Mixtape Atlanta

X-Mix 2014 Remix

Mixtape Atlanta's annual X-Mix benefiting Songs for Kids Foundation was held on Saturday, December 6 at Vinyl. This year's theme took a break from previous holiday movies themes to make the holidays a little more neon and bright focusing on the best of 1980s music and original pop acts.

Local rockers Goldwing got the night started with a set featuring their own tunes as well as an impressive cover of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time." Whynatte co-founder Jesse Altman was also in attendance for his annual X-Mix toast complete with delicious Santa Little's Helper shoots for the audience.

Aerobics Cube performed two short sets to keep the audience warmed-up throughout the night, including the first live performance of their "Wrecking Ball" parody "Kettlebell" and closing with a Shake Weight choreographed version of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off."

Nashville's The Love Willows had everyone on the dance floor with their new songs as well as throwbacks like "Falling Faster" and "Strut My Stuff." The duo also dazzled on a cover to "Video Killed the Radio Star" and a sultry "Santa Baby."

James Hall returned to the X-Mix stage to perform with a super group of Atlanta talent. He showcased some new material off his recently released solo album and ended his set with his original holiday song "Last of the Year."

The night's headliners Electric Avenue not only rocked the casbah, but the entire room. The outrageously talented gents had everyone footloose and energized.

Get your photo booth photos here and be sure to follow the above bands for current tour dates.

The Nightmare Before X-Mix Lineup

No reason to fear Friday the 13th, because this year's X-Mix lineup is here!

For Mixtape Atlanta's 5th annual X-Mix holiday extravaganza we are adding some haunt to your holidays.

Join us Friday, December 13 at Vinyl to rock, party, and jingle at The Nightmare Before X-Mix sponsored by Whynatte and Soundbyte. Like every year, all proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation. Songs for Kids is an amazing organization that in 2013 alone has visited more than 200 hospitals in 180 US cities bringing music and joy to sick children and their families.

Headlining X-Mix this year is Atlanta rock icon, James Hall, who in not only a longtime supporter of Songs for Kids, but the only artist to play X-Mix every year. One of our favorite new bands, The Electric Sons are bringing their festive indie/ electric music. Wesley Cook another amazing Songs for Kids supporter and talented popular songwriter will perform. 1980s workout group, Aerobics Cube is returning to get heart rates racing and shake weight's shaking with their unique take on dancing and decking the halls. Singer/ Songwriters Mel Washington and Yosef are both making the trip from South Carolina to perform, which will be a treat for all. The fellas from Yacht Rock Revue, longtime Songs for Kids supporters and X-Mix veterans, will also be making a special appearance.

Cover is $10; doors open at 8pm and music starts at 9pm. There will also be a themed Mixtape Atlanta Photo Booth and a special late night DJ set.

Keep checking back for more X-Mix details and announcements.

The Gift of Song

Since the start of Mixtape Atlanta's annual holiday show X-Mix, we have been extremely blessed to have the participation of James Hall and The Futura Bold every year in some form. To keep things festive, we always ask X-Mix performers to play at least one holiday song. Last year the real treat was having James Hall create his own and perform it onstage with various Atlanta musicians, including members of The Futura Bold.

Although we can't wait to see the full band onstage again at Smith's Olde Bar on December 8, The Futura Bold have recorded the song Hall debuted last year at X-Mix! We could not be more honored to premiere and release the original holiday song, "Last of the Year," right here on Mixtape Atlanta. You all can thank the band for making it free.

Free download "Last of the Year" here!

Don't miss The Futura Bold onstage for X-Mix 2012 at Smith's Olde Bar on December 8 with The District Attorneys, Aerobics Cube, Rick Brantley, Lauren St. Jane, and Carly Kane. Purchase advanced tickets here! All proceeds from X-Mix benefit Songs For Kids Foundation. The Futura Bold are also huge supporters of Songs For Kids and every year have performed some of the most memorable performances at the foundation's annual benefit, 500 Songs For Kids.

Check out two of our favorite 500 Songs performances from The Futura Bold below.

X-Mix 2012 Revealed

Don't stay home alone on Saturday, December 8. Party with us at Smith's Olde Bar for X-Mix 2012! Mixtape Atlanta's annual holiday bash is returning for the fourth year and we are extremely excited about this year's line-up.

Atlanta rock bands The Futura Bold and The District Attorneys will headline this year with "warm-up" support from the spandex clad Aerobics Cube. Rick Brantley, Lauren St. Jane, and Carly Kane will also be performing special holiday selections.

Cover is $10 plus two cans; all proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation and the canned goods are being collected for Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Doors are at 9PM and the fun starts at 9:30PM with a festive Whynatte toast! We are thrilled to have our favorite local, latte pusher joining us again as the sponsor of this event. Also, don't forget to take your photo in the Mixtape Atlanta photo booth to capture all of the night's fun.

Purchase tickets here!

X-Mix 2011 Wrap-Up

Mixtape Atlanta's third annual holiday party X-Mix was a Motherfluffin' success thanks to sponsor Whynatte, entertaining musical acts, and a room of party people at Star Bar! Whynatte got the party started in festive fashion by supplying Motherfluffer shots to the entire venue and a celebratory toast led by Whynatte co-founder Jesse Altman.

Lauren St. Jane and the Dead Westerns got the dance floor warmed up with their infectious country and rock original songs. Ben Deignan followed with an acoustic set featuring some of his popular songs as well as creative covers. Songs for Kids Foundation founder Josh Rifkind stopped by for his annual rendetition of "The Hanukkah Song" with a few lyric updates.

Aerobics Cube led the audience in some holiday inspired dance workout moves with their special Christmas song only set, including the creative "playing" of jingle Shake Weights. The newly formed super group of Bruce Butkovich (The Futura Bold), Chris Cox (The Greater Vavoom), Jade Lemons (Injected), and Rob Hammersmith (Skid Row) gave the audience a preview of their new band and songs. James Hall made his third straight performance at X-Mix with an original sing-along holiday song, he recently wrote for the occasion.

Wolves closed the live music section of the night on a high note and they were the perfect kick-off to the night long dance party that lasted well into the early morning.

Check out photos of all the music acts and fun, here. Pick up your Motherfluffer photo booth photos, here.

Special thanks to everyone that made X-Mix 2011 such a great success. Mostly importantly, thank you all for donating to Toys for Tots and Songs for Kids Foundation.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like X-Mix

This year we are dreaming of a White X-Mix for Mixtape Atlanta's third annual holiday showcase at Star Bar on December 17. Inspired by the classic holiday film, Star Bar will be transformed into a winter wonderland with snow and fluffy goodness. Speaking of fluffy goodness, this year X-Mix will serve as the launch of Whynatte's newest shot- Motherfluffer, a combination of Pinnacle Marshmallow vodka and the local latte beverage. Don't forget to get your photo taken downstairs at the Mixtape Atlanta and Whynatte Motherfluffer photo booth, where there will be a special guest. Whynatte will also be starting the party right with a festive Motherfluffer toast to all of Star Bar at 9:30PM, so don't be late.

Doors for X-Mix open at 9PM and the music will start immediately following Whynatte's toast. This year, we couldn't be more excited about the immensely talented and entertaining artists gracing the X-Mix stage.

Lauren St. Jane and The Dead Westerns have had an amazing 2011 with appearances across the country to local shows at Smith's Olde Bar and Vinyl, and this will mark the trio's first appearance at Star Bar.

From a live DVD release earlier this year to performing at Peachtree Music Festival as well as performances at diverse venues across Atlanta, Ben Deignan continues to draw a crowd and new fans with his soulful mixture of rock, pop, and funk.

Aerobics Cube will be performing an exclusive mix of holiday songs in their unique aerobic, 80s workout, Jane Fonda approved style. The X-Mix stage will also host the premiere of a new super group featuring some of Atlanta's most talented and respected musicians including, Bruce Butkovich (The Futura Bold), Chris Cox (The Greater Vavoom), Jade Lemons (Injected), and Rob Hammersmith (Skid Row). Wolves will closeout the evening with their headlining set of danceable pop, rock, electric songs. Mixtape Atlanta is also very excited to have James Hall stop by for the third year in a row for a special performance.

Don't miss X-Mix 2011 on December 17 at Star Bar in Little Five Points. Doors open at 9PM; music and merriment starts at 9:30PM. The upstairs of Star Bar will also be NON-SMOKING for this event. Cover is $10 donation or $5 with a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. All proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation.

They Will Rock You

Every year 500 Songs for Kids brings out amazing talent to perform a song off of their predetermined countdown. This year, Songs for Kids will be counting down the 500 Greatest Feel Good Songs of All Time. Last year, the theme was the 500 Most Passionate Songs of All Time and one of the most passionate performances was from James Hall and The Futura Bold. Joined by Corinne Lee, these talented musicians put their all into performing two of rock's most notable anthems, Queen's "We Are the Champions" and "We Will Rock You."

With only eight days left, don't forget to get your tickets for 500 Songs for Kids 2011 at Smith's Olde Bar from April 28-May 7.

James Hall & The Futura Bold w/ Corinne Lee at 500 Songs for Kids 2010 from Mixtape Atlanta on Vimeo.

X-Mix Vacation 2010

Saturday, December 18, Mixtape Atlanta returned to Star Bar for their annual holiday charity showcase, X-Mix. All proceeds from the event benefited Songs for Kids Foundation, raising more money than last year. Several barrels of toys were also collected for Toys for Tots. Partiers sipped on Whynatte drink specials (such as Gingerbread Man and Why-nog-tte), nibbled on Sugarbuzz Cupcakes, and cooled off throughout the night with King of Pops popsicles.

2010’s theme was based on the popular holiday film Christmas Vacation and “X-Mix Vacation” kicked off in grand fashion. Yacht Rock Revue made a special appearance to lead the crowd in Christmas carols and light the X-Mix stage, with drum roll and all. Young Orchids then took the stage and really got the crowd fired up. Playing just as a trio, Young Orchids kept their edgy rock hits flowing and the dueling guitars roaring. In between sets Yacht Rock returned for a special performance of the Saturday Night Live classic, “D*ck in a Box,” made popular by Justin Timberlake and Andy Sandberg.

While the upstairs revelry and rock continued, downstairs partiers crowed in to buy King of Pops popsicles and take their photo in the Mixtape Atlanta photo booth. Get your photo and check out the photo booth fun, here.

Trances Arc headlined X-Mix’s talented showcase and it was one of their most energetic performances to date. The packed house, filled with devoted fans as well as first time Trances Arc listeners, never stopped dancing or singing along. After their set, the band was greeted by impressed concert goers and new fans gobbled up Trances merchandise.

Local music legend James Hall closed out the live performances as only he could. Being the only musicians who have performed back-to-back years, James Hall and Corinne Lee performed several songs, before James returned to the stage with The Futura Bold. The Futura Bold, who have been on a hot streak of popular shows, strengthened the crowd’s energy even more. Even after the live music wrapped the party kept hopping, thanks to DJ Jack Frost and his mix of surefire dance hits.

Check out all the fun and madness of the upstairs performances and crowd, here.

The Futura Bold Returns to Smith's

Mixtape Atlanta has already chosen a contest winner, but cover is only $12 at the door. Don't forget! First 50 paying concert goers get a FREE drink and a 50% discount on The Futura Bold's new self-titled album!

On November 5, James Hall and The Futura Bold return to Smith's Olde Bar for one of their dynamic live shows; Abby GoGo and Ghost Party fill out the bill. As if these three exciting bands were not a big enough reason to attend, the first 50 paying concert goers get a FREE drink and a 50% discount on The Futura Bold's new self-titled album. Yes, you read correctly, that is The Futura Bold LP- one of the best records of 2010- for only $5! With the holidays around the corner, snatch up several for gifts.

Mixtape Atlanta is also in the giving spirit and wants to give one lucky winner the ultimate Futura Bold prize: a pair of tickets to the show, The Futura Bold CD, and a Futura Bold t-shirt. Email [email protected] for your chance to win. The winner will be notified on November 4.

 

Night 10- We Will Rock You

The final night of 500 Songs for Kids came to a close Saturday, May 8 with a long list of powerhouse performances. Death on Two Wheels was one of the first bands to perform with The Beatles classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band." Songs for Kids Foundation members Josh Rifkind, Sanjay Kothari, and Justin Kerenyi grabbed guitars to rock out to Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (to Party!)." Talented guitar wizard Ryan Waters led his band Ill to a stunning rendition of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again." Athens experimental rockers Reptar grabbed the audience's attention with their energetic cover of New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle." Peter Stroud, Tim Smith, and Kevin Spencer channeled English rockers Yes to perform "I've Seen All Good People." Legendary Bluesman Herman Hitson returned for the 500 Songs for Kids stage for the second time this year to perform The Troggs' "Wild Thing." Local favorites Ponderosa performed Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" with as much passion and confidence as if it were their own. James Hall & The Futura Bold got the crowd rocking with the ultimate mashup of stadium anthems, "We Are The Champions/ We Will Rock You." After being assigned "Fight the Power" last year, the always inventive Modern Skirts added more edge and funky pop to Madonna's "Like A Virgin." Trances Arc successfully mastered one of the most critiqued covers Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Songwriting icon Angie Aparo performed the classic "Imagine" by John Lennon.

Check out all of Night 10's photos! View all of Mixtape Atlanta's Songs for Kids coverage at MixtapeAtlanta.com/500-Songs-for-Kids.

Night 1- Hot Hot Hot

Night One of 500 Songs for Kids 2010 began with a strong audience turnout and a plethora of inventive performances. Artists covered songs 500-451 off of the list of 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time. The Futura Bold's Bruce Butkovich brought along talented friends James Hall and members of Renegade Jane to help him perform a stripped down yet passionate version of Asia's "Heat of The Moment." Bruce and Renegade Jane joined forces again later in the night as the rockers added a twist to M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." Acoustic solo artist Jeremy Aggers' comedic version of Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It" had the crowd laughing and singing along. Quench's energetic cover of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" was spot on and amped the rock quota for the evening. Rantings of Eva's assignment of Radiohead's "Karma Police" was no easy chore, but they did the song proud. Two of the night most amazing performances were last. Marshall Ruffin's cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Smoke Stack Lighting" was blues perfection and Nikki Wade mixed her own unique style with Lady Gaga's to get everyone dancing to the pop star's hit "Poker Face." Check out all of Night One photos here!

Causing Trouble

Pop Death Squad has done a solid job of creating the third Thursday of every month as a must-do in the Atlanta music scene by hosting Big Trouble in Little Five at Star Bar. The show is free (one incentive), draws a good crowd (another plus), and features bands that people in the industry and out genuinely want to see (selling point). A great example of this musical promotion hurricane was the bill on February 18.

Lera Lynn and The Wandas warmed the stage and the crowd for two Atlanta favorites and standouts. The Aristocrats, featuring James Hall, Darren Dodd, and Dropsonic's Dan Dixon and Dave Chase, played a short but powerful set of new music by a true super group. James Hall, who might as well have a bronze statue of himself outside Star Bar, proved why he is rightfully called a rock star. His wild yet controlled performance of belting, harmonica playing, dancing, and ripping down light gels, silenced most of the talkative crowd. Being the consummate performer he is, when finished he calmly took a bow, replaced the light gel, and retreated to the crowd to watch the next act.

Ponderosa was next and did not disappoint. The band, comprised of Atlanta music veterans, illustrated why they have such a devoted following. Playing familiar and brand new songs, Ponderosa solidified much of the hype that has surrounded them for the past few years; they are a talented group with a classic sound but modern appeal. They can chug a pitcher of beer onstage but not miss a chord or waver on harmony, and that makes them a rock band you don’t want to miss but most importantly-like all the greats- party with.

Check out more photos from The Aristocrats and Ponderosa, here.

Stay tuned to see what tricks the Pop Death Squad team has in store for March's Big Trouble in Little Five on March 18.

Kim Burdges

Be Bold

James Hall and The Futura Bold have been carefully crafting their sound for years, and their eagerly anticipated debut will be available early 2010. Get a sneak-peek of their sound and tracks this Friday at The Earl. Dirty Pollyanna and Corinne Lee (from Snowden) are also on the bill. Mixtape Atlanta wants to make sure you don't miss out on this dynamic night of local music superstars, so we are getting you and a friend on the list! We are giving away a coveted spot on The Futura Bold's guest list as well as their yet to be released single "Euro Skank." To win a spot for you and a friend on the list and their new song, Twitter "I'm a Euro Skank for @thefuturabold & @mixtapeatlanta." Winner will be notified Friday.

In the meantime, check out The Futura Bold's latest single "Consenting Adults."

Consenting Adults

July 4th Weekend Concert Lineup

FRIDAY JULY 3:
Matt & Kim: Hipsters unite at Opera for a night of great music that will give the dance floor a work out. Headliners Matt & Kim will be joined by electronic maestros MSTRKRFT and DJ A-Trak. The Barcardi sponsored event is free as long as you RSVP HERE!

Snowden: Atlanta’s Snowden fronts the bill for another show honoring The Earl’s 10th Anniversary. The local indie-rock band will be supported by Sealions and Abby Go Go. Get your Earl tickets here!

JULY 3 AND 4:
Whynatte presents two back to back nights of great music and prizes at Smith’s Olde Bar. Judi Chicago, Noot D’Noot, and Black Dominoes will provide the beats for a weekend of fun and dancing. The first 100 people of age in the door every night receive free Whynatte shots. Buy your tickets now to qualify for the drawing of prizes including case of Whynatte, artist merchandise and Smith vouchers. Check out Mixtape Atlanta's interview with Judi Chicago. 

JULY 4:

Yacht Rock: Relax after a long day at the Peachtree Road Race with the smooth jams of Yacht Rock Revue. Enjoy the free show starting at 8PM.

Big 4th in Little 5: The day’s most explosive lineup will be at Star Bar for Big 4th in Little 5. James Hall, The Constellations, Death on Two Wheels, Whiskey Gentry and many more are scheduled to perform. The event kicks off at 4PM with an indoor and outdoor stage. Admission is $5 before 8PM and $8 after 8PM.