOC in their “On the Verge” column in the October-November 2015 issue. Shortly after, TOC joined the Homegrown Music Network whose roster includes acts such as Lotus, the Motet, Dangermuffin, and Big Something. In addition, they have played on bills that include Perpetual Groove, The Mantras, TAUK, Atlas Road Crew, and Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band. They are currently recording their second album at Chase Park Transduction with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Kishi Bashi, Mothers) which is set to release in early 2017.
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The Orange Constant draws influence from many different styles to create a musical experience that is new and unique. The Orange Constant thrives on creating songs that differ from one another and possess their own inspired character. Their songs follow no specific writing format, allowing the band to run with any ideas that bring the music to life. Fans are often drawn to their ability to meld progressive composition and improvisation with a pop-like sensibility. The band’s lyrics often include content that reveals personal values and experiences. This allows the band to groove with meaning and depth. Being influenced by bands such as My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic, and Incubus, TOC focuses their energy on live performances that resonate deeply with the audience. The band consists of Andrew Brantley (guitar/vocal), Lee Guentert (drums), Nickalous Benson (guitar/vocal), and Tyler Walker (bass/vocal).
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LaGoons: Bio
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Conjured in the summer suns of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, LaGoons breathe a breeze of fresh air into the world of jam music. Step into a show and you'll immediately hear their unique, goony sound. Deriving influences from Blues/Funk/Reggae and the Unknown, LaGoons are committed to the live concert experience. With each show the goal is to reach the highest level of energy possible, leaving plenty of room for improvisation and the listener wanting more.
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Founded in Tuscaloosa in 2013, LaGoons have recently nestled into their new home of Atlanta, Georgia. The band is working hard to spread their sound throughout the Southeast, breaking into North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, along with various parts of Georgia and Alabama with no plans of slowing down. They are currently recording their debut album, set for an April 2017 release.
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LaGoons are - Tommy Faust (Guitar, Vox) Clarke Chadwell (Bass, Vox) Dallas Dawson (Drums, Percussion) John Hooper (Keys, Organ) Quinn Mason (Alto Saxophone)

Win Two Free Tickets To Friday's Medicine For The Soul Music Fest in Atlanta July 27, 2016 17:11

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Live & Listen is pleased to partner with Free Spirit Productions and Airbound Entertainment as we offer a pair of free tickets to this Friday's 3rd Annual Medicine for the Soul Music Festival.  The one day festival is once again hosted by Smith's Olde Bar and sponsored by Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits.  Advance tickets can be purchased for $10 by clicking here.  Simply share this article directly from our Facebook page (and make sure you're privacy settings are "public") to enter the contest. We will announce a winner via Facebook at 2:00 PM EST on Friday afternoon.
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12:15AM -- McLovins
11:00PM -- Sumilan
10:00PM -- Voodoo Visionary
9:00PM -- Those Cats 
8:00PM -- Saturn Valley
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McLovins

Photo by Leonardo Mascaro

McLovins is a soulful, funk-rock band that complements a youthful energy with seasoned musical talent. Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Meters, The Band and The Flaming Lips, members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity.

Taking a page from their jam band forefathers, McLovins always try to keep their audiences guessing at what’s to come. Their eclectic setlists and individual musical personas define the band’s live shows. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, McLovins have appeared at Gathering of The Vibes, Mountain Jam, The Peach Festival and the legendary Nateva Music Festival, as well as many acclaimed venues across the country. They have also performed with some of the most influential artists on the scene, including Buddy Guy, George Porter, Jr. and Oteil Burbridge.

Recently the band cut an album with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning producer Bill Sherman in New York City’s East Village. The album was released this October and the band is currently on tour. The band continues to evolve, bringing their distinctive, jam-rock productions across the country. Every tour brings a unique energy.

Sumilan

Formed in the classic city of Athens, GA, and together for almost half a decade, Sumilan has evolved into a sound uniquely their own. Showcased in their studio work and illuminated in their live performance, Sumilan blends prog rock, psychedelic trance, ambiance, and improv, all coalesced with infectious pop minded vocals. Apparent in their newest studio album, En Transit, Sumilan delivers a polished and powerful sound rooted in technique and grown with experience.

With a live performance structured on embellished composition, yet played with rawness and attitude, their sound resonates beyond the venue. The symbiotic energy of the live show leaves the audience satisfied, yet thirsting for the next. With eyes into the future, the band is soul driven into an ever evolving sound that meets the challenge of today, while fostering continuity into the sound of tomorrow.

Voodoo Visionary

Voodoo Visionary hails from the dirty south musical mecca of Atlanta. Their improvisational funk dance music delicately balances a tight rhythm section featuring deep grooving bass and funky drum beats with diverse and dexterous keys and masterful guitar licks to create a sound the group calls psychofunk. Influenced by a wide array of artists such as Parliament Funkadelic, the Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, and Medeski Martin and Wood, Voodoo Visionary has a uniquely blended sound that’s guaranteed to put the 'oogie in yo boogie.

The band is made up of Dennis Dowd (keys), Jimmy Lynch (bass), Scott MacDonald (vocals), Mac Schmitz (drums), and Mike Wilson (guitar). Wilson, Schmitz and Lynch have been playing together for over 8 years, during which time they built a unique chemistry that allows for exceptional improvisation during live shows. MacDonald joined the group in July 2013 as the lead vocalist and Voodoo Visionary began writing new music and playing shows immediately. Dowd was added to the band in March 2014 providing a missing link that enhanced the band’s distinctive sound, and the group has since taken off around the Atlanta music scene.

Voodoo Visionary released their debut album, Spirit of the Groove in March 2015. Over the past two years, while playing across the southeast, the band has shared the stage with acts such as Col. Bruce Hampton, Zach Deputy, Earphunk, Roosevelt Collier, Jerry Joseph, and Futurebirds. The band performed at the RAW Artists Atlanta showcase in September 2014 at Terminal West, made a live radio and TV appearance on WUGA’s It’s Friday program, and in May 2015 made their major festival debut at Counterpoint Music Festival near Rome, GA.

Spirit of the Groove draws from the various musical influences found among the band members. Elements of funk, jazz, disco and rock n’ roll combine to create an inimitable sound. Tracks such as “All Week,” “Salt” and “Parasite” have compositional elements reminiscent of Frank Zappa and Return to Forever, while “Take the Wheel” evokes a style similar to Phish. The driving grooves of “The Heathen,” “Testify” and “Dancin’ Feet” make it nearly impossible to sit still while listening, and the “Kang Gang Anthem” hints at elements of Pink Floyd while paying homage to the festival scene the band holds so close to their hearts. Spirit of the Groove was recorded live in the studio to capture the raw energy and showcase the improvisational expertise that the band brings to their live show.

Those Cats

Those Cats are a high energy Soul & Funk powerhouse from Statesboro, GA and have been described as "A band whose fresh, funky and soulful sound provides its listeners with a never-ending well of tastefully grooving tracks, perfect for any occasion worthy of music." [Connect Statesboro]. Formed in 2010 by original members Zac Tilson, Scott Underwood, and Miles Wiggins; Those Cats has come a long way since their first EP ‘Less Stress, More Groove.’ Adding vocalist Cyril Durant in 2012, the group has evolved from a 4 piece band into a full fledge, seven person ensemble complete with a horn section and multiple vocalists. Each member draws from their own styles and musical knowledge to create a diverse live music experience filled with original tunes and a few timeless covers. The group has released several live recordings over the past three years and their first full length studio album is scheduled to drop in early 2014. Those Cats enjoy collaborating with friends and bands around the Southeast area while aiming to generate a live show that will lift the audience and keep them there!

Saturn Valley

Saturn Valley is an experimental rock project formed in 2013 that features members Nick Jones, Chris Freiberg, Christian McDaniel, Alex Eversbusch and Josiah Garrett. Hailing from the fertile, music hub of Athens, Ga., the group quickly developed a distinct, improvisatory style with jazz, funk, synth-pop and heavy prog influences. After recording their debut album, "On The Rings," (released November 2014) the song "Odysseus" was selected for the 2015 AthFest Compilation Album among music from other Athens favorites. The band has enjoyed radio airplay on WUOG 90.5 FM and 93.3 Athens Community Rock Station as well as performances in the famed Georgia Theatre. In August of 2015, the group released its first live album, “Alive in the Georgia Theatre,” and is currently working toward releasing its second studio effort, "Cartographer," in 2016. With heavy, space-grooves and synth-laden jams, a Valley show is always an unforgettable, cosmic experience.

 


New Interview: Zach Deputy April 30, 2015 12:57

Just last week, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most entertaining and unique musicians on the road, Zach Deputy, before his show at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA.  Zach's concept of the "one man band" always brings new twists and turns for his loyal fan base, which showed up in the masses on Friday night.  Check out the full interview below for some of Zach's latest news, the story behind Zach Deputy's Disc Jam, and even a few thoughts on "boiled peanuts."

FULL STORY: Interview w/ Zach Deputy