Today we were in an extra-specially good Friday mood. There’s a certain big game on this weekend, and to celebrate, we built our first ever Snack Stadium – and it was epic! We present a short video documenting this momentous task, with a excellent soundtrack to boot, courtesy of Journey. Enjoy!
By Amanda Miles
Nashville roots-rocker Will Hoge has a knack for illustrating tales of sorrow, joy and triumph in his music. His latest album, Number Seven, is no exception. A follow up to 2009’s powerful The Wreckage, Number Seven examines the human conditions of love, loss, betrayal and grief. It seems seven just may be Will’s lucky number. Named in honor of his seventh studio album, the first single is garnering interest on a national stage. The debut single, “When I Get My Wings”, was inspired by an obituary Will stumbled across detailing a beautiful fifty year marriage. The heart wrenching Memphis-soul inspired video is receiving regular rotation on CMT. Will was excited to discuss his latest project with Ticket Alternative.
Tell me about the writing and recording of Number Seven.
I write constantly so that just is a never ending process. The record really started as a series of demos, we had about four songs we wanted to try. We start recording at my house, in the basement. We started with that and literally, that weekend, we found out the studio across town opened up and a friend of mine who had engineered the last few records was available to come work with us in the studio. The next thing you know, we are back in the studio working on songs. It sort of fell together.
Seriously, how does a white guy from Nashville, TN end up with so much soul?
(Laughter) Maybe we should ask my mom if there is a story there.
Growing up, who would you say has influenced you musically?
My old man was a musician in a post Beatles invasion era, where everyone started a band. He still has this incredible record collection. I spent my formative years when everyone was listening to Poison and Motley Crue on a steady vinyl diet of the Temptations, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Otis Redding…that sort of era of classic rock/vinyl is what I go back to a lot of times. It’s what I grew up on.
Do you have a song from Number Seven you are most connected to?
There’s a few. The song “Trying To Be A Man” is one that I always come back to. It was a scratch vocal take that we did just as a demo. Something about it just was right. We tried three of four other times to record it and make it quote “better” but it just never had that same effect.
We brought Vince Gill in to play guitar. He brought a whole new element of emotion to the song. He has been an inspiration and a hero to me musically so that was one that is very special.
Speaking of Vince, he introduced you and played with you on your debut at the Grand Ole Opry. What was that experience like?
It was really….I know magical is an overused term but it really was magical. Having grown up in and around Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is seen as almost mythical. So many heroes of mine have stood on that stage and played that show. I listened to it so many times on the radio and watched it on TV over the years. To get the invitation was really flattering and of course we jumped at the chance. The day before we found out Vince would be hosting the segment and we asked if he would play, he said yes. He then asked us to come out and do an encore, a song for him and Amy. It went really went from being an incredible evening to an incredibly surreal experience I truly will never forget.
Will Hoge will play Stickyz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack on Friday, 2/3/2012.
Happy Friday everyone! We’ve got some great on sales going on this morning. Check them all out below, and buy tickets at Ticket Alternative.
On sale today at 10:00 a.m.
529 (Atlanta, GA)
- Alcest (Friday, March 23)
Rock and Roll Hotel (Washington, D.C.)
- Dave Barnes (Thursday, March 22)
- Aunt Martha (Thursday, March 29)
- The Shondes (Thursday, April 5)
- White Denim (Tuesday, April 10)
- Crystal Stilts (Saturday, April 14)
- Great Lake Swimmers (Sunday, May 27)
Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
- Rayland Baxter (Thursday, February 23) [in The Atlanta Room]
- Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie and Other Special Guests (Sunday, March 11)
- The Last Waltz Ensemble (performing the music of Bob Dylan and The Band) (Friday, March 16)
- Col. Bruce Hampton and The Pharoah Gummit (Friday, March 30)
- Dan Baird (Saturday, March 31)
- 7 Horse (Thursday, April 5) [in The Atlanta Room]
- The Parlotones (Saturday, May 26)
- The Sundogs present: The 2nd Annual Tom Petty Show (Friday, December 7, 2012)
On sale today at 12:00 p.m.
Black Cat (Washington, D.C.)
- Matthew Santos (Saturday, February 18)
- The Justin Trawick Group (Friday, February 24)
- Mixtape (Saturday, March 10)
- We Were Promised Jetpacks (Wednesday, May, 2)
DC9 (Washington, D.C.)
- Teebs (Monday, March 26)
- Alcest and deafheaven (Thursday, March 29)
- Bombino (Tuesday, April 10)
Red Palace (Washington, D.C.)
- Cherub (Sunday, February 19)
- Dex Romweber Duo (Saturday, March 3)
- The Jezabels (Saturday, April 14)
Vinyl (Atlanta, GA)
- Green River Ordinance (Satuday, April 14)
Happy Friday everyone! Check out the incredible list of shows we have going on sale today at Ticket Alternative. All tickets will be available at www.ticketalternative.com.
On sale today at 10:00 a.m.
529 (Atlanta, GA)
- Housse De Racket (Sunday, March 8 )
Rock and Roll Hotel (Washington, D.C.)
- Mona (Saturday, February 18)
- Caroline Smith and The Good Night Sleep (Thursday, March 1)
- Aziatix (Saturday, March 3)
Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
- Mingo Fishtrap (Sunday, February 12)
- Lefty Williams (Friday, February 17) [in The Atlanta Room]
- I.O.Z. (Saturday, March 3)
- The Fountainhead (Wednesday, March 28)
- Dash Rip Rock (Friday, April 6)
- The Kicks (Saturday, April 7)
On sale today at 12:00 p.m.
Black Cat (Washington, D.C.)
- Moon/Bounce Dancing Affair (Saturday, February 4)
- The Mousetrap (Friday, February 10)
- Flock Of Dimes (Thursday, February 16)
- Tony Anthony and His Malvivants (Tuesday, February 21)
- Bayside (Saturday, February 25)
- Lenorable (Tuesday, February 28)
- Dinosaur Feathers (Wednesday, February 29)
- Korallreven (Monday, March 5)
- Oberhofer (Tuesday, March 6)
- Good Old War (Saturday, March 24)
- School Of Seven Bells (Tuesday, April 5)
- Yellow Ostrich (Wednesday, April 11)
- Say Anything (Tuesday, April 17)
- The Boxer Rebellion (Tuesday, April 24)
DC9 (Washington, D.C.)
- K. Flay (Wednesday, February 15)
The Loft (Atlanta, GA)
- Sir Michael Rocks + Dee-1 (Friday, February 24)
Red Palace (Washington, D.C.)
- Plants and Animals (Friday, April 6)
Revolution Music Room (Little Rock, AR)
- Wade Bowen (Friday, February 24)
- Casey Donahew Band (Saturday, March 10)
- Hayes Carll (Saturday, March 17)
- Cursive (Monday, April 16)
- Chris Knight (Saturday, May 12)
Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack (Little Rock, AR)
- Turquoise Jeep Records (Sunday, February 12)
Vinyl (Atlanta, GA)
- Big Dreams Friday (Friday, March 2)
- Good Old War (Friday, March 9)
By Sarah Spencer
On Friday the 13th of January at Maxine’s Pub in downtown Hot Springs, Ark., San Antonio’s sweethearts and all-girl punk-rockers, Girl in a Coma, returned to promote their new album, Exits and All the Rest. They were supported by fellow San Antonians Pop Pistol with their unique blend of indie rock and electronic trance. Also there in support were Arkansas based bands, Booyah! Dad and Ezra Lbs. Full galleries are after the jump. … Continue Reading
By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn
Not only is Rhett Miller known for being one of the nicest, talented, long term musicians in Americana, I am also proud to call him a friend. With his fellow bandmates in the legendary Old 97′s, Americana not only stayed afloat, but become cooler….stronger. The Old 97′s didn’t breathe new life into the genre, they were the oxygen source. Back to Athens, to play in the world famous, 40 Watt on Jan. 20, Rhett joined us for our 5GB series to reminisce on some of his favorite all-time shows.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My folks took me to see the Kingston Trio perform at a dinner theater in Dallas when I was eight years old. I remember wondering if they ever got tired of playing “Blowing In The Wind”. Eight years old and I was already pondering a career in music.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?
Tonight’s gig? Last night’s gig? It’s impossible to say. I loved playing at the base of Mt. Fuji in front of 500,000 Japanese music lovers. But there have been so many great gigs.
What is the best gig you have ever been to?
Seeing Bowie play at Dallas’ Reunion Arena when I was a kid was huge for me. It was at that show that my desire to devote my life to writing and performing music crystallized.
Gig you would most like to play?
Given my and my band’s lack of presence in Europe, I’d have to say The Reading Festival or an All Tomorrow’s Parties festival.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Radio City Music Hall. Solo acoustic. Opening for Lenny Bruce.
Catch the Old 97′s Saturday, Jan. 21 at the 40 Watt Athens, GA
By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn
Since we still have some time left to make a new years resolution, let me make a little suggestion: DRINK MORE GOOD BEER! Lucky for you the 3rd Annual Winter Beer Carnival is swinging through again on Feb. 11! We even moved the event to Atlantic Station in Atlanta to hold even more of you fun folks!
Patrons will get the chance to sample over 100 beers, including some special winter brews, and VIP tickets get you exclusive access to fancy-pants craft beers, private bathrooms, early entry and more! Oh…and don’t forget the great carnival games and food!
This event has always sold out, so better buy your tickets in advance. Great for the last minute stocking stuffer gifts!
By Sarah Spencer
Full gallery after the jump.
On December 9, the reigning King of Country Western Troubadours, Unknown Hinson, had his long awaited return to Little Rock and performed at the new Juanita’s, located in the historic downtown Rivermarket District. Unknown Hinson, with his electric, alternative-country sound also debuted his brand new band to his rapidly growing and devoted fan base during his two full sets of play time. Opening for Unknown Hinson was the Arkansas-based, feel-good country band, The Salty Dogs. … Continue Reading
By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn
Mega-monster Live Nation has acquired consumer data collector Big Champagne for what is being reported as $30 million. So who exactly is Big Champagne and why does this matter so much?
From NY Times Article (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/14/live-nation-buys-bigchampagne-analyzer-of-consumer-data/)
“BigChampagne, founded in 2001, made a name for itself early in the Internet revolution for developing methods to measure peer-to-peer file-sharing and other forms of online traffic. Those kinds of activity, while not always legal, gave record labels and other entertainment companies valuable insight into consumer tastes and behaviors.
In the years since, BigChampagne has expanded its work to develop its Ultimate Chart, an alternative to the Billboard pop charts that takes account of an array of consumption on social media.” (via NY TIMES)
In an interview, Michael Rapino, the chief executive of Live Nation, said that BigChampagne would help his company churn through the huge amounts of data it collects from its customers when they buy concert tickets or merchandise, as well as continue to take the temperature of pop culture online.
“We love the basics of what they’ve created, and love the idea of taking an incredible amount of fan data off- and online and merging that into a relevant database of what artists are most popular and relevant to today’s consumer,” Mr. Rapino said.
Eric Garland, a founder of BigChampagne and its chief executive, will become general manager of livenation.com, and the company’s other founder, Joe Fleischer, will be senior vice president of content and product strategy for that Web site.
All 26 of BigChampagne’s employees will work for Live Nation, and the Ultimate Chart will “power social discovery, content relevancy and product personalization across Live Nation’s businesses,” according to a news release.
When it was introduced last year, the Ultimate Chart was partly meant as an advertisement for the kind of far-reaching analysis of media consumption data that the company could do.
“When we started the Ultimate Chart it was largely aspirational,” Mr. Garland said. “We built a big data and analytics competency around integrating all these billions of data. But we have needed a bigger stage to put it all together and see the bigger picture.”
Mr. Garland has also become known as an astute observer of digital media and the music business, a trait that Mr. Rapino noted.
“We’re on the hunt for smart guys that understand this industry and crunch all that data and turn it into action,” he said.”
So what does all this mean? It seems very clear to me that there is a new way of charting music bubbling up, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine a room with the most forward thinking minds in the music industry coming together and rearranging the way music data is being tracked…I am definitely intrigued.
By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn
Tired of being limited in your skips on Pandora? Just days after announcing their new added Apps, Spotify has revamped their Radio feature taking a rifle aim at their competitors. With unlimited skips, Spotify trumps Pandora, who limits track skips on every type of account. Spotify Radio is available to free users and subscribers and will include: (via Hypebot)
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