Crib Notes

For those of you that have been to a Los Amigos Invisibles concert, you will know that there is little room to chitchat. “It was sort of a running joke,” Jose Luis Pardo, the band’s lead guitarist tells me over the phone. “We play continuously, so that people wouldn’t talk in between songs. Now it became a trademark of the band.”

And as such, the six guys that make up this Venezuelan-born, New York-based Latin/dance band have mastered the ability to keep the crowd moving by varying the pace according to the energy and feedback in the room.

They can start by playing a set of up-tempo dance tracks, then transitioning to a more paced interlude of salsa songs, and end with a half-dozen of the signature funk numbers the band has come to be known for. Or they can do it the other way around.

The band’s style on stage certainly draws from the way their studio albums are produced and edited, and without necessarily characterizing either as the inspiration of the other this trademark aesthetic is something the band cherishes. “We like the fact that our records sound like a DJ set,” says Pardo.  “Ever record tells a story from beginning to end.” (more…)

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Who are you?

Yul Gomez, guitar player of the band Satellite District

Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate, loving and dreamer.

Who — dead or alive — would you most like to meet?

David gilmour of Pink Floyd

Who would you most like to slap in the face?

Power abusers

What song do you wish you had written?

Uffff, uummhh “High Hopes” (Pink Floyd)

Elvis Costello or Elvis Presley?

Costello

LP, CD or MP3?

LP…love the sound and Art work.

If you could start one trend, what would it be?

A  Woodstock festival every summer

If you could end one trend, what would it be?

Gossip…

With whom would you most like to play a game of spin the bottle?

Kosi, she is a great kisser.

Satellite District – Traveling Through Time

Satellite District plays The Loft with Los Amigos Invisibles. Sat. Oct. 17. $17.50. 9:30 p.m.

(Photo courtesy Yul Gomez)

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Cops barricade the door at the North Atlanta Trade Center during the Tiesto show Saturday, Oct 10

On the surface, the organizers of the Tiësto show last Saturday night were advertising this to be one of the biggest events of the year. So big in fact, that they secured one of the biggest indoor spaces in the metro area, the North Atlanta Trade Center.This is a venue that has hosted several large-scale festivals and fairs, it boasts its size at 120,000 square feet, and in fact, judging from the flurry of activity in Facebook and Twitter, the promoters were counting for the event to be sold out.

As expected, the crowd outside numbered in the several hundreds. I got to the NATC at around midnight, the venue’s parking lot was quickly running out of spaces and the two lines of people curled around the two sides of building.

The lone ticket processor working the door at the Tiesto show

Once I was able to walk up to the door, however, I quickly realized that the hold-up was not due to the massive amounts of people waiting to get in. I noticed the two lines where being funneled into the lobby of the building, where one staffer working on one laptop, painstakingly scanned each credit card to verify the ticket-holders right to entry.

People had been waiting for hours and were going restless. The crowd broke into chants of “What the fuck? What the fuck?” or “bullshit! bullshit!” and the most dangerous of them all, “rush the door.” (more…)

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Back in the early years of the decade, when electronic music was still conceptualized as a dude (or girl) twisting knobs and pushing buttons on a few MIDI controllers, Tortured Soul emerged to reproduce the same sounds and effects using live instrumentation. Fast forward a half-dozen years or so and Tortured Soul have no doubt become synonymous with live house music, playing in a style that has been adopted by other bands (their borough neighbors Chin Chin come to mind).

Keeping it to the basics (drums, bass, keys), TS plays their soulful songs continuously, never dropping the beat and assuring the four-to-the-flour vibes keep you on the dance floor. The trio return to Apache Cafe Saturday night in support of their latest full length, Did You Miss Me, of which, a handful of tracks have already seen remixes from the likes of Dimitri From Paris. DJ Mike Zarin will keep it interesting on the decks prior to the show.

Listen to the premier episode of their Tortured Soulcast: podcast.

Tortured Soul $10. 9 p.m. Apache Cafe. 404-876-5436. www.apachecafe.info.

(Photo courtesy Tortured Soul)

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iPhone photos rule supremes

I hadn’t heard Mayer Hawthorne’s stuff until I downloaded the one of the most recent podcasts from KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”

“I like your style, man” said the host, Jason Bentley. “Aw man,” said a young, subtle voice, with appreciation. The sounds that followed were not at all congruent with what I’m used to hearing from Stone’s Throw records – the epitome of an underground hip-hop label.

Conveniently, I learned via Twitter that Mayer Hawthorne and the County would be headlining last night at the Drunken Unicorn. So what the hell, I thought, let’s go.

Bentley was right, dude has style. Dressed in a V cashmere sweater, tie, slacks, and reading glasses, this Ann Arbor, Michigan native was on a one-man mission to bring some love to the ATL. Each song is an original piece (save for a few covers) that emulates the best of Motown’s heyday standards. Hawthorne channels a great mid seventies soul-vibe through a neo-romantic tip. Hipster love tunes if you will, but done with taste and in earnest.

Though the set-list was short, (his debut runs 12 songs long), Hawthorne kept the crowd engaged, and offered some variations – dubbing it down for “Green Eyed Love”– and covers, doing a choice rendition of the Isley Brother’s “Work to do.”

Hawthorne brought the love, and from the looks of it (via his Twitter feed), Atlanta responded in stride.

I cannot BELIEVE how hype Atlanta was last night. Totally blew me away! Possibly the best crowd of the tour! Thank you ATL!

(Photo by Molly Egan)

After the jump, see Mayer Hawthorne performing on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic”.
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THIEVERY CORPORATION: $36. 8 p.m. Sun., Oct. 11. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. 404-659-9022. www.livenation.com.

The current global economic climate serves as the perfect backdrop to Thievery Corporation’s evolution from a DJ/production outfit into a world-music collective with a loud voice of dissent, capped by the release of last year’s Radio Retaliation.

“Vampires,” the group’s collaboration with Afrobeat singer and band leader Femi Kuti, is a metaphorical indictment of the bête noire of international activists, the International Monetary Fund. “You live on the blood of my people/Everyone knows you’ve come to steal/You come like the thieves in the night/The whole world is ready to fight.”

The rest of the album furthers Thievery Corporation’s affinity for world musicians, continuing what has become its signature production style of incorporating non-Western instruments and composing in distinct, non-Western harmonies, laced over head-nodding, boom-bap beats.

Continue reading “Thievery Corporation emerges as a strong, independent voice of dissent”

Download “The Shining Path” – from Radio Retaliation.

(Photo courtesy Fresh Clean media)

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Tonight’s show at Filter Nightclub has been postponed due to Migs coming down with a bad case of the flu.

Details after the jump.
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If there’s any doubt that San Francisco has become bedrock for quality deep, sexy house music, look no further than the leader of the neo-soul movement, Miguel Migs. The Santa Cruz, California native has developed a polished style of production that serves as foundation for some of the most intricate and musically rich dance numbers to hit the decks.

Migs has established his name for being both a quality producer and top-notch DJ working with the Naked Music crew as well as the Om Records family. Friday night he brings his magic to the podium at Filter (formerly the Mark) just as his new mix CD, Get Salted Volume 2 hits store shelves and download outlets.

Building on the soulful vibe of the first installment of the series –both of which were released in his own imprint, Salted Music– Migs laces tracks from artists currently in heavy rotation across DJ sets (Jay-J, Fred Everything, Joe Pompeo, as well as a handful of his own rerubs and original productions. The whole album is a smooth listen from start to finish, as Migs has been a champion of music suitable for both headphones and dance floors. Don’t sleep on this one Atlanta.

After the jump, stream Get Salted  Volume 2 – Mixed by Miguel Migs.

Miguel Migs w/ Rachel Pryor in the lounge. $15. 10 p.m. Friday Oct. 2. Filter Nightclub. 79 Poplar Street. www.filteratlanta.com.

(Photo courtesy Salted Music)

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If you made the mistake, as I did, of assuming you’d be able to get tickets a few weeks prior to the Phoenix show at the Variety Playhouse Wednesday, you’d be crying in your cereal – the thing got sold out a full 30 days in advance. Fortunately for you, the good people at Criminal Records keep their booking fingers busy and have for you a Phoenix in-store Wednesday at noon. Do yourself a favor and stop by.

And if it’s any consolation, here’s an mp3 of the Neighbours Remix of “Rome,” from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, featuring Devendra Banhart:

Phoenix, “Rome (Neighbours Remix f. Devendra Banhart) [via the Fader]

(Photo courtesy Glass Note Music)

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Best of Atlanta goes live tomorrow out now!, but because we know you can’t wait, we’ll offer up some teasers. We’re running through a few of the most popular categories readers voted on and see if you can guess who/what won. You can also guess on what’s the best free thing to do in Atlanta,  or who has the best bar food.

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Maybe it’s all the talk about coming back (see Mob, Goodie), or maybe it’s simply a matter of Atlanta solidifying its place as a destination for top DJs, but San Francisco/Chicago house legend Mark Farina returns a mere three months after a memorable night at what used to be called the Mark. Same venue, new name for Friday’s (9/18) party, as the Mushroom Jazz maestro graces the decks and effects once again.

Direct from Buenos Aires, Dilo will keep things interesting in the upstairs lounge. Local faves Kevin O and Mike Zarin will start things off.

Mark Farina spins Fri. Sept. 18 with Dilo, Kevin O and Mike Zarin. $10-15 10 p.m. Filter, 79 Poplar Street.

After the jump, the Mark’s Pablo Henderson interviews Mark farina after his set in June.

(Photo by Matt Miller)

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While on tour in Philadelphia, thieves broke into Atlanta-based Satellite District’s van and made out with about $14,000 worth of equipment, according to lead guitarist Yul Gomez.

“We don’t even have a guitar pick,” he wrote in an email.

One of the few bilingual acts based in Atlanta, the band was on the first legs of a multi-city tour throughout the North and South East to promote its new material, but the unfortunate turn of events have threatened the continuation of the tour.

“Many local bands in have come to our rescue by offering their gear to play some of our shows,” read a post on their Myspace page. “Even some of the ones we are playing with offered their share of pay for us.”

Tomorrow’s show at the Drunken Unicorn is now being billed as fundraiser for the band, who’ll play using equipment borrowed from fellow headliners Attention System and Promise December.

Their debut EP, New World, was self-released in September of last year and is available through iTunes.

Download: “New World”

Satellite District, Attention System and Promise December Fri. Aug. 21. $5-$7. 9:30 p.m. The Drunken Unicorn. 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net

(Photo courtesy Satellite District)

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MSTRKRFT’s new album, Fist of God, (which borrows its name from a 1994 novel by Frederick Forsyth) mixes up several genres to produce a head-pounding, synthesizer-infused record. Inviting several lyricists from hip-hop’s rugged corners (Freeway, Ghostface, E-40, N.O.R.E.), as well as some R&B crooners (John Legend, Lil’ Mo), the Canadian duo laces hard electro beats, distorted synths, baselines, and some reverbed guitar slashes over 11 continuously mixed tracks. The results are somewhat to be expected, but not at all impressive: At times, the MCs sound like a looped sample forced over the track, as the multiple layers overwhelm their delivery. That’s not to say that the record lacks energy, there’s an element of arena rock arrangements in the drum programming and guitar solos (which also borrow from the Daft Punk signature sound). Essentially, this record is meant for the dance floor, as the sound effects become overbearing and gimmicky after a while. 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Bacardi B-Live featuring MSTRKRFT, A-TRAK, MATT AND KIM. Free with RSVP to www.bacardi.com/blive. 10 p.m. Fri., July 3. Opera, 1150 Peachtree St. #B. 404-874-0428. www.operaatlanta.com.

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A small crowd danced to Michael Jackson hits on the northwest corner of Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta.

CL’s photos and video page.

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If you haven’t heard the news that the King of Pop has passed by now, you’re a zombie and should’ve been cast for the “Thriller” video. With fans all over expressing their grief, don’t bet against it, DJs will be spinning Michael Jackson records all weekend long.

Also, people are organizing tributes and vigils. Below are some of the updates we’ve seen, we’ll add more as they come across our screen. Know of any others? Send them our way, or post a comment below.

Monday June 29th

>> Gone Live Productions and Tresfunk host a MJ tribute at Cinema 12 theater at South Dekalb Mall.

Tuesday June 30th

>> Sol Fusion and Friends will host an MJ tribute at Opera nightclub.

>> Not an event, but a freebie, ATL2nite.com is giving away a free download of Michael Jackson’s “Soulful Years” by DJ Jaycee.

Friday July 3d

>> The 595 North Lounge hosts an all-MJ party, with proceeds going to Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry.

Saturday July 4th

>> Michael Jackson dance party at Eyedrum, 9 p.m. Free; donations accepted.

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Legendary DJ and producer Mark Farina returns to Atlanta for an extended set of classic Chicago style house, with a contemporary San Francisco neo-soul vibe. Known for both the down-tempo Mushroom Jazz series and the House of OM releases, his track selection is big in bridging the acid ranges of house with a deep and jazzy atmosphere – and he’s willing to drop the needle on a hip-hop record or two.

Watch the man in action at the Las Vegas Love Festival 2009.

Mike Zarin former host of the long-running house music show on WRAS, Houseworks, will be opening up and word is Farina will spin an extended set from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Atlanta, don’t sleep on this one.

$15 pre-sale 10 p.m. The Mark Ultralounge, 79 Poplar St. 678-904-0050. themarkatlanta.com

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Here’s further evidence that the electronic music scene in Atlanta is surging. Nic Fanciulli, who’s held residencies at Space, the renowned Miami night club, and at Ibiza, the electronic music Mecca, will hold the decks at the Mark Ultra Lounge tonight, promoting his latest release with the famed UK label, Global Underground.

The release, simply titled Global Underground: Nic Fanciulli, is the first in what seems to be a new series of DJ-focused discs put out by GU. Those of you familiar with the GU imprint would know that’s hardly new broken ground. Their original GU series, currently at 36 releases from the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, John Digweed, Adam Freeland, Nick Warren, Felix da Housecat, et al, has defined the label as top choice for yearly electronic goodness.

This new release doesn’t necessarily present a new direction in sound, but rather adds the newcomer to the extensive GU catalog. Fanciulli’s particular blend of electronic music tends to be on the tech-prog house range, which is essentially what you’ll find on the two-disc release, and what he’ll be spinning tonight.

Tickets are $15 on pre-sale, available through Wantickets.com.

After the jump, listen to Fanciulli’s remix of Mark Broom’s “Jackpot Inc”.

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As promised, the iTunes music store has switched to a variable pricing model, where the more popular tracks are $1.29, others remain at $0.99, and back catalog files are now $0.69. All songs are also DRM-free, but as noted in Wired’s Epicenter blog, this pricing change doesn’t address a shift in consumer’s behavior:

Although new prices will be a step in the right direction for many iTunes customers, they are a superficial fix for iTunes’ real threat: that most consumers and even some artists think 69 cents per track is far too dear.
According to Nielsen SoundScan, paid downloads growth slowed last year, increasing 27 percent in 2008, where it increased 45 percent in 2007. Meanwhile, free streaming services accessed through web browsers and mobile apps are growing in popularity. Apple and the labels raising the prices 30 percent on popular songs and dropping them 30 percent on back catalog tracks won’t help them compete with shifting consumer behavior.

With devices like the iPhone as well as other stream-ready cell phones and web-based services like Pandora, Last.fm and others, it’s easy to see how this pricing change could pass unnoticed and/or not make a siginificant impact in music sale figures.

It’s also worth noting that the Amazon mp3 store remains at $0.99 per track.

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Whoever thought Monday was an off night missed last night’s show at the Earl. The British lads from Late of the Pier, the Whip (see photo above), and the New York-based Hearts of Darknesses blazed through three-plus hours of razor-sharp synth lines and punk-infused electro, giving those packed tight in front of the stage a perfect excuse to thrash and dance on a school night.

See complete PHOTO GALLERY of the show.

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A funny thing happened to electro on its way out: Bands started to play it, as in with instruments and stuff, added some punk swagger, embedded a catchy hook and a few loops, and now the crowd can’t get enough. Tonight you have two absolutely brilliant shows to bring your A dancing game to for razor-sharp synth lines and four-to-the-floor beats.

In case you missed last Thursday’s amazing Cut Copy show at the Masquerade, you’ll get a chance at redemption with the Presets. Bringing an edgier, harder sound than their fellow countrymen, this Sydney-based punk/dance duo will kick your ass as you shake it. Last time through Atlanta they paired up with their fellow Aussies, but this time around they headline; here they are playing “Yippiyo Ya” during last year’s show:

Mr. Preston Craig will rock the decks ‘n effex before the main show, setting the mood right.

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