Big Star frontman Alex Chilton Dies at 59

Alex Chilton, pop-icon member of the Box Tops and Big Star, passed away Wednesday at a hospital in New Orleans. A musical influence on bands such as The Replacements and REM, Chilton and Big Star were scheduled for a rare performance at SXSW this weekend.

Everyone from The Bangles to Wilco covered Chilton’s songs. His career began in the ’60s with The Box Tops and carried on into the ’70s with Big Star, followed by a resurgence in the ’90s after Big Star’s “In the Street” was used as the theme song for “That 70′s Show.”

Alex Chilton was 59. He is survived by his wife and son.

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Malissa Sole of 4th Ward Heroes

For our final edition of the TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A we spoke with the one and only, Malissa Sole. Lady-in-charge at 4th Ward Heroes, manager for the Mermaids, supporter of all things local.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW; according to Google maps the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

I’m flying out with friends. We’d never get out there in peace (or in one piece) if we drove out there. We’d end up picking up hitch hikers, wayward souls, guitar playing vagabonds, etc. That being said, I never fly without my shuffle, but I am so not telling you what’s on it. … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Brian Knott, founder of The A3C Hip Hop Festival

Brian Knott, founder of the A3C Hip Hop Festival , officially announced today that the three-day festival would be held October 7-10, 2010 at multiple venues in the East Atlanta Village. With over 100 A3C performers heading to Austin for SXSW, we decided to ask Brian a couple questions.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

For the first time ever I am flying to Austin (yes, flying, aren’t I so very big time finally). I am lucky enough this year while I am out there pushing the A3C hip Hop Festival to also be doing some work blogging about the hip-hop showcases for a company called LP33.tv who is the official blog partner of SXSW. So I am actually getting to fly, have a badge, and sleep some place other than the floor while I am out there. Life is good. As far as a music mix goes, I set up this killer mix of hip-hop stars gone movie/TVactors for the flight, it has Ice T, Ice Cube, Method Man, Redman, Will Smith, Tone Loc, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Ludacris, and Queen Latifa. I know there are more but I only picked artists who’s movies/TV shows didn’t suck. … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Favorite Gentlemen’s Jeremiah Edmond

Ticket Alternative is partnering with indie record label Favorite Gentlemen for a SXSW showcase at the Belmont in Austin, TX on Thursday, March 18. AMG sent Favorite Gentlemen president Jeremiah Edmond the SXSW ’10 Q & A. This is what he said.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

This year is different in that this is the first year I am attending only from the label side of things (Favorite Gentlemen) and not as an artist. That means I am not making my way out to Austin while already on tour OR making the long drive straight there and back. That changes the choice of travel music for sure.

• Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak
• Jay-Z – Black Album
• My Morning Jacket – Z

• Collective Efforts - Trail Mix
• Wiz Khalifa – Burn After Rolling
• Meth, Ghost & Rae – Avenging The Eagle … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A: Hunter Morris of Gift Horse

As the music community starts packing their bags and loading their iPods for the road trip (or flights) to SXSW, a couple of us holding down the fort at home want to know (so we can live vicariously) how our friends prep for, and who they’re hoping to see at, SXSW 2010.

AMG caught up with Gift Horse front man Hunter Morris, as the band gets ready to perform at handful of shows at SXSW, including the 40 Watt Showcase with Dead Confederate, Futurebirds, The Whigs and many more.

Hunter Morris (vocals, keys) of Gift Horse (Athens, GA)

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

(You) can never go wrong with the Glands’ record in the van. Also Patton Oswalt. And we always keep our friend’s bands in rotation, but I can’t say enough good things about Twin Tigers new record “Gray Waves.”

Fast food, gas station snacks, local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Smothered, covered, capped, and peppered. Or Cafe Risque!

There is a band playing at every venue, bar and BBQ joint in Austin – who are you most excited to see?

Motörhead is playing this year, right?

For a full list of Gift Horse performances at SXSW, and the upcoming release of Mountain of Youth please visit www.myspace.com/gifthorsetheband

The TA Live SXSW Q & A with Trae Vedder of Death On Two Wheels

We’re always happy when bands we love start making the transition from local band to touring band to signed band. Atlanta’s Death On Two Wheels has made those transitions. Recently signed to Favorite Gentlemen (Manchester Orchestra, All Get Out, Kevin Devin), Death On Two Wheels has had a rather enjoyable ride. As the lads prep for an exciting week of music in Austin, we sent our SXSW Q & A to DO2W front man, Trae Vedder.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

The Whigs – Mission Control
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Soundtrack

Fast food, gas station snacks, local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Pilot & Loves.
Preferably the ones with Subways and McDonalds. We never refill our sweet tea at different locations. … Continue Reading

Ticket Alternative Pairs Up with Indie Record Label Favorite Gentlemen for Party at SXSW!

We have paired up with one of the coolest indie labels around, Favorite Gentlemen, for an incredible party during the crazy festivities surrounding SXSW. This isn’t an official SXSW party though, so don’t worry if you don’t have a pass – just RSVP so we know how many people to expect, and so we can send you updates on all the goodies we will have in store.

The party will be taking place Thursday, March 18 at The Belmont in Austin, Texas (of course), and you can check out the bands playing by entering your email address with the folks at NoiseTrade. We’ll also be treating everyone to drink specials and giveaways … Continue Reading