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10 Georgia Artists To Watch In 2008
Georgia music has had a record year in 2007. R.E.M was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Athfest celebrated its 10th anniversary, and many
independent artists continued to benefit from the myspace revolution.
As the year ends, and we prepare for 2008, we wanted to give you our take on 10 Georgia artists to watch in 2008. We tried to list a diversity of artists, some you may have heard of, others you may not have.
Either way, if you follow local-music we think you'll know all of these guys by the end of the year.
Blackberry Smoke
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An appearance with Slash, a featured spot on the coveted Nascar08 soundtrack ("Up In Smoke"), a tour with ZZ Top, this Atlanta Based band has taken the "Southern Rock" banner from the likes of Black Crowes and Drivin N' Cryin and hit the ground running. Blackberry Smoke makes no bones about being a Southern band. "We don’t pull any punches about calling this Southern rock because that’s what it is,” says Blackberry Smoke front man Charlie Starr. “It’s what we think new Southern rock should sound like.”
2008 Outlook for Blackberry Smoke
How Could 2008 be better for Blackberry Smoke? The exposure they're getting touring with ZZTop will continue to gain this band more fans. A Summer 2008 release, produced by Dan Huff will be eagerly awaited by fans. 2008 could indeed be the year for Blackberry Smoke.
Buy Blackberry Smoke Music at CD Baby .
Zac Brown Band
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The Zac Brown Band is the epitome of Southern College music. "Chicken Fried", "Toes", and "Free" are essentials on long trips, and on the lake. "We like to call our music ‘lake music’", says Zac Brown, “It’s the perfect music to listen to out on the lake with your friends and a cooler full of your favorite beer. What Jimmy Buffet is to the ocean, the Zac Brown Band is to the lake.”
This Cumming Georgia native has appeared on The Rick and Bubba show on several occasions, and sells out shows on a consistent basis.
2008 Outlook For Zac Brown Band
With an early 2007 release (The Foundation), a 2008 CD will be greatly anticipated, and will cement the foundation The Zac Brown ban is building in the Southern Music Scene.
Buy Zac Brown Band music @ CD Baby, Amazon
Nutria
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Nutria, an Athens Georgia based band is a product of a previous Athens Heavy-hitter The Possibilities. Front man Bob Spires has penned songs for The Minus Five (Featuring R.E.M.s Peter Buck) who played "You Don't Mean It" live on The Conan O'Brian. Spires former band opened for R.E.M.Nutria was a featured act at Athfest 2007, and also appeared on the CD. Their power-pop sound is infectious.
2008 Outlook for Nutria
There are actually rumors of a split in the band. We hope that's not the case. But either way, watch for Bob Spires to continue to make music either with Nutria or not. And we'll play it either way.
Buy Nutria Music at Amazon
Corey Smith
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Corey Smith is one of the top independent artists in the country. He sells out everywhere is goes, and gains fans with every leg of his ever-expanding tour.Many people first heard of Corey because of "I'm Not Gonna Cry" a graduation anthem that has become a favorite with High Schools all over the South, and nationwide. But this is no one-hit-wonder. Corey uses his experiences of growing-up, messing-up and trying to fix it, and life in general to hone his craft, and it is paying off. The crowds always sing-along to "Twenty-One", "If I Could Do It Again" and a certain song about the Jefferson Police department, but its songs like "Single-Wide Home", "First Dance", and "Together" that really showcase this artists writing skills, and show you why Corey Smith will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time.
As Corey's fan base grows, so does his music and "Hard Headed Fool", the 2007 release, featured more instruments, better production, and a more professional sound.
2008 Outlook for Corey Smith
The Sky's The Limit. Corey's been building a following since the early 90's and unless myspace melts down, 2008 should be a banner year for the Jefferson Georgia native.
Buy Corey Smith Music at Amazon, CD Baby or download it from iTunes.
Download Corey Smith Ringtones
Paris Luna
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If you ask anyone in the know who the best new female talent is in the Atlanta area, most of them will tell you Paris Luna, a young powerhouse of a singer. Pop/Jazz/Country undertones highlight the diversity of music The Paris Luna Band performs. Bob Lange, with Glide Magazine said of Paris: "she has the ability to sing to you and not just at you. She has the ability to cross gender barriers and touch everyone. She makes her songs personal, not just to her, but to her audience as well."
"I have already had a socially excepted career before I started my adventure in music and I was hard pressed on extreme goals and all the time I spent clawing for those goals" says Paris. "I closed my eyes to the beauty of the journey of life...Now if you want to say my goal in my music career is to have happiness in something I love to do ..and to share that with others when I play my music....oh yeah and to try and not go broke in the process!!.
To appreciate Paris, you have to see her live: "here is nothing like letting your soul out on stage I truly think its the best high you can have! Don't get me wrong we've been in some wonderful Studios in Nashville like Quad and Blackbird and others..Great people and rooms but just like putting a bird in a cage..they are not truly happy without spreading their wings..and neither are we!"
2008 Outlook for Paris Luna
Paris told us her plans for 2008: "We are going to release City Lights our new record through Universal, we just signed with an awesome manager that has worked with Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and others, so we are hoping that that now our path will have focus and will not have in ventures in vain, and we are just gonna put as much elbow grease into 08 as we did in 07 maybe more".
We know that the future is bright for Paris Luna. 2008 may be the year of Paris.
Download Paris Luna Music at iTunes
Brantley Gilbert
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Jefferson's Brantley Gilbert may be the biggest country music star you've never heard of. He's a growing success on myspace, with friends from all over the world hearing this Georgian's blend of country and rock music on the social network. This guy gets searched as much as these other artists on google (we have our ways) and he's got the looks that will drive Nashville record producers "and women everywhere" wild.
This guy's the real deal. He writes his own songs, and their good. He sings the kind of music you'd expect to hear from Kenny Chesney, but he's real.
2008 Outlook for Brantley Gilbert
This son of a preacher will only continue to grow in 2008. He may not sign the big recording contract this year, but he will continue to build a fan base, sell CDs and entertain people in North Georgia.
Visit Brantley's Website to buy his music
The Honor Roll
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The Honor Roll are the newest member of the Enexia Records family, and this North Georgia rock band may well be on the verge of leading the next wave of Athens style music to hit the national scene.2007 brought change to the young band, and the year proved to be a challenge for the band (Band challenges, and car trouble "coming back from FL during our summer tour our trailer started to fall apart, and on the way to a show in Dalton GA our trailer tire blew out and we were stranded for two hours."
But it seems all the hard work paid off, because the deal with Forever Winter came at the end of December, right before Christmas. The Bands Guitarist, Ben Cramer says that "it feels great to know that someone believes enough in us to invest time and money into our band, and also that they take pride in us being on their team."
2008 Outlook For The Honor Roll
We asked Bassist Eric Horvath their plans: "promotion, promotion and more promotion, we hope to reach new audiences and make new friends, also to tour nationally."
We think The Honor Roll should invest in some good luggage. The road may be a hard one, but they may be on their way.
Buy music on The Honor Roll's website
Drive By Truckers
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If you've been anywhere near the Athens music scene in the last decade, you've no doubt heard about this muscle-shoals (Patterson Hood, founder of the band is originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama) sound that is finally starting to take the nation, and Nashville to task for pre-packaged, commercialized music that infiltrated country radio in the last 20 years. The Drive By Truckers make you feel like you're hearing a mixture of Waylon Jennings and David Allan Coe in 1972, before they made it big. They are one of the top bands on the national alt-country scene, and have built a nationwide following that can only be described as fervent.
2008 Outlook for Drive By Truckers
With the departure of Lead Singer Jason Isbell
You never know when commercial radio is going to wake up. This band could be the shot it will take to get things started.
Buy Drive By Truckers Music at Amazon
Buy Drive By Truckers Ringtones
Ishues
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Athens based Ishues is the only hip-hop artist on our list of Georgia Artists to watch for 2008, and theres a good reason for that. Most hip-hop coming out of Georgia is the D-south or Crunk variety, and The Georgia Jukebox, to be honest isn't a huge fan of these sub-genres. A feature with KRS1 on the Hip-Hop legend's 2006 CD is one of the young community activists many accomplishments to date.What Ishues does is more reminiscent of East Cost hip-hop, but there's even more to it than that. There's a message in the melodic, intelligent lyrics that's missing in mainstream hip-hop. Ishues talks about the issues, and he gives perspective not seen in other Georgia Hip-hop.
2008 Outlook For Issues
This guy's got the gift, and his music will take care of itself. Here's something much more important that Ishues has planned for 2008, posted on his myspace blog: "As 2008 approaches, we have to begin to challenge those negative vices that are destroying our communities. We have to create the balance for our children and re-introduce the concept of the village. Why are we waiting for others to fix and handle our problems? Here is a challenge for anyone that's frustrated and tired of the current destruction taking place in their community. Locally, we have organized a massive monthly community clean up. One day out of a month is our challenge to the world. On this day, we organize teams from various "Hoods" to do a massive clean up. By this, we are encouraging the community to stand up and become responsible for what goes on there, and stop surrendering their/our power to the Police department and all of these other agencies that profits off of the community's destruction. After the massive clean up, we organize a community meeting and encourage all the members of all the differnt Hoods to begin dialogue and discussing solutions for change."
Buy Ishues music from his website
Georgia (The Band)
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Of the 10 artists we’re featuring on this blog, Georgia, a Canton Georgia based band is the only act that has signed a major label contract (Atlantic Records). Since then, they’ve been touring the East Coast.
The Band is tuned for the end of January’s “Rock Boat” where they will share stage time with other Georgia Jukebox artists, like The Zac Brown Band. They’ve also opened for Jason Aldean recently: “It seems like country fans are gonna be loyal to us since we’re crossover between Rock & Country” says Jon Mitchell, guitarist for the band.
Georgia is a laid back group of guys. "Our hope is that our music continues to connect with people and things could get to the point where I never have to get a “Real Job.” Build up a big enough following and make our mark in this industry. Possibly help bring harmonies back in music. People just aren’t doing it anymore.” says Jon.
2008 Outlook for Georgia
A 2008 release date does not appear to have been set, but the guys are eagerly awaiting finishing up the album and writing new songs. They hope to expand their East Cost tour and build their base.
Kelly Willis - Translated From Love
Though she's not a Georgia artist, Kelly Willis has been releasing music since 1990, and this veteran singer/songwriter has paid her dues.
It's about time for some recognition.
This Texas based alt-country star is a staple on the top of national alt-country charts. Her music, folk/country infused with pop/rock has garnered her critical acclaim throughout her career.
Is Radio Scared of Kelly Wills?
Well, We're not!
Her critics have said that because she is so diverse, she hasn't been able to promote herself to either genre convincingly, and it's left her stranded on the fence between Nashville and L.A.
We at The Georgia Jukebox were convinced by her music. Who's got time for labels that preach conformity, and style over substance. The Jukebox is about good music, and Willis fits the bill on a consistent basis.
Press the Play Button To Hear Kelly Willis Music
The Georgia Jukebox - Now A Top 10 Americana Station On Live 365
We've just been notified we're now a Top 10 Americana station on the live365 network. We're also in the top 20% of all stations on Live 365 (there's over 10,000)!.
We've got big things planned for 2008. We're going to reach more people with The South's best music and Georgia's Best independent artists.
Thanks for listening, reading, commenting, and spreading the word!
17 South nominated for AtlantaCountryMusic.com Band Of The Year
We were excited when we heard one of our featured artists, 17 South had been nominated for AtlantaCountryMusic.com's "Band Of The Year" award.
Visit Atlanta Country Music's contest site and vote for your favorite band.
Jessica Urick and Four Story Also Nominated For Atlanta Country Music Award
Jessica Urick and her band Four Storey have also been nominated for Band Of The Year.
The Georgia Jukebox Poll - Artist of The Year
We haven't done a poll in a while, so we thought we'd post this one.
Don't Like the choices? Put your thoughts in the comments section to show support for your favorite
Adam Hood - Hard Work Does Pay Off
Here at The Georgia Jukebox we strive to bring our readers and listeners real southern music. Not pre-packaged clone songs, but the best real music in The South. Adam Hood is about as real as it gets. The grit in his voice that sounds so experienced is rare for an artist, especially at his age.
This Opelika, Alabama singer/songwriter has been touring the south for over 6 years, playing 300 shows, a year, and has built up quite a following, especially on myspace, where Hood is constantly in the Top 50 on the MySpace independent Acoustic, Country and Folk Charts, with nearly 1,000 plays each day on his MySpace page
The hard work finally started to pay off in 2006, when a chance meeting with Pete Anderson (guitarist for Dwight Yokum among others and founder of Little Dog Records), led to a record deal with Little Dog, and the release of his latest CD "Different Groove". Pete says about his first encounter with hood,
“We were in Little Rock and had just done our soundcheck. We were getting ready to go back to the hotel when I suddenly heard this amazing voice coming from inside the venue. I walked in to see who it was and there was Adam onstage just killing it. I was even more impressed when I found out he had written the songs.”
Anderson isn't the only musician singing Hood's praises:
"As a singer/songwriter I am constantly looking for new music that inspires me. I have found someone that does just that. His name is Adam Hood. His music is as raw and real as his Alabama accent. He is what country music should be. I saw him while vacationing in Gruene Texas with just him and his guitar. He captivated me. He has so much soul, great delivery and the looks to match. He should and will be around for a long time."
--MIRANDA LAMBERT
We couldn't agree more with Ms. Lambert.
Buy Adam Hood
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| BuyAdam Hood Music on CDFrom Amazon |
DownloadAdam Hood MusicfromiTunes |
The Redheads - Stopping Through Georgia On the Way To Stardom
Sisters, Britta and Brooke Dodgen are both Florida girls, born in Orlando and raised in Tampa Bay. For a few years they lived in Garland, Texas. Currently they're in the country music state of Georgia. Britta is 19 and Brooke is 16 years old. Both have graduated from high school with honors. And together, as The Redheads, they plan on taking the country-music world by storm soon.
Redheads Difficult Climb into Country Music
When Brooke was eleven years old she was trampled by her horse, Tiara. At first doctors thought she would be alright, but during her next growth spurt her muscles tore due to the hips being out of alignment and the formation of scar tissue. Overnight, her whole life changed.
She went from a very active child who loved dancing, horseback riding, and running to having to fight to regain strength to walk and move comfortably. Brooke was forced to drop out of regular school and start a homebound program. She spent her entire twelfth year traveling from doctor to doctor, and from physical therapist to therapist.
Formation of The Red Heads
During this time of rebuilding, Brooke discovered country music and the powerful effects it had on her soul. She was able to laugh and live again. She learned how to overcome obstacles. "Country music showed me that everyone has problems, you just have to hold on and get through them the best you can."
Through Brooke, Britta discovered country music and began listening every chance she got. Britta would come in after school and sit on Brooke's bed and together they would listen to the radio and watch music videos.
Britta was a classically trained opera singer. But Britta says "Country music touched my heart and I finally found my place. It felt like home."
The Red heads have sung at local events, barn shows, National Anthems and they're frequently seen at Writer's Nights around Nashville. They spend much of their time traveling up to Nashville. The girls have worked with top professionals in Nashville including Tom Manche, Susan Anders, Rachel Rains and Brett Manning,
The girls dream is to give back to country music what it has done for them.
Zac Brown Band - They’ve Got Whatever It Is
You can Now Order Zac Brown Foundation, and get the download instantly!
Click Here to Pre-Order Foundation and get the download instantly
*****Breaking News: Re Release Of Foundation On August 28th. "Chicken Fried" available soon on iTunes.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Click The Play Button To Hear Zac Brown Band "Chicken Fried"
Buy Zac Brown Music Soon!!
This was originally published on December 22nd 2007, right after we switched over to a blog format. We've been huge fans of The Zac Brown band for years, and his "Chicken Fried" was part of the original rotation on the online station.
If you saw Zac Brown walking down the street, you'd never think he was a rock star. If you're in one of the many venues he plays, you'll know that he is just that. His Latest effort, "The Foundation" showcases the young artist's brilliant song-writing, a smooth-voice and personality as big as the club he's playing, and this Cumming Georgia native is gathering a loyal following all throughout the south. And its growing every time someone hears his music; in person, on CD or on the internet.
Zac Brown - Is He Country or "Chicken Fried" Ragge?
The Georgia Jukebox is all about breaking down genre barriers. With The Zac Brown band, there don't seem to be any. Listen to a couple of Zac Brown Band songs, and you'll hear country, southern rock, and even reggae influence and undertones. He calls it "Lake Music". Whether is Alt-Country or Americana, or mainstream country music; who knows. We just think its good music.
Whats Next For The Zac Brown Band?
We're sure nothing great things are in store for Zac Brown and his boys. He's already appeared several times on the Rick and Bubba Show, he's headlining a New Years Eve show at The Biltmore in Atlanta. He's spending most of January touring the Southeast, and will be a featured artist on The Rock Boat sailing January 19th - 24th.
We know this is just the beginning for Zac Brown and his band. We'll keep you up to date with Zac Brown news, and will keep a healthy dose of his music on our station at all times.
Congratulations to Zac Brown and the band for the success that is, I'm sure, only beginning.
Rockin’ Pontoons
Atlanta Band Rockin Pontoons are tearing up the local music circuit, grabbing new fans with every show they perform. Their CD is selling like hash-browns at The Waffle House, and has garnered much critical acclaim:
"Beautiful American Dust seems an appropriate name for an album that incorporates so many styles of American music. The organ, pedal steel and great beats will draw you in and the smart lyrics delivered in Coffey's deadpan voice will keep you coming back for more."(Mare Wakefield – Performing Songwriter)
"Beautiful American Dust is a marvelous achievement. "Miracles" displays the poetic charm and writing dexterity of this supremely ambitious group. Packed with sixteen quality songs of dazzling compositional technique and hook-laden chemistry. This is a simply attractive and engaging work, ready to savor and enjoy fully!"(Shawn M. Haney – Southeast Performer)
Hailing from Atlanta are the Rockin Pontoons, whose Beautiful American Dust is as sweet a platter of boozy, woozy music as you'll chow down on all month."(Fred Mills – Stomp and Stammer)
"Piloted by Steve Coffey's wistful vocals, the Pontoons float over sublime duets that highlight the band's terrific debut album Beautiful American Dust. The live show adds grit to the songs, which shift from soulful to sensitive to sassy in a heartbeat."(Hal Horowitz – Creative Loafing)
Rockin' Pontoons-man Front Steve Coffey: Not your average song-writer
Steve Coffey, founder and lead singer of the band, didn't follow the normal path to sucess... Well, not musical success, anyway. A Notre Dame and Rutgers Law graduate, Coffey began writing songs in college. When he moved to Atlanta, he continued to hone his craft, and eventually formed Rockin' Pontoons.
Buy Rockin Pontoons CDs @ CD Baby, or download the mp3 from iTunes
Rachel Little - Tonight Only Show At The Music Arena
The Music Arena In Buford Georgia will host an all-ages show tonight featuring two Georgia Jukebox Regulars: Rachel Little and Jason Coley. Tickets are going fast, and the doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Rachel Little - The message behind the music
Rachel Little, a High School Senior doesn't just sing about usual things you'd expect someone her age to sing. There's a message. In "Look In The Mirror" Rachel discusses bullying, and she says "I have had so many people come up to me and tell me that they know exactly what I’m talking about with Look In The Mirror, that they have dealt with people like that in their lives."
Rachel's CD also titled "Look In The Mirror" was co-written and produced by Jayne Olderman.
Buy "Look In The Mirror" On CD Baby, or iTunes
Jason Coley To Open Show At The Music Arena
The 21 year old Jason Coley may be young, but he's a veteran performer with over 220 shows at Six Flags Over Georgia's “Honky Tonk Saturday Night Show” over the past few years. The Fairburn GA native is taking his show on the road to Buford tonight, to promote his self-titled 2nd CD.
